Alps SKCM Black
TactileThe softer-spoken vintage Alps tactile: a gentler bump and a duller tap than Orange or Salmon. A damped variant exists, foreshadowing modern silent switches.
Sound & feel
SKCM Black is the mellower member of the vintage Alps tactile line. Its bump is softer and less snappy than Orange or Salmon, and the sound follows suit: duller, quieter, less insistent. Some production included a rubber-damped variant, an early ancestor of today's silent switches.
Opinions split on whether Black is underrated or simply outclassed by its siblings; its lower price on the vintage market reflects the ambivalence. In a well-restored state it makes a perfectly pleasant, understated typing switch.
For a dataset, its main significance is completing the vintage Alps tactile spectrum: Orange snappy, Salmon firm, Black soft.
Sound on this page is synthesized from the switch's published specs and community-documented character: an honest simulation, not a recording. We're progressively replacing simulations with our own studio recordings. How our sounds are made
Compare it
- Alps SKCM Black vs Alps SKCM Salmon , or jump to Alps SKCM Salmon
- Alps SKCM Black vs Alps SKCM Cream Damped , or jump to Alps SKCM Cream Damped
- Alps SKCM Black vs Cherry MX Clear , or jump to Cherry MX Clear
Frequently asked questions
What does the Alps SKCM Black sound like?
duller, softer vintage tap. Use the player on this page to hear simulated press and release sounds derived from its real specifications.
Is the Alps SKCM Black good for gaming or typing?
Its tactile bump gives clear feedback on every actuation, which most people love for typing. It works for gaming too, though some prefer linears for rapid double-taps.
How heavy is the Alps SKCM Black?
70g actuation. Note that Alps officially rates actuation force. Brands differ, so check the basis when comparing switches.