ALPS has developed the SKRV series of four-way TACT switches with a center-push button, which at a height of only 4.0mm is 20% smaller than previous ALPS products and the thinnest in the industry. The first commercial samples will be shipped from the October 2004. The SKRV series will be on display at ALPS SHOW 2004, held in the Hiten Room of the New Takanawa Prince Hotel in Shinagawa, Tokyo, for three days from May 26.

In response to intense competition in their development and diversification of consumer needs, digital cameras and portable audio devices incorporating digital technology are becoming thinner and more compact, with a greater variety of designs and features. Accordingly, the surface area available on the board for set products has grown smaller, and because there are a greater number of parts mounted on the board to accommodate more features, each has to be smaller. Along with the diversification of features, moreover, choosing and selecting from menus by moving a cursor left to right, as well as up and down, is now commonplace.

The SKRV series is suited to meet these needs, allowing for four-way operation in a variety of portable digital devices in a thin switch with a center-push button. Using ALPS' proprietary molding and precision processing technologies, the thickness of the plastic that forms the base of the housing has been reduced 30% from previous ALPS products, to 0.1mm, while still retaining its strength. Each part has also been thin-wall molded to produce a switch with an overall height of only 4.0mm (switch portion thinness of 1.55mm). The mounting area has also been reduced by 35% from ALPS' previous products to a dimension of 6.5mm x 6.3mm by partially layering the directional metal contacts (moving contacts) and center push-button contact (moving contact), which were formally positioned on a single plane. The shape has also been made octagonal, saving space.

The SKRV series, despite its compact size and greater thinness, retains the features of previous products, including the same "feel," operational life, and electrical properties.

Similar to previous series, the SKRV series is suitable for surface mounting and reflow soldering.

Smallest height in the industry, 20% less than previous ALPS products, made possible by ALPS' proprietary molding and precision processing technologies.

• Thin-wall forming of the housing produces a switch with an overall height of only 4.0mm (switch portion thinness of 1.55mm), 20% smaller than previous ALPS products and the thinnest in the industry
• Mounting area of 6.5mm x 6.3mm, reduced by 35% from ALPS' previous products
• Octagonal shape saves space
• Suitable for reflow soldering