- In the box -
- Apple Keyboard
- USB extension cable
- Printed documentation
- System Requirements -
Product Description
The new Apple Keyboard features the compact design of the Wireless Keyboard and the elegant, ultrathin anodized aluminum enclosure, low-profile keys, and two USB 2.0 ports of the Apple Keyboard… More >>
This is my third aluminum keyboard. The first was the wired with numeric keypad, and second the Bluetooth version.
This keyboard is smaller and lighter than the Bluetooth version because there’s no battery compartment.
There are two USB2 ports underneath by the sides. To power electronic devices (e.g. cameras, iPod), it has to be plugged into a self-powered USB2 port. In case you don’t know, not all USB ports on Macs are self-powered.
I like the tactile feel of the keys. Typing is faster compared to the previous white plastic keyboards. The very minor issue is sometimes I mis-type letters because my fingers hit the keys nearby — these keys are flat and not indented to prevent slips.
The layout of the keys are exactly the same as those on the portable Macbooks. If you’re a new user, you’ll get used to it after sometime.
There are people complaining about the lack of numeric keypad for reasons I don’t know. I don’t think they have Macbooks or even PC portables because I don’t hear a lot of complaints from laptop users about the lack of numeric keypad. Additionally, if you want the numeric keypad, you have that option.
This keyboard can also be used in a Windows OS environment. You have to read support documents on Apple’s website for specific requirements, e.g. how to map the buttons and stuff like that.
Conclusion: This keyboard is really for Mac users whose computers have no Bluetooth, and who value table space very much (or need those extra USB2 ports).
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My Bluetooth keyboard had some issues so I had to use the wired version. Table space is my main priority. I bought this keyboard to replace my other wired keyboard, which still functioning perfectly well.
This keyboard is also extremely easy to clean. No more worries of things like hair, bread crumbs falling between the keys. When the keys turn yellow, just use a wet tissue to wipe and it looks brand new again.
Rating: 5 / 5
This keyboard is replacing a Microsoft Wireless keyboard.
My goals for the keyboard were: 1. save desk space (keyboard drawer) and 2. Have a wired keyboard that doesn’t need batteries.
I’m very surprised by how small the keyboard is. Make no mistake: the keys are full-sized. It’s exactly the same size and layout of the keyboard on my MacBook Pro, which is convenient.
I do not miss the media keys from the Microsoft keyboard, nor the numeric keypad (used, but never by need).
The keyboard is extremely solid — there is no bounce or play from pressing down hard. This wonderful and makes typing very easy.
The noise is acceptably quiet. It’s not silent, nor does it click annoyingly. Some of the bigger keys do make more noise (such as the delete key), but not so much that it matters.
The only thing I really miss from it is back lighting. I wish it had that as I’ve come to enjoy it on the built-in keyboard.
Highly recommended as a keyboard attached to a MacBook — or for any machine where desk space is important.
Rating: 5 / 5
This keyboard is beautiful, compact, and functional. Apple has always made nice keyboards, and continue to do so long after its pc brethren have turned into disposable pieces of plastic crap. After using one of these, there’s no going back.
Rating: 5 / 5
I’ve bought and tried a variety of compact keyboards, including the Fujitsu Happy Hacker Lite 2, Adesso, and other random ones found at Fry’s. My interest in compact keyboards is the lack of the keypad, etc., which are wasted space and push the mouse needlessly far to the right. The Apple Keyboard is the best I’ve found so far. It’s small, very thin and light, but has full width keys. Key action is positive, but light. Construction is solid, perhaps due to using an eighth inch aluminum faceplate. Noise is much less than the Fujitsu, which is solidly built but has an irritating and faulty modal system of caps locking activated through a function key.
I’m using these with Windows and FreeBSD (Unix), and most of the keys are in standard IBM PC locations. The only key obviously missing is Insert. Delete, Return, tab, Esc, capslock all work as expected and are in standard locations. I am not using any drivers or special mappings in Windows; just plugged it in. The Option key performs the Alt function in Windows and Unix. Shift keys are large. The control key is second from the left lower corner since the function key is in the lower left. That’s about the main weakness, as control is more useful than function for me. A full width control key would have been more useful. I don’t use the function key. The upper right power key also has no use for me. A mapping that converts the power to insert and the function to control may help, but even without those, the keyboard is fully functional for me, works well, is comfortable to use, very conservative of desk space, etc. The top row of “F” keys and escape are half height, which saves a little space, but a full height escape key in particular would be welcomed for Unix.
If the Apple Keyboard is as durable as it appears to be, this may be a permanent solution to my keyboard needs. The spartan design and careful implementation are very nice. A downside is that it’s a bit pricey at about [...] bucks, but if it lasts and it works well, then it may be worth it.
Update: The control and alt/option keys are too small. For Windows and Unix use, the function and command keys are not useful. Mapping the latter to the former (using software) could be useful.
Rating: 5 / 5
I have an iMac desktop computer. Recently, I bought an ASUS notebook and started looking around for a good accessory keyboard. Someone recommended the Apple aluminum. I thought, wait, isn’t that illegal! The spec’s clearly say Mac computer with OS X v10.4.10 or later.
So I plug my full-sized aluminum keyboard into the ASUS and hold my breath. The computer says “Ok, got a new Apple keyboard. No prob.” Ok, Windows computers don’t talk like that but you get the idea. No problemo.
I have sausage-like fingers but the keyboard is fine. The up and down keys are a little smaller than I would like, but for combat games I can use the WASD keys. Or I could if the ASUS could handle combat games. I do use it for Second Life though.
I actually like the fact that Delete is fn backspace delete. Much more convenient.
It is so kewl to be able to use essentially the same keyboard on my notebook as my desktop.
Rating: 5 / 5