Apple IIGS keyboard with bad key switch

[lowlytech]

I recently picked up a IIGS and the keyboard it came with had alps orange switches.  Well several of the keys didn't respond well (maybe about 6 keys) sprayed the switches out with deoxit and finally after several dozen pushes they started responding pretty consistantly.  However the "4" key would not respond whatsoever.  I desoldered the key switch and took it apart.  I can't really find anything faulty with this, but granted I know nothing about this switch.  If I hook an ohmmeter to the terminals I will get a close circuit when i press the middle plastic part, but trying to get it to work with the switch just seems a lost cause.  Didn't know if someone had run into this before or not, or worse case, if someone knew a source for a replacement switch.

Thanks.

 

[lowlytech]

I have done everything I can think of with no results.  If I tap the front of the switch area when it is apart I get a close circuit, however when it is together I don't get a single sign that it is closing the path.  I tried shimming with cardstock, adding a drop of glue to the area that triggers the circuit, all without any luck.  I found this on ebay and went ahead and ordered it.  It sure looks promising as a drop in replacement,  I will know in a weeks time.  

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3x-NEW-Matias-ALPS-Keyboard-Switch-Sampler-Pack-Tester-Click-Tactile-Linear/281877644506?hash=item41a13784da:g:YiIAAOSwxN5WZL64:rk:1f:0

 

[AwkwardPotato]

Replacement orange Alps can be had here on eBay for around $6 shipped. The Matias ones will work fine, but they might feel a bit out-of-place compared to the other switches in the keyboard.

 

[lowlytech]

Very nice.  I may order a few just in case.  Several keys didn't always work 100 percent.

 

[lowlytech]

Thanks AkwardPotato, I got those ALPS switches you had posted in yesterday, and got them installed and they work like a champ.  

 

[AwkwardPotato]

Nice to hear you got the keyboard working