- published: 05 Apr 2015
- views: 341307
The Apple Keyboard is a keyboard designed by Apple first for the Apple line, then the Macintosh line of computers. Dozens of models have been released over time, including the widely admired[citation needed]Apple Extended Keyboard.
There are currently two basic models of keyboards offered, a full-sized version using USB and the Apple Wireless Keyboard, similar to the USB model but connecting via Bluetooth and without a numeric keypad. All three share a similar look and feel, based on a very thin aluminum chassis and laptop-style low-profile keys. All three sit much closer to the surface than traditional keyboard designs.
To serve the functionality of the Mac OS (and because of historical differences), the Apple Keyboard's layout differs somewhat from that of the more ubiquitous IBM PC keyboard, mainly in its modifier and special keys. Features different from other keyboards include:
The Macintosh keyboards are somewhat reminiscent of the keyboards used for the Apple II.
Apple's very first offering, the Apple I, was initially sold as a naked PCB without a keyboard (or a case), although some resellers and users fitted their own cases with built-in keyboards and Apple cooperated with at least one such reseller.