Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard
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This article requires additional photographic illustration — replacement orange Alps photo set (more open licensing and photos of the PCB, ICs and caps lock switch), and a replacement set of photos of the salmon Alps keyboard that actually show the switches, as the missing photos will not be added to the existing photo set |
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| Model no. | A9M0330 (except older Alps version) |
|---|---|
| Part number | 658-4081 (older Alps version) |
| FCC ID |
BCG5ARA9M0330 (newer Alps version) BCG47FA9M0330 (SMK version) |
| Branding | Apple |
| Manufacturer | Alps Electric, SMK |
| Keyswitches |
Alps SKCM Orange Alps SKCM Salmon SMK Alps mount |
| Interface | Apple Desktop Bus |
| Years of production | 1986–1992 |
The Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard was sold with the Apple IIGS computer; as such, it is often referred to as the Apple IIGS Keyboard.
The Apple IIGS and its keyboard were the first Apple products to have:
- Apple Desktop Bus, including an extra port for a daisy-chained connection to the Apple Desktop Bus Mouse
- Power button on the keyboard
- "Platinum" design
Contents
Variants
Alps
Made in Japan. Alps SKCM Orange and Salmon switches. Caps lock is Alps SKCL Lock; in one orange Alps version, this switch is cream.[1] The change to salmon Alps may coincide with the apparent discontinuation of orange Alps around 1991.
Most instances of these keyboards have a simple label, with part number 658-4081.[2] At some stage, the rear label was brought in line with the Taiwan-made version; these are labelled as model A9M0330 as per the SMK version.[3] It would appear that the keyboards with the new label are the ones with salmon Alps switches, but this is presently speculation.
The yellowing characteristics suggest ABS for the case and space bar, and a different material (e.g. PBT) for the remaining keys.[4]
Orange Alps
This is likely the earlier version from Alps, with a simple rear label and orange Alps switches.
Top
Bottom
Rear label
Orange Alps switch
Salmon Alps
There appears to be correspondence between the use of salmon Alps switches and the revised rear label that matches the label found on the SMK-made version.
Top view
Bottom view
Right side profile
Left side profile
ADB port detail
Detail of Apple logo and power key
Opening case
Without case
Controller, dated 9041
PCB
PCB detail showing Apple Computer logo
PCB detail showing ALPS logo
Product label; note the newer design
SMK
Made in Taiwan, with white tactile SMK Alps mount switches.[5] The PCB has an SMK part number (2J-M9020-02B), and Apple's Technical Procedures refers to the switches as being SMK.[6] The SMK version has double-shot moulded keycaps, which are slightly darker in colour than the Alps version.
The example below is from ca. 1988, while MouseFan's example is from 1987.
Some key caps removed
SMK switches exposed
Close up of locking SMK key switch on left
Keyboard controller, dated 8844
Rear label
Keyboard assembly rear
Rear of PCB
PCB markings
External links
- Apple IIGS on Wikipedia.
- Geekhack — Keyboards with ADB port
References
- ↑ Think Different — Apple II gs Keyboard수리 II
- ↑ Deskthority — Apple Desktop Bus Keyboards (or Apple IIGS)
- ↑ 바람,별,구름 — Apple iigs 신품
- ↑ Flickr — Newton Keyboard Size vs. Apple IIgs Keyboard
- ↑ Mousefan — Apple A9M0330 ADB TAIWAN
- ↑ ftp.apple.asimov.net — Apple IIGS Technical Procedures (page 5.10)
