PURPOSE: To prevent a breakdown by allowing switching to another mode without the operation of a stop key and holding the instruction of a certain key even when the key is depressed during the loading and unloading of a tape.

CONSTITUTION: A play key 61, quick traversing key 63, and rewinding key 64 are locked when pressed in, and unlocked when the stop key 62 is operated. Mode switching is carried out mechanically through the associative operation of various lever, pins, springs, etc., and switching from one mode to another mode is allowed without interposing a stop mode. For example, when the quick traversing key 63 or rewinding key 64 is pressed during loading or unloading in play or stop mode, the key is locked, but a control lever 32 is still caught in the clamp hole 323 of the pin 260 of a quick traversing lever 26, so a play slide 11 is lowered to advance the unloading and a loading gear 15 is returned to allow the pin 260 to fall out, entering quick traversing or rewinding mode. Thus, the operation is facilitated and a breakdown is prevented.