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The Apple Extended Keyboard (AEK, model M0115) is a keyboard that was first sold separately alongside the Macintosh II and SE starting in 1987. It was replaced in 1990 by the Apple Extended Keyboard II (AEKII, model M3501) which was pre-packaged with Apple Professional Desktops starting with the Macintosh IIsi.
Both versions were very similar, differing primarily with the addition of adjustable height legs in the AEKII and other minor changes. Both used Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) to connect to the host computer, with ports on either side to allow
The original Apple Extended Keyboard's case was sloped upward towards the rear so that when viewed from the side it formed a continuous convex curve. The case extended downward to sit on the desk, so it provided considerable internal volume. The case also had a significant amount of empty space at the rear, behind the top row of keys. This made for a relatively large and heavy case. The plastic of the case shell below the keyboard section on top was serrated, a common detail found on many Apple products of the era.
Unlike previous Macintosh keyboards, the key layout was very similar to the IBM PC AT's keyboard, in order to improve usability of MS-DOS programs (run via emulation or coprocessor board).
The II used an updated design that looked like a backward S when viewed from the side, starting relatively flat to the surface, sloping upward through the section where the keys were situated, and then flattening out again at the back where the function keys were placed. The case did not extend down under the keyboard as much, instead, it was raised off the desk by an adjustable foot at the back. This design was lighter than the original at but otherwise similar in size.
The design patent for the Extended Keyboard II (D335,228) was filed on November 15, 1990.
In 1988 Apple Ireland commissioned Design ID, an industrial design consultancy based in Limerick, to assist with the development of the Extended Keyboard II. Original concepts were by Bryan Leech and Peter Sheehan. For the final proposal quieter key mechanisms were sourced, tested and specified, an adjustable foot was incorporated in the base and the keys were positioned to conform to European ergonomic standards. The ‘S curve profile’ matched the curving terraced key layout and was central to delivering the ergonomic improvements - aesthetics and function in a simple visual gesture.
The first working prototype of the Extended Keyboard II was produced at Design ID by Richard Howe, Donal Ryan and John Fitzgerald.
A Tale of Two Keyboards: Apple Extended Keyboard II vs IBM Model M
Has ‘the Best Keyboard Apple Ever Made’ Been Resurrected?
The Legendary Apple Extended Keyboard (Lowendmac.com)
{{Apple hardware before 1998 Macintosh keyboards Computer-related introductions in 1990
daisy chain
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* Daisy chain (climbing), a type of strap
* Daisy chain (electrical engineering), a wiring scheme
* Daisy chain (fishing), a type of fishing lure
* Daisy chain (kno ...
ing of another input device, typically a computer mouse or trackball.
In 1994, Apple would begin shipping the AppleDesign Keyboard (M2980) which featured only one ADB port and which used rubber dome switches rather than Alps Electric switches. This, in turn, led to a market for 3rd party keyboards that replicate some of the AEK feel, with Matias' line of Tactile Pro and Quiet Pro keyboards perhaps being the most notable.
Unique features
Among the features that make this keyboard unique are: * A separatepower key
The power key, or power button, is a key found on many computer keyboards during the 1980s and into the early 2000s. They were introduced on the first Apple Desktop Bus keyboards in the 1980s and have been a standard feature of many Macintosh k ...
using a different key cap.
* Caps Lock Key that physically locks down when activated
* Alps Electric Co. brand mechanical key switches
* Large spacing between keys, especially the top function keys and others.
* The width of the keyboard matches the width of the Macintosh II.
* The height allows it to fit under the "chin" of the Macintosh SE
The Macintosh SE is a personal computer designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple Computer, from March 1987 to October 1990. It marked a significant improvement on the Macintosh Plus design and was introduced by Apple at the same time as the Mac ...
.
* Two small cylinders project vertically from the top of the keyboard on either side of the function keys. These were used to hold templates with application-specific key guides.
Design
The original Apple Extended Keyboard's case was sloped upward towards the rear so that when viewed from the side it formed a continuous convex curve. The case extended downward to sit on the desk, so it provided considerable internal volume. The case also had a significant amount of empty space at the rear, behind the top row of keys. This made for a relatively large and heavy case. The plastic of the case shell below the keyboard section on top was serrated, a common detail found on many Apple products of the era.
Unlike previous Macintosh keyboards, the key layout was very similar to the IBM PC AT's keyboard, in order to improve usability of MS-DOS programs (run via emulation or coprocessor board).
The II used an updated design that looked like a backward S when viewed from the side, starting relatively flat to the surface, sloping upward through the section where the keys were situated, and then flattening out again at the back where the function keys were placed. The case did not extend down under the keyboard as much, instead, it was raised off the desk by an adjustable foot at the back. This design was lighter than the original at but otherwise similar in size.
The design patent for the Extended Keyboard II (D335,228) was filed on November 15, 1990.
In 1988 Apple Ireland commissioned Design ID, an industrial design consultancy based in Limerick, to assist with the development of the Extended Keyboard II. Original concepts were by Bryan Leech and Peter Sheehan. For the final proposal quieter key mechanisms were sourced, tested and specified, an adjustable foot was incorporated in the base and the keys were positioned to conform to European ergonomic standards. The ‘S curve profile’ matched the curving terraced key layout and was central to delivering the ergonomic improvements - aesthetics and function in a simple visual gesture.
The first working prototype of the Extended Keyboard II was produced at Design ID by Richard Howe, Donal Ryan and John Fitzgerald.
Steven Peart
Stephen or Steven is a common English first name. It is particularly significant to Christians, as it belonged to Saint Stephen ( grc-gre, Στέφανος ), an early disciple and deacon who, according to the Book of Acts, was stoned to death; h ...
of frogdesign
frog (styled as ''"frog, part of Capgemini Invent"'') is a global creative and design consultancy founded in 1969 by industrial designer Hartmut Esslinger in Mutlangen, Germany, where it was initially named “esslinger design”. Soon after the ...
was responsible for supplementary industrial design work and DFMA ( Design for Manufacture and Assembly). Dexter Francis (Apple Peripheral Products Group) was the Apple in-house project lead/product designer.
See also
*Apple Keyboard
Apple Inc. has designed and released dozens of keyboard models since the introduction of the Apple II in 1977. The current models in use are dual-mode (Bluetooth and USB) keyboards with integrated batteries: Magic Keyboard (silver only), and Mag ...
References
A Tale of Two Keyboards: Apple Extended Keyboard II vs IBM Model M
Has ‘the Best Keyboard Apple Ever Made’ Been Resurrected?
External links
The Legendary Apple Extended Keyboard (Lowendmac.com)
{{Apple hardware before 1998 Macintosh keyboards Computer-related introductions in 1990