Apple Keyboard (M0116)

Apple Keyboard
	Apple Keyboard M0116 with Alps SKCM Orange switches
Manufacturer	Apple Computer, Inc.
Type	Computer keyboard
Discontinued	1990
Price	US$129 (retail)
Interface	Apple Desktop Bus
Compatible	All ADB-equipped Macs, Apple IIGS, NeXT (limited)
Dimensions	442 mm W × 140 mm D × 44 mm H (rear)
Weight	1.25 kg (2.75 lbs)
Predecessor	Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard (A9M0330)
Successor	Apple Keyboard II (M0487)
Model	M0116 (ANSI), M0118 (ISO)

The Apple Keyboard, also known as the Apple Standard Keyboard (Model M0116), was the first Macintosh keyboard to officially use the "Apple Keyboard" designation. Introduced on March 2, 1987, alongside the Macintosh II and Macintosh SE, it represented a significant upgrade from the lighter Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard with its more robust construction and professional appearance. The keyboard featured mechanical Alps SKCM switches and dual ADB ports, establishing design principles that would influence Apple keyboards throughout the late 1980s. Production continued until 1990 when it was replaced by the Apple Keyboard II.

Design Philosophy

The Apple Keyboard embodied the transition from Apple's consumer-focused compact computers to professional workstations. The Macintosh II and SE were sold without keyboards, allowing customers to choose between this standard model or the larger Apple Extended Keyboard. The M0116's substantial construction, with its thick internal steel plate and wider frame bezels, visually communicated the power and capability of Apple's new modular computer systems.

The keyboard maintained the 81-key layout introduced with the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard for the Apple IIGS, including the unconventional placement of certain keys that would later be revised in subsequent models. This layout represented a transitional period in Apple keyboard design, combining elements from both Apple II and Macintosh lineages.

Model Variants

M0116 (ANSI Layout)

The standard M0116 featured the ANSI layout common in North America:

81 keys total
Backward L-shaped Return key
Single-row arrow key arrangement
Control key positioned left of 'A'
Tilde/grave key left of spacebar

M0118 (ISO Layout)

The M0118 variant accommodated international markets:

Vertical Return key configuration
Additional key between left Shift and Z
Caps Lock in standard position (unlike M0116)
Support for language-specific keycap legends

M0117 Designation

Some keyboards bore serial numbers ending in "M0117", suggesting either:

A planned but unreleased variant
Internal designation for specific manufacturing batches
Regional variants with modified layouts

Regional Variants

Documented international versions include:

M0118 Finnish/Swedish: Nordic characters on keycaps
M0117AB Arabic: Dual Arabic/Latin legends
M0118 Japanese: JIS layout compatibility

Switch Technology

Alps SKCM Switches

The keyboard utilized Alps Electric mechanical switches, with two primary variants:

Alps SKCM Orange:

Tactile, non-clicky operation
Actuation force: 70g ± 10g
Total travel: 3.5mm
Actuation point: 2.0mm
Darker orange slider color
Production period: 1987-1988

Alps SKCM Salmon:

Tactile, non-clicky operation
Actuation force: 70g ± 10g
Total travel: 3.5mm
Actuation point: 2.0mm
Pink-salmon slider color
Production period: 1988-1990

Alps SKCL Lock (Caps Lock):

Mechanical latching mechanism
Physical lock-down when activated
Cream or white-colored housing
Distinct from standard switches

Switch Characteristics

Both Orange and Salmon variants provided:

Smooth tactile feedback
Minimal switch wobble
Consistent actuation across all keys
Durability rated for 10 million actuations
Superior feel compared to contemporary rubber dome designs

Enthusiasts debate the differences between Orange and Salmon switches, with many attributing perceived variations to age and condition rather than inherent design differences. Orange Alps switches have achieved legendary status among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, often rated as one of the finest tactile switches ever produced.

Physical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

Width: 442mm (17.4 inches)
Depth: 140mm (5.5 inches)
Height (front): 30mm (1.2 inches)
Height (rear): 44mm (1.7 inches)
Weight: 1.25kg (2.75 lbs)
Typing angle: 7 degrees (fixed)

Construction

Case material: ABS plastic, Platinum gray (Pantone 423C)
Internal plate: 1.5mm steel, powder-coated
Keycaps: PBT plastic, dye-sublimated legends
Spacebar: ABS plastic (exception to PBT)
Cable: Coiled ADB cable, 1.2m extended

Layout Peculiarities

The M0116 featured several non-standard key placements:

Control key: Left of 'A' (Apple II legacy position)
Caps Lock: Bottom left corner
Tilde/Grave: Left of spacebar
Arrow keys: Single row (← → ↓ ↑ order)
Escape key: Present (first on Mac keyboard)

Technical Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

Interface: Apple Desktop Bus (ADB)
Power consumption: 25mA typical, 50mA maximum
Operating voltage: 4.75V - 5.25V
Data rate: 10 kbit/s (ADB maximum)

ADB Implementation

Device type: Keyboard
Default address: $2
Handler ID: $01 (Standard Keyboard Protocol)
Polling rate: 100 Hz maximum
Key rollover: 2-key guaranteed

Connector Configuration

Two 4-pin mini-DIN ADB ports:

Left port: Typically for upstream connection
Right port: Typically for mouse connection
Bidirectional: Either port could serve either function
Daisy-chain capable: Multiple devices supported

Protocol Details

Register 0 (Key events):

2 bytes returned per poll
Each byte: 7-bit keycode + 1-bit up/down flag
Power key uses both bytes when pressed

Register 2 (LED control):

Bit 0: Num Lock LED (not present)
Bit 1: Caps Lock LED (mechanical)
Bit 2: Scroll Lock LED (not present)

Register 3 (Device info):

Handler ID: $01 or $02
Device address: $2 (default)

Keycap Specifications

Material and Manufacturing

Material: PBT plastic (except spacebar)
Legend application: Dye sublimation
Profile Apple Standard (similar to Cherry profile)
Thickness 1.5mm average
Texture Smooth matte finish

Typography

Font Univers 57 Condensed
Style Italic for special keys
Position Bottom-left corner of keycap
Color Dark gray on beige keys

Stabilizers

Type Wire stabilizers (Alps-specific)
Keys with stabilizers

 * Spacebar (6.25 units)
 * Return key
 * Shift keys (both)
 * Caps Lock

Manufacturing Details

Production Facilities

Manufacturing locations determined by serial number prefixes:

Taiwan:

Primary production facility
Majority of units produced
Higher build quality consistency

Singapore:

Secondary production facility
Limited production runs
Minor assembly variations

Ireland:

Final assembly for European market
Quality control and testing
Regional customization

Serial Number Format

Format: PPYWW######M0116

PP: Production facility code
Y: Year code (7=1987, 8=1988, 9=1989, 0=1990)
WW: Week of manufacture (01-52)
######: Sequential unit number

Quality Control

Each keyboard underwent:

Key switch testing (all keys)
ADB communication verification
Physical inspection
Burn-in period (select units)

Internal Design

PCB Layout

PCB material: FR-4 fiberglass
Layers Single-sided with jumper wires
Controller Custom Apple ADB controller IC
Supporting ICs 74-series logic gates

Assembly Process

Steel plate preparation and coating
Switch installation into plate
PCB mounting to switch pins
Wave soldering of all connections
Cable attachment and strain relief
Case assembly with self-tapping screws
Quality control testing
Packaging with protective materials

Component Suppliers

Switches Alps Electric Co., Japan
Keycaps Signature Plastics (suspected)
PCB Various Taiwan manufacturers
Controller IC Custom Apple silicon
Cable Coiled by various suppliers

Software Compatibility

System Software

Minimum System 3.2 (ADB support)
Maximum Mac OS 9.2.2
Optimal System 6.0.x through Mac OS 8.6

Third-Party Support

A/UX Full compatibility
BeOS Supported with drivers
Linux Kernel support for PowerPC Macs
NetBSD Native ADB support

Special Key Functions

Power key Direct system power control
Command key System modifier
Option key Alternate character access
Control key Terminal emulation, shortcuts

Maintenance & Repair

Disassembly Procedure

Required tools

Phillips screwdriver #1
Plastic spudger
Isopropyl alcohol 90%+
Cotton swabs

Steps

Remove six screws from case bottom
Carefully separate case halves
Disconnect cable from PCB (if removable)
Document wire colors and positions
Remove PCB mounting screws
Lift PCB and plate assembly

Switch Maintenance

Cleaning procedure

Remove keycap with wire puller
Apply drops of isopropyl alcohol
Actuate switch repeatedly
Allow to dry completely
Test switch operation

Switch replacement

Desolder defective switch
Clean PCB pads thoroughly
Install replacement Alps switch
Ensure proper alignment
Solder and test

Common Issues

**Troubleshooting Guide**
Problem	Cause	Solution
Key not registering	Dirty switch contacts	Clean with isopropyl alcohol
Multiple keys failing	PCB trace damage	Repair traces with wire jumpers
ADB not recognized	Cable damage	Test continuity, replace cable
Intermittent operation	Cold solder joints	Reflow solder connections
Caps Lock stuck	Mechanical latch worn	Replace SKCL switch
Keys feel scratchy	Switch contamination	Disassemble and clean switches

Restoration

Retrobrighting

Suitable for yellowed cases
Use hydrogen peroxide cream
UV exposure or heat acceleration
Monitor progress carefully

Switch restoration

Ultrasonic cleaning of switch parts
Replacement of worn springs
Lubrication with appropriate grease

Keycap restoration

Denture tablet cleaning
Avoid harsh chemicals on legends
Gentle brushing for stubborn stains

Modern Usage

ADB to USB Conversion

Hardware adapters

Griffin iMate Original commercial solution
Wombat Modern bidirectional converter
TMK converter Open-source DIY option
Drakware Premium conversion cables

Compatibility considerations

Power key may not function
Some key combinations limited
Latency varies by adapter
Modern OS driver support varies

Collector Information

Value factors

Switch type (Orange > Salmon)
Condition of case and keycaps
Presence of original cable
Manufacturing date (earlier preferred)
Complete documentation

Authentication

Verify serial number format
Check switch type matches era
Confirm keycap profile and legends
Inspect PCB date codes

Market values (2024)

Good condition $150-250
Excellent condition $250-400
Mint/boxed $400-600
Orange Alps premium +$50-100

Legacy and Impact

The Apple Keyboard M0116 occupied a unique position in Apple's keyboard evolution. While its non-standard layout proved controversial and was quickly revised in later models, the build quality and switch technology represented a high point in Apple keyboard construction. The robust steel plate construction and mechanical Alps switches provided a typing experience that many enthusiasts still consider superior to modern offerings.

The keyboard's design influenced the industry standard for construction methods, with the plate-mounted switches becoming the preferred configuration for premium mechanical keyboards. The dual ADB ports pioneered the concept of keyboard-integrated USB hubs seen in many modern keyboards.

Despite its relatively short three-year production run, the M0116 achieved legendary status among collectors and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Orange Alps switches in particular are highly sought after for custom keyboard builds, often commanding premium prices when harvested from donor boards.

Production Statistics

While Apple never published official production numbers, analysis of serial numbers suggests:

Total production: Approximately 500,000 units
Peak production 1988
Orange Alps units ~40% of production
Salmon Alps units ~60% of production
Survival rate Estimated 10-15% in working condition