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Apple Keyboard
Apple's Current Keyboard.
Type:	Keyboard
Developer:	Apple Inc.
Released:	1977 to present
Website:	Apple.com - Keyboard

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

Layout

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.
  • The "open" & separate "closed" 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.
• Additional function keys (F13 through F15 or F16) instead of Print Screen/SysRq, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break. On keyboards with 16 function keys, F13 was placed above Delete/Backspace.
• 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

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 beige cases of the Apple II series and later Apple III series systems. Only the monitors were separate. These first keyboards were chocolate brown in color with reverse white characters and limited to about 52 keys. Beginning in 1983 with the Lisa, Apple introduced its first separate beige keyboard, which included an integrated keypad, lighter taupe-colored keys and black characters. It connected via a unique TRS connector port. The Macintosh updated the look somewhat and separated the numerical keypad into a separate unit, all of which connected by telephone-style cables. By 1986, the Macintosh Plus reintegrated the numerical keypad and became the standard for all successive keyboards. However, it also marked the last of the 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 to integrate their keyboards as well as the PowerBook portable line, which keyboards were colored a darker gray color called "Smoke". During the 90s Apple's keyboards like their computers came in a variety of sizes and styles, including extended keyboards which mimicked all the features of their PC counterparts.

The release of the iMac G3 introduced a similarly styled laptop-sized, translucent colored plastic keyboard based off laptop technology and marked the transition from ADB to USB. In July 2000, it was replaced with the full-sized Pro Keyboard, having black keys and a clear back. The PowerBook and iBook integrated keyboards followed suit in shades of black, bronze and white and incorporating translucent materials as well. 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: aluminum, to the array of keyboard styles in use.

Current Keyboards

On August 7, 2007 Apple introduced their latest keyboards. The new model is much thinner than its predecessors. 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 sides of the keyboard. Another addition is the new functionality added to the function keys, such as media controls and Dashboard control. In order to properly use the keyboard, users must download an installer package from Software Update or Apple's support page.

Compatibility

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 visa-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 OS X. According to Griffin, Apple is not maintaining support for ADB with OS X 10.4 or later.

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 Apples BootCamp software. This software allows for the volume, brightness, eject and media controls buttons to work properly though of course the Exposé and dashboard buttons still fail to do anything.

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 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 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.

Apple Numeric Keypad IIe (A2M2003)

Apple's first external keypad. Released as an option specifically for the popular Apple IIe in 1983, it helped correct some of the II series shortcomings which were intended to be addressed for businesses with the equally unpopular Apple III which offered a built-in keypad. Later the Platinum IIe would incorporate the 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)

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 CPU. 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)

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 Mcintosh 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)

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 the Macintosh keyboards and set the standard for many typists.

Apple Keyboard II (M0487)

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 Mistsumi 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 1992. 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 was at best unreliable. 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 of the iPhone to come, the Newton also included a virtual keyboard.

Apple Design Keyboard (M2980)

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 did not include an additional ABD port which had become standard feature on the Apple keyboards. 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)

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 to compliment the PowerMac line. It had a built-in adjustable stand. It also marked a return to the standard keyboard with integrated keypad but no enhanced PC keys.

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

• (A1048) Keeping the name of its revised predecessor, in 2005 the Apple Keyboard was updated by removing the clear case frame from around the keys.
• (A1243) In 2007 it was reintroduced in an all Aluminum enclosure and at the same time an updated matching wireless counterpart. This keyboard is controversial for being the first to remove the Apple icon from the Command key after 21 years.

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 more like the MacBook, eliminated the integrated numeric keypad and special keys.

See also

• Newton Virtual Keyboard
• iPhone Virtual Keyboard
• Apple Mouse

References

1. ^ Keyboard Software Update 1.2 Apple official support site Retrieved 2007-09-18
2. ^ Griffin Technology: Support for iMate