Figuring out a new keyboard

[Cinematic]

I've used a old, old Mac keyboard for years:

A1048, white, 109 keys, USB 1.1 and USB 2.0) In May 2003, the keyboard underwent a major redesign which eliminated the frame enclosing the keys while adding an F16 key and moving the USB ports to the back. This revision also renamed the device as just the 'Apple Keyboard', thus dropping 'Pro' from the commercial name, but the complete name 'Apple Pro Keyboard' is always used in internal technical information, as seen in the System Information app for example. The A1048 was updated in 2005 with USB 2.0 ports replacing the USB 1.1 ports. The A1048 was available only in white until it was again redesigned in 2007.

But it is finally giving up the ghost after umpteen years of use. New keyboards come with sundry descriptors about how clicky the keys are, and so on. How does this classic Mac keyboard rate in the context of all the various contemporary terms? Knowing this would be a big help as I select a replacement external keyboard. Thanks all,

RC

 

[Cinematic]

Wired lists these descriptors:

No matter who makes them, switches typically come in one of three varieties:

• Clicky switches typically have very little resistance mid-stroke, followed by a sharp click as you press the key all the way down.
• Tactile switches behave similarly but have a less pronounced click after that mid-stroke resistance.
• Linear switches feel smooth, quick, and sensitive—like hair triggers on a game controller.

My best guess this old Mac keyboard has "Tactile switches" but I'm terrible at reading such descriptions and linking them to what my fingers feel and ears hear.

 

[KaliYoni]

Wired lists these descriptors:

No matter who makes them, switches typically come in one of three varieties:

• Clicky switches typically have very little resistance mid-stroke, followed by a sharp click as you press the key all the way down.
• Tactile switches behave similarly but have a less pronounced click after that mid-stroke resistance.
• Linear switches feel smooth, quick, and sensitive—like hair triggers on a game controller.

My best guess this old Mac keyboard has "Tactile switches" but I'm terrible at reading such descriptions and linking them to what my fingers feel and ears hear.

It is none of those. The A1048 is a membrane, not key switch, keyboard.

 

[Cinematic]

It is none of those. The A1048 is a membrane, not key switch, keyboard.

Aha! That explains why my guess was only close to what this old keyboard feels like. Thanks for the intel! Now I have to figure out which of the Wired descriptions sounds like it'll work, or whether I should find a similar membrane keyboard.

 

[chadamorrill]

I'm pretty picky about my keyboards. For instance, I very much prefer the short throw of the butterfly keyboard on the old Mac laptops, albeit found them as unreliable as everyone else. The Macbook Air M1 keyboard is fine, but the throw is a bit longer that I think I'd prefer. In my previous role, I controlled the budget as well as the approval for all IT purchases, so it was pretty nice to get to try a few different desktop keyboard options and get one I liked, making sure a few other folks got my hand-me-downs (upgrades for them). Ended up (surprise) with the Apple magic keyboard w/numberpad.

When I started my new gig working from home, I decided to take a risk on the Logitech MX Keys S (with numberpad, NOT mechanical) (we're a non-Mac shop, unfortunately). I was worried that the throw would be too long, and it did take some getting used, to, but I'm really loving it. The keys are nicely spaced apart, and the feel is much more touch than is fully depressing each key and waiting for the solid click.

I don't have an A1048, but I do have an M7803 sitting right here. The throw is slightly shorter on the MX (although a lot closer than I thought it was going to be), and in my opinion, the MX is easier to type on because the keys are more separated due to the smaller key caps.

Keyboards are such a personal choice, but hope this helps!