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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: netwebber on Mon, 11 October 2010, 22:25:41

Title: Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Post by: netwebber on Mon, 11 October 2010, 22:25:41

Picked this  (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180570458623#ht_500wt_1158) up off of eBay. (Much cheaper than my M15!) It's not supposed to be one of the highest-quality keyboards ever made, but it has mechanical switches. (It's been discussed here before.) (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=8359&highlight=apple+adjustable+keyboard&page=2) Anyone know a good source for ADB-to-PS2 or USB adapters?

Title: Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 12 October 2010, 03:07:17

Congratulations on the win! A very good price for that keyboard, from what I have gathered.

Title: Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Post by: SirClickAlot on Tue, 12 October 2010, 03:41:30

What an excellent price for that keyboard. Am almost jealous.

Yes, I got one of those ADB to PS/2 adapters for my apple extended II and I remember them being very pricey....

Regards.

Title: Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Post by: sygo on Tue, 12 October 2010, 04:54:26

Kudos on that epic catch!

I have two of those and I've been using a Compucable mini-adb to usb converter I got on amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Compucable-Mini-ADB-Adapter-2-Ports-Color/dp/B0000510JB) for 15 USD about a year ago. They seem to be out of stock, though.

The especial keys (volumes, etc) won't work with the latest versions of OSX, but if you get an iMate (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imate) converter there's a driver out there (http://code.google.com/p/imate-osx/) that may enable those keys.

The auction didn't mention if it came with the adb cables at all, you might need to get those too. :/

Title: Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Post by: nathanscribe on Tue, 12 October 2010, 06:06:54

I bought a Belkin ABD to USB adapter with two ADB ports, and it works fine.  It was £10 NIB.

I missed out on one of those board last week.  Serves me right for being a tight bidder.  It went for very little.  Didn't know they were mechanical though, I just thought they were rubber domes.

Title: Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Post by: sixty on Tue, 12 October 2010, 10:57:19

These often go on eBay Germany without any bids or for 1 EUR. I never thought them to be too special. They use the non standard short-travel ALPS switches, not the regular ones. I actually don't like their feel as they seem to feel rather mushy.

As for making it work on a PC, it might be easier to use another controller to make it work, if you can't find any adapter. I believe I have seen a document of the full matrix somewhere.. either here or on kbdmania.

Title: Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 12 October 2010, 11:01:03

Netwebber, you might want to PM iMav.  I think he has several ADB to PS/2 adapters, and he might be able to sell you one.