Difference between revisions of "Matias switch"

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{{stub}}
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{{TODO photo|more=true|reason=disassembly shots of the remaining types and variants}}
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The ''Matias switch'' is a type of switch by [[Matias Corporation]], primarily for its own keyboards.
 
−
Matias corp. plans to also sell its switches to other companies<ref>Matias press release. 2012-09-20, posted by a Matias representative in Deskthority thread [http://deskthority.net/news-reviews-f4/matias-quiet-pro-keyboard-with-sound-dampened-alps-switches-t3924.html Product news: Matias Quiet Pro Keyboard with sound-dampened ALPS switches]</ref>
 
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, and also to keyboard enthusiasts<ref>Deskthority forum thread [http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/new-alps-switch-coming-from-edgar-matias-t2859.html New ALPs switch coming from Edgar Matias]</ref>.
 
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<ref>Geekhack, Matias vendor forum, forum thread [http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?32769-New-switches-from-Matias-2-years-in-the-making New switches from Matias -- 2 years in the making]</ref>.
 
  
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Up until 2012, [[Matias Corporation]] used the "[[Fukka]]" switch in its [[Matias Tactile Pro|Tactile Pro]] keyboards.
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{{infobox dswitch
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Since Forward Electronics (Fuhua) announced that it would discontinue production the [[Fukka]] switch in early 2012, Matias decided to develop its own clone of the [[Alps CM]]
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| image name        = Matias switch -- infobox.jpg
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A Matias corp. representative claims also that they have eliminated [[ping]] which used to plague the Fukka. <ref>Geekhack, forum thread [http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?32409-Another-quiet-mechanical-keyboard-thread Another quiet mechanical keyboard thread]</ref>.
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| manufacturer      = [[Gaote]] and other companies
 +
| product code      = PG155B01, KS101Q (quiet click)<br>PG155B02, KS101 (click)<br>KS102Q (linear)
 +
| switch type      = Clicky; tactile/dampened; linear/dampened
 +
| switch mount      = [[Switch mount#Plate mount|Plate mount]]
 +
| keycap mount      = [[Keycap mount#Alps mount|Alps mount]]
 +
| contact mechanism = [[Contact mechanism#Metal leaf|Metal leaf]]
 +
| actuation force  = 60±5 gf (quiet click, click)<br>35±5 gf (linear)
 +
| pretravel        = 2.2±0.2 mm
 +
| travel            = 3.5 mm
 +
| website          = http://matias.ca/switches/
 +
}}
  
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==Variations==
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'''Matias switches''' are [[Alps clone|clones]] of the [[Alps SKBM White]] and [[Alps SKBM Black]] switches, designed by [[Matias Corporation]]. These switches were introduced by Matias as replacements for the [[Alps SKBL/SKBM series]] upon its discontinuation by [[Forward Electronics]]; design and development took two years<ref name="Announcement" /> and was instigated upon threats from Forward of termination of production of their switches, and a lack of suitable products on the market.<ref name="DT-Matias" />
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Like other switches, the switches are differentiated by the colour of its slider.
 
  
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===White===
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==Description==
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The "Matias White" (official name) is a clone of the clicky [[Alps CM]] with White slider.
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Matias switches are based heavily on the simplified Alps design. The shell is completely transparent, allowing for [[light-emitting diode|LED]]s to be mounted directly underneath the switch. Alps-type switches with tactile and [[click leaf|click leaves]] do not have room for an integrated [[light-emitting diode|LED]], and having the switch lit from below is Matias's alternative to using linear switches with integrated LEDs for lock keys. The major reason for this is customer complaints and returns arising from misunderstanding over the linear lock keys on the [[Matias Tactile Pro]] keyboards, which are by design and necessity, not a defect. Lock keys are thus able to have the same sound and keyfeel as the other keys on the keyboard.
  
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It was intended as a direct replacement of the [[Fukka#White|white]] "Fukka" (Fuhua) switch.
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Unlike typical Alps clone switches, Matias switches are externally an exact replica of Alps switches including the four wing-shaped plate retention clips.
  
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===Orange===
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The [[ping]] ("chorus of springs") which plagued SKBL/SKBM switches is reported to be eliminated;<ref name="Announcement" /> the cause of this is given as excessively thin springs that pick up vibrations from other switches.<ref name="AnotherQuiet" />
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The "Matias Orange" (official name) is a clone of the tactile [[Alps CM]] with a Cream-coloured slider.
 
  
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The slider does supposedly have two rubber bumpers that cushions both the down-stroke ''and'' the up-stroke. This should remove "clack" noise on bottoming out, as well as noise when a key is released, thus making keyboards with this switch it more silent than even most rubber dome keyboards.
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Matias switches are used in Matias keyboards and can be ordered separately. Possibly intended for the [[Matias Tactile Pro 3|Tactile Pro 4]], they were first introduced in the [[Matias Tactile Pro 3|Tactile Pro 3]] when stocks of [[Forward SKBM White]] switches ran out, which were discontinued by Forward in early 2012.
  
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Matias first intended to make the switch with a cream-coloured slider, but had to change colour because the pigment used in test batches interfered with the plastic's properties.
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Final assembly is done by [[Gaote]].<ref name="DT-Matias" /> The switches are shown on the Gaote website and available from their Alibaba store.
  
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==References==
+
Initially, the switches were manufactured unbranded; this has been reported to be an oversight. Branding has subsequently been added, but to the front of the switch above the mounting plate, instead of the top.
−
<references/>
+
 
 +
==Variants==
 +
===Click===
 +
The ''click'' switch (part no. KS101, previously PG155B02) is a clone of the [[Alps SKBM White]] switch and is intended as a direct replacement for it.
 +
 
 +
===Quiet click===
 +
The ''quiet click'' switch (part no. KS101Q, previously PG155B01) is a clone of the [[Alps SKBM Black]] switch, with the damped [[slider]] from the [[Alps SKCM Cream Damped]] switch. The quiet click switch is a tactile switch designed to make as little noise as possible, and the term "quiet click" is a misnomer: the switch does not click.
 +
 
 +
The [[slider]] has two rubber bumpers that cushion both the down-stroke and the up-stroke. The bumpers [[damping|dampen]] the [[clack]] noise on [[bottom out|bottoming out]], as well as the noise when a key is released, thus making keyboards with this switch quieter. Unlike cream Alps, the rubber bumpers are white instead of black.
 +
 
 +
Matias first intended to make the switch with an orange slider, but had to change the colour to white because the pigment used in test batches interfered with the plastic's properties.<ref name="Announcement"/> The slider colour has subsequently been changed to grey; the shade of grey has also changed.
 +
 
 +
===Quiet linear===
 +
The quiet linear switch (part no. KS102Q) has a red slider with rubber bumpers that dampen the sound both on the down-stroke and up-stroke.
 +
The helical spring is identical to that used in the Quiet Click. Unlike linear [[Alps SKCL]] switches, there is an additional leaf spring as in tactile switches but it lacks any tactile bump.
 +
<ref name="ghmatias60" />
 +
 
 +
==Gallery==
 +
<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
 +
File:Matias switches (6).jpg                                          | Matias switches; the quiet click switches have their original white sliders
 +
File:Matias switches on black.jpg                                      | Matias switches
 +
File:Matias Quiet Click -- branding.jpg                                | Branding added to the moulds ca. 2017
 +
File:Damped sliders.jpg                                                | Matias (left) and Alps (right) damped sliders
 +
File:Matias Quiet Click -- evolution.jpg                              | Quiet click switch evolution
 +
File:Matias Click -- evolution.jpg                                    | Click switch evolution
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===Click switch (original)===
 +
<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
 +
File:Matias switch -- click leaf seen through shell.jpg                | Click leaf visible through shell
 +
File:Matias switch -- contact mechanism seen through shell.jpg        | Contact mechanism visible through shell
 +
File:Matias switch -- base.jpg                                        | Internals visible through shell
 +
File:Matias click switch -- disassembled, top view.jpg                | Fully disassembled, top views of components
 +
File:Matias click switch -- disassembled, bottom view.jpg              | Fully disassembled, bottom views of components
 +
File:Alps simplified vs Matias switch -- contact plates, front.jpg.jpg | Switch contacts comparison with [[Alps SKBM Grey]] (left), front view
 +
File:Alps simplified vs Matias switch -- contact plates, rear.jpg      | Switch contacts comparison with SKBM Grey, rear view
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==Tactile Pro 2 switches==
 +
[[Strong Man]] was the OEM for the [[Matias Tactile Pro 2.0]], and they claimed that the switches used were their own product. Matias referred to these switches as "Matias switches", to provide a more professional name than "Strong Man switches". The switches have since been found to be the same [[Forward SKBM Grey]] switches that were used in late-issue original Tactile Pro keyboards (de-branded Alps SKBM Grey).
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
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* [[Matias Quiet Pro]] - The first keyboard model with this switch.
+
*[[Matias Quiet Pro]] — the first keyboard model with the quiet switch.
 +
 
 +
==External links==
 +
*Matias — [http://matias.ca/switches/quiet/ Quiet Click Mechanical Keyswitches] Retrieved 2015-07-28.
 +
*Matias — [http://matias.ca/switches/click/ Click Mechanical Keyswitches] Retrieved 2015-07-28.
 +
*Flickr — [http://www.flickr.com/photos/88005189@N05/sets/72157631688113659/ Matias Quiet Pro Keyboard] — detailed switch close-ups. Retrieved 2015-07-28.
  
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[[Category:List of all keyboard switches]]
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==References==
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="AnotherQuiet">Geekhack — [http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=32409.msg619542#msg619542 Another quiet mechanical keyboard thread] Posted 2012-06-22. Retrieved 2015-07-28.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Announcement">Geekhack — [http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?32769-New-switches-from-Matias-2-years-in-the-making New switches from Matias -- 2 years in the making] — Matias vendor thread. Posted 2012-06-22. Retrieved 2015-07-28.</ref>
 +
<ref name="DT-Matias">Deskthority — [http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/donjuan-goatse-and-matias-t7568.html Dongguan Gaote and Matias]</ref>
 +
<ref name="ghmatias60">Geekhack — [https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=60268.msg1532274#msg1532274 Matias 60% ALPS keyboard with Cherry-compatible PCB] — post by Edgar Matias. Posted 2014-11-10. Retrieved 2015-07-28. </ref>
 +
</references>
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Matias switches]]
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[[Category:Clones of Alps SKCL/SKCM switches]]
 +
[[Category:Damped switches]]
 +
[[Category:RGB switches]]
 +
[[Category:Keyboard switches with Alps mount]]
 
[[Category:Metal contact switches]]
 
[[Category:Metal contact switches]]
 
[[Category:Clicky switches]]
 
[[Category:Clicky switches]]
 
[[Category:Tactile switches]]
 
[[Category:Tactile switches]]
−
[[Category:Keyboard switches with Z mount]]
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[[Category:Linear switches]]
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[[Category:Clones of Alps CM switches]]
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[[Category:Production switches]]
 +
[[Category:List of all keyboard switches]]

Latest revision as of 11:14, 3 February 2023

Template icon--Illustration.png This article requires additional photographic illustration — disassembly shots of the remaining types and variants
Matias switch
Matias switch -- infobox.jpg
Manufacturer Gaote and other companies
Product code PG155B01, KS101Q (quiet click)
PG155B02, KS101 (click)
KS102Q (linear)
Switch type Clicky; tactile/dampened; linear/dampened
Sense method Metal leaf
Actuation force 60±5 gf (quiet click, click)
35±5 gf (linear)
Pretravel 2.2±0.2 mm
Total travel 3.5 mm
Keycap mount Alps mount
Switch mount Plate mount
Website matias.ca/switches/

Matias switches are clones of the Alps SKBM White and Alps SKBM Black switches, designed by Matias Corporation. These switches were introduced by Matias as replacements for the Alps SKBL/SKBM series upon its discontinuation by Forward Electronics; design and development took two years[1] and was instigated upon threats from Forward of termination of production of their switches, and a lack of suitable products on the market.[2]

Description

Matias switches are based heavily on the simplified Alps design. The shell is completely transparent, allowing for LEDs to be mounted directly underneath the switch. Alps-type switches with tactile and click leaves do not have room for an integrated LED, and having the switch lit from below is Matias's alternative to using linear switches with integrated LEDs for lock keys. The major reason for this is customer complaints and returns arising from misunderstanding over the linear lock keys on the Matias Tactile Pro keyboards, which are by design and necessity, not a defect. Lock keys are thus able to have the same sound and keyfeel as the other keys on the keyboard.

Unlike typical Alps clone switches, Matias switches are externally an exact replica of Alps switches including the four wing-shaped plate retention clips.

The ping ("chorus of springs") which plagued SKBL/SKBM switches is reported to be eliminated;[1] the cause of this is given as excessively thin springs that pick up vibrations from other switches.[3]

Matias switches are used in Matias keyboards and can be ordered separately. Possibly intended for the Tactile Pro 4, they were first introduced in the Tactile Pro 3 when stocks of Forward SKBM White switches ran out, which were discontinued by Forward in early 2012.

Final assembly is done by Gaote.[2] The switches are shown on the Gaote website and available from their Alibaba store.

Initially, the switches were manufactured unbranded; this has been reported to be an oversight. Branding has subsequently been added, but to the front of the switch above the mounting plate, instead of the top.

Variants

Click

The click switch (part no. KS101, previously PG155B02) is a clone of the Alps SKBM White switch and is intended as a direct replacement for it.

Quiet click

The quiet click switch (part no. KS101Q, previously PG155B01) is a clone of the Alps SKBM Black switch, with the damped slider from the Alps SKCM Cream Damped switch. The quiet click switch is a tactile switch designed to make as little noise as possible, and the term "quiet click" is a misnomer: the switch does not click.

The slider has two rubber bumpers that cushion both the down-stroke and the up-stroke. The bumpers dampen the clack noise on bottoming out, as well as the noise when a key is released, thus making keyboards with this switch quieter. Unlike cream Alps, the rubber bumpers are white instead of black.

Matias first intended to make the switch with an orange slider, but had to change the colour to white because the pigment used in test batches interfered with the plastic's properties.[1] The slider colour has subsequently been changed to grey; the shade of grey has also changed.

Quiet linear

The quiet linear switch (part no. KS102Q) has a red slider with rubber bumpers that dampen the sound both on the down-stroke and up-stroke. The helical spring is identical to that used in the Quiet Click. Unlike linear Alps SKCL switches, there is an additional leaf spring as in tactile switches but it lacks any tactile bump. [4]

Gallery

  • Matias switches; the quiet click switches have their original white sliders

  • Matias switches

  • Branding added to the moulds ca. 2017

  • Matias (left) and Alps (right) damped sliders

  • Quiet click switch evolution

  • Click switch evolution

Click switch (original)

  • Click leaf visible through shell

  • Contact mechanism visible through shell

  • Internals visible through shell

  • Fully disassembled, top views of components

  • Fully disassembled, bottom views of components

  • Switch contacts comparison with Alps SKBM Grey (left), front view

  • Switch contacts comparison with SKBM Grey, rear view

Tactile Pro 2 switches

Strong Man was the OEM for the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0, and they claimed that the switches used were their own product. Matias referred to these switches as "Matias switches", to provide a more professional name than "Strong Man switches". The switches have since been found to be the same Forward SKBM Grey switches that were used in late-issue original Tactile Pro keyboards (de-branded Alps SKBM Grey).

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Geekhack — New switches from Matias -- 2 years in the making — Matias vendor thread. Posted 2012-06-22. Retrieved 2015-07-28.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Deskthority — Dongguan Gaote and Matias
  3. ↑ Geekhack — Another quiet mechanical keyboard thread Posted 2012-06-22. Retrieved 2015-07-28.
  4. ↑ Geekhack — Matias 60% ALPS keyboard with Cherry-compatible PCB — post by Edgar Matias. Posted 2014-11-10. Retrieved 2015-07-28.
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