Editing Apple Numeric Keypad IIe

{{Infobox computer peripheral
| image = [[File:Apple Numeric Keypad IIe.jpg]]
| caption = Apple Numeric Keypad IIe (Model A2M2003)
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type = Numeric keypad
| released = 1983
| discontinued = 1987
| price = US$75
| interface = DB-15
| compatible = Apple IIe
| dimensions = ~165 mm × 105 mm × 40 mm
| weight = ~250 g
| predecessor = [[Apple Numeric Keypad II]]
| successor = Built-in keypad (Platinum IIe)
| model = A2M2003
}}

The '''Apple Numeric Keypad IIe''' (model A2M2003) was Apple's first standalone external keyboard accessory, released in 1983 for the [[Apple IIe]]. It provided numeric entry, cursor control, and mathematical functions in a compact unit. The keypad used Alps mechanical switches in early production and Alps integrated dome switches in later units.

== Design ==

=== Physical Construction ===
The keypad uses a rounded ABS plastic clamshell case:
* Fixed 7-degree typing angle
* Four screws on bottom (two exposed, two under rubber feet)
* Apple logo in lower-left corner
* DB-15 connector cable (fixed, not detachable)

Case dimensions: approximately 165 mm × 105 mm × 40 mm.

=== Layout ===
The keypad features 24 keys arranged in a 6 × 4 grid:

'''Left column (navigation):'''
* Escape
* Left arrow
* Right arrow
* Space (1u)

'''Center cluster (numeric):'''
* Standard 0-9 layout
* 1.5u zero key at bottom left
* Comma
* Decimal point

'''Right columns (functions):'''
* Open parenthesis, Close parenthesis
* Minus, Divided by
* Plus, Multiply
* Return, Print (displayed as "?")

The Print key (?) was shorthand for the AppleSoft BASIC PRINT statement.

=== Switches ===
Two switch variants exist:

'''Early production (1982):'''
* Alps SKCC Tall Black mechanical switches
* Double-shot PBT keycaps
* Larger capitalized white legends

'''Later production (1983+):'''
* Alps black cross mount integrated dome switches
* Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps
* Smaller dark legends

Per Apple switch part numbers, the official specification called for SMK short stem switches (presumably SMK J-M0404 series), but actual units examined contain Alps switches.

== Connection ==

The Numeric Keypad IIe connects via a DB-15 connector to an internal header on the Apple IIe motherboard. A custom cable routes from the DB-15 to an 11-pin female header inside the computer.

=== Pinout ===
The keyboard uses an X/Y matrix configuration:
* 11 pins for matrix scanning
* Ground connections
* No active electronics in the keypad

Detailed pinout information is documented in the Apple II wiki and QMK firmware repository.

== Specifications ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Parameter !! Value
|-
| Model number || A2M2003
|-
| Keys || 24
|-
| Layout || 6 × 4 grid
|-
| Switches || Alps SKCC (early) / Alps integrated dome (later)
|-
| Keycaps || PBT (double-shot or dye-sublimated)
|-
| Interface || DB-15 to 11-pin header
|-
| Case material || ABS plastic
|-
| Case color || Beige (Apple IIe matching)
|-
| Typing angle || 7 degrees (fixed)
|}

== Packaging ==

The keypad shipped in a white box with gray graphics containing:
* Numeric Keypad IIe unit
* Operations Manual
* Service wrench
* VisiCalc compatibility notice

== USB Conversion ==

The Numeric Keypad IIe can be converted for use with modern computers using QMK firmware:

'''Required hardware:'''
* ATmega32U4 microcontroller (Arduino Micro, Pro Micro, Elite-C, Teensy 2.0)
* DB-15 breakout board
* Jumper wires

'''Firmware:'''
QMK includes a converter profile at `/keyboards/converter/numeric_keypad_IIe` with complete pinout documentation and default keymap.

The conversion preserves the original keyboard while adding USB HID capability.

== Maintenance ==

=== Disassembly ===
# Remove two exposed screws from rear bottom
# Peel back rubber feet to access front screws
# Remove front screws
# Separate case halves carefully

=== Switch Cleaning ===
'''Mechanical (SKCC) version:'''
* Open switch housing (4 tabs)
* Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol
* Check spring condition
* Reassemble

'''Dome version:'''
* Clean around domes with compressed air
* Do not remove dome sheet
* Clean keycap stems

=== Keycap Removal ===
Use a wire keycap puller. The Alps mount is compatible with standard Alps pullers. Avoid twisting during removal.

== Collecting ==

=== Switch Variants ===
The mechanical SKCC version is more sought after by keyboard enthusiasts:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Version !! Switches !! Keycaps !! Rarity
|-
| Early (1982) || Alps SKCC Tall Black || Double-shot PBT || Less common
|-
| Later (1983+) || Alps integrated dome || Dye-sub PBT || More common
|}

=== Condition Assessment ===
* '''Mint:''' Complete with box and documentation
* '''Excellent:''' Clean, functional, original keycaps
* '''Good:''' Functional, minor yellowing or wear
* '''Fair:''' Functional but significant wear
* '''Poor:''' Non-functional, missing keycaps, or broken case

=== Identification ===
* Check keycap legend style (larger = mechanical version)
* Remove a keycap to verify switch type
* Early production has SKCC switches with visible spring

== Legacy ==

The Numeric Keypad IIe was Apple's first standalone external keyboard product. When the Platinum Apple IIe launched in 1987, it incorporated a built-in numeric keypad, eliminating the need for the external accessory.

The keypad's layout influenced the later Macintosh Numeric Keypad (M0120), though that product used different switches and a telephone-cord connector.

== See Also ==
* [[Apple Numeric Keypad II]]
* [[Macintosh Numeric Keypad]]
* [[Apple IIe]]

== References ==
* Neatnik.net — Numeric Keypad IIe documentation
* Deskthority wiki — Apple Numeric Keypad IIe
* QMK Firmware repository — converter documentation
* Geekhack forums — user photos and analysis

[[Category:Apple Vintage Accessories]]

{{Navbox-AppleVintageAccessories}}