Older iMac Keyboard

[kilobits]

Hey Hey

Can anyone suggest where I can find one of the older iMac keyboards...

Family member is looking for one to replace theirs that has died.
They have tried the usual retailers, and no luck at all, not even able to order one.
I managed to find a couple on Gumtree, but both have a few dead keys.

They like the feel of the older keyboard.

I am familiar with PCs (be kind please), so Mac and such is unfamiliar to me.

Any suggestions or input most welcome.

 

[GreGorGy]

I got one - but I am using it. Well, my daughter is. Why not use a new keyboard? The key layout is identical...

 

[kilobits]

I got one - but I am using it. Well, my daughter is. Why not use a new keyboard? The key layout is identical...

It is not the layout... it is the keys and the key-action I am told.

They tried the new aluminium chicklet things, and were not impressed... loves the older keyboard.

 

[GreGorGy]

Aha - how has their's died? Have you tried dismantling it with T6 and cleaning? Mine itself is dirty so I cannot really offer it in good conscience (that, and the prospect of replacing it). Maybe the Gumtree dead key one will have perfectly fine interfaces that can be interchanges with dead KB?

 

[[)roi(]]

It is not the layout... it is the keys and the key-action I am told.

They tried the new aluminium chicklet things, and were not impressed... loves the older keyboard.

I've also been looking for something similar:
My article details why the new Apple keyboards were a step in the wrong direction I.e. design over function as opposed to a harmony with both:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=422326

This is a possible solution I have found, challenge however is how to buy one: http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-for-mac

The other options proposed were to buy Windows equivalents and just replace the Mac specific key caps.

 

[kilobits]

Aha - how has their's died? Have you tried dismantling it with T6 and cleaning? Mine itself is dirty so I cannot really offer it in good conscience (that, and the prospect of replacing it). Maybe the Gumtree dead key one will have perfectly fine interfaces that can be interchanges with dead KB?

Their one is just dead... I suspect a break in the circuit... I will have a look at that one this week.

The Gumtree ones have dead spots on certain keys... the control keys on one and the up arrow and space keys on the other. I have dismantled these and cannot for the life of me see any dirt or anything preventing the key making contact with the membrane... they just do not register a key-press at all.... also the return key on one of these is a bit iffy... sometimes it works... and then for a while not.

The Gumtree ones look clean and OK... I just wish they worked properly.

I guess that e-Bay will probably be their best bet as locally there is nothing it seems.

 

[kilobits]

I've also been looking for something similar:
My article details why the new Apple keyboards were a step in the wrong direction I.e. design over function as opposed to a harmony with both:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=422326

This is a possible solution I have found, challenge however is how to buy one: http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-for-mac

The other options proposed were to buy Windows equivalents and just replace the Mac specific key caps.

Hehehehehe...

I have a 1995 Apple clone, Umax, mechanical keyboard... but it has a Mac-like PS2 thingy that I doubt you will find an adapter for !

 

[[)roi(]]

Hehehehehe...

I have a 1995 Apple clone, Umax, mechanical keyboard... but it has a Mac-like PS2 thingy that I doubt you will find an adapter for !

The key question is whether the tactile feel is great or not; the reviews of the Das solution are great re tactile response -- not the case with all solutions though (there are many crappy Windows options but none that provide that old school feel). This might be a solution to your issue though; as far as I know you should easily find converters from PS2 to USB (even some IBM PCs use this)

 

[kilobits]

The key question is whether the tactile feel is great or not; the reviews of the Das solution are great re tactile response -- not the case with all solutions though. This might be a solution to your issue though; as far as I know you should easily find converters from PS2 to USB (even some IBM PCs use this)

The thing is... it is not a standard PS2 connector... there is a lug inside that prevents it from fitting into a PS2 port... I assume it is an Apple proprietary connector of that time... like the VGA interface on the Umax... it is not standard VGA or anything I have seen on a PC... a unique Apple-esque creation.

I will strip them again and see if a can spot any breaks in the actual circuit beneath the membrane... if for the life of me I can figure out just how to separate the two... they seem bonded tight!

 

[kilobits]

Had a look om WantItAll... they are insane... <R1000

:wtf:

EDIT: TakeALot also pricey.

A PC keyboard will work on an Mac right ... what about the Mac specific keys and functions ?

 

[[)roi(]]

Had a look om WantItAll... they are insane... <R1000

:wtf:

Insane is an understatement -- Das keyboards > R2000 -- wtf x 2

How does $133 = R2100?? -- I thought Core's pricing was ridiculous, and many argue the same about Apple base dollar pricing.

 

[[)roi(]]

Had a look om WantItAll... they are insane... <R1000

:wtf:

EDIT: TakeALot also pricey.

A PC keyboard will work on an Mac right ... what about the Mac specific keys and functions ?

Most Windows keyboards sporting the Windows keys will work just fine; it can be a little challenging to without replacing with Apple key caps.

 

[kilobits]

Insane is an understatement -- Das keyboards > R2000 -- wtf x 2

How does $133 = R2100?? -- I thought Core's pricing was ridiculous, and many argue the same about Apple base dollar pricing.

Maybe it is to do with their availability... or lack there-of.

Older PC stuff is also more expensive than the newer, more easy-to-get-hold-of gear.

Perhaps they have collector's appeal value ?

WantitAll have always been kark pricey on stuff tho'... but R2616.00 for a "Large print Black key" model... they are insane.

 

[kilobits]

Most Windows keyboards sporting the Windows keys will work just fine; it can be a little challenging to without replacing with Apple key caps.

Aaah... I am with you now... I understand.

Can you get white USB PC keyboards these days ?

/toodles off to Google I do...

 

[[)roi(]]

Maybe it is to do with their availability... or lack there-of.

Older PC stuff is also more expensive than the newer, more easy-to-get-hold-of gear.

Perhaps they have collector's appeal value ?

WantitAll have always been kark pricey on stuff tho'... but R2616.00 for a "Large print Black key" model... they are insane.

I have no issue paying more for better quality (the new Apple keyboard are pretty and well designed, but they sacrificed tactile feel in the process of making this -- Jony be damned (jokes) for this one);

Btw I see the Das Mac keyboards are available on eBay, now just to find someone willing to ship to SA. Wantitall can go and get ... andAll

 

[kilobits]

I have no issue paying more for better quality; I see the Das Mac keyboards are available on eBay, now just to find some willing to ship to SA. Wantitall can go and get f. andAll

INDEED!

But do Das have a white Mac model... at least I cannot find one on that site...

 

[[)roi(]]

INDEED!

But do Das have a white Mac model... at least I cannot find one on that site...

Unfortunately not; also dislike the black one, but willing to sacrifice looks for better tactile performance.

 

[kilobits]

Unfortunately not; also dislike the black one, but willing to sacrifice looks for better tactile performance.

True... I wonder if this iMac owner will be as reasonable... I cannot find any white USB keyboards online locally.

 

[[)roi(]]

True... I wonder if this iMac owner will be as reasonable... I cannot find any white USB keyboards online locally.

How about a can of white spray paint
Sorry but it seems all the traditional PC manufacturers that are still making these type of keyboards switched to black, for what reason your guess is as good as mine.

I think I need to log a defect with Apple about tactile deformities with its keyboards

 

[kilobits]

How about a can of white spray paint

I think I need to log a defect with Apple about tactile deformities with its keyboards

Hahaha... I wonder if they could do a vinyl wrap on the keyboard and keys... like they do to cars ??