Clone
Clone is a poorly-defined term with different, disputed meanings depending upon context. Some views on this subject are presented below.
Computers
The term "clone" appears to refer to a computer—both legitimate and illegitimate—designed to run the operating systems and software of another computer. Among the best-known examples are the illegitimate IBM PC compatibles, and the officially licensed Macintosh clones sold in the late 1990s (which typically featured a PS/2 port, unlike Apple Macintosh computers).
Keyswitches
The situation with keyswitches is a lot less clear. The unofficial Deskthority definition of a clone switch is one that is interchangeable with the original product. For example, Xiang Min KSB series switches are valid Alps clones, as they take the same keycaps, can be soldered to the same circuit boards, and fit the same mounting plate as an Alps SKCL/SKCM series switch. On the other hand, while SMK Alps mount "Monterey" switches take Alps keycaps, the cannot be soldered in place of any known Alps switch, and are therefore not Alps clones. KPT switches are not only not interchangeable with any other switch, but they also have more in common with SMK vintage linear switches, with the same lintel contact and a slider that releases the movable contact against the static contact, while Alps switches take the far less common approach of using the slider to press the contacts together under positive pressure.
In this sense, switches are a clone from the perspective of prospective buyers; for example, Chicony were able to replace Cherry MX switches with Aristotle Cherry MX clone switches without the need to retool. The Far East's love of retooling may make this a moot point, considering how often keyboards were retooled to take a completely incompatible switch.
However, this is not an official definition and it has been argued that "clones" are a user perspective: does the switch sound and feel like the original product? If end users are interested in specific product characteristics, then a manufacturer who can simulate a rival manufacturer's switch characteristics can use this to win over sales. This becomes more complicated: both clicky SMK second generation switches and clicky Hi-Tek Series 725 switches have have been compared to Cherry MX Blue in terms of feel, but none of them have anything particular in common otherwise, and it would be a stretch to refer to any one as a clone of any other.
Alternatively, "clone" could refer to a switch that has derived inspiration from another; for example, it is currently presumed that Alps originated the click leaf idea assumed to have been copied by SMK, Omron (with the Omron B3G-S series) and other clicky switches.
Clone vs fake
Clone products do not purport to be the product that they are based on. Although Alps clone switches and similar products have frequently been mistaken for Alps products (and in fact less common genuine Alps products have been mistaken for clones), almost none of these non-Alps products are claiming to have been produced by Alps, and very few are even the same shape as Alps switches. The situation with Cherry MX is a little less clear, as some clones are exactly the same shape as real Cherry switches.
Counterfeit switches are rare. Two documented examples of potentially fake switches are OA2 derivatives, and Aristotle Yellow. Examination of Aristotle suggests that they're formed from various combinations of real and replica parts, but this is not certain. What is clear is that some upper shells have Cherry logos and other moulding details that are very suspect and do not match anything known to have come from Cherry factories. These switches are in fake, in that regardless of how the parts were assembled, they did not originate from any Cherry factory in that form, while clearly bearing Cherry branding.
Simplified Alps Type III is a derivative of alps.tw Type OA2, where genuine Alps upper shells have been used in order to give the resemblance of genuine Alps, and these are in effect fake Alps switches, as internally they use standard Alps clone parts, concealed by exterior features that resemble genuine Alps parts. alps.tw Type OA1 appears to be a related example where the top shell was custom moulded to directly mimic Alps SKCM switches, making them also fake.
Keyboards
Clone keyboards are even harder to define. Keyboard protocols are public and keyboards are intentionally aftermarket. The current Deskthority definition of "clone" is being presumed to be a keyboard designed to mimic another keyboard, regardless of whether it shares any common protocol. For example, the DEC LK201 inspired a significant number of clones for a wide range of systems.
It has been argued that the drop in quality of Unicomp keyboards accompanying the change of ownership, along with the change in characteristics, makes the Unicomp Classic/Customizer a clone of the IBM Model M.
See also
External links
- geekhack — Must-try Alps switches — switch and keyboard clone debate
