Apple Numeric Keypad II

Apple Numeric Keypad II
	Apple Numeric Keypad II (Model A2M0056)
Manufacturer	The Keyboard Company / Apple Computer, Inc.
Type	Numeric keypad
Discontinued	1983
Price	US$75
Interface	Parallel (16-pin DIP header)
Compatible	Apple II, Apple II Plus
Dimensions	~150 mm × 100 mm × 35 mm
Weight	~200 g
Predecessor	None
Successor	Apple Numeric Keypad IIe
Model	A2M0056

The Apple Numeric Keypad II (model A2M0056) was Apple's first external keypad, designed to add numeric input capability to the Apple II and Apple II Plus computers. The keypad was originally created by Michael Muller at The Keyboard Company in 1977 at Steve Jobs' request. Apple acquired The Keyboard Company in 1980, which became Apple's Accessory Products Division.

Background

The Apple II keyboard lacked a dedicated numeric keypad, making data entry for spreadsheet applications like VisiCalc cumbersome. The Numeric Keypad II addressed this limitation with a standalone unit that connected internally to the Apple II motherboard.

Design

Physical Construction

The keypad uses a compact ABS plastic case in Apple II beige coloring:

Rounded clamshell case design
Fixed typing angle
Apple logo on upper surface
Internal ribbon cable for connection

Layout

The keypad provides standard numeric entry keys:

0-9 number keys
Decimal point
Mathematical operators (+, -, *, /)
Enter key

The layout predates the IBM PC numeric keypad arrangement that later became standard.

Switches

Early units used Alps integrated dome switches. The Keyboard Company's original design employed mechanical switches available at the time.

Connection

The Numeric Keypad II connects via a 16-pin DIP header ribbon cable to an internal connector on the Apple II motherboard. This differs from later accessories that used external ports.

Installation requires opening the Apple II case to route the ribbon cable.

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Model number	A2M0056
Keys	~18
Interface	16-pin DIP header (internal)
Case material	ABS plastic
Case color	Beige (Apple II matching)
Compatible systems	Apple II, Apple II Plus

History

The Keyboard Company

The Keyboard Company was founded by Michael Muller to produce custom keyboard solutions. In 1977, Steve Jobs commissioned a numeric keypad for the Apple II. The design proved successful enough that Apple acquired the company in 1980.

After acquisition, The Keyboard Company became Apple's Accessory Products Division, responsible for keyboards, keypads, and other input devices.

Transition to IIe

When the Apple IIe launched in 1983, Apple released the updated Apple Numeric Keypad IIe (A2M2003) with external connection capability. The original Numeric Keypad II was discontinued.

Maintenance

Cleaning

Remove keycaps carefully
Clean switch wells with compressed air
Clean keycaps with mild soap and water
Do not submerge PCB or use excessive liquid

Cable Care

The internal ribbon cable is delicate. Avoid sharp bends during installation. Damaged cables cause intermittent operation or complete failure.

Collecting

Rarity

The Numeric Keypad II is relatively uncommon due to:

Limited production period (1980-1983)
Internal installation requirement limiting appeal
Replacement by the more accessible IIe version

Condition Assessment

Mint: Complete, original packaging, untested/unused
Excellent: Clean, fully functional, complete cable
Good: Functional, minor wear
Fair: Functional but cosmetic issues
Poor: Non-functional or missing cable

Identification

Verify A2M0056 model number
Confirm 16-pin ribbon cable (not DB-15)
Check case color matches Apple II beige

References

Wikipedia — Apple keyboards
The Keyboard Company history