Alps switch opener V2

This is a much faster and more effective tool for opening Alps switches than my first attempt. Even very dirty switches, which are quite difficult to open using the toothpick method or my old switch opener, aren't a problem at all.

Printing Instructions

This model isn't that picky about print settings, but you'll want to use a 0.4mm or smaller nozzle to make the jaws as sharp as possible. It also has a print-in-place hinge, so you'll want your printer to be relatively dialed in otherwise you may not be able to free it up.

Usage Instructions

If you're familiar with how Alps switches are assembled then using this should be pretty self explanatory. I've also attached a few pictures to show what I mean.

• Alps switches are held together by two tabs, on the front and rear of the bottom switch housing, which clip into the top switch housing.
• If you can pry these tabs outwards (using a toothpick, or a tool like this) then there's nothing holding the top housing down anymore and it should just pop up on its own from the force of the spring. However, if your switches are also being held together by 30 years worth of dirt and dust, then the top housing is probably going to be pretty stuck, and you'll need to grab it and pull up while the tabs are held apart. Unless you have 3 hands this is pretty tedious to do.
• This tool has 2 sets of jaws; one set is inserted behind the retaining tabs on either side of the switch and pulls them apart as you close the handle. At the same time, the other jaws clamp onto the slider, allowing you to pull the slider and top housing up while the retaining tabs are being held apart.

Once you get the hang of using it, opening a switch should be about as fast and easy as pulling a keycap.

Does this work for SKCL lock switches?

This tool kinda works with SKCL lock switches, but you need to give it some help. The slider on these switches is much thicker, meaning the tool can't close enough to fully spread apart the retaining tab opposite the slider track. If you can help pry that tab open with a toothpick while using this tool, then you should be able to get them apart. It's a bit tricky and isn't nearly as fast as taking apart regular Alps switches, but considering boards only have one or two locking switches it hasn't been enough of a problem to motivate me to design a dedicated tool just for them.

Does it work with Alps clones?

I've only used this with Alps and Matias switches, but as long as a clone switch has a similar retaining tab and slider geometry as a genuine Alps switch then it should work fine.