Alps Electric Co., Ltd. has announced the development of the SKPM Series surface-mounting TACT switch, which realizes a height of 4.3 mm to make it the industry's thinnest stem-type (control knob) soft-touch switches. Sample shipments will begin at the end of June 2001.
In car navigation and stereo systems, greater multifunctionality has led to increased display size to provide a variety of control readouts, and flat control panels to maintain elegant design to create a more comfortable car cabin. Until now, Alps has been providing the 5.0-mm-high SKPM Series TACT switch mainly for car electronics. However, with the development and adoption of a compact rubber spring*, Alps will add variety to its product lineup with the release of the industry's thinnest TACT switch, which measures 4.3 mm in height and includes a stem with soft touch.
With the recently developed SKPM Series, the travel has been shortened from a long stroke of 1.3 mm in previous models to 0.7 mm. As a result, the product contributes to popularization of flat control panels.
One important requirement for switches in car electronics is clear feedback to the driver that they have been activated. The new series provides a reliable tactile feeling with movable rubber springs, as in the previous series, achieving a middle stroke of 0.7 mm and providing reliable tactile control.
By adopting a metal contact as the contact point, the SKPM Series achieves lower contact resistance and realizes easier circuit design for set manufacturers.
Further, compact dimensions of 6.0 mm (W) x 5.9 mm (D) and an octagonal shape improve set-manufacturer freedom in lighting design to introduce functions that fully illuminate the periphery of the product.
