Apple Apple Keyboard II vs Apple AppleDesign Keyboard
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| AppleApple Keyboard II | AppleAppleDesign Keyboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | 1990 | April 1994 |
| Typing | ||
| Layout | Full size | Full size |
| Switches | Membrane | Membrane |
| Backlight | None | None |
| Keys labelled for | Mac | Mac |
| Touch ID | No | No |
| Switches | Deskthority documents Mitsumi rubber-over-membrane and SMK spring-over-membrane variants of model M0487. | Rubber-dome mechanisms; Deskthority identifies NMB dome-with-slider and Alps membrane-dome variants of model M2980. |
| Layouts | Apple's M0487 specification lists 81 keys, including an 18-key numeric keypad and four cursor keys. | Apple's specification lists 105 keys, including an 18-key numeric pad, 15 function keys, six editing keys and inverted-T arrows. |
| Special keys | Apple explains that Caps Lock and Control moved relative to the preceding M0116, while the space bar became longer. | F1–F15, power-on/reset key and three lock indicator LEDs. |
| Connections and battery | ||
| Connects by | Cable | Cable |
| Power | Cable | Cable |
| Receiver | Detachable 1 m Apple Desktop Bus cable; Deskthority identifies two bidirectional ADB ports. | Fixed 1.8 m cable with a four-pin Apple Desktop Bus connector, according to Apple's specification. |
| Works with | Any Apple computer with an ADB interface, according to Apple's specification; Apple says it shipped with the Macintosh Classic and LC. | Any Apple personal computer with an ADB interface, according to Apple; TidBITS reported it bundled with the Performa 570 series from April 1994. |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 890 g (better) | 1200 g |
| Width × depth × height | 405 × 151 × 32.5 mm | 475 × 175 × 41 mm |
| Materials | Beige plastic housing with two rear tilt legs. | Beige plastic enclosure with an adjustable keyboard slope of 6° to 12°. |
| Colours | Beige. | Beige; Deskthority also documents a black variant. |
| In the box | Apple's M0487LL/A packing list includes the keyboard, 1 m ADB cable, instruction sheet and warranty card. | Keyboard with attached ADB cable. |

