The Apple Keyboard or Apple Standard Keyboard (to distinguish it from several other keyboards called "Apple Keyboard"), is a plate-mounted tactile Alps SKCM series keyboard from Apple.

Description

The keyboard was introduced with the Macintosh II and Macintosh SE, which did not come with a keyboard. Instead, buyers had the option of buying the "standard" keyboard, or the more expensive Apple Extended Keyboard.

The Apple Standard Keyboard features two bidirectional ADB ports that function either as upstream (to connect to the computer or another ADB device higher up the chain) or downstream (for connecting the mouse or downstream peripherals). The cable is detachable and connects to either ADB port, with the mouse normally connected to the other port. Right-handed people would typically use the right-hand ADB port for the mouse, and left-handed people would use the port on the left; the other port is used for the keyboard cable.

Normal keys use either Alps SKCM Orange or Salmon switches. The caps lock key uses an Alps SKCL Lock switch.

The keycaps are dye sublimated PBT (except the space bar, which is ABS), and have Apple's typical bottom-left legends with italic type, in the font Univers Condensed Thin.

Variants

M0116 The layout is identical to the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard's for the Apple IIGS. This is the last Macintosh keyboard to have a backwards L-shaped Return key (like the M0110A) and the only Macintosh keyboard to have a Control key in the position to the left of 'A' like keyboards for/on the Apple II. M0118 ISO with a narrow return key, but with a caps lock and control in their more common positions Two different labels have been spotted. Only keyboards with English layout have been spotted with an FCC ID on the label. The FCC ID and all (spotted) serial numbers end with "M0117", which would indicate that a M0117 model could exist or was planned. All known M0118s were made in Ireland or the USA.

Keyboards of both model numbers were offered with legends for different languages and regions.

Gallery

M0116, Orange/Cream, US layout

This appears to be an early example, from 1987. The switches have long white switchplates and no Alps logo.

Top

Bottom

Switch and keycap detail

Some keycaps removed

Internals

PCB

Various; the controller IC is dated 8718

Switches

Momentary switch, external

Momentary switch, internal

Alternate action switch, external

Alternate action switch, internal

M0116, Salmon/Grey, US layout

Unfortunately dating evidence was not collected before this keyboard was sold on.

Full keyboard with detachable, coiled cable

Salmon or orange main switches, plus Alps lock

Salmon Alps disassembly

Power button is a sideways-mounted Alps switch

PCB and ADB sub-boards; the PCB is Alps-branded

Detail of one of the bidirectional ADB boards

Alps SKCL Lock switch in disengaged (open) state

Alps lock switch in engaged (closed) state

M0118, Salmon

Top (angled)

Top

The return key's switch and stabilizing shaft

Bottom, with label; not all labels have an FCC ID.

M0118 Finnish/Swedish layout

Bottom of the Finnish/Swedish model

M0117AB Arabic layout

Arabic model

M0117AB with bare Alps switch

Bottom label of the Arabic model

Box label of the Arabic model

See also

Apple Extended Keyboard — the full-size alternative option