Apple Design Keyboard
| AppleDesign Keyboard | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| AppleDesign Keyboard M2980 (ISO layout) | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. (made by NMB and Alps Electric) |
| Type | Computer keyboard |
| Release date | 1994 |
| Interface | Apple Desktop Bus |
| Compatible | ADB-equipped Macintosh computers |
| Predecessor | Apple Extended Keyboard II |
| Successor | Apple USB Keyboard |
| Model | M2980 |
The AppleDesign Keyboard (model M2980) was Apple's first low-cost full-size Macintosh keyboard, full-size meaning it has a function-key row and a navigation cluster. It was introduced in 1994, uses rubber domes where the Apple Extended Keyboard II it replaced used Alps mechanical switches, and was followed by the Apple USB Keyboard. The FCC ID is BCGM-2980.[1]
Most were made in "platinum" beige; a black version was shipped with the black Macintosh models. Most have a fixed cable, which Deskthority reports is Apple's official specification; some production runs are reported to have had detachable cables and Alps-compatible sliders. The keyboard has one downstream ADB port for a mouse or other device.[1]
Variants
There are at least four internal designs. They look alike from outside, but the keycap mount differs between them, so keycaps are not interchangeable, and the number of screw holes in the case differs.[1]
| Variant | Case screws | Domes and switches | Keycaps | Other markers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NMB dome with slider, "Version A" | 4 | white NMB sliders over bright yellow domes | Option keys 1 u; black barrel plate; long, wide rubber feet; controller marked "NMB16R2677" | |
| NMB dome with slider, "Version B" | 8 | white NMB sliders over bright yellow domes | shorter, each with a post | Option keys 1.25 u; stepped Caps Lock (1.5:0.25); beige barrel plate; homing keys (D, K, numpad 5) have stems rotated 90°; long, narrow feet |
| Alps dome with slider | 3 | Alps "Type 2" dome with slider | OEM profile; Mexico: pad-printed ABS; Czech Republic: dye-sublimated PBT | thin metal plate held to the membrane assembly by melted plastic rivets; bottom row 1.5/1.25/1.5/6.5/1.5/1.25/1.5 u; Caps Lock slider offset to line up with Tab |
| Alps membrane dome | clear loose domes in a self-contained membrane module; dome housings identical to the Alps KFRF-1 | integrated mount | curved black key mounting plate; controller marked "©APPLE, Inc"; 39 screws on the back of the membrane module |
Three screw holes on the bottom of the case identify the Alps dome-with-slider board.[1]
Construction
NMB variants
The upper shell carries white NMB sliders over bright yellow domes. The keyboard controller is marked "NMB16R2677", which is part of the reason the keyboard is attributed to NMB. The fixed cable exits through a cable channel.[1] On Version B the stems of D, K and numpad 5 are rotated 90°, so note their orientation before removing them.[1]
Alps dome with slider
The metal plate is fixed to the membrane assembly by melted plastic rivets, not screws, so the plate cannot be separated without cutting them. The stabiliser wires are hinged on the keys and slide in recesses in the membrane assembly.[1]
Alps membrane dome
The self-contained membrane module screws to the base of the keyboard. It has three membrane layers, the upper one printed with Alps branding, and loose clear domes. The 39 screws on the back of the module apply the pressure that holds the membrane sheets together, so all of them need to be refitted evenly.[1]
ADB
The M2980 is an encoded ADB device, and keyboards default to ADB address $02.[2] All devices on one bus together may draw no more than 500 mA, cables should be no longer than 5 m, and Apple does not recommend daisy-chaining more than three devices on one ADB port.[3] Do not unplug or plug in an ADB device while the computer is running.[4] See Apple Desktop Bus for the protocol.
Maintenance and repair
Identify the variant first
Count the screws in the bottom of the case and look at the dome colour under a removed keycap. Keycaps and membranes do not swap between the variants.[1]
Dead key or dead patch
- On the Alps membrane-dome variant, check that all 39 module screws are present and evenly tight.[1]
- Open the keyboard and check the membrane traces from the key pad to the tail connector for continuity.
- A broken trace can be bridged with conductive silver paint. Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol, let it dry, build the bridge in thin coats and check its resistance before reassembly.
- A whole dead row or column is a matrix line: follow it back to the tail connector and check the connection there.
Cable fault
The cable is fixed on most examples.[1] Check each conductor for continuity while flexing the cable at the case entry. Repair with a splice and heat-shrink and a new strain relief, or replace the cable at the PCB keeping the same pinout.
Soft or sticking keys
Worn or torn domes. On the Alps membrane-dome variant the domes are loose and can be replaced individually.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Deskthority wiki, "AppleDesign Keyboard": part number M2980, FCC ID BCGM-2980, made by NMB and Alps Electric, introduced 1994; variant descriptions and photographs (NMB dome with slider versions A and B, Alps dome with slider from Mexico and the Czech Republic, Alps membrane dome); fixed cable and downstream ADB port. Community wiki, secondary source. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- ↑ Apple Computer, Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware, 2nd edition (1990), chapter 8, "Apple Desktop Bus", Table 8-16, p. 318. Hosted as File:Apple Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware 2nd Edition 1990.pdf.
- ↑ Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware, 2nd ed., p. 292.
- ↑ Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware, 2nd ed., p. 287.