AppleDesign Keyboard

AppleDesign Keyboard
Part number	M2980
FCC ID	BCGM-2980
Branding	Apple
Manufacturer	NMB; Alps Electric
Keyswitches	NMB dome with slider; Alps membrane dome
Keycaps	Laser-charred cylindrical
Interface	ADB
Introduced	1994
Precedes	Apple USB Keyboard
Supersedes	Apple Extended Keyboard II

The AppleDesign Keyboard, part number M2980, was Apple's first low-cost full-size Macintosh keyboard, i.e. one with a function key row and navigation cluster. The AppleDesign Keyboard used rubber domes, where the high end Apple Extended Keyboard used Alps SKCL/SKCM series mechanical switches.

Most AppleDesign keyboards have a fixed cable; this is the official specification according to Apple.^[1] However, some production runs are reported to have had detachable cables and Alps-compatible sliders.^[2]^[3]

Variants

There are at least four variants of the AppleDesign Keyboard. From the outside they appear very similar, but the keycap mount differs (the keycaps are not interchangeable) and the screw holes on the rear differ in number.

Most keyboards are "platinum" beige. A black version was also made, shipped with black variants of the Macintosh.

NMB dome with slider

The upper shell supports white NMB sliders, over bright yellow domes. The keyboard controller bears an ID of "NMB16R2677", which is partially why the keyboard is assumed to be an NMB product. Fixed cable that exits within a cable channel.

There are at least two versions that are different:

"Version A"

The option keys are sized 1×1. The barrel plate is black. Four case screws. Long, wide rubber feet.^[4]

"Version B"

The keys are shorter than "Version A" and each one has a post. The option keys are 1.25 wide and the Caps Lock is stepped (1.5:0.25). The barrel plate under the keys is beige. Keys with nubs (D, K and numpad-5) have stems rotated 90°. Eight case screws. Long, narrow rubber feet.^[4]

Alps dome with slider

This uses "Type 2" Alps dome with slider switches.^[5] These were made by Alps in both Mexico and the Czech Republic. There are some differences between units from either location, the Czech-made units have dye sublimated PBT keycaps while the Mexican ones have pad printed ABS. The thin metal plate is held to the membrane assembly using the "melted plastic rivet" technique.

Aside from the country of manufacture, the other way to readily distinguish this variant from the others is the presence of three (rather than four) screw holes on the bottom of the case.

Keycaps are OEM profile, with a 1.5, 1.25, 1.5, 6.5, 1.5, 1.25, 1.5 unit bottom row. Caps lock has an offset slider lining up with the Tab key above it. Stabilizing wire is hinged on the keys and slides in recesses on the membrane assembly.

Alps membrane dome

This version, with Alps membrane dome switches, has a self-contained membrane module that screws to the base of the keyboard. Unlike other versions the black key mounting plate is curved and takes integrated mount keycaps. The domes are clear. This version was made by Alps Electric, with identical dome housings to the Alps KFRF-1.^[6] The controller chip reads "©APPLE, Inc." Fixed cable that exits within a cable channel.

Gallery

NMB domes with sliders variant

Top; the black Apple logo is not original
Side
Product details
Serial number
Bottom
Switch
Downstream ADB port
Opened
Keycap detail
Keycap detail
Keys with homing bars have the keystem rotated 90°
Top case date stamp
Bottom case date stamp
Controller PCB, top
Controller PCB, bottom
Membrane assembly
Membrane assembly
Membrane assembly
Simple matrix design
Rubber domes
Sliders; note the orientation of the D and K keys

Alps slider over dome variant

Bottom case
Product details
Membrane assembly with partial key set
Right shift stabilizer
Right shift closeup with stabilizer in assembly recesses
Canadian Multilingual layout

Alps slider over dome variant With PBT Alps Avid Keycaps

PBT Alps Avid Keycaps
PBT Alps Avid Keycaps 2
PBT Alps Avid Keycaps side
Alps Switches Mount Keycaps
Alps Switches Mount Keycaps 2
"V" and "B" are not dyesub
Label
ADB port

Alps membrane variant

Top
Side
Bottom
Product details
Serial number
Opened
Switch assembly
Keycap detail
Top case date stamp
Guide plate date stamp
Controller PCB
PCB detail
Controller IC detail
Integrated mount keycaps and clear domes
Front cover removed
Alps membrane module
Membrane module, side, showing the keycaps
Controller board, front
Controller board, rear, showing Alps logo
39 screws secure the back of the membrane module, applying the pressure to the membrane sheets
Membrane module opened up
The three membrane layers
Upper membrane layer bears Alps branding
The membrane module uses loose domes
All the rubber domes from the board