Apple's new metallic keyboards: in wired and Bluetooth flavors

The rumored pictures seemed plausible enough, and now Apple has confirmed the hopes / fears of typists the world over: there's a new desktop keyboard (er, two actually) in town. The new keyboards (one larger wired USB 2.0 edition with two USB 2.0 ports, one smaller Bluetooth 2.0 flavor) are crafted from anodized aluminum, and include dedicated keys for screen dimmer / brighter, expose, media controls, volume controls, and eject for optical drive. Clearly, they're making an obvious play to capture that good will the MacBook has garnered for its interesting spacing and flat keys, but it remains to be seen if such a laptop-ish keyboard can keep up with the more tactile big boys on the desktop frontier. But hey, with that much sexy, we're willing to find out. Click on for a few more glimpses, and just in case you were wondering, it's $49 for the tethered one, or $79 to go cordless.

[Sushi @ Aug 7th 2007 1:20PM]

hey sexy!

[Chuckles McGee @ Aug 7th 2007 1:57PM]

Completely loving the look. Keyboards with laptop-styled keyboards have proven they can hold their own (diNovo anyone?)- Apple's take just adds extra sexy.

[J Ozer @ Aug 7th 2007 2:23PM]

I have a diNovo, or rather, have had 4 diNovos. They all broke, none lasting more than 6 months of light duty typing. Pretty insulting for a $200 (now $150) keyboard set. Makes me wonder how these Mac boards will work.

[Alexander @ Aug 7th 2007 2:47PM]

Also had a DiNovo, and had the same issue with the keyboard. It sucks. I will pick up a BT Apple Keyboard ASAP, to use on my Ubuntu.

[Jerod @ Aug 7th 2007 6:11PM]

I don't like the new keyboard. The brushed aluminum is nice to look at, but that is about it. Laptop keyboards don't have nice tactile feedback, and the keyboard is not ergonomic at all. This keyboard is just like the puck mouse, pretty, and pretty impractical.

[Anton @ Aug 7th 2007 1:21PM]

thank jeebis they did away with the separate num pad that was in the earlier shots...spacing was atrocious...

[Mikey P @ Aug 7th 2007 1:22PM]

I'm a big fan of the MacAlly IceKey. I wonder how the feel of this will compare on the longterm.

[John @ Aug 7th 2007 2:06PM]

Me too -- I've been using an IceKey for years. For those that don't know it, it's basically a laptop keyboard (with scissor-action mechanism) in a desktop housing, much like the new Apple keyboards. It has a crisp, responsive feel, and it's the best keyboard I've ever used. If the new Apple models had a full-size wireless version, I'd consider trying one out, but it looks like I'll stick with the (wired) IceKey for now.

[Jerod @ Aug 7th 2007 6:16PM]

I am going to be honest here, the MacAlley keyboards are terrible. I have used several and they all have the same problems: Poor tactile response, chronic failure to respond.

[tom @ Aug 7th 2007 1:27PM]

arrow keys under the shift key... wtf? this is slightly different than what we saw on the web...

[Brandon @ Aug 7th 2007 1:28PM]

What happened to the number pad?! Think I'll stick to my current Apple keyboard...

[Mile @ Aug 7th 2007 1:30PM]

You are not conforming properly!

[tim2short @ Aug 7th 2007 1:47PM]

yeah... boo on the no number keypad :(

[Tony C @ Aug 7th 2007 1:45PM]

If you look at the one side view photo, you'll see a wired full-width desktop keyboard. The very same one that made the recent rumor rounds.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/08/dsc_1319.jpg

[Brandon @ Aug 7th 2007 1:48PM]

Phew! You're right. That's for pointing that out!!

[Revrant2394 @ Aug 7th 2007 3:08PM]

*reclaims your Mock Turtleneck and Beret* No more swaggering for you, sir.

[Tim Dowling @ Aug 7th 2007 1:29PM]

RIP, "Open Apple" key :(

[steve @ Aug 7th 2007 1:29PM]

looks like someone fired their ergonomic engineer...

[steve @ Aug 7th 2007 1:30PM]

looks like someone fired their ergonomic engineer...

[Mile @ Aug 7th 2007 1:31PM]

Echo

[Preston @ Aug 7th 2007 2:00PM]

Echo

[Dragoneye @ Aug 7th 2007 2:22PM]

Apple never had ergonomic engineers, all of their peripherals suck. Puck mouse anyone?

[steve @ Aug 7th 2007 1:31PM]

damn live event, look what you made me do. A dreaded double post. I'll be the ridicule of blog addicts everywhere.....

[taoprophet420 @ Aug 7th 2007 1:37PM]

Look everybody no apple logo on the command key.

[js @ Aug 7th 2007 1:41PM]

You can clearly see that Apple is trying to cut corners in the manufacturing process by using overstocked macbook keyboards...

[William @ Aug 7th 2007 1:51PM]

Something is a little iffy here. The main profile shot of the keyboard shows the arrow keys at the very right. Yet, the comparison image of the thickness of the two keyboards show a long button at the far right, possibly the 2nd Enter key. I've heard things that the wireless version will do without the number keypads on the right while the wired ones retain them. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[William @ Aug 7th 2007 1:53PM]

Bah, looks like I'm 5 minutes behind everyone. Noticed everyone else was quicker than me. Sorry!

[Metaphor @ Aug 7th 2007 2:19PM]

Good lord JS what on earth are you on about....with MacBooks on short supply outside of Apple themselves (i.e resellers are struggling to get certain models) I doubt very much that they are using 'overstocked' MacBook Keyboards. Oh and lets not forget the fact that MacBook keyboards have a very nice Apple Logo on the Command key...........no wait they must be using a specific member of the manufacturing plant team to take off that key from the overstocked MacBook ones and replace it with one sans Apple Logo...or maybe a little elf is using some kind of solvent and carefully erasing it.......

[Sam Crutsinger @ Aug 7th 2007 3:21PM]

Metaphor, the more they standardize parts, the less it costs them to make products. This very well could be the same keyboard in the MacBooks. I'd wager the Apple will be departing from the MacBook CMD key before very long.

Using the same keyboard as the MacBook means they can use one assembly line to crank out the components. The ultra thin design means it's cheaper to transport and requires less storage space. It uses less materials so that makes it even cheaper.

As a stock holder, I say yippy! As a user though... I long for the old days of the ADB Apple Extended Keyboard II. I think I'll go buy a Matias Tactile Pro.

[Metaphor @ Aug 7th 2007 3:34PM]

Hey Sam,

Great and constructive comments. I agree with the principle behind it I just disagreed with the point JS made. I understand that the best way forwards for Apple is to use as many same parts as is possible. That makes sense financially for them and stock holders and brings down costs for end users and hopefully makes supply easier. Could well be that the logo goes from all of the KB's and yes from a manufacturing point it makes total sense. In addition makes sense for our AASP engineers as easier for them to deal with on a repair basis (we have to replace 'one key' a lot especially on MBP's) but to replace the MacBook KB involves a whole Top Case replacement and not the individual Key which is the case on MBP's.

I am all for less costs I was just getting at the surpless comment!!!!

[js @ Aug 7th 2007 6:37PM]

God you're such a hyprocrite.

[js @ Aug 7th 2007 6:41PM]

"That makes sense financially for them and stock holders and brings down costs for end users and hopefully makes supply easier"

In other words, cutting corners. Last time I recall, macbooks were in stock and ships within 24 hours to 2 business days. In fact, I got my macbook a couple of weeks ago from the online Apple store and the shipment was superfast... they shipped it from warehouse at Pennsylvania.

"I am all for less costs I was just getting at the surpless comment!!!!"

God, you're such a hypocrite.

[TxT.aC @ Aug 7th 2007 2:25PM]

i think it's fucking sexy.

[Camperton @ Aug 7th 2007 2:26PM]

I have a mac mini hooked up to my TV and have been dreaming that they'd put out a compact bluetooth keyboard like this. I can't beleive they finally did it.

[mattstl77 @ Aug 7th 2007 2:31PM]

Wow...something that is finally better looking than Hillary Clinton.

Seriously, this keyboard looks like a piece of crap. But then again it is an Apple. Let's hope that it is at least functional. Which you can't say for the majority of Apple's products.

[jbstingray @ Aug 7th 2007 2:36PM]

The wireless version has no numpad, the wired version does. Just thought I would set the record straight.

-jb

[pixel_pimp @ Aug 7th 2007 2:54PM]

I think that the keyboard should have a "Hover Sensor" so when you fingers are over keys those keys appear on the monitor. Kinda like the iphone, but for the desktop. I am a chicken scratch typer. I have been using a keyboard for 12 years and still never learned to type. So I was thinking that if the keyboard would show what keys my fingers are hovering over or touching but not pressing that would help me keep from looking down. So image 8 boxes along the bottom of the screen, overlaid on-top of the dock and it would popup what keys have fingers over them! Or make the keyboard a touch screen like the iPhone, all smooth and buttonless!

[Brandson @ Aug 7th 2007 3:00PM]

The small bluetooth keyboard might be nice to use with a PS3, if the PS3 can communicate with it.

[apeguero @ Aug 7th 2007 3:47PM]

I second that. I'll try it out as soon as it's out - if it's affordable that is.

[Rez @ Aug 18th 2007 9:30PM]

I hear ya -- I'd def get it if it will do double-duty between my MacBook and PS3. Please update us when you determine whether or not it's compatible.

[Fortyseven @ Aug 7th 2007 3:05PM]

Model M forever, bitches. If your keyboard can't kill a man by beating him over the head with it, it's not awesome enough. :)

[Ben @ Aug 7th 2007 3:14PM]

IBM figured out that chiclet keys were unacceptable to consumers decades ago. My $3000 macbook has a TERRIBLE keyboard, acceptable only for the portability it provides and its backlighting. I would never, and I mean NEVER, put one of these new abortions on my desktop. Thank goodness for the 3rd party Mac keyboard manufacturers; you can actually get a keyboard that has full key travel, provides tactile feedback, is backlit, and provides a full complement of usable keys.

Whoever is doing the physical design of these new Mac keyboards needs to be singled out and fired. Yeah, even if its Steve. Chiclets. For crying out loud. Next they'll try to tell us that a curved face on a monitor is better for us, or replace the ethernet port with a 1200 baud modem, singing the praises of the "audible connection friendliness." ;-/

[Brandon @ Aug 7th 2007 3:25PM]

Dude. First, you spent $3000 on a macbook PRO not a macbook. Second, you are obviously a terrible shopper because that's one of the higher prices I've ever heard for a MacBook Pro. Third, you fail to realize that most people that own a MacBook LOVE the change in keyboard and are pretty psyched for this.

I love blog comments. "I've never used it but I think it SUCKS!! Screw Steve Jobs!".

melodrama has always been the blogger's horrible addiction.

[Miles @ Aug 7th 2007 4:24PM]

What about those of us who have used the Mac Book and Mac Book Pro keyboards and still find something like a Model M, or Apple Extended II keyboard better to type on?

Does that make us melodramatic?

You can't have a wrong opinion.
His opinion as well as mine is that if it's anything like the Macbook keyboards, we'd rather not use it for something better, IN OUR OPINION.

[johnzilla @ Aug 7th 2007 4:41PM]

Kudos to you for completely blasting something you a) don't own, and b) have never tried, all based on a marketing image.

Way to go!

[Mike McGregor @ Aug 7th 2007 5:57PM]

I have to say after having spent the last 10 years using a powerbook as a day-to-day machine for typing on, i much prefer the "Chiclets" type keyboards and i can damn well type faster on them simply from the less travel on them. That said, i still love the ol' Apple Extended IIs.. got one from 1990 that i keep around with a griffin imate just incase i ever need to do some serious WP..

[billm @ Aug 7th 2007 7:56PM]

I hate most laptop keyboards including that on the macbook. The keys feel too small, the keyboard is too small, you name it, just doesn't feel right. The macbook pro however has an awesome keyboard for a laptop in my opinion. Took me all of two or three days to realize I couldn't use any other laptop ever again. Here's to hoping Apple never messes with it's design!!! If the new metallic keyboard resembles the one that's on the macbook pro, then I'd consider purchasing a bluetooth one for my office setup (laptop typing works better on your lap, not on a desk - again, just my opinion)

--Bill

[Miles @ Aug 7th 2007 3:25PM]

This kind of sucks for Mac users, but it's preference I guess.

All I know is that if I ever get an iMac I'll just get a PS/2 -> USB dongle to use my Model M.
It's not like losing Capslock so I can have a control key is a big problem.

I just can't stand laptop sized keys.

I need lots of travel to touch type properly

[Paul Gracie @ Aug 7th 2007 3:31PM]

New iMacs - beautiful.

New keyboards - hideous. White keys with silver and black iMac - yuck !

OK mini one is OK-ish (but would be much more useful with a builtin in trackpad, esp for mac mini)

Logitech should jump right in with a diNovo edge for Mac OS X.
Would be great if someone from Logitech wolud read this (since no contact email link on ther website) and act.

[rudebo @ Aug 7th 2007 3:46PM]

it certainly looks good .. but i had an ultraflat keyboard from logitech once and those low profile keys were tiresome .. looked awesome .. but really added more effort to typing ... must be something with ergonomics ...