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Product category: Switches and Keyboards
News Release from: Alps Electric (UK) | Subject: SKSC series
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 05 May 2006

Tact switch is smaller than a grain of
rice

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Alps has developed a slim-format compact-sized side-push tact switch that is soldered for robust strength.

Alps has developed a slim-format compact-sized side-push tact switch that is soldered for robust strength The new SKSC series will be exhibited at the Alps Show 2006, which is being held in Tokyo, for three days from 24th May

Manufacturers have been implementing remarkable advances in functionality within ever-smaller mobile telephones, personal audio players and other portable devices.

To make this possible, developers have continuously reduced the mounting area for operating devices.

Consequently, demand for small-format surface-mounting components has been increasing.

Particular attention is now being paid to side-push switches, because this technology enables manufacturers to implement side-mounted functions and enables greater versatility in set design.

This side-push tact switch moves the mounting position closer to the outer edge, thereby achieving a slimmer and more compact format.

By making use of Alps' exclusive precision press and thin-wall structure technology, the engineers were able to create a low-profile, small-footprint structure that measures just 3.50 x 3.55 x 1.25mm - smaller than a grain of rice.

In addition, with its highly robust soldered construction, the side-push type tact switch can withstand horizontal pressure on the circuit board.

The Alps team used linear and nonlinear simulations to perfect the design.

The resulting product provides industry-leading high-strength solder joints, and the mounting area is contained within the smallest possible space.

Furthermore, the metal dome contact is covered by an adhesive sheet, which seals the construction and provides superior protection against particles.

Thanks to this protection against the intrusion of even minute foreign bodies, the operating device assures the highest levels of reliability.

The product is available in two operating capacity levels, and a positioning boss can also be added to provide a total of four variations, which significantly boosts versatility in product engineering and manufacturing.

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