ALPS Introduces “SKSWD Series” TACT Switch™

Compact Size with Dust and Water Resistance

Munich, Germany, October 08, 2015 – ALPS has developed and added to its product lineup the “SKSWD Series” TACT Switch™ with IP68 dust and water resistance, ideal for integration into wearable computers, healthcare devices and smartphones. Electronic devices worn on the body such as wearable computers and healthcare devices are becoming smaller and increasingly sophisticated. Often exposed to sweat and rain, dust and dirt, these devices require components which are light and compact and achieve high dust and water resistance. ALPS has responded to these needs, adding to its product lineup the SKSWD Series TACT Switch™. The switch is in the industry’s smallest class and provides high dust and water resistance (IP68). It has compact dimensions of 3.0 × 2.0mm and a low profile, with a height of 0.6mm. Mass production began in September. Switches of around this size for use in mobile devices generally have an IP67-equivalent dust and water resistance rating. For the SKSWD Series, however, ALPS used original design and manufacturing technology to achieve even better dust resistance and an IP68 rating without making any major structural changes to the product. This level of dust and water resistance is an industry first for compact switches with a similar configuration. To ensure sound reliability, a projection structure was adopted for the metal contact. This both prevents differences in feel caused by position variations during installation and enables stable operation of the switch even when it is pressed from the edge or diagonally. The projection structure used is an “inner projection.” This increases projection strength, thereby improving durability. Features Compact, low-profile TACT Switch™ achieving high dust and water resistance 1. Industry’s smallest and thinnest 2. IP68 dust and water resistance 3. Projection structure facilitates handling during installation Principal Applications • Wearable computers and healthcare devices • Smartphones • Other compact devices requiring water resistance Specifications Model SKSWD Series Dimensions (W×D×H) 3.0 × 2.0 × 0.6mm Operating force 2.4N Travel 0.13mm Operating life 300,000 cycles Rating (max.) 50mA 12V DC Contact resistance 500 mΩ max. Protective structure IP68

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 www.alps.com. ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 2013 the European Head Office has been located in Munich and as such co-ordinates the Sales, Marketing and Product Engineering activities of our branch offices in Munich, Düsseldorf, Paris, Milton Keynes, Gothenburg as well as our sales office in Milan.