Apple Adjustable Keyboard: Difference between revisions
Rewrite: cite TidBITS Jan 1993 (30° split, keypad on ADB cable, sound keys, US$219); ADB section now uses sourced handler IDs ($10/$0E) and the address-7 sound-button device instead of uncited collision/troubleshooting claims; Family Hardware p. 287/292 for bus limits; release_date param fixed; remove uncited claims (travel myths, lubrication, Retrobrite advice) |
Add Apple's specifications (TIL 11225/11226, now hosted): key counts, supply and LED current, key travel and force, sizes, Apple weights (1.055/0.405 kg; Deskthority's 1,005/372 g differ), order number and box contents; HSU 2.0 Key Caps note |
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| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
| interface = [[Apple Desktop Bus]] | | interface = [[Apple Desktop Bus]] | ||
| compatible = ADB-equipped Macintosh computers, including PowerBooks | | compatible = ADB-equipped Macintosh computers, including PowerBooks | ||
| weight = 1 | | weight = 1.055 kg (keyboard), 0.405 kg (keypad), without palm rests | ||
| model = M1242 | | model = M1242 (order no. M1242LL/A) | ||
}} | }} | ||
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | <templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | ||
The '''Apple Adjustable Keyboard''' (model M1242) is Apple's split ergonomic keyboard for ADB Macintosh computers, introduced in 1993.<ref name="dt">Deskthority wiki, [https://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Adjustable_Keyboard "Apple Adjustable Keyboard"]: part number M1242, FCC ID BCGM1242, modified ANSI or ISO layouts, Alps SKFS switches and microswitches, PCB mount, ADB, weights 1,005 g (keyboard) and 372 g (keypad), introduced 1993; description of the hinge, space bar, wrist rests and keypad; photographs of both PCBs. Community wiki, secondary source. Retrieved 2026-09-30.</ref> The two halves are hinged at the centre rear and swing apart horizontally, up to 30 degrees, with the 6, Y, H and N keys on the right-hand half. The enlarged space bar stays fixed in the centre.<ref name="dt" /><ref name="tb">Adam Engst, [https://tidbits.com/1993/01/11/apple-adjustable-keyboard/ "Apple Adjustable Keyboard"], ''TidBITS'', 11 January 1993: opening angle up to 30 degrees, split with 6, Y, H and N on the right, fixed enlarged space bar, detachable palm rests, separate extended keypad on a short ADB cable for either side, round keys for Escape, sound and function keys, volume, mute and microphone controls, expected list price US$219, ADB Macs and PowerBooks, sound-key software for System 6.0.7 and later. Retrieved 2026-09-30.</ref> The keyboard came with removable wrist rests, one for each half, and a separate keypad with its own wrist rest.<ref name="dt" /> | The '''Apple Adjustable Keyboard''' (model M1242) is Apple's split ergonomic keyboard for ADB Macintosh computers, introduced in 1993.<ref name="dt">Deskthority wiki, [https://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Adjustable_Keyboard "Apple Adjustable Keyboard"]: part number M1242, FCC ID BCGM1242, modified ANSI or ISO layouts, Alps SKFS switches and microswitches, PCB mount, ADB, weights 1,005 g (keyboard) and 372 g (keypad), which differ from Apple's figures; introduced 1993; description of the hinge, space bar, wrist rests and keypad; photographs of both PCBs. Community wiki, secondary source. Retrieved 2026-09-30.</ref> The two halves are hinged at the centre rear and swing apart horizontally, up to 30 degrees, with the 6, Y, H and N keys on the right-hand half. The enlarged space bar stays fixed in the centre.<ref name="dt" /><ref name="tb">Adam Engst, [https://tidbits.com/1993/01/11/apple-adjustable-keyboard/ "Apple Adjustable Keyboard"], ''TidBITS'', 11 January 1993: opening angle up to 30 degrees, split with 6, Y, H and N on the right, fixed enlarged space bar, detachable palm rests, separate extended keypad on a short ADB cable for either side, round keys for Escape, sound and function keys, volume, mute and microphone controls, expected list price US$219, ADB Macs and PowerBooks, sound-key software for System 6.0.7 and later. Retrieved 2026-09-30.</ref> The keyboard came with removable wrist rests, one for each half, and a separate keypad with its own wrist rest.<ref name="dt" /> | ||
The keypad holds the function keys, the navigation cluster and the numeric keys, and connects to the keyboard by a short ADB cable. It can sit on either side of the keyboard.<ref name="tb" /> The main keyboard has volume, mute and microphone-record buttons on its right-hand half, the first Macintosh keyboard with sound controls; Apple's software for them needed System 6.0.7 or later. The Escape key, the sound buttons and the function keys are small round keys.<ref name="tb" /> ''TidBITS'' reported an expected list price of US$219.<ref name="tb" /> The FCC ID is BCGM1242 and the layouts are modified ANSI or ISO.<ref name="dt" /> | The keypad holds the function keys, the navigation cluster and the numeric keys, and connects to the keyboard by a short ADB cable. It can sit on either side of the keyboard.<ref name="tb" /> The main keyboard has volume, mute and microphone-record buttons on its right-hand half, the first Macintosh keyboard with sound controls; Apple's software for them needed System 6.0.7 or later. The Escape key, the sound buttons and the function keys are small round keys.<ref name="tb" /> ''TidBITS'' reported an expected list price of US$219.<ref name="tb" /> The FCC ID is BCGM1242 and the layouts are modified ANSI or ISO.<ref name="dt" /> Apple sold it as order number M1242LL/A with the keyboard, the keypad, three palm rests, a keypad template, a 3 ft coiled ADB cable, a 1 ft ADB jumper cable and an installer disk.<ref name="til">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library articles 11226, "Apple Adjustable Keyboard: Description (Discontinued) (5/95)", and 11225, "Apple Adjustable Keyboard: Specifications (Discontinued) (5/95)". Hosted in [[:File:Apple Tech Info Library ADB keyboard and mouse articles.pdf]], PDF pp. 10-14.</ref> | ||
== Specifications == | |||
{| class="wikitable styled-table" | |||
|+'''Apple Adjustable Keyboard specifications (Apple)'''<ref name="til" /> | |||
! Item !! Value | |||
|- | |||
| Keys || 111 (ANSI), 112 (ISO): main keyboard 68 (ANSI) or 69 (ISO); keypad 43 | |||
|- | |||
| Main keyboard || Escape and power-on keys; volume up, volume down, mute and record keys; green Caps Lock LED; two ADB connectors | |||
|- | |||
| Keypad || 18-key numeric pad, 15 function keys, four inverted-T cursor keys, six editing keys; two ADB connectors | |||
|- | |||
| Supply || 5 V DC ±10%; main keyboard 7 mA with the LED off, 19 mA with it on | |||
|- | |||
| Typing keys || 3.5 mm travel; peak tactile force 0.69 ± 0.25 N at 1.5 mm; minimum life 10 million cycles | |||
|- | |||
| Opening angle || 0-30° | |||
|- | |||
| Slope || 5° with the flip feet closed, 12.5° open | |||
|- | |||
| Main keyboard size || 385.6 mm W × 159 mm D × 37.5 mm H (rear, feet closed) | |||
|- | |||
| Keypad size || 248.3 mm W × 143.7 mm D × 37.5 mm H | |||
|- | |||
| Weight || keyboard 1.055 kg (1.223 kg with palm rests); keypad 0.405 kg (0.481 kg with palm rest); 1.7 kg in all | |||
|- | |||
| Cables || 1.0 m coiled cord and 340 mm cable | |||
|- | |||
| Software || System 6.0.7 or later | |||
|- | |||
| Environment || operating 10-40 °C; storage −40 to 47 °C; 95% humidity maximum, non-condensing | |||
|} | |||
== Switches == | == Switches == | ||
| Line 27: | Line 59: | ||
== ADB devices == | == ADB devices == | ||
The keyboard and the keypad are separate ADB keyboard devices on the same bus. The keyboard reports Device Handler ID $10 (ANSI), $11 (ISO) or $12 (JIS); the keypad reports $0E.<ref name="tmk">TMK keyboard firmware wiki, [https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki/Apple-Desktop-Bus "Apple Desktop Bus"], "Keyboard Handler ID" (Apple Adjustable Keypad M1242 0x0E; Apple Adjustable Keyboard M1242 0x10, ISO 0x11, JIS 0x12) and "Apple Adjustable Keyboard Media keys" (volume up, volume down, mute and microphone from appliance address 7). Retrieved 2026-09-30.</ref> Keyboards default to ADB address $02, and when two devices share a default address the Start Manager gives one of them a new address at startup.<ref name="g287">Apple Computer, ''Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware'', 2nd edition (1990), chapter 8, "Apple Desktop Bus", p. 287. Hosted as [[:File:Apple Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware 2nd Edition 1990.pdf]].</ref> The four sound buttons are a third device, at ADB address 7, which the Linux driver lists as the "Adjustable keyboard button device" (original handler ID $02) with microphone, mute, volume-down and volume-up events.<ref name="tmk" /><ref name="linux">Linux kernel, [https://github.com/torvalds/linux/blob/master/drivers/macintosh/adbhid.c drivers/macintosh/adbhid.c], ADB_MISC handler 0x02 "Adjustable keyboard button device". Retrieved 2026-09-30.</ref> | The keyboard and the keypad each have two ADB connectors<ref name="til" /> and are separate ADB keyboard devices on the same bus. The keyboard reports Device Handler ID $10 (ANSI), $11 (ISO) or $12 (JIS); the keypad reports $0E.<ref name="tmk">TMK keyboard firmware wiki, [https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki/Apple-Desktop-Bus "Apple Desktop Bus"], "Keyboard Handler ID" (Apple Adjustable Keypad M1242 0x0E; Apple Adjustable Keyboard M1242 0x10, ISO 0x11, JIS 0x12) and "Apple Adjustable Keyboard Media keys" (volume up, volume down, mute and microphone from appliance address 7). Retrieved 2026-09-30.</ref> Keyboards default to ADB address $02, and when two devices share a default address the Start Manager gives one of them a new address at startup.<ref name="g287">Apple Computer, ''Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware'', 2nd edition (1990), chapter 8, "Apple Desktop Bus", p. 287. Hosted as [[:File:Apple Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware 2nd Edition 1990.pdf]].</ref> The four sound buttons are a third device, at ADB address 7, which the Linux driver lists as the "Adjustable keyboard button device" (original handler ID $02) with microphone, mute, volume-down and volume-up events.<ref name="tmk" /><ref name="linux">Linux kernel, [https://github.com/torvalds/linux/blob/master/drivers/macintosh/adbhid.c drivers/macintosh/adbhid.c], ADB_MISC handler 0x02 "Adjustable keyboard button device". Retrieved 2026-09-30.</ref> | ||
Apple's bus limits apply to the set as a whole: all ADB devices 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.<ref name="g292">''Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware'', 2nd ed., p. 292.</ref> Do not unplug and reconnect an ADB device while the computer is running: the device reverts to its default address while the computer keeps using the address it assigned at startup.<ref name="g287" /> | Apple's bus limits apply to the set as a whole: all ADB devices 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.<ref name="g292">''Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware'', 2nd ed., p. 292.</ref> Do not unplug and reconnect an ADB device while the computer is running: the device reverts to its default address while the computer keeps using the address it assigned at startup.<ref name="g287" /> | ||
| Line 45: | Line 77: | ||
# Connect the keypad on its own. If it works alone but not in the chain, check the ADB cables and shorten the chain.<ref name="g292" /> | # Connect the keypad on its own. If it works alone but not in the chain, check the ADB cables and shorten the chain.<ref name="g292" /> | ||
# The sound buttons need Apple's software (System 6.0.7 or later) on the Macintosh,<ref name="tb" /> and on modern systems a converter or driver that reads the button device at address 7.<ref name="tmk" /> | # The sound buttons need Apple's software (System 6.0.7 or later) on the Macintosh,<ref name="tb" /> and on modern systems a converter or driver that reads the button device at address 7.<ref name="tmk" /> | ||
# For Key Caps to show the keypad, Apple's Hardware System Update 2.0 must be installed; Key Caps then follows whichever unit was last touched.<ref name="til13111">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 13111, "Apple Adjustable Keyboard: Keypad Access & Key Caps DA (8/93)". Hosted in [[:File:Apple Tech Info Library ADB keyboard and mouse articles.pdf]], PDF p. 15.</ref> | |||
== Modern use == | == Modern use == | ||
Latest revision as of 13:25, 30 September 2026
| Apple Adjustable Keyboard | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Apple Adjustable Keyboard M1242 with its separate keypad (wrist rests removed) | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Ergonomic split keyboard |
| Release date | 1993 |
| Price | US$219 (announced list price) |
| Interface | Apple Desktop Bus |
| Compatible | ADB-equipped Macintosh computers, including PowerBooks |
| Weight | 1.055 kg (keyboard), 0.405 kg (keypad), without palm rests |
| Model | M1242 (order no. M1242LL/A) |
The Apple Adjustable Keyboard (model M1242) is Apple's split ergonomic keyboard for ADB Macintosh computers, introduced in 1993.[1] The two halves are hinged at the centre rear and swing apart horizontally, up to 30 degrees, with the 6, Y, H and N keys on the right-hand half. The enlarged space bar stays fixed in the centre.[1][2] The keyboard came with removable wrist rests, one for each half, and a separate keypad with its own wrist rest.[1]
The keypad holds the function keys, the navigation cluster and the numeric keys, and connects to the keyboard by a short ADB cable. It can sit on either side of the keyboard.[2] The main keyboard has volume, mute and microphone-record buttons on its right-hand half, the first Macintosh keyboard with sound controls; Apple's software for them needed System 6.0.7 or later. The Escape key, the sound buttons and the function keys are small round keys.[2] TidBITS reported an expected list price of US$219.[2] The FCC ID is BCGM1242 and the layouts are modified ANSI or ISO.[1] Apple sold it as order number M1242LL/A with the keyboard, the keypad, three palm rests, a keypad template, a 3 ft coiled ADB cable, a 1 ft ADB jumper cable and an installer disk.[3]
Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Keys | 111 (ANSI), 112 (ISO): main keyboard 68 (ANSI) or 69 (ISO); keypad 43 |
| Main keyboard | Escape and power-on keys; volume up, volume down, mute and record keys; green Caps Lock LED; two ADB connectors |
| Keypad | 18-key numeric pad, 15 function keys, four inverted-T cursor keys, six editing keys; two ADB connectors |
| Supply | 5 V DC ±10%; main keyboard 7 mA with the LED off, 19 mA with it on |
| Typing keys | 3.5 mm travel; peak tactile force 0.69 ± 0.25 N at 1.5 mm; minimum life 10 million cycles |
| Opening angle | 0-30° |
| Slope | 5° with the flip feet closed, 12.5° open |
| Main keyboard size | 385.6 mm W × 159 mm D × 37.5 mm H (rear, feet closed) |
| Keypad size | 248.3 mm W × 143.7 mm D × 37.5 mm H |
| Weight | keyboard 1.055 kg (1.223 kg with palm rests); keypad 0.405 kg (0.481 kg with palm rest); 1.7 kg in all |
| Cables | 1.0 m coiled cord and 340 mm cable |
| Software | System 6.0.7 or later |
| Environment | operating 10-40 °C; storage −40 to 47 °C; 95% humidity maximum, non-condensing |
Switches
[edit | edit source]Main keys
[edit | edit source]The alphanumeric keys use Alps SKFS switches, from the low-profile PCB-mount SKFR/SKFS series.[1] Although low-profile, the switches have the full 3.5 mm travel. The switch is 10.3 mm tall and has an integrated jumper. Its keycap mount is unique to the series, not the common Alps mount, and it is neither pin- nor keycap-compatible with Alps SKFL, so Alps-mount keycaps do not fit and an SKFL is not a substitute.[4]
The variant fitted is SKFS White, Alps model SKFSAA, the tactile member of the series. Its click leaf sits in front of a chamber with an open front wall, so when released the leaf strikes nothing and the switch does not click.[4] The 1994 Alps catalogue nonetheless lists SKFS as clicky.[1]
Function keys and navigation cluster
[edit | edit source]The function keys and the upper navigation cluster on the keypad are round buttons over what appear to be simple microswitches.[1] TidBITS questioned at launch whether these harder-to-press keys suited an ergonomic keyboard.[2]
ADB devices
[edit | edit source]The keyboard and the keypad each have two ADB connectors[3] and are separate ADB keyboard devices on the same bus. The keyboard reports Device Handler ID $10 (ANSI), $11 (ISO) or $12 (JIS); the keypad reports $0E.[5] Keyboards default to ADB address $02, and when two devices share a default address the Start Manager gives one of them a new address at startup.[6] The four sound buttons are a third device, at ADB address 7, which the Linux driver lists as the "Adjustable keyboard button device" (original handler ID $02) with microphone, mute, volume-down and volume-up events.[5][7]
Apple's bus limits apply to the set as a whole: all ADB devices 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.[8] Do not unplug and reconnect an ADB device while the computer is running: the device reverts to its default address while the computer keeps using the address it assigned at startup.[6]
Maintenance and repair
[edit | edit source]The keyboard and the keypad are separate assemblies with their own PCBs.[1] Because each is its own ADB device, test them one at a time, each connected directly to the computer, to find which unit is at fault.
Wrist rests
[edit | edit source]The rests are removable by design. A complete set is three: one for each half of the keyboard and one for the keypad.[1]
Dead or chattering main key
[edit | edit source]- Remove the keycap carefully. The SKFS keycap mount is unique to the series, so a broken keycap or stem cannot be replaced from another Alps family.[4]
- Clean the switch with isopropyl alcohol, actuate it repeatedly and let it dry fully.
- If that fails, the switch must be desoldered and replaced with another SKFS. Donor Adjustable Keyboards are the usual source; new-old-stock SKFS switches have been sold through online surplus sellers.[4]
Keypad or sound buttons not working
[edit | edit source]- Connect the keypad on its own. If it works alone but not in the chain, check the ADB cables and shorten the chain.[8]
- The sound buttons need Apple's software (System 6.0.7 or later) on the Macintosh,[2] and on modern systems a converter or driver that reads the button device at address 7.[5]
- For Key Caps to show the keypad, Apple's Hardware System Update 2.0 must be installed; Key Caps then follows whichever unit was last touched.[9]
Modern use
[edit | edit source]An ADB-to-USB converter has to handle more than one keyboard device on the bus to make the keypad work, and must read the address-7 button device for the sound keys.[5] See Apple Desktop Bus for the protocol.
See also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Deskthority wiki, "Apple Adjustable Keyboard": part number M1242, FCC ID BCGM1242, modified ANSI or ISO layouts, Alps SKFS switches and microswitches, PCB mount, ADB, weights 1,005 g (keyboard) and 372 g (keypad), which differ from Apple's figures; introduced 1993; description of the hinge, space bar, wrist rests and keypad; photographs of both PCBs. Community wiki, secondary source. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Adam Engst, "Apple Adjustable Keyboard", TidBITS, 11 January 1993: opening angle up to 30 degrees, split with 6, Y, H and N on the right, fixed enlarged space bar, detachable palm rests, separate extended keypad on a short ADB cable for either side, round keys for Escape, sound and function keys, volume, mute and microphone controls, expected list price US$219, ADB Macs and PowerBooks, sound-key software for System 6.0.7 and later. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library articles 11226, "Apple Adjustable Keyboard: Description (Discontinued) (5/95)", and 11225, "Apple Adjustable Keyboard: Specifications (Discontinued) (5/95)". Hosted in File:Apple Tech Info Library ADB keyboard and mouse articles.pdf, PDF pp. 10-14.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Deskthority wiki, "Alps SKFR/SKFS series", with part numbers from the 1994 Alps catalogue: 3.5 mm travel, 10.3 mm height, integrated jumper, unique keycap mount, not compatible with SKFL; SKFS White (SKFSAA) tactile, with photographs of the switch from an Apple Adjustable Keyboard and of NOS switches. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 TMK keyboard firmware wiki, "Apple Desktop Bus", "Keyboard Handler ID" (Apple Adjustable Keypad M1242 0x0E; Apple Adjustable Keyboard M1242 0x10, ISO 0x11, JIS 0x12) and "Apple Adjustable Keyboard Media keys" (volume up, volume down, mute and microphone from appliance address 7). Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Apple Computer, Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware, 2nd edition (1990), chapter 8, "Apple Desktop Bus", p. 287. Hosted as File:Apple Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware 2nd Edition 1990.pdf.
- ↑ Linux kernel, drivers/macintosh/adbhid.c, ADB_MISC handler 0x02 "Adjustable keyboard button device". Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware, 2nd ed., p. 292.
- ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 13111, "Apple Adjustable Keyboard: Keypad Access & Key Caps DA (8/93)". Hosted in File:Apple Tech Info Library ADB keyboard and mouse articles.pdf, PDF p. 15.