Review: The New Apple Keyboard

Thanks for the review. I’ve heard that the USB ports, despite being 2.0, can’t power an iPod (although the page at the Apple site specifically mentions iPods when talking about the keyboard ports). Is that true?

    +1

Apple has always made keyboards that “feel good” but are functionally inept and virtually useless… this latest keyboard proves the old theory correct. The key response is great, the lack of programmable keys, the quirky spacing, the height (or lack of it) isn’t enough - making it uncomfortable to use for extended times. Then toss in that the wireless model lacks even the little customization the wired version has with the numeric keypad, tiny F-keys and lack of USB and you’re left scratching your head.

I just don’t understand why Apple (steve jobs) is such a pig-headed idiot when it comes to the keyboard and mouse. People don’t want this crap (the mighty mouse included), they want a keyboard that has 10-12 PROGRAMMABLE keys such as Mail, Web, Music, iChat, Pictures, and full iTunes control such as back/next, pause/play and stop along with volume control. My microsoft keyboard has them, why doesn’t my apple keyboard have them? And don’t even get me started on the mouse…

    -16

@Jim: I agree with you about Apple’s useless Mighty Mouse but not everyone likes programmable keys. I have never once found them useful and they end up just adding bulk to the keyboard.

I think I like the new keyboard and it looks like finally a design that won’t get too much crap lodged inside/under keys etc means it might actually last a few months. Having said that, I still haven’t spotted one of these in Bangkok but I will be out to find one tommorow on a trip to SIngapore where they have a decent Apple reseller.

I still think I might prefer to use one of these though as membrane style/laptop keyboards are always a bit too mushy for my liking. Yeah and what about the power abilities of the USB ports…?

(subscribed to comments)     +5

First, no, the keyboard’s USB ports don’t power the iPod or iPhone. This is also true with the old keyboard. So nothing really changed there.

Second, I have been using the new keyboard since it arrived from Apple, and I’m not having any problems with typing for long periods of time. In fact, thanks to the keys not sticking on the way down like my old (1 year) Apple keyboard, I am faster and less error prone.

Jim, You and even people you know may like keyboards with useless keys that will start mail programs or a browser. Most if not all the folks I know want a keyboard to enter text with. I launch all the programs you mentioned via my keyboard with very few keystrokes thanks to programs like QuickSilver and LaunchBar. We don’t need a special key on the keyboard to do that.

As for programmable keys. If you don’t like the keys that Apple choose for you, disable them via System Preferences and “program” them yourself. You will have “19″ keys to program to your hearts content. That’s way more than the old Apple keyboard.

I have to assume that you don’t actually have the new keyboard or have even seen it in person since you don’t seem to know that Apple added keys to go back a song, forward a song, pause/play the current track as well as adjust the volume and mute. Expose and Dashboard are only 2 of the keys that Apple pre-programmed. If you have the new keyboard hooked up to a notebook computer, they also have dim and brighten keys for the brightness of the display on the notebook. All that, and there are still 9 keys left over to “program” to your hearts content.

On a small sidenote… The Mighty Mouse is almost perfect. There are two killer problems with it. One is that the “track wheel” is too sensitive. It’s great for scrolling around, but if you want to use it for a button, the act of clicking it causes a scroll to occur which really annoys me. The other problem is that the mouse can’t detect that both the left and right mouse buttons are being pressed at the same time. It assumes that if I have my fingers on both sides of the mouse, I’m a stupid user and assumes that I really want a left click. So gaming with the Mighty Mouse is not a possibility.

I have always hated the way that Apple mice click. I have never understood why Apple (Steve) thinks that their (his) users (followers) want mice that work the way they do. Apple has always had problems designing mice. Just think back to the “Puck” mouse. ::shiver::

    +2

I have the new keyboard, and couldn’t disagree more with this review. Instead of tiring faster on the new style, the lower profile and short, solid travel of the keys are actually easier on my hands. The low profile brings your hands into better alignment with your arms, which helps to prevent fatigue in your wrists. I can type much longer and more comfortably on this keyboard than I could on the old one.

The new keys also eliminate the horrible “mushiness” which plagued the old keyboard. Key travel is short and solid, so you can be confident that every keystroke has registered.

I’ve had zero difficulty adapting to the new keys. In fact, I’m much more accurate on this new style than I was on the old. If you’re losing your place on the keyboard, having to constantly check where your fingers are, then there’s a pretty good chance that you’re not much of a touch-typer in the first place.

As for the “quirky spacing,” Jim, please take a look at both keyboards with a ruler. The center-to-center spacing of the keys is identical to a traditional keyboard. Down to the millimeter. Measure it yourself. If this new keyboard has quirky spacing, then Apple keyboards have had quirky spacing for years.

And iTunes controls and volume are right there on the keys, Jim. You don’t have dedicated buttons for iChat and Mail (the horror), but you can easily set up hot key triggers for any program you wish with free utilities such as Quicksilver. I have hot keys set up for over a dozen apps, and I greatly prefer that to having tacky dedicated keys all over my keyboard.

I have to wonder if the reviewer spent more than a few minutes with the keyboard before reviewing it, and whether commenter Jim has even seen one, let alone used it.

Having used one of these new keyboards for over a week, I’m pleased to report that, for me, it’s a fantastic upgrade over the old Apple Keyboard. I’d suggest that readers take a look at the user reviews on the online Apple Store. Of the people who have actually seen and used one, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

(subscribed to comments)     +6

This keyboard works fine; less finger pressure is required, and less delay. I even got rid of the wrist rest - one less thing to clean.
I contacted iSkin, and received a reply from Iris Huang that they will have a keyboard cover available very soon.

    +3

USB power issues: Apple has revised their Keyboard page on their web site. Before, it unequivocally listed an iPod in the list of devices you could plug into this keyboard’s USB ports. Within the last couple of days, it’s been changed. It now reads as follows:
——————————–
Two USB 2.0 ports enable you to easily connect your Mighty Mouse as well as a high-speed peripheral such as a digital camera or printer.*

*Devices that draw high power from the USB connection, such as iPods, hard drives and some flash drives, can only be used with the new keyboard when it is attached to the aluminum iMac.
——————————-
So that explains my confusion, as someone who has only read about these. Originally, Apple said the keyboard would power iPods. Now, they’ve made it clear that it will ONLY when attached to the new iMacs. Considering how stingy Apple is with USB ports on iMacs, this is helpful to know.

    +6

The two USB ports on the new keyboard are left unused in my case. I use a USB hub to charge/connect my various gadgets.

I am keeping to my word when I said it makes my hands tired. I prefer to type on my cheap tradition keyboard when I’m writing a school paper or something lengthy. Apple’s first priority on this keyboard was to make it look cool.

Thanks for the comments!

    -3

Loren, Your article makes it sound like anyone using the keyboard for long periods of time will be fatigued. I would suggest changing the text so that it stats that “you” find it tiring. Just because you find it tiring, doesn’t mean others will. Unless you have been doing studies with a decent sampling of users to base the statement on.

    +1

“The Apple keyboard is in no way a keyboard for people who do large amounts of writing”

Anyone with a MacBook could’ve told you that. I really dislike the keyboard I’m typing on now. And Dave, it’s definitely tiring. Part of that is probably due to the fact that it is so radically different from any other keyboard I’ve ever used. I’ve no doubt that if I used this keyboard and no other for the next year I’d probably get used to it. But there’s more to it than that. Right now the wrist and joints of my left hand are aching (which they weren’t before I started typing this). I certainly wouldn’t want to write my next story on this keyboard. I’d be in crippling pain before the 10,000 word mark.

I’ve got an (old) Apple Pro keyboard (with black keys - that’s how old it is) which works perfectly well after all these years. It’s my daily use keyboard. No fatigue, no pain, just pure typing enjoyment. I’d be even happier if I could find an ADB/USB adaptor so I could start using my old Apple Keyboard II, which is possibly the single finest keyboard Apple ever made. Mine is over fifteen years old and still going strong on my IIsi (which is ALSO still working perfectly, as it happens).

But in the end, people need to use what works for them. The MacBook keyboard does not work well for me, and neither I suspect will the new Apple Keyboard. If they work for you, then I say good for you!

    +1

I’ve been using the keyboard for a couple of days now and I really don’t like it. I guess I’ve gotten used to the regular keyboards. I’m going to stick with my $30 dollar Logitech keyboard

Dave. M, I agree with you in some respect, but it’s a blog post, not a medical study.

    +0

I typed for a long period of time at the apple store on this new keyboard and really liked it. I’ve become used to typing on laptop keyboards and actually type faster on them then regular keyboards. This was probably the nicest typing keyboard I’ve ever typed on.

Apple doesn’t have a great history making great keyboards and mice. I usually replace them with something from Logitech, Microsoft, etc., so this was a welcomed surprised.

Just wish the USB version had the 10 key =[

    +1

Gotta say that I absolutely love this keyboard. Then again, I’m a big fan of the MacBook keyboard as well. It’s perfectly spaced for me, and if my wrists had lips, they would kiss Johnathan Ive for this design.

    +5

I picked up the new keyboard as soon as one of my local Apple stores had in in stock. I love the new keyboard as does my wife and two kids! I feel that elegant Macintosh computers deserve an elegant keyboard. The older keyboard now seems like last century’s design. The two USB ports come in handy for my trackball and my iLok key. My only wish is that Apple considers selling an illuminated version of the keyboard. There are many of us who enjoy using our Macs late in the evening when the lights are low. An illuminated version would be a godsend! Keep the great products coming Apple! My local Apple stores are always packed!

(subscribed to comments)     +2

Chris K, An illuminated keyboard would be awesome. My friend has an illuminated gaming keyboard and it’s pretty sweet.

I wish Apple would make more peripherals. Computer speakers or an Apple design usb hub would be cool.

    +3

Good choice going with the USB model. I MAY get both of them, as I can’t see myself using the wireless model full-time, since its missing the # pad. It would be ace as a remote or something in media situations- and for showing off. ;D

    +2

Back to the Mighty Mouse: Long ago, I switched to a trackball because of space limitations and arthritis. The Kensington Expert Mouse p[lugs into my keyboard’s USB port, and the four keys can be programmed to your needs. The scroll is less than desired; however, I’ll take that inconvenience for the ease in setting up the trackball to compensate for my arthritic fingers.

(subscribed to comments)     +0

I agree more with the commenters than the reviewer. I bought this keyboard with the full intention of doing extended typing, as I am a writer. What led me down this road?

I have a Mac Pro with the old white keyboard. Like many on Apple-related forums, I have complained about how the old keyboard keys would sometimes stick momentarily halfway down, which tended to make rapid typing a bit less pleasant. It was also loud.

Secondly, I got used to the keyboard on the PowerBook. I and many other writers have banged out thousands of pages on Apple’s laptop keyboards. We don’t have a problem at all with low-profile keys, provided that they are built properly.

Some writers prefer the loud keys of classic keyboards, which have a very satisfying action. But after many years on a good laptop keyboard, many of us have gotten used to the quiet, subtle action of a low-profile keyboard, and are no longer comfortable with the noise and longer travel of the traditional keys.

So now I write using the new slim keyboard for my Mac Pro. The only quibble I have is the key shape, which of course is MacBook like. I would prefer a better tactile transition between adjacent keys, and more concave key tops, but otherwise, it’s great, and comfortable, and I expect to type another few thousand pages with the new slim aluminum Apple keyboard that as a bonus, matches my Mac Pro better than the old keyboard.

    +4

I’m a technical writer (for 25+ years now), and I really like the new keyboard. *I* don’t find that I tire sooner using it. The more I use it, the better I like it.

The early comment that “Apple has always made keyboards that “feel good” but are functionally inept and virtually useless” is more than a little puzzling, though I might understand it a bit if the poster in question hasn’t been an Apple user for very long.

Which could explain not knowing about keyboard like the Apple Extended Keyboard II, for instance. I’ve got three of them stashed away as backups, and as long as the ADB-to-USB adapter still works, I’ll be able to use them. That keyboard typically rates in the top two or three best computer keyboards ever, not just among Apple’s keyboards.

    +2

There’s only one key for Exposé?

Last I checked there were three keys for activating Exposé:
F9 - Show all windows
F10 - Show all windows of active application
F11 - Hide all windows, reveal desktop

Which function does the new F3 activate (I’m assuming F9)? Personally, I use F11 the most, followed by F10.

–dak

(subscribed to comments)     -2

I have to agree with DanM. I don’t own the new keyboard, but using at the Apple Store felt great precisely because it felt like a laptop keyboard. I have the Matias Tactile Pro, which many users consider an ideal USB keyboard; it was designed to imitate the old Apple extended keyboard II. And it does, but the problem for me is, I’ve done so much typing on Apple laptops for so long now that it’s just too hard to make the transition back to the old style. It’s a far sight better than the previous Apple keyboards of the past few years, but I find laptop style keyboards better for me. Of course, keyboards are notoriously idiosyncratic because writers’ typing styles vary so much.
So… anyone want to trade one of the new Apple keyboards for a Matias Tactile Pro with very few miles on it?
Oh, BTW, there is a company that makes an illuminated keyboard for the Mac; I can’t recall the name at the moment but I bet Google would track it down in a flash.

(subscribed to comments)     +1

I actually think that the new keyboard is very nice to use. It is very easy to touchtype on and, I think that some people should think before they type. So far after about two or three hours of using it, I have only mistyped twice, and comparing that to the old keyboard, where I would have mistyped at least 15 or 16 times, I think that the new keyboard is a very big improvement to the last.

(subscribed to comments)     +2

Really like the new keyboard design and typing feel. Unfortunately I can’t use it as it will not work (even as a “plain” keyboard) through a KVM switch. (I was also unable to get the keyboard update software to recognize it on my MBP.)

    +0

i like it, looks cool and similar to macbook keyboard which i really like.

but will it stand up to a spill? something the old apple keyboard didn’t stand up to. compared to my dell keyboard which has had a pint of water and cup of tea split on it and it still works.

    +0

I don’t know why many people are really complaining about “lack of USB power.” Have anyone seen any keyboard attached USB port provides the full speed USB 2.0 spec?

I’ve changed lot of IBM based PC keyboard and apple’s but there is no such a powerful usb 2.0 equipped keyboard.

If you know apple keyboard is a also usb keyboard and the usb power cable is shared to its operation, you would know why you won’t get a full speed usb 2.0 spec from the keyboard usb port.

If the keyboard has to provide a full speed usb 2.0 spec usb port, it should have another cable dedicated for that usb port. That would cause very aweful look “thick” cable configuration.

(subscribed to comments)     +0

I walked into an Apple Store this past week for the first time in several months. You see, I have to keep away from the store or I’d be broke. Anyway, I saw the “new” Mac keyboard and just had to have it. Of course, I tried it out in the store and immediately fell in love. I type over 100 wpm (fairly accurately) and as soon as I tried this keyboard, I knew accuracy would be improved.

I too, was raised in the PC environment and learned to work on a tactile keyboard. A little over a year ago, I purchased a Matias Tactile Pro USB Keyboard for my Mac which behaves very much like the Apple Extended Keyboard II; however, many of the keys became sticky and just plain stopped working.

Alas, somewhat downhearted I returned to the original keyboard that came with my Mac. Until last week. After trying this “new” keyboard for several hours, I found that I just had to return to the Apple Store and purchase three more keyboards for the Macs in my office. A truly satisfying and worthwhile investment.

BTW, if you need to clean this (or any other) keyboard, just a dab of regular old rubbing alcohol in a cotton ball or soft paper towel does the trick!

    +0

I too have to do a lot of writing in form of emailing, and i have to say that i can type much faster with this keyboard and that i am more accurate then with various other keyboards i have used over the years ( ms,logitech,apple ).
I have to say that it took me a few days to get used to it.
If you have problems with your fingers from writing too much give it a try.

Its so good that that the keys on the macbook pro fell just - cheap.

    +0

I just now noticed something weird with the new keyboard and the (mighty) mouse connected to it - and the iPod also connected (but directly to one of the iMac USB ports): The left mouse click doesn’t seem to work as fast as it usually does, in fact the reaction to left mouse clicks is quite slow. This behaviour even stays after ‘ejecting’ the iPod (nano).
It’s only after physically unplugging the iPod that the left mouse clicks return to normal quick responsiveness.
Has anyone else experienced this? - Or should I talk to my brain expert?

    +3

i just got this keyboard because i spilt coffie on my old one
:/
and i hate it.
it is so much harder to type fast which sucks when you have to type a 16 page government report.

    -1

This is the ultimate Mac keyboard. I absolutely love it!

(subscribed to comments)     +1

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    -2

i got the new keyboard as a christmas gift and though it has many upsides, the MAJOR downside is the placement of the USB Ports. i work in audio production and use multiple dongles. i also have a USB port running as well.

the actual profile placement (height) of the USB ports isn’t large enough to accomodate the size of a dongle. if i use the USB ports on the keyboard, the weight of the keyboard along with the weight of my tapping the keys puts undo pressure on the plastic housings of the dongles and over time may crack the dongle. dongle replacement is a tough process, and i can ill afford a crushed dongle in front of paying clients.

i wish that the next generation of keyboard could have a little taller profile in order to support easy and quick dongle placement on the keyboard.

(subscribed to comments)     +0

I just bought this keyboard for no reason other than it looked cool. I love it so far, the keys are great and, like many others, find typing to be quicker and more efficient. One major complaint i have is the inability to adjust the height. I have a wacom tablet that sits directly in front of my keyboard and find that the keyboard is so low that the nearest keys are difficult if not impossible to access. I now have to buy some small rubber pads to raise the keyboard up the half inch needed to clear my tablet.
Mine situation may be unique, but the height adjustment on such a low profile keyboard should have been considered, and would have been easily implemented with retractable legs or something similar.

(subscribed to comments)     +0

Six months so far, keys still clean

    +0

I just bought one of the Apple wireless keyboards, so we’ll see how it goes.

    +0

I just got the wired one and I am loving it!

    +0

Great keyboard. All my friends are envious of it. Works great, looks great. Gives you what you need, not a bunch of goofy techno geek extras.

    -1