Editing Stackpole switch grid

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{{infobox dswitch
| image name          = 
| manufacturer        = [[Stackpole]]
| switch type         = Linear
| actuation force     = 
| sense method        = [[Metal leaf]]
| switch mount        = [[PCB mount]]
| patents             = [http://www.google.com/patents/US4255635 US4255635] (1979)<br>[http://www.google.com/patents/US4342892 US4342892] (1980)
}}

'''Stackpole switch grid''' is a provisional name for at least two types of single unit multiple switch assemblies ([[switch grid]]s), the basic design of which was copied from the [[Hi-Tek High Profile]] switch grid.<ref>Deskthority — [https://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/hi-tek-corp-history-t10435.html Hi-Tek Corp. History]</ref>

==Description==
The name refers to the fact that the switches are not discrete: all the switches are formed from a single moulded block of plastic. Holes in the bottom of this plastic array allow the switches to connect onto the PCB.<ref name="HaaTa-CASI" />

The contact mechanism is formed of two leaf springs that are held apart by a horizontal bar in the [[slider]]; when the slider is depressed, the bar is lowered and the contacts close. The switches are open at the top. Confirmed slider colours are colourless, yellow and green.

Although rare, discrete switches in this series do exist: both the [[Lear Siegler ADM11]] and [[Intel iPDS]] keyboards feature discrete switches, as well as smaller switch clusters. 

===Recognition===
{{main|Hi-Tek and Stackpole recognition}}

Historically there has been much confusion about differentiating Stackpole and Hi-Tek switches. However, this differentiation is now fairly certain.

==Variants==
===Standard profile===
Standard profile grids have a "waffle" frame.

<gallery widths=250 heights=147>
File:Intel iPDS internal keyboard key switches.jpg         | [[Intel iPDS]] yellow switches
File:TI 994A Stackpole green.JPG                           | [[Texas Instruments TI-99/4A]] Green switches
File:Intel iPDS internal Stackpole key switch close up.jpg | Yellow switches close-up
</gallery>

===Low profile===
Low-profile grids have shorter slider guide shafts, and flat webbing between them. The sliders and switch contacts are both different in design to the tall switches.

[[Stackpole interlocking]] is an alternative version of this switch in the form of interlocking single-switch modules.

<gallery widths=250 heights=167>
File:ADM11 keyboard mechanism.jpg                          | [[Lear Siegler ADM 11]] switches; note the white [[alternate action]] switch within the grid
File:ADM11 close up of switches.jpg                        | Switches close-up
</gallery>

==Keyboards==
===Confirmed===
The following are referenced sources where the manufacturer name or logo has been found on the switches or PCB: 

*Some Atari 800 microcomputers: Stackpole<ref name="AtariAge-600-800" /><ref name="AtariAge-800" /> and Hi-Tek<ref name="AtariAge-HiTek" />
*[[Intel iPDS]] (standard profile, yellow)
*[[Lear Siegler ADM11]] (low-profile, yellow)
*Oric Atmos microcomputer (low-profile, white sliders)<ref name="eBay-Oric-Atmos-KB" />

===Unconfirmed===
Keyboards where the design characteristics sufficiently match known Stackpole keyboards:

*CASI KB-2 S keyboard (standard profile, yellow sliders)<ref name="HaaTa-CASI" />

==References==
<references>
<ref name="AtariAge-800">AtariAge Forums — [http://atariage.com/forums/topic/155452-hacking-the-atari-800-keyboard-cx85-keypad-onto-a-usb-pc-keyboard-circuit/ Hacking the Atari 800 Keyboard & CX85 Keypad onto a USB PC Keyboard Circuit] Dated 2009-12-26. Retrieved 2015-08-02.</ref>
<ref name="AtariAge-600-800">(Wayback Machine) AtariAge Forums — [http://web.archive.org/web/20130131013310/http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/105170-600800xl-keyboard-variants/page__st__25 600/800XL Keyboard variants] Archived 2013-01-31. Retrieved 2015-08-02.</ref>
<ref name="AtariAge-HiTek">AtariAge Forms — [http://atariage.com/forums/topic/205687-800-restoration/ 800 Restoration] Dated 2012-11-24. Retrieved 2015-08-02.</ref>
<ref name="eBay-Oric-Atmos-KB">Deskthority — [http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/hi-tek-vs-stackpole-t7092.html Hi-Tek vs Stackpole] Posted 2013-12-15. Retrieved 2015-08-02.</ref>
<ref name="HaaTa-CASI">Google+ — [https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5659412542152135521 CASI KB-2 S] Dated 2011-10-15. Retrieved 2015-08-02.</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Stackpole switches]]
[[Category:Linear switches]]
[[Category:Metal contact switches]]
[[Category:Switch grids]]
[[Category:List of all keyboard switches]]