apple extended replacement?

[jeffisme]

I have an old Mac II with the apple extended keyboard. The keyboard works fine and I enjoy typing on it (with a wrist guard) more than I do the with the new imac keyboards. I was thinking though of replacing it with maybe the Matias Tactile Pro 4 or the Quiet Pro and was wondering whether those who have used all three think it makes sense. Are the Matias keyboards superior in feel to the Apple keyboard or am I simply not going to get anything better than I already I have? I know this is a very subjective thing, so I'm comfortable with people telling me I'm an idiot for even thinking about it. I suppose the attraction to the Matias quiet keyboard is, well, it would be quieter and I would get the extra usb ports. I can't tell from the review whether the Tactile Pro 4 would be a superior typing experience or not in comparison to the Quiet Pro to the Apple.

thanks for any info or advice,

jeff

[CPTBadAss]

I like the boards/switch types you mentioned in the following order:

1) Matias Tactile Pro 4
2) AEK with Cream Alps
3) AEK with Salmon Alps
4) Matias Quiet Pro

I like the Quiet Pro switches but I think the AEK switch variants are nicer. And I really like clicky switches. The Matias Tactile Pro switch has been my favorite Alps switch that I've typed on so far.

[jacobolus]

Is it an Apple Extended Keyboard M0115, or an Apple Extended Keyboard II M3501? If the former, when you pull a keycap off, are there orange or “salmon” (kind of pinkish) sliders underneath? My favorite of the bunch is the M0115/M0116 with orange sliders. I’m not sure how the Matias switches compare, having only tried older versions of the Tactile Pro keyboard (they’ve made subsequent improvements to the switches), but as far as I understand, the “tactile” versions are intended to be similar to the orange alps switches, while the “quiet” versions are intended to be more similar to the AEKII’s cream colored alps switches.

As for whether the new Matias boards are superior.. Well, they are smaller and lighter weight, have a different sort of appearance, and I believe have a different feel to their keycaps. Whether those changes make them better/worse than the old Apple keyboards is subjective. They also use USB, have keys for adjusting the volume, etc., which might a be nice advantage.

[vivalarevolución]

I like the boards/switch types you mentioned in the following order:

1) Matias Tactile Pro 4
2) AEK with Cream Alps
3) AEK with Salmon Alps
4) Matias Quiet Pro

I like the Quiet Pro switches but I think the AEK switch variants are nicer. And I really like clicky switches. The Matias Tactile Pro switch has been my favorite Alps switch that I've typed on so far.

Cream alps before Salmon Alps.  Ppppffffff.

To answer the OP, it's hard to replicate the feel of the AEK.  The board has a heaviness and sturdiness that is not cost effective to reproduce these days.  You will be hard pressed to find a board that can replicate the feel of an original AEK.

The Tactile Pro will be be noisy, but I agree with CPTBadass.  I prefer that over the Quiet Pro.  The Tactile has more tactility (obviously) to it than the Quiet Pro, which can feel a little mushy.

Regardless, I really like what Matias is doing by taking the risk of introducing all these mechanical boards into the market.  If only the market would realize Alps are better than Cherry for typing...

[jeffisme]

It's the MO115. I pulled the escape keycap off, and the slider underneath is definitely orange.
I suppose the answer is to try out one of the new ones, but I'd have to order and then return, if necessary. No place here (Portland, Or.) seems to sell them or have them in stock.

jeff

[vivalarevolución]

It's the MO115. I pulled the escape keycap off, and the slider underneath is definitely orange.
I suppose the answer is to try out one of the new ones, but I'd have to order and then return, if necessary. No place here (Portland, Or.) seems to sell them or have them in stock.

jeff

I would let you try out my Matias Mini Tactile Pro, but I kinda live in Indianapolis at the moment.  I am also trying to sell it, if you are that interested.

[jacobolus]

If your current keyboard is functional, you can also buy an adapter to use it with modern USB machines, or if you can handle some soldering, DIY an update to USB by getting a Teensy 2.0. With the latter, you can then add your own arbitrary keyboard firmware to make it do what you want. I bought an M0116 (Apple Standard Keyboard) and did that sort of mod for a keyboard for my parents, and it seems to be working great.

[tuxsavvy]

I think hydrospell converted an Apple IIgs (ADB plug) keyboard into USB: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=14290.msg1100676#msg1100676

Definitely worth looking into if you don't mind investing a bit of time to get an old keyboard working with a modern machine.

[1391406]

I think hydrospell converted an Apple IIgs (ADB plug) keyboard into USB: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=14290.msg1100676#msg1100676

Definitely worth looking into if you don't mind investing a bit of time to get an old keyboard working with a modern machine.

Both, the Griffin iMate and Belkin ADB to USB adapters work great.

[1391406]

I love the feel of the switches in the AEK. The Tactile Pro sounds like a toy to me. I can't speak to how it feels, but I seriously doubt it rivals the AEK.

[jeffisme]

thanks for the helpful responses. I'm getting the sense that the best choice is to stay with what I have. I can always drop a hub from the back of the imac and map the F keys to my needs. I do enjoy the keyboard. If I get the chance I'll check out the Tactile Pro but won't run out to find one.

jeff

[CPTBadAss]

AEK and AEKIIs can still be found as well. I just picked one up probably 2-3 months ago for my collection. So if your current one fails or anything happens, you can get another one.

[vivalarevolución]

I think hydrospell converted an Apple IIgs (ADB plug) keyboard into USB: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=14290.msg1100676#msg1100676

Definitely worth looking into if you don't mind investing a bit of time to get an old keyboard working with a modern machine.

The other advantage of this mod is you can do some remaping and layers, if you feel the need.

Another thing about those AEK's.  Alps switches seem to have less durability than Cherry or buckling Spring, so I find the vintage boards have some dead switches.  You could always buy some Matias switches that a few people sellon these boards, and solder those into the PCB.  That could be more work than you are looking to do, but just an idea.