03.26.00
New Keyboard!
Mar 26 Sun (02 AM)
Well, it’s actually an old keyboard, but it’s new to me in the home environment.
When I bought my first Mac (a Centris 610 known as Monument) I didn’t want to spend the extra cash to get an actual Apple keyboard. I saved $15 and got a keyboard that had more in common with the one attached to my brother’s 286 PC, with an extra large return key (the kind that spans two rows) and a rather stiff key action. I had been using that keyboard for a few years, so it was a good idea a the time.
I can’t remember when, but somewhere along the line I had the chance to work using an “Apple Extended Keyboard II”. Oh wow.
I didn’t appreciate it at the time of purchase, but a keyboard with a softer touch is a joy to behold. If the keys are too stiff (i.e., the keys take more effort to push) it takes quite a bit of effort and stamina to keep typing on them. However, once you use a keyboard with a softer touch, you’ll not go back.
It may seem like the differences between typing on different keyboards wouldn’t be all that great. But when you’re using the keyboard for such a large portion of the working day as I do, that extra effort adds up. I would estimate that I hit 2500 keys per day. That’s nearly a million keystrokes a year. The wear and tear on my fingers and tendons can really add up in that situation.
The Extended Keyboard II (which had the codename Nimitz when is was in development) has the best touch of any keyboard I’ve ever used. I know I’ve got an Apple hang-up, but really, I’ve never found a better keyboard. It’s touch is excellent, the non qwerty keys are arranged well with a nicely enlarged Option key, and the keys are labled in italic. These slight differences add up to a keyboard that is clean and tasteful.
So why didn’t I run out and get a ‘Nimitz’ years ago? Well, it was more of a practical consideration. When I had my pizzabox-shapped Centris 610 sitting on my desk, there wasn’t any room for the larger keyboard.
But in December, I got my Blue G3. And the keyboard that came with it.
However, when Apple started to sell the ‘flavored’ Macs like my G3, they began to bundle the keyboard as part of the package. Apple discontinued the Extended Keyboard II, and suddenly the users got saddled with the “Apple USB Keyboard”. Much has been said about the silly hockey puck mouse that was included, but the keyboard (Codenamed: “Cosmo”) takes a special place of shame.
This USB keyboard is cramped. It’s keys are too small — horizontially, sure– but vertically even more so. The ‘home’ and ‘end’ keys are missing as are F13 F14 and F15. It’s nearly an outrage. And the touch… well the less said, the better. In short, this USB keyboard is a cheap sham of an input device. I think the users would be better off trying to write their e-mail by Morse Code or binary.
But grace of grace, the Blue G3 that I bought was the only Mac to have USB and ADB or Apple Desktop Bus ports. (ADB was the older standard for connecting keyboards and mice, which the Extended uses.) So today was the day to bring home the first class keyboard.
Amy and I ventured out to SE 82nd, just pass the Clackamas county line to a little store known as “Stuff”. It’s a great little place, kinda like a pawn shop/junk yard/garage sale for electronics type stuff. A while back, I had been there and noticed their stack of Extended and Extended II keyboards. So I went straight to the correct aisle and began digging through the two dozen keyboards to pick the ‘right’ one.
It’s got some light scratches, it’s got a few smudges and a bit of discolorization, but for a keyboard made in 1990 it is in great condition, and for just $9.95, it can not be beat.
If you have the chance, get one of these. If I ever get a Mac without an ADB port, you can bet I’ll be buying a adapter to bring my Extended Keyboard II along with me.