Alps SKCL Lock

Alps SKCL Lock

Manufacturer	Alps Electric
Family	Alps SKCL series
Product code	SKCLJC (grey)
Switch type	Alternate action
Sense method	Metal leaf
Switch mount	Plate mount
Patents	US4514608 (1983)

Alps SKCL Lock is an alternate action switch in the Alps SKCL series. When the key is depressed, it locks into place and remains down there until pressed a second time. The switch has a normal switchplate, but the shell and slider are modified to accommodate the latching mechanism.

The front of the slider contains a recessed track, and the shell supports a follower arm that moves within this track. A loop within the track holds the slider down until the key is depressed a second time. The follower arm rotates about its lower end, which pivots within recessed area of the open-fronted upper shell; a bar runs across to keep the arm in place. The latching mechanism is partially visible when the keycap is removed, and the slider shape is a giveaway in itself.

Variants

All three variants of the switch are assumed to be the same specification. They nonetheless likely differ in model number.

	Colour	Model	Notes
	Brown		First generation; this appears to be the Gold Star Alps version made in Korea
	Cream		First generation
	Dark grey	SKCLJC	Second generation, with Alps logo and short white switchplate; listed as model SKCLJC in the Alps 1994 catalogue

Keyboards

• Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard (cream)
• Apple Standard Keyboard (cream and grey)
• Apple Extended Keyboard
• Apple Extended Keyboard II
• Magnavox Videowriter Keyboard (cream)
• Tandem branded terminal (brown)<ref name="Tandem Terminal" />
• Twinhead standalone numeric keypad (grey)<ref name="Twinhead" />

Gallery

Brown

• 
  SKCL Brown Lock in Tandem terminal keyboard

Cream

Switch from a ca. 1987 Apple M0116 keyboard with orange Alps momentary switches.

• 
• 

Grey

Switch from an Apple M0116 keyboard of unknown date, with salmon Alps momentary switches

• 
  Grey Alps lock switch in the Apple M0116 keyboard
• 
  Modified slider shape to accommodate the latch track
• 
  Switch components
• 
  Upper components of the switch
• 
  Switch in open position
• 
  Switch in closed position
• 
  Switch in open position, with keycap removed to reveal the mechanism
• 
  Switch in closed position with follower arm within the inner loop

References

<references> <ref name="Twinhead">Deskthority — I found something in the bin!</ref> <ref name="Tandem Terminal">Deskthority — Alps SKCL Lock - New Color Found: BROWN</ref> </references>