Apple Keyboard

Apple Extended Keyboard
	Apple Extended Keyboard M0115 with Alps SKCM Orange switches
Manufacturer	Apple Computer, Inc.
Type	Computer keyboard
Discontinued	October 15, 1990
Price	US$329 (retail)
Interface	Apple Desktop Bus
Compatible	All ADB-equipped Macs, Apple IIGS
Dimensions	470 mm W × 175 mm D × 48 mm H (rear)
Weight	2.3 kg (5.1 lbs)
Predecessor	None (first extended Apple keyboard)
Successor	Apple Extended Keyboard II (M3501/M0312)
Model	M0115, M0115B, M0115J

The Apple Extended Keyboard (AEK), model M0115, was Apple's first full-size keyboard featuring dedicated function keys and a standard PC-style navigation cluster. Introduced on March 2, 1987, alongside the Macintosh II and Macintosh SE, it offered professional users a comprehensive 105-key layout based on IBM's Enhanced Keyboard standard. The keyboard featured mechanical Alps SKCM switches and established design elements that would define Apple keyboards for years, including template guide posts for application overlays and dual ADB ports for peripheral daisy-chaining. Production continued until October 1990 when it was replaced by the refined Apple Extended Keyboard II.

Design Evolution

The Apple Extended Keyboard represented Apple's response to professional users who required a full-featured keyboard for business applications, programming, and data entry. Unlike the compact Apple Keyboard (M0116) introduced simultaneously, the Extended model embraced the emerging 101-key ANSI standard while adding Apple-specific enhancements.

The keyboard's substantial construction reflected the professional positioning of the Macintosh II, Apple's first modular desktop computer. The design philosophy emphasized durability and typing comfort over portability, resulting in Apple's heaviest keyboard at 2.3 kg. The convex curve of the case, viewed from the side, created significant internal volume that contributed to the keyboard's distinctive acoustic properties.

Designed within the Snow White design language framework, the keyboard featured horizontal grooves on the lower case section—a signature element of Apple products from this era. The serrated texture provided visual interest while the Platinum gray color unified it with the Macintosh II system components.

Physical Design

Case Construction

The Extended Keyboard's case design prioritized internal volume and structural rigidity:

Upper shell: Continuous convex curve from front to rear
Lower shell Extended depth with serrated texture
Rear cavity Significant empty space behind function keys
Width Matched Macintosh II dimensions (470mm)
Height clearance Designed to fit under Macintosh SE "chin"

Template Posts

Two cylindrical posts projected vertically from the case:

Location Either side of function key row
Purpose Hold application-specific key templates
Height 15mm above case surface
Diameter 6mm
Material Injection-molded ABS plastic

Popular software packages included cardboard or plastic templates that slipped over these posts, providing visual reference for function key assignments in applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PageMaker.

Layout Architecture

The 105-key ANSI layout included several distinctive elements:

Function keys F1-F15 (unusual 15-key arrangement)
Navigation cluster Six-key inverted-T configuration
Numeric keypad Standard 17-key with equals sign
Power key Separate key with unique keycap design
Modifier keys Command (⌘), Option, Control on both sides

Model Variants

M0115 (Standard US)

Production 1987-1990

Layout: 105-key ANSI
Number 3 key: # symbol
Manufacturing: USA, Ireland
Label: Standard Apple format

M0115B (UK/Ireland)

Production 1988-1990

Layout: 105-key with UK modifications
Number 3 key: £ symbol instead of #
Manufacturing: Ireland exclusively
Label: "Assembled in Ireland"

M0115J (Japanese)

Production 1987-1990

Layout: JIS configuration
Additional keys: Kana legends
Manufacturing: Limited production
Market: Japan domestic only

Switch Technology

Alps SKCM Orange

Specifications

Type: Tactile, non-clicky
Actuation force: 70g ± 10g
Pre-travel: 2.0mm
Total travel: 3.5mm
Tactile point: Sharp, defined
Sound signature: "Click-clock"
Lifespan: 10-15 million actuations

Production period 1987-1989

Orange Alps switches achieved legendary status among keyboard enthusiasts, often rated as the finest tactile switch ever produced. The switches provided exceptional tactile feedback with a sharp, defined bump at the actuation point. The distinctive "click-clock" sound became synonymous with quality Apple keyboards of the era.

Alps SKCM Salmon

Specifications

Type: Tactile, non-clicky
Actuation force: 70g ± 10g (slightly stiffer than Orange)
Pre-travel: 2.0mm
Total travel: 3.5mm
Tactile point: Similar to Orange
Sound signature: Slightly deeper than Orange
Lifespan: 10-15 million actuations

Production period 1989-1990

Salmon Alps appeared in later production runs, coinciding with high serial numbers. While mechanically similar to Orange Alps, users report subtle differences in feel and sound. The salmon variant tends to feel slightly stiffer with a marginally deeper acoustic signature.

Alps SKCL Lock (Caps Lock)

All variants used the Alps SKCL Lock switch for Caps Lock:

Mechanical latching mechanism
Physical lock-down when engaged
Cream-colored housing (with Orange/Salmon)
Dark gray housing (rare variants)
Distinctive click on engagement/disengagement

Technical Specifications

Physical Dimensions

Width 470mm (18.5 inches)
Depth 175mm (6.9 inches)
Height (front) 32mm (1.3 inches)
Height (rear) 48mm (1.9 inches)
Weight 2.3kg (5.1 lbs)
Cable length 1.2m coiled (4 feet extended)

Electrical Specifications

Interface Apple Desktop Bus (ADB)
Connectors Two 4-pin mini-DIN ports
Power consumption 25mA typical, 50mA maximum
Operating voltage 4.75V - 5.25V
Data rate 10 kbit/s maximum

ADB Protocol Implementation

Device type Keyboard
Default address $2
Handler ID $02 (standard), $03 (extended protocol)
Polling rate 100 Hz maximum
Key rollover 2-key minimum, 6-key typical

Register Configuration

Register 0 Key event data (2 bytes)

Byte 1: First key event
Byte 2: Second key event
Format: 7-bit keycode + 1-bit up/down flag

Register 1 Reserved for vendor use

Register 2 LED and modifier status

Bit 1: Caps Lock LED state
Bit 2: Num Lock LED state
Bit 3: Scroll Lock LED state

Register 3 Device identification

Byte 1: Exception flags
Byte 2: Device handler ID

Internal Construction

PCB Design

Early production (1987-1988)

Controller chips: Socketed configuration
PCB layers: Double-sided with through-hole plating
Component count: ~45 discrete components
Trace width: 0.5mm minimum

Late production (1989-1990)

Controller chips: Soldered directly
PCB refinements: Improved routing
Component consolidation: ~38 components
Cost reduction evident

Assembly Process

Steel plate preparation (1.5mm thickness)
Switch installation into plate (105 positions)
PCB alignment and mounting
Wave soldering of switch pins
Manual soldering of larger components
Cable assembly attachment
Case assembly with 4 screws
Quality control testing
Final inspection and packaging

Stabilizer System

The keyboard employed Alps-specific wire stabilizers:

Early production

Spacebar stabilizer: Above the switch
Clips: Brown-colored plastic
Wire: 1.5mm steel, chrome-plated
Design: Traditional Alps configuration

Late production

Spacebar stabilizer: Below the switch
Clips: Black-colored plastic
Wire: Shorter leg design
Design: Improved for reduced rattle

Large keys with stabilizers:

Spacebar (6.25 units)
Return/Enter keys
Both Shift keys
Backspace
Numeric Enter
Numeric Plus
Numeric 0

Manufacturing Information

Production Facilities

United States

Location: Fremont, California
Period: 1987-1990
Switch types: Orange and Salmon Alps
Percentage: ~60% of total production

Ireland

Location: Cork facility
Period: 1988-1990
Switch types: Primarily Salmon Alps
Market focus: European distribution
Percentage: ~40% of total production

Serial Number Format

Format varies by production location:

US Production

Format: PPYWWNNNNNN
PP: Plant code (F1 = Fremont)
Y: Year (7=1987, 8=1988, 9=1989, 0=1990)
WW: Week number (01-52)
NNNNNN: Sequential number

Ireland Production

Format: Similar with plant code IC (Ireland Cork)
Often includes "Assembled in Ireland" designation

Production Timeline

March 1987 Initial release with Macintosh II/SE
1987-1988 Orange Alps exclusive period
1989 Transition to Salmon Alps begins
Early 1990 Final production runs
October 1990 Discontinued, replaced by AEK II

Quality Control

Each keyboard underwent rigorous testing:

100% key switch testing
ADB communication verification
LED functionality check
Physical inspection for defects
Sample burn-in testing (1 per 100 units)
Template post alignment verification

Keycap Specifications

Material and Manufacturing

Material PBT plastic (except spacebar: ABS)
Manufacturing Dye sublimation
Thickness 1.5mm average
Profile Apple Extended (unique to this model)
Texture Smooth matte finish

Profile Characteristics

The Apple Extended Keyboard introduced a unique keycap profile:

Function row Tallest profile, vertical stem mounting
Number row Standard height
QWERTY row Slightly lower than number row
Home row Lower still
Bottom row Lowest profile
Spacebar Custom sculpted profile

This profile differed from both standard Cherry and OEM profiles, creating a distinctive typing angle optimized for the keyboard's overall geometry.

Typography

Font Univers 57 Condensed
Style Regular (not italic)
Alignment Centered on alphanumeric keys
Special keys Text labels (not symbols)
Color Dark gray sublimation

Software Compatibility

Operating Systems

Mac OS System 4.1 through Mac OS 9.2.2
A/UX Full support
Apple IIGS GS/OS compatible
BeOS Third-party driver support
Linux Kernel support on PowerPC
Windows Via ADB-USB adapters only

Extended Keyboard Protocol

Handler ID $03 enabled:

Differentiation between left/right modifiers
Extended scan codes
Additional function key support
Enhanced key repeat control

To enable extended protocol:

Send Listen Register 3 command
Set handler ID to $03
Keyboard acknowledges and switches modes

Special Key Functions

Power key Direct system power control
Command-Option-Escape Force quit
Command-Control-Power Force restart
Command-Option-P-R PRAM reset (startup)

Maintenance & Restoration

Disassembly Procedure

Tools required

Phillips screwdriver #1
Plastic spudgers (2)
Isopropyl alcohol 90%+
Cotton swabs
Antistatic mat

Steps

Remove four case screws from bottom
Note screw length differences (rear screws longer)
Carefully separate case halves
Disconnect cable from PCB
Remove PCB mounting screws
Document any washers or spacers
Lift PCB and plate assembly as unit

Common Issues and Solutions

**Troubleshooting Guide**
Problem	Likely Cause	Solution	Difficulty
Keys not registering	Dirty switch contacts	Clean with isopropyl alcohol	Easy
Scratchy key feel	Switch contamination	Disassemble and clean switches	Moderate
Repeating keys	Worn switch contacts	Replace switch	Moderate
No ADB recognition	Cable damage	Test continuity, replace cable	Easy
Yellowing case	UV exposure	Retrobright treatment	Moderate
Caps Lock stuck down	Worn latch mechanism	Replace SKCL switch	Difficult
Stabilizer rattle	Worn clips	Replace stabilizer clips	Moderate
LED not working	Failed LED or resistor	Component-level repair	Difficult

Switch Maintenance

Cleaning procedure

Remove keycap with wire puller
Apply 3-5 drops of 90%+ isopropyl alcohol
Actuate switch 20-30 times
Allow complete evaporation (10 minutes)
Test switch response
Repeat if necessary

Deep cleaning (disassembly)

Desolder switch from PCB
Open switch housing (4 tabs)
Clean contacts with alcohol
Inspect spring and leaf
Reassemble carefully
Test before resoldering

Restoration Best Practices

Retrobrighting

Method: Hydrogen peroxide cream (40 volume)
Application: Even coating, avoid labels
UV exposure: 6-8 hours rotating
Temperature: 20-25°C optimal
Results: 70-90% yellowing reduction typical

Keycap restoration

Cleaning: Denture tablets (6-hour soak)
Stubborn stains: Soft brush with mild soap
Drying: Air dry completely (24 hours)
Never use: Acetone, bleach, or abrasives

Case restoration

Cleaning: Mild soap and water
Scuff removal: Magic eraser (gentle)
Crack repair: ABS cement or epoxy
Texture preservation: Avoid harsh chemicals

Modern Usage

ADB to USB Conversion

Hardware adapters

Griffin iMate Original solution (discontinued)
Wombat Current best option, bidirectional
TMK converter Open-source DIY solution
Drakware Premium cables with case integration

Functionality notes

All keys map correctly with proper adapter
Power button may require remapping
Extended protocol advantages lost
Latency: 1-2ms typical with good adapter

Custom Modifications

Popular modifications

USB internal conversion (requires new controller)
Bluetooth conversion (battery installation required)
Switch harvesting for custom builds
Case modifications for modern internals
LED backlighting retrofits

Preserve value by

Keeping modifications reversible
Retaining original components
Documenting all changes
Using period-appropriate techniques

Collector Information

Market Value (2024)

**Current Market Prices (USD)**
Condition	Orange Alps	Salmon Alps
Poor (yellowed, worn)	$150-250	$100-200
Good (functional, some yellowing)	$250-400	$200-300
Excellent (minimal yellowing)	$400-600	$300-450
Mint (no yellowing, boxed)	$600-1000	$450-700

Authentication Points

Verify serial number format matches era
Check switch type (remove keycap)
Inspect stabilizer clip colors
Confirm template posts present
Look for socketed vs. soldered chips
Verify 4-screw assembly

Desirability Factors

Positive value factors

Orange Alps switches (highest premium)
Early serial numbers (1987)
Complete with original cable
Minimal to no yellowing
Original packaging/documentation
Template overlays included

Negative value factors

Missing keycaps
Non-functional switches
Heavy yellowing
Modified or damaged case
Missing cable
Stabilizer damage

Storage Recommendations

Temperature: 15-25°C
Humidity: 40-60% RH
Light: Avoid direct sunlight
Position: Flat, keys up
Dust protection: Cover or bag
Cable: Avoid tight coiling

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Apple Extended Keyboard established several industry standards that persist in modern mechanical keyboards. The template post system, while specific to Apple, influenced the concept of customizable function key overlays. The substantial construction and premium switches set a quality benchmark that many enthusiasts still consider unmatched.

The keyboard's association with professional Macintosh systems of the late 1980s created lasting appeal among creative professionals who used these systems for desktop publishing, graphic design, and music production. Many recording studios and design firms continued using M0115 keyboards well into the 2000s, long after ADB had been discontinued.

The Orange Alps switches in particular achieved mythical status in the mechanical keyboard community. When Alps Electric discontinued the SKCM series in the late 1990s, M0115 keyboards became primary donor boards for switch harvesting. This practice has significantly reduced the number of intact examples, further increasing collector values.

Production Statistics

Based on serial number analysis and manufacturing records:

Total production Approximately 400,000 units
Orange Alps units ~200,000 (50%)
Salmon Alps units ~200,000 (50%)
US manufacture ~240,000 (60%)
Ireland manufacture ~160,000 (40%)
Survival rate Estimated 15-20% in working condition

Design Influence

The Apple Extended Keyboard's design influenced several aspects of keyboard development:

Layout standardization

Established Apple's interpretation of 101-key ANSI
F13-F15 keys became Apple standard
Navigation cluster arrangement influenced later designs

Construction methods

Plate-mounted switches became premium standard
Internal volume for acoustics considered in design
Substantial weight associated with quality

Feature innovations

Template posts (unique to Apple)
Dual ADB ports for daisy-chaining
Separate power key with distinct keycap

Comparison with Contemporaries

**1987 Professional Keyboard Comparison**
Feature	Apple Extended M0115	IBM Model M	Northgate OmniKey
Switches	Alps SKCM Orange/Salmon	Buckling Spring	Alps SKCM Blue/White
Weight	2.3 kg	2.3 kg	2.1 kg
Keys	105	101	101
Interface	ADB	PS/2	AT/XT switchable
Price (1987)	$329	$295	$349
Build quality	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Sound level	Moderate	Loud	Loud
Tactility	High	Very High	High