[sdiy] Apem MPKES = Tyco PKES knobs?

[Mattias Rickardsson]

Hi,

when searching for Tyco PKES & PKG bakelite knob series (PKES is used 
on MOTM modules) at Mouser, I accidentally found knob series called 
MPKES and MPKG made by APEM which looks identical. The sizes and 
models and names are the same, only there is an extra "M" in the name!

APEM MPKES:
   http://www.apem.com/knobs.html  -->  molded phenolic knobs

Tyco PKES:
   http://catalog.tycoelectronics.com/TE/bin/TE.Connect?C=1&PN=PKES90B1%2F4&M=BYPN&LG=1&I=13

When comparing (European) APEM prices at Digi-Key with Tyco prices at 
Farnell, the APEM versions are 50% cheaper than Tyco's. At Mouser in 
USA, the price difference is 25-30%.

I've never seen or heard of them before, and have no experience. Have you?
I'm having some quality problems with two of the Tyco sizes, so 
considering the lower APEM prices this seems like a potentially 
interesting solution.


/mr