TOKYO- May 27, 2014 -Alps Electric has developed and added to its product lineup the “SKTC Series” Double-Action TACT Switch™ (IP67-rated), ideal for embedding in smartphones and other mobile devices.

 

Smartphones and other mobile devices are becoming increasingly portable and sophisticated, requiring the electronic components inside them to be ever more compact while retaining their functionality.

Reducing the size of a switch or other control device, on the other hand, can sometimes have an adverse effect on operating feel and operability. It is a particularly difficult challenge technically to both reduce the size and retain the functionality of mobile device components like camera shutter buttons, which require a two-step press function for focusing and capture.

Recognizing the needs of the market, Alps Electric has developed the SKTC Series Double-Action TACT Switch™, the industry’s smallest. By adding the SKTC Series to its product lineup, Alps Electric is responding to diversifying market requirements.

The SKTC Series boasts the industry’s smallest dimensions for a double-action type of 3.40 × 2.20 × 0.62mm, achieved using mechanical engineering technology built up by Alps Electric over the years. In addition, a new metal contact was developed to generate an operating feel. By optimizing the shape and material of the contact using proprietary know-how, Alps Electric managed to both reduce size and realize an excellent feel.

To ensure reliable operation, a projection structure was adopted for the metal contact. This increases the size of the area for operating the switch, widening the mounting accuracy tolerance range. At the same time, it removes the need for projections into the switch button, thus facilitating integration into end products.

In addition, the projection structure used is an “inner projection.” This increases projection strength, thereby improving durability.

Features
The industry’s smallest double-action TACT Switch™
-The industry’s smallest double-action type
-Realizes both compact size and an excellent operating feel
-Employs a projection enabling compact size and reliable operation

Principal Applications
-Smartphones, other mobile devices and wearable electronics
-Digital cameras and other electronic devices

Status of Operations
Sample price: 100 yen (tax included)
Monthly output: 3 million units
Development:  Furukawa Plant, Engineering Headquarters
(Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture)
Production: Kakuda Plant, Production Headquarters
(Kakuda, Miyagi Prefecture)

 

About Alps Electric Co. Ltd.
Alps Electric (Tokyo: 6770) is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electronic components for mobile devices, home electronics, vehicles and industrial equipment. With the philosophy of “Perfecting the Art of Electronics” Alps Electric supplies over 40,000 different components to about 2,000 companies all over the world. For more information, visit http://www.alps.com.

 

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