Editing Apple Extended Keyboard II (section)

== Switch Technologies ==

=== Alps SKCM Cream Damped (Primary) ===
'''Specifications:'''
* Type: Tactile, dampened
* Actuation force: 70g ± 10g
* Pre-travel: 2.0mm
* Total travel: 3.5mm
* Dampening: Rubber bumpers on slider sides
* Sound signature: Muted "thock"
* Lifespan: 10 million actuations

The Cream damped switches represented Alps Electric's response to workplace noise concerns. Small rubber inserts on either side of the slider cushioned both downstroke and upstroke impacts, creating a quieter typing experience while maintaining the tactile characteristics of the SKCM design. The dampening mechanism positioned the tactile point higher in the travel, occasionally leading users to mistake these for rubber dome switches.

=== Alps SKCM Salmon ===
'''Specifications:'''
* Type: Tactile, non-dampened
* Actuation force: 70g ± 10g
* Pre-travel: 2.0mm
* Total travel: 3.5mm
* Sound signature: Sharp "click-clack"
* Production: USA facilities only

Salmon Alps switches appeared exclusively in USA-manufactured units. These switches lacked the rubber dampeners of the Cream variant, producing a more pronounced acoustic signature with harder bottom-out characteristics. The tactile leaf design remained identical to Cream switches, providing similar actuation feel without sound dampening.

=== Alps SKCM White Damped ===
'''Specifications:'''
* Type: Tactile, dampened
* Actuation force: 70g ± 10g
* Slider color: Pure white (versus cream)
* Production: Rare variant, USA/Mexico
* Tactile leaf: Modified design from Cream

White damped Alps represented a rare production variant with pure white sliders. While mechanically similar to Cream damped switches, the internal tactile leaf employed a slightly different geometry. Users report virtually identical typing feel despite the mechanical differences.

=== Mitsumi Standard Mechanical ===
'''Specifications:'''
* Type: Linear to faintly tactile
* Actuation force: 65g ± 10g
* Slider compatibility: Alps mount
* Color: All-white construction
* Production: Japan exclusively

Mitsumi switches appeared only in Japanese-manufactured units. These switches utilized Alps-compatible keycap mounts while employing a simplified internal mechanism. The switches exhibited minimal tactility, operating nearly linearly with significantly reduced acoustic output compared to Alps variants.

=== Alps SKCL Lock (Caps Lock) ===
All variants utilized the Alps SKCL Lock switch for Caps Lock:
* Mechanism: Physical latching system
* Housing color: Dark gray (Cream/White keyboards) or Cream (Salmon keyboards)
* Operation: Mechanical lock-down when engaged
* Acoustic: Distinctive click on state changes