Editing Alps SKBL/SKBM series (section)

==Details==
SKBL/SKBM series switches have significantly less [[mould numbering]] compared to SKCL/SKCM. The encircled characters are not present; the only characters appear to be mould cavity identification. The numbering consists of a single alphanumeric character in each of the north-west and north-east positions. This numbering pattern appears to be unique amongst Alps switches and clones, and is a useful guide when examining a switch with no branding, which could be early complicated or late simplified.

===Recognition===
Simplified Alps switches share the same exterior design as complicated Alps, but the logo and [[mould numbering]] differ, making recognition fairly straightforward. Although there are several differences between simplified Alps switches and archetypal complicated Alps switches, there are also numerous variations of complicated white Alps, and the redesigned mould numbering is the only difference that appears to be specific to simplified Alps.

<div style="text-align: center">
<gallery widths=175 heights=144>
File:Switch recognition--Alps--SKC pine.svg                | Archetypal complicated Alps switch; later switches lost the slits, and older switches lacked the Alps logo on the top
File:Switch recognition--Alps--Simplified.svg              | Simplified Alps, with simple numbering, heavily raised bold Alps logo, and the contacts at the front, causing it to appear "upside down"
File:Switch recognition--Alps--Simplified without logo.svg | Later simplified Alps switches with the logo removed; these appear to all have the writing orientation corrected
</gallery>
</div>

===Criticism===
It has a reputation for being loud.

The springs in the keyboard could reverberate and cause noise when any key is pressed to the bottom hard enough. That sound has been called "[[ping]]" or "the chorus of springs".