Editing Apple Design Keyboard (section)

== Physical Design ==

=== Case Construction ===

The keyboard employed a simplified two-piece case design:
* '''Upper housing:''' Single-piece ABS plastic in Platinum gray or black
* '''Lower housing:''' Flat base with integrated cable channel
* '''Assembly:''' 3-8 screws depending on variant (NMB: 8 screws, Alps: 3 screws)
* '''Feet:''' Two long rubber strips, non-adjustable
* '''Cable routing:''' Fixed cable with strain relief molded into case

=== Keyboard Layout ===

Standard 105-key ANSI layout with Apple-specific modifications:
* '''Function keys:''' F1-F15 (15 keys versus standard 12)
* '''Modifier keys:''' Command (⌘), Option, Control on both sides
* '''Power key:''' Separate key with distinctive rectangular keycap
* '''Navigation cluster:''' Six-key inverted-T configuration
* '''Numeric keypad:''' Standard 17-key with equals sign

=== Keycap Specifications ===
[[File:AppleDesign Keyboard (NMB,B) -- keystem orientation.jpg|alt=AppleDesign Keyboard Keycaps|thumb|259x259px|AppleDesign Keyboard Keycaps]]
Keycap materials and manufacturing varied significantly by production facility:

'''Alps Mexico production:'''
* Material: ABS plastic
* Legends: Pad printed
* Profile: Modified cylindrical
* Durability: Prone to legend wear

'''Alps Czech Republic production:'''
* Material: PBT plastic
* Legends: Dye sublimated
* Profile: Modified cylindrical
* Durability: Superior wear resistance

'''NMB Thailand production:'''
* Material: ABS plastic
* Legends: Laser etched
* Profile: Cylindrical with distinct texture
* Mount: Proprietary slider incompatible with Alps

'''China production:'''
* Material: ABS plastic
* Legends: Pad printed or laser etched
* Profile: Varies by specific manufacturer
* Quality: Inconsistent across batches