Apple Keyboard

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Apple Keyboard
Apple's Current Keyboard (German layout)
Developer	Apple Inc.
Type	Keyboard
Release date	1977 to present
Web site	Apple.com - Keyboard

The Apple Keyboard is a keyboard designed by Apple first for the Apple line, then the Macintosh line of computers.

Layout

The Command key

The Option key

The modifier keys

To serve the functionality of the Mac OS (and because of historical differences), the Apple Keyboard's layout differs somewhat from that of the more ubiquitous IBM PC keyboard, mainly in its modifier and special keys. Features different from other keyboards include:

The Command key (⌘), used in most Mac keyboard shortcuts. The key functions as the Windows key in Windows environments, or a Meta key in Unix-like environments. In common applications, such as word processors, it is the equivalent to the Windows Control key. Compared to their equivalents of the standard IBM PC keyboard layout the Command key and the Option key are located in reverse order.
- The "open" (white) & separate "closed" (black) Apple logo keys () on the original Apple II series, worked much like the Command key. Eventually the "open" Apple was combined with it on hybrid Apple Desktop Bus keyboards, where it remained after the Apple II line was discontinued.
The Option key (⌥), for entering diacritics and other special characters. Like the Shift and Control keys, the Option key serves as a modifier for the Command key shortcuts. The key functions as the Alt key in Unix and Windows environments. Compared to their equivalents of the standard IBM PC keyboard layout the Command key and the Option key are located in reverse order.
Full-sized desktop keyboards with a dedicated numpad have function keys that can range up to F15, F16, or F19. ¹ F17-F19 keys were introduced with the aluminium USB keyboard.² Compact keyboards such as the bluetooth wireless aluminium keyboard and the built-in keyboards on all Intel-based notebook PCs range from F1-F12 only, just like IBM PC keyboards.
A Clear key, instead of a Num Lock key, on models with full numeric keypads, as these are dedicated to numerals and not generally used for cursor control.
An "equals" key (=) added to the numeric keypad.
A Help key, instead of an Insert key.
Two delete keys: Mac keyboards typically label the backward delete key as "delete", while the forward delete key has the label "del" and the forward delete symbol (⌦) to differentiate it from the backward delete key.
Notebook computers typically include additional assignments shared with function keys — reduce and increase brightness, volume up, volume down, mute, and eject (⏏). Apple, since the release of the Pro Keyboard, provides these last four keys on desktop keyboards above the numeric keypad where status indicator lights are on many IBM PC keyboards.
On Apple Desktop Bus keyboards, a power key (◁), used to turn on computers that supported it (and to type the Mac three-finger salute). It was placed in the upper left or upper right (in line with the function keys on keyboards that had them, otherwise above the other keys). The key was replaced with a more conventional power button on early USB keyboards, thanks to a proprietary pin wired to the Macintosh's power supply in Apple's early USB implementations, and eliminated completely on the Pro Keyboard alongside the special pin. Most of its functions were transferred to the eject (⏏) key in such later keyboards (holding down the control key in addition to make the eject key act like the power key).
There is a difference between the return (↩) and the enter (⌅) keys. They generate different keycodes and have different functions according to Macintosh User Interface Guidelines.
Similarly, while most software ignores it, the left versus right sets of modifier keys and the top number versus numeric keypad produce distinct keycodes (even on laptop keyboards where they only exist using the function key).

History

Six keys from a 2003 PowerBook G4 keyboard.

The Macintosh keyboards are somewhat reminiscent of the keyboards used for the Apple II.

Starting in 1977, the first Apple keyboards were built into the cases of the Apple II series and the later Apple III series systems. These first keyboards had chocolate brown keycaps with white legends and had about 52 keys. In 1983, Apple introduced its first separate keyboard with the Lisa; it incorporated a numeric keypad and lighter taupe-colored keycaps with black legends. It connected via a unique TRS port. The Macintosh updated the look somewhat and separated the numerical keypad from the alphanumeric unit, all of which connected by telephone-style cables. By 1986, the Macintosh Plus re-integrated the numerical keypad and became the standard for all successive keyboards. However, it also marked the last of the beige Apple-II-era designs which were usurped by the newer Snow White design language.

From the end of 1986 until 1998, all new Apple keyboards were "Platinum" gray and connected via the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB). The Apple IIe and IIc line continued with integrated keyboards, is did the PowerBook portable line of course, those of the latter being a darker gray color called "Smoke". During the 90s, Apple offered various styles of keyboard, including extended keyboards which matched the features and size of their IBM PC AT counterparts.

The release of the first iMac introduced a matching compact, translucent-plastic keyboard based on laptop technology and marked the transition from ADB to USB. In July 2000, it was replaced with the full-sized Pro Keyboard, having slightly translucent black keys and a clear case. The PowerBook and iBook integrated keyboards followed suit with translucent keys first in bronze (PowerBook), then in black (PowerBook) and white (iBook). Coinciding with the introduction of the iMac G4 in 2002, Apple started making its keyboards white. On the Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard, Apple removed the adjustable feet from the back of the keyboard, giving it a solid base. This design was later quietly introduced on the wired version. The PowerBooks added another color, opaque aluminum with sometimes-backlit translucent legends, to the array of keyboard styles in use.

Current Keyboards

On August 7, 2007 Apple introduced their latest keyboards as of October 2008^[update]. The new model is much thinner than its predecessors, requiring less wrist flexing and a slightly lower hand position for most users. Taking a cue from the portables, it has an aluminum enclosure, and the USB ports have been, once again, relocated to the right and left ends of the keyboard case. Software function and hardware control keys have a new arrangement, and there are keys associated with specific features of Mac OS X, such as Dashboard. In order to properly use these new features, a computer must be updated as of the initial ship date of the keyboards, usually with the built-in Software Update.³

Compatibility

ADB connector

Apple's oldest keyboards utilizing the phone-style connectors are not compatible with any other systems. However a few open-source projects have since developed adapters which allow them to be used on newer equipment and vice-versa.

Apple's older ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) keyboards are compatible with other ADB-based systems, such as those from Sun, Next, HP and Sony (and vice-versa for their non-Apple ADB keyboards). When using a USB adapter (such as the Griffin iMate), they function similarly to Apple's later USB keyboards, although there can be problems using such setups with later versions of Mac OS X. According to Griffin, Apple is not maintaining support for ADB with Mac OS X 10.4 or later. ⁴

Apple's USB keyboards are mostly compatible with Windows computers; the Command key works as the Windows key, the Option key as the Alt key, the Help key as the Insert key, and the Clear key as the Num Lock key. On the slightly older all white models the volume keys function as they would on a Macintosh, and the eject key has no function. With the new models released in August 2007 the volume, brightness, Exposé, dashboard, eject and media controls no longer work without installing Apple's Boot Camp software. This software allows for the volume, brightness, eject and media controls buttons to work properly though the Exposé and dashboard buttons still fail to do anything as Windows lacks this functionality.

The additional function keys placed where the Print Screen/SysRq, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break keys are on most IBM PC keyboards (F13/F14 through F15/F16) do not work as those keys in Windows without a special driver. Apple has since released a driver, though it is only available bundled with Boot Camp.

The USB keyboard can also be used on PlayStation 2 game consoles. However, one requires an extension if using the black or white keyboards, or one of the older colored keyboards made for an early iMac. The current white USB keyboard is fully compatible with the PlayStation 3 and can be used to navigate the menus and to type messages.

The USB keyboard is also combined with a two-port USB hub, with the hub being USB 1.1 on older keyboards and USB 2.0 on the August 2007 model.

Models

Built-in Keyboards

Apple IIe built-in keyboard

Apple II/II Plus Introduced in 1977 the Apple II and II Plus came without a numeric keypad. There was also a black keyboard manufactured for a Bell & Howell edition.
Apple III/III Plus Introduced in 1980 the Apple III and III Plus introduced a numeric keypad and special command keys.
Apple IIe/IIe Platinum The Apple IIe series, introduced in 1983 once again eliminated the integrated numeric keypad, but offered an external one. However it did finally offer a "delete" key. In 1987 with the introduction of the Platinum IIe, the keypad was re-integrated and the keyboard was updated to conform to the newly released Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard.
Apple IIc/IIc Plus Introduced in 1984 the Apple IIc was the first portable keyboard and lacked a keypad. In 1988 the keyboard changed color from beige to Platinum and was revised to match the layout of the Apple Desktop Bus keyboard, though still without provision for a keypad.
Macintosh Portable Apple's first truly portable computer, the Macintosh Portable released in 1989 had a full sized Apple Keyboard with optional built-in numeric keypad or trackball mouse.
PowerBook From 1991 to 2005 all of Apple's portable PowerBook computers have included a smaller keyboard ranging in color from dark gray, to black, translucent bronze & charcoal and finally an aluminum finish with backlighting. Along the way, they have also included special function keys and embedded keypads.
eMate The dark green translucent keyboard of the eMate introduced in 1997 was essentially a Newton keyboard.
iBook In 1999 The iBook series introduced the first ever white keyboards. Debuting in a transparent finish, the later models were opaque.
MacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air In 2006 Apple introduced the MacBook series of computers. The MacBook Pro keyboard continued the aluminum treatment of the PowerBook line, while the MacBook remained white like the iBook before it and introduced a black model as well. MacBook Air has a black keyboard.

Apple Numeric Keypad IIe (A2M2003)

Apple Numeric Keypad IIe

The Numeric Keypad IIe was Apple's first external keypad. Released as an option specifically for the popular Apple IIe computer in 1983, it helped correct some of the II series' shortcomings. Later the Platinum IIe would incorporate the numeric keypad into its built-in keyboard.

Lisa Keyboard (A6MB101)

The first keyboard not to be integrated into the CPU case like the Apple II & III series before it. Designed for use with the Apple Lisa, it was included with the system introduced in 1983. Like the Apple III before it, it was intended to be a business computer and included an integrated numeric keypad. Like all Apple computers before it, it came in a beige case to match the CPU and connected by a unique TRS connector. In addition it carried over the use of the "open" Apple key from the Apple III as a Command Key (though it was represented by the "close" Apple character) and included a pullout reference guide hidden under the keyboard.

Macintosh Keyboard (M0110)

Macintosh Keyboard

Introduced and included with the original Macintosh in 1984, it debuted without arrow keys to control the cursor nor an integrated numeric keypad. It used a unique telephone-cord style connector to the case. It also introduced a unique Command Key similar to the "open" Apple Key on the Lisa.

Macintosh Numeric Keypad (M0120)

Like the Apple IIe before it, the Macintosh provide an optional external keypad which also included arrow keys that daisy chained to the CPU via the telephone-cord connectors.

Macintosh Plus Keyboard (M0110A)

Introduced and included with the Macintosh Plus in 1986, it was an extended keyboard that had a built-in numeric keypad. In 1987 it was updated to Apple's new Platinum gray color. It continued to use the telephone-cord style connector to the CPU and was interchangeable with the M0110. Though Apple switched all other keyboards to Apple Desktop Bus connectors by this time, this keyboard was manufactured unchanged for 4 more years until the Plus was discontinued in 1991.

Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard (A9M0330)

Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard.

This was the first Apple keyboard to use the new input connection method the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), first released and sold with the Apple IIGS. Designed to be used with both the Macintosh and Apple product lines it was the first to combine both the Macintosh Command Key and Apple "open" Apple key. Entirely Platinum gray in color (the Macintosh Plus has darker gray keys called "Smoke"), it was also the first to use Snow White design language that was similar to the Apple IIc. However, it duplicated the extended design established by the Plus. It was also the first to include an external power/reset button and an extra ADB port.

Apple Keyboard (M0116)

Apple (Standard) Keyboard

Also known as the Apple Standard Keyboard, it was the first to officially use this name. Apple would later reuse it for a series of successive keyboards. The Apple Keyboard was a more solid version of the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard. Included with the Macintosh II in 1987, the heftier design solidified visually the power performance embodied by the Mac II. Aside from weight the main difference was the significantly thicker frame width.

Apple Extended Keyboard (M0115)

Main article: Apple Extended Keyboard

This keyboard, the first to be sold optionally, was essentially a redesigned version of the Apple Keyboard, with it was an enhanced extended keyboard with FKeys and other PC-style keys. It included template guides above the top row of function keys to accommodate shortcut key references which accommodate many software packages. It was the heaviest of all the Macintosh keyboards and set the standard for many typists.

Apple Keyboard II (M0487)

Apple Keyboard II

Introduced and sold with the Macintosh LC in 1990, this keyboard was almost identical to the original ADB Keyboard, but included flip down feet to change the typing angle and a design change that gave the frame and keys a more substantial appearance. In 1993, The Macintosh TV was the first Mac introduced in all black. It came with an identical black Keyboard II (using the same model number).

Apple Extended Keyboard II

Main article: Apple Extended Keyboard

A minor update to the Apple Extended Keyboard to coincide with the release of the Macintosh IIsi in 1990, it added an adjustable height feature.

(M0312) was manufactured with the classic Alps mechanisms
(M3501) was manufactured with Mitsumi or Alps mechanisms.

Apple Adjustable Keyboard (M1242)

Main article: Apple Adjustable Keyboard

The Apple Apple Adjustable Keyboard, sold optionally, was Apple's foray into the ergonomic adjustable keyboard market in 1993. Often cited for its flimsy construction. It came with a separate keypad (not sold separately), the first to do since the original Macintosh keyboard.

Newton Keyboard (X0044)

In the mid-90's Apple released the Apple Newton sub-mini keyboard to allow quick input by a means other than hand-recognition which required extensive training to become useful. It connected by means of the Newtons serial interface. Many Mac users favoring the portable size were able to use it on a Mac utilizing a third party enabler. In a foreshadowing of the iPhone to come, the Newton also included a virtual keyboard.

Apple Design Keyboard (M2980)

The black Apple Design Keyboard.

This was the first major redesign of the Apple keyboard, featuring more fluid, curving lines to match the look of the new Apple product style. It was an unpopular replacement for the Apple Extended Keyboard II in 1994. Significantly lighter than its predecessors, it had a much softer and quieter key interface that was unpopular with many typists. Also, it only included one additional ADB port concealed on the underside, two of which on either end had become a standard feature on the Apple keyboards.⁵ This keyboard was also produced in black using the same model number (like the Apple Keyboard II before it), specifically for inclusion with the black Performa 5420 released primarily in Europe.

Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh Keyboard (M3459)

Bundled with the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh in 1997, this keyboard once again excluded an integrated keypad, though unlike the Adjustable Keyboard none was offered. Based around a PowerBook form factor it also including an optional built-in trackpad and leather palm rests. This was the last ADB Keyboard Apple would produce and not sold separately.

Apple USB Keyboard (M2452)

Apple USB Keyboard (Bondi blue)

Released and sold with the iMac in 1998 this became the new standard for all Macintosh models for the next two years. It was the first to use translucent plastics, first in Bondi blue, then in a darker gray in the PowerMac line and fruit-colored for each of the five first color variations of the iMac. It had a built-in adjustable stand. It also marked a return to the standard keyboard with integrated keypad with the enhanced cursor keys above the keypad.

Apple Pro Keyboard (M7803)

Originally introduced as the Apple Pro Keyboard in 2000, but three years later Pro was dropped from the title. This keyboard reintroduced the additional extended function keys last seen in the Apple Design Keyboard and debuted in a clear case with black keys. Later a white key version was also offered.

Apple Keyboard Essentially the same Apple Pro Keyboard, like many earlier products, Apple usurped and re-used its name (see SuperDrive). Following the name change, it was available only in white.

Apple Keyboard

Apple Keyboard (German) (A1048)

(A1048) Keeping the name of its predecessor, in 2005 the case of the "Apple Keyboard" was changed completely.
(A1243) The Apple USB Keyboard introduced in 2007 has a solid aluminum enclosure, as does the matching but compact Apple Wireless Keyboard. This keyboard is the first to omit the long-enduring Apple logo (solid or open) that was originally included to support using the keyboard with the Apple IIgs from the Command key after 21 years, even though software and official documentation had always referred only to the key's other legend, “⌘”. It has two down-stream USB 2.0 ports, one at each end of the keyboard.

Apple Wireless Keyboard

Main article: Apple Wireless Keyboard

(A1016) Introduced for the first time 2003 based on the Bluetooth standard. It was essentially identical to the revised Apple Keyboard offered the same year.
(A1255) In 2007 an updated model clad in aluminum was released, which, like the MacBook's keyboard, eliminated the integrated numeric keypad and special keys. It takes 3 AA batteries, with the power button on the right side of the keyboard opposite of the battery opening.

References

^ Image of the keyboard layout of a full-sized aluminum Apple keyboard
^ New slimline iMac keyboard revealed?, Electronista
^ Keyboard Software Update 1.2 Apple official support site Retrieved 2007-09-18
^ Griffin Technology: Support for iMate
^ Extended Keyboard II & AppleDesign Keyboard Differences

External links

v • d • e Apple hardware

Apples	Apple I · Apple II family (II II Plus, II Europlus, II J-Plus, IIe, IIc, IIGS, IIc Plus) · Apple III family (Apple III, III Plus)

Lisas	Lisa · Lisa 2/5 · Lisa 2/10

Macintosh desktops	Compact Macintosh family (128K, 512K, XL, Plus, 512Ke, SE, SE/30, SE FDHD, Classic, Classic II, Color Classic, Color Classic II) · Macintosh II family (II, IIx, IIcx, IIci, IIfx, IIsi, IIvi, IIvx) · LC family (LC, LC II, LC III, LC 475, LC III+, LC 520, LC 550, LC 575, LC 580, LC 630, 5200 LC, 5260 LC, 5300 LC, 5400 LC) · Performa family · Macintosh TV · Quadra family (700, 900, 950, 800, 840AV, 610, 650, 660AV, 605, 630) · Centris family* (610, 650, 660AV) · Power Macintosh family* (6100, 7100, 8100, 6200, 5200, 9500, 7200, 7500, 8500, 6300, 5260, 5300, 5400, 7600, 6400, 4400, 5500, 6500, 7300, 8600, 9600, G3, B&W, G4, Cube, G5) · 20^th Anniversary Mac · iMac family (G3, G4, G5, Core, Core 2) · eMac · Mac Pro · Mac mini family (G4; Core; Core 2)

Laptops	Macintosh Portable · PowerBook family: (100 series (100, 140, 170, 145, 160, 180, 165c, 145B, 180c, 165, 150) · Duo series (210, 230, 250, 270c, 280, 280c, 2300c) · 500 series (520, 520c, 540, 540c, 550c) · 190 series (190, 190cs) · 5300 series (5300, 5300cs, 5300c, 5300ce) · 1400 series (1400c, 1400cs) · 3400c · 2400c · G3 series (Wallstreet, Lombard, Pismo) · G4 series (Titanium, Aluminum)) · iBook family: (G3 series (Clamshell, Dual USB) · G4) · MacBook family: (MacBook series (Core; Core 2) · Pro series (Core; Core 2) · Air series (Core 2))

Servers	Workgroup Server (95, 60, 80, 6150, 8150, 9150, 7250, 8550, 7350, 9650) · Network Server (500, 700) · Macintosh Server (G3, G4) · Xserve (G4, CN; G5, CN; Intel)

Consumer electronics	Apple Fax · Apple TV · PowerCD · Cinema Display · iPhone · iPod (classic, photo, mini, iPod+HP, shuffle, nano, touch) · Newton (MessagePad, eMate 300) · Printers (Color Printer, Dot Matrix Printer, ImageWriter, LaserWriter, Scribe Printer, SilenType, StyleWriter, Portable StyleWriter) · QuickTake

Other projects and accessories	300 Modem · 3.5" Drive · AirPort (Card, Base Station) · Disk II, IIc · Hard Disk 20, 20SC · IIe Card · Interactive Television Box · iPod accessories (Dock Connector, Camera Connector, iPod Hi-Fi, Nike+iPod) · iSight · Keyboard (Adjustable, Extended, Pro, Wireless) · Mouse (Pro, Wireless, Mighty Mouse) · Paladin · Peripheral Cards (80-Column Text, Accelerators, Clocks, Processors, Serials) · Pippin · AppleCD · Remote · Time Capsule · USB Modem · Xserve RAID

Italics indicate hardware currently produced. See also: Apple hardware before 1998, Apple hardware since 1998.

v • d • e Keyboard keys

Dead keys	Compose

Modifier keys	Control · Shift · Alt/Option (Apple) · AltGr · Command/Meta (Apple/MIT/Sun keyboards) · Windows · Super · Hyper · Fn (compact keyboards)

Lock keys	Scroll lock · Num lock · Caps lock

Navigation	Arrow · Page Up/Page Down · Home/End

Editing	Return/Enter · Backspace · Insert · Delete · Tab · Space bar

Misc.	System request/Print screen · Break/Pause · Escape · Menu · Numeric keypad · Function · Power management (Power, Sleep, Wake) · Language input · Any key · Macro key

Apple Keyboard

Contents

Layout

History

Current Keyboards

Compatibility

Models

Built-in Keyboards

Apple Numeric Keypad IIe (A2M2003)

Lisa Keyboard (A6MB101)

Macintosh Keyboard (M0110)

Macintosh Numeric Keypad (M0120)

Macintosh Plus Keyboard (M0110A)

Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard (A9M0330)

Apple Keyboard (M0116)

Apple Extended Keyboard (M0115)

Apple Keyboard II (M0487)

Apple Extended Keyboard II

Apple Adjustable Keyboard (M1242)

Newton Keyboard (X0044)

Apple Design Keyboard (M2980)

Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh Keyboard (M3459)

Apple USB Keyboard (M2452)

Apple Pro Keyboard (M7803)

Apple Keyboard

Apple Wireless Keyboard

See also

References

External links