Keys almost universally would have silver contacts. Silver is one metal
whose oxide is conductive.
The contact area is a high stress point of pressure, Gold is a soft metal
and actually can develop films that inhibit good conduction, unless the
contact "wipes" so as to be self cleaning.
Bronze is not as yellow as gold, visually. Bronze is not suited to switch
contacts. Brass is sometimes used as cheap switch contacts, but alloys are
often what you see that have a yellow color.
Brass lends itself to having the silver contact welded or riveted to the
brass base piece. The war surplus J38 keys were an example of brass
conductors for the electrical paths to the contacts and a harder metal for
the contact points.
-Stuart
K5KVH
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