Apple Apple Keyboard II

Apple

Apple Keyboard II

Released 1990

An 81-key Apple Desktop Bus keyboard supplied with the Macintosh Classic and LC.

Model history · 2 models, 1987–1990
  1. 1987Apple Keyboard (M0116)Compare
  2. 1990Apple Keyboard II
Layout
Full size
Switches
Membrane
Backlight
None
Battery
–
Connects by
Cable
Weight
890 g

Typing

Layout
Full size
Switches
Membrane
Backlight
None
Keys labelled for
Mac
Touch ID
No
Switches
Deskthority documents Mitsumi rubber-over-membrane and SMK spring-over-membrane variants of model M0487.
Layouts
Apple's M0487 specification lists 81 keys, including an 18-key numeric keypad and four cursor keys.
Special keys
Apple explains that Caps Lock and Control moved relative to the preceding M0116, while the space bar became longer.

Connections and battery

Connects by
Cable
Power
Cable
Receiver
Detachable 1 m Apple Desktop Bus cable; Deskthority identifies two bidirectional ADB ports.
Works with
Any Apple computer with an ADB interface, according to Apple's specification; Apple says it shipped with the Macintosh Classic and LC.

Design

Weight
890 g
Width × depth × height
405 × 151 × 32.5 mm
Materials
Beige plastic housing with two rear tilt legs.
Colours
Beige.
In the box
Apple's M0487LL/A packing list includes the keyboard, 1 m ADB cable, instruction sheet and warranty card.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Numeric keypad in a smaller case than the Extended Keyboard II
  • Adjustable rear feet
  • Two ADB ports accommodate a mouse on either side

Cons

  • No separate function-key row or editing cluster
  • Requires an Apple Desktop Bus connection

Closest rivals

Model
LayoutSwitchesBacklightBatteryConnects byWeightReleased
Full sizeMechanicalNone–Cable–1990
Full sizeMembraneNone–Cable1200 gApr 1994
Full sizeMechanicalNone–Cable1000 g1987

Previous model: Apple Keyboard (M0116). Newer model: AppleDesign Keyboard.

Sources

  1. savagetaylor.com/TIL/TIL09446.pdf
  2. savagetaylor.com/TIL/TIL09447.pdf
  3. deskauthority.saberkeebs.com/wiki.themk.org/index.php/Apple_Keyboard_II.html

Photo: images-bucket.bonanzastatic.com

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