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An Apple keyboard is a computer keyboard designed for Mac OS, and usually made by Apple Computer. Its keyboard layout differs from an IBM PC keyboard in several places. Namely, an Apple keyboard has:
- A delete key (PC: Backspace) and a forward delete key (PC: Delete).
- Different modifier keys: option key, allowing for additional characters and command key, for system commands.
- The Addition of 4 keys to the top of the numpad layout (including three volume keys - softer, louder, mute - and an eject key)
- Two USB ports (with the exception of Bluetooth and older ADB keyboards, which had an ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) port for the connection of the mouse).
- From 1995 to 2001 there had a power button near the top left corner, generally above or inline the F-keys. The key existed prior to 1995, but was only used as part of the Mac/Apple three finger salute. It was removed from the USB keyboards in 2001, because the key was not supported to force a reboot on the system by a limitation of USB.
Up until 1998, Apple keyboards were beige. The release of the original iMac introduced the semi-translucent style of colored plastic laptop sized keyboard that was used until 2001. When Apple introduce the G4 Cube in 2000, they created a full-sized keyboard, with black keys and a clear back, and removing the PowerKey to the dismay of many. When Apple introduced a Bluetooth keyboard in 2003, they redesigned the keyboard with white keys, a 16th function key. This keyboard was originally only shipped with iMac and eMac computers, but over the course of a year, it replaced the black keyboard on the PowerMac machines as well. Apple continues to use the opaque white style in their desktop machines and for sale individually, both in wired and wireless (Bluetooth) versions.
Compatibility
Apple's USB keyboards are compatiable with Windows computers; the command key works as the Windows key, and the help key works as the insert key. The volume keys function as they would on a Macintosh, and the eject key has no function.
The USB keyboard can also be used on Playstation 2 game consoles. However, one requires an extension if using the black or white keyboards, or one of the older colored keyboards if was made for an iMac.
Problems and Complaints
Apple's current line of Keyboards have a bad reputation for collecting things in its base, along the likes of food crumbs, hair and dust. While most keyboards also collect the same particles in everyday situations, the Apple keyboard's clear base and white plastic make the particles very noticeable.
People have also complained about the cheap feel the white keyboard has over its black cousin, which is still quite popular in many circles.
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