Apple Keyboard: Layout History Compatibility Models
Apple Keyboard: Layout History Compatibility Models
Apple Keyboard: Layout History Compatibility Models
The Apple Keyboard is a keyboard designed by Apple Inc. first for the Apple line, then the Macintosh
line of computers. Dozens of models have been released over time, including the Apple Extended Apple Keyboard
Keyboard. Currently, Apple offers only three keyboards via Bluetooth: Magic Keyboard (silver only),
and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (silver or space gray). The space gray model is also
included with the iMac Pro.
Both share a similar look and feel, based on a very thin aluminum chassis and laptop-style low-profile
keys, sitting much closer to the tabletop than traditional keyboard designs.
Layout
To serve the functionality of the Macintosh operating systems (and because of historical differences), the Apple
Keyboard's layout differs somewhat from that of the ubiquitous IBM PC keyboard, mainly in its modifier and
special keys. Some of these keys have unique symbols defined in the Unicode block Miscellaneous Technical.
Features different from other keyboards include:
The Command key (⌘), used in most Mac keyboard shortcuts. The key functions as a Meta key in
Unix-like environments, and is equally equivalent to the Windows key in Windows environments,
although in common applications it performs the same function as the Windows Control key.
Compared to their equivalents on the standard IBM PC keyboard layout the Command key and the
Option key are located in reverse order. An old version Command key,
bearing the Apple logo
The "open" (hollow) and separate "closed" (solid) Apple logo keys on the Apple II series, served
functions similar to that of the Command key. The open-Apple key was combined with the
Command key on Apple Desktop Bus keyboards (which were used on both the Apple IIgs and
several years of Macintosh models) 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, as well as being used to type many special characters. It serves the function of the solid-Apple
key in Apple II applications. It functions as the Alt key in Unix and Windows environments.
Compared to their equivalents on 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 Macintosh notebooks 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 numeric input and not generally used for cursor control. In Unicode, the Clear key is
represented by U+2327 ⌧ X IN A RECTANGLE BOX, defined as "clear key".[3]
An "equals" key (=) added to the numeric keypad.
A Help key, instead of an Insert key, or on the most recent aluminum keyboards, a fn key, which An older version Option key
toggles the function of the function keys between their default functions and special functions
(volume control, Exposé, etc.).
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 the newest aluminum keyboard,
these functions are accessed with the function keys, just like on the Apple laptops.
On Apple Desktop Bus keyboards, a power key (◁), used to turn on computers that supported it
(and to type the Mac three-finger salute). On keyboards with function keys, it was placed either on
the left or right edge of the same keyboard row as the function keys; on keyboards without function
keys it was placed in a central location above the other keys. The power key was replaced with a
more conventional power button on early USB keyboards, thanks to a proprietary pin wired to the The modifier keys
Macintosh's power supply in Apple's early USB implementations, subsequently eliminated on the
Pro Keyboard along with the special power supply pin. Most of its functions were transferred to the
eject (⏏) key in such later keyboards (holding down the control key simultaneously to make the eject key act like the power key).
On the Apple IIgs, this key, used in conjunction with the control key, is reset. Used in conjunction with the open Apple key, reset
reboots the computer. Various other reset key combinations do various other things.
The Apple UK keyboard layout has the @ and " keys in their US locations (on the 2 and ' keys respectively). These are normally
reversed on non-Apple UK keyboards.
History
The Macintosh keyboards are somewhat reminiscent of the keyboards used for the Apple II.
Apple's very first offering, the Apple I, was initially sold as a naked PCB without a keyboard (or a case), although
some resellers and users fitted their own cases with built-in keyboards and Apple cooperated with at least one such
reseller.
Starting in 1977, the first real 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. The Apple II and Apple
II+ keyboard had 52 keys, the Apple III keyboard, which included a numeric pad and some other additional keys,
had 74. In 1983, the new Apple IIe and Apple III+ models introduced a beige keyboard with smaller black Six keys from a 2003 PowerBook G4
legends. In the same year, Apple introduced its first separate keyboard with the Lisa; it incorporated a numeric keyboard
keypad and lighter taupe-colored keycaps. It connected via a unique TRS port. The Macintosh updated the look
somewhat and separated the (optional) numerical keypad from the alphanumeric unit, all of which connected by
telephone-style modular 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 mid-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, as 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 the large extended keyboards which included the features of their IBM PC
AT counterparts.
The release of the first iMac in October 1998 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
Aluminum 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 current generation of keyboards. 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 macOS, 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.[4]
On March 3, 2009, Apple introduced an additional keyboard to their latest line of keyboards. The new keyboard is similar to the wireless keyboard due to
the absence of the numeric keypad, however it is a wired keyboard with 2 USB 2.0 ports similar to the standard keyboard. Until this time the typical
keyboard with the numeric keypad was titled "Apple Keyboard", now the more-compact keyboard carries the name "Apple Keyboard" and the standard
keyboard with numeric keys is titled "Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad".[5]
Compatibility
Apple's older ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) keyboards are compatible with other ADB-based systems, such as those from
Next 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 macOS. Although external ADB ports ceased to be used after the Power Macintosh G3 (Blue & White),
Apple still used ADB as the internal protocol for their laptop keyboards and trackpads until the last-generation
PowerBooks and iBooks; for this reason, ADB drivers can still be found in Mac OS X 10.5 but not Mac OS X 10.6. Even
with these operating systems, it is possible to use ADB devices with a USB adapter.
Apple's USB keyboards are mostly compatible with Windows computers, and can be remapped; 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.
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 Apple Desktop Bus (ADB)
released a driver, though it is only available bundled with Boot Camp. connector
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 May 2003 Rev B. 2005 and 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 keyboard designed to be portable
and lacked a keypad. In 1988 the keyboard changed color from beige to Platinum and was revised Apple IIe built-in keyboard
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 in various colors and
finishes, including dark gray, black, translucent bronze, charcoal, and 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 an Apple 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. The MacBook Air also used black keys. The introduction of the unibody MacBook series in 2009 saw a unification
across all Apple keyboards to use black keys, the sole white keys remaining on the (now discontinued) white MacBook. Pre-unibody
MacBook series keyboards included an overlaid numeric keypad like on the earlier PowerBook series and iBook series keyboards but
Apple completely removed the numeric keypad from all unibody MacBook series keyboards.
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.
The first keyboard not to be integrated into the CPU case like the Apple II and III series before it. It was designed
for and came with the Apple Lisa. 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 Apple Numeric Keypad IIe
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 "closed" Apple character) and included a
pullout reference guide hidden under the keyboard.
Introduced and included with the original Macintosh in 1984, it debuted with neither arrow keys to control the
cursor nor an integrated numeric keypad. It used a telephone cord-style RJ-10 connector to the case (also used
with the Amstrad PCW series of computers). The keyboard pinouts are "crossed" so it isn't possible to use a
standard telephone cord as a replacement; doing so will result in damage to the keyboard or the computer.[6] The
keyboard also introduced a unique command key similar to the "open" Apple Key on the Lisa.
Like the Apple IIe before it, the Macintosh provided an optional external keypad which also included arrow keys Macintosh Keyboard
that daisy chained to the CPU via the telephone-cord connectors. Though introduced with the Macintosh in
January 1984, Apple did not ship it until September 1984 at a retail price of US$99.
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 system 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 four more years until
the Plus was discontinued in 1990.
Also known as the Apple Standard Keyboard, it was the first to officially use this name. Apple would later reuse
the name for a series of successive keyboards. The Apple Keyboard was a more solid version of the Apple Desktop Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard
Bus Keyboard and optionally included with the Macintosh II and SE in 1987. The heftier design solidified visually
the power performance embodied by the upgraded Macs. Aside from weight the main difference was the
significantly thicker frame width. It was the first keyboard to be sold separately from the system, giving the
customer a choice of the basic or advanced keyboards offered by Apple.
The Apple Adjustable Keyboard, which was sold as an optional upgrade, was Apple's 1993 entry into the
ergonomic adjustable keyboard market. It was often criticized for its flimsy construction. It came with a separate
keypad (not sold separately), the first to do so since the original Macintosh keyboard.
Apple Keyboard II
In the mid-1990s Apple released the Apple Newton sub-mini keyboard to allow a quick input alternative to the Newton's
handwriting recognition, which required extensive training to become useful. It connected via the Newton's serial
interface. Many Mac users favoring the portable size were able to use it on a Mac utilizing a third-party enabler. Like the
iPhone that would come 10 years later, the Newton also included a virtual 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
Apple Adjustable Keyboard
than its predecessors, it had a much softer and quieter key interface that was unpopular with many typists. It also included
only one ADB port for mice or other pointing devices, concealed on the underside, with the keyboard's cable permanently
attached.[7] The Extended II had an ADB port on either side of the keyboard, allowing the keyboard cable or
mouse to be attached to the side preferred by the user. This keyboard was also produced in black using the same
model number (like the Apple Keyboard II for the Macintosh TV), for inclusion with the black Performa 5420
released primarily in Europe, and the black Power Macintosh 5500 released in Asia.
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 called "Graphite" for the
PowerMac G4 line and fruit-colored for each of the five first color variations of the iMac. It had a built-in
retractable support leg. It also marked a return to the standard keyboard with integrated keypad with the enhanced
cursor keys above the keypad. The keyboard had a power key on the top right side, and was the last keyboard to The black AppleDesign Keyboard
have the power key. This keyboard can be used with Windows (although the power key has no function).
Originally introduced as the Apple Pro Keyboard in 2000, but discontinued three years later, this keyboard
reintroduced the additional extended function keys last seen in the Apple Design Keyboard and debuted in a clear
case with black keys. A version with white keys was introduced in 2002 alongside the iMac G4.[8] One major Apple USB Keyboard (Norwegian)
departure from all previous ADB and USB keyboards was the removal of the remote power key. This keyboard (Bondi blue)
contained 109 keys (ANSI), and retained the single folding leg on the bottom.
Magic Keyboard
(A1644) MLA22LL/A on October 13, 2015, the Magic Keyboard was released for OS X El Capitan
(version 10.11) and later. It has a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery with a Lightning connector
for charging and an on/off switch.[13][14]
(A1843) MQ052LL/A on June 5, 2017, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - Silver[15]
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric
(A1843) MRMH2LL/A on March 27, 2018, Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - Space Gray[16] Keypad (Traditional Chinese)
(A1843)
See also
Apple Mouse
Apple Newton user interface
IBM PC keyboard
iPhone text input
Timeline of Apple Inc. products
References
1. Image of the keyboard layout of a full-sized aluminum Apple 3. "Miscellaneous Technical" (https://www.unicode.org/charts/PDF/
keyboard (https://images.apple.com/keyboard/images/gallery/wir U2300.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved April 7, 2013.
ed_1_20070813.jpg) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/2012 4. Keyboard Software Update 1.2 (https://www.apple.com/support/d
0803113151/http://images.apple.com/keyboard/images/gallery/wi ownloads/keyboardsoftwareupdate12.html) Apple official support
red_1_20070813.jpg) August 3, 2012, at the Wayback Machine site Retrieved 2007-09-18
2. New slimline iMac keyboard revealed? (http://www.electronista.c
om/articles/07/07/27/new.imac.keyboard/), Electronista
5. [1] (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB869?mco=NDE4Mzg3N 10. Marsal, Katie (December 2, 2010). "Apple discontinues compact
A) Keyboard – Apple Store Archived (https://web.archive.org/we wired keyboard, Hulu Plus claims strong start" (http://www.applei
b/20090306142815/http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB869?mc nsider.com/articles/10/12/02/apple_discontinues_compact_wired
o=NDE4Mzg3NA) March 6, 2009, at the Wayback Machine _keyboard_hulu_plus_claims_strong_start.html). AppleInsider.
6. "Modular Connector – 4P4C – Data Port" (https://www.networxse Retrieved April 16, 2011.
curity.org/members-area/glossary/m/modular-connector.html). 11. iOS: Apple Wireless Keyboard compatibility (http://support.apple.
Networx Security. Retrieved February 9, 2019. "The connector com/kb/HT4112)
wiring, however, required a polarized straight through pinout. 12. "Apple Wireless Keyboard manual" (http://manuals.info.apple.co
Using a telephone handset cable instead of the supplied cable m/en_US/Apple_Wireless_Keyboard_2009_UG.pdf) (PDF).
could short out the +5 volt DC supply and damage the computer Manuals.Info.Apple.com. 2009.
or the keyboard." 13. "Magic Keyboard - US English" (https://www.apple.com/shop/pro
7. Extended Keyboard II & AppleDesign Keyboard Differences (htt duct/MLA22LL/A/). Apple Inc. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
p://support.apple.com/kb/TA33931) 14. "Magic Keyboard Teardown" (https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Ma
8. Steinberg, Gene (January 14, 2002). "Apple iMac 800MHz gic+Keyboard+Teardown/50995). iFixit. October 15, 2015.
PowerPC G4 Review" (https://www.zdnet.com/product/apple-ima Retrieved May 25, 2017.
c-800mhz-powerpc-g4/). ZDNet. Retrieved February 9, 2019. 15. "Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - US English - Silver" (htt
"Apple dresses up the familiar Pro keyboard and Pro mouse in ps://www.apple.com/shop/product/MQ052LL/A/). Apple Inc.
matching white." Retrieved July 3, 2018.
9. "Apple removes wired keyboard with numeric keypad from its 16. "Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - US English - Space
online store" (https://9to5mac.com/2017/06/05/apple-removes-wi Gray" (https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MRMH2LL/A/).
red-keyboard/). 9to5Mac. June 6, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2018. Apple Inc. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
17. "Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) - US
English" (https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MXQT2LL/A/).
Apple Inc. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
External links
Official website (http://www.apple.com/keyboard/)
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