Poll: Reaction to the New iMac Keyboard?

[MacRumors]

Vote: Poll: Reaction to the New iMac Keyboard? (http://www.macpolls.com/?poll_id=549)

[LastLine]

Love the idea....but....

The keys are too flat for me, having played on one I find it hard to touch type, still, I did with my MB at first so maybe time will tell.

Secondly the wireless keyboard missing the entire right hand side of the keyboard irks me, I'll not be buying one of these that's for sure, I use my numpad far too much.

But still, a nice new addition to go with the Alu-Mac's I guess.

[samh004]

Happy because I found the right photos when it mattered.

The bluetooth version looks pretty bad though, I wont be buying one of them.

[telecomm]

The bluetooth version looks pretty bad though, I wont be buying one of them.

Yeah, right now someone in hardware design is being told that, after they removed the number pad, software has just released a new application called Numbers... *slaps head* :D

[macphisto]

Bring back the Apple symbol on the Command key and I will love it.

[jettredmont]

Haven't worked with the iMac keyboard specifically, but judging from its similarity to the MacBook keyboard, which took a little getting used to but in the end won me out, I anticipate loving it. I like the feel of it and the small travel. I know there are "tactile feedback" nazis out there who'd be most happy with a 1927 IBM keyboard where you have to exert three pounds of force per key just to get the mechanism to move, but I'm not one of them. I definitely know when I'm pushing a key here, and find I'm able to type more fluidly when my fingers just "float" across the keyboard than when I have to exert sharp physical pressure on the keys.

And, please, if I see another PC Jr comparison I'm going to puke. The PC Jr had many many more problems to it aside from the key travel distance and space between the keys. It failed because it just didn't work, AND it was so far different from the response of current keyboards that it was difficult to know if it was you not pressing the key or the key not working or the IR transmitter not working, AND it was specifically marketed as a budget alternative to a "real" keyboard as available on the rest of IBM's line.

[jettredmont]

Yeah, right now someone in hardware design is being told that, after they removed the number pad, software has just released a new application called Numbers... *slaps head* :D

Any bets Apple will release a bluetooth number input keypad to sit alongside the BT wireless one for the two times a week the number pad is useful? Of course, barring that, there are plenty of USB number keypads out there, designed for the huge number of notebooks without separate number pads, which would work just as well ...

Number entry not on the number keypad is painful, but I have to agree with the compactness sentiment. A full-length keyboard is just too wide to have sitting in my lap.

[telecomm]

Number entry not on the number keypad is painful, but I have to agree with the compactness sentiment. A full-length keyboard is just too wide to have sitting in my lap.

It may not be for everybody, but the (old) Apple bluetooth keyboard fit on my lap pretty well (and I'm not a wide guy :D). Seems like they could have figured something out, were size that much of an issue, but I guess then they wouldn't have the opportunity to make even more money with a separate device...

[squirrellydw]

The wireless one needs a numeric keyboard like the wired one

[devilot]

I love the MB keyboard and I haven't used the new Apple desktop KB, but I'm pretty sure I'll love it based on that. :o Bring back the Apple symbol on the Command key and I will love it.I actually do wish that they'd kept the Apple logo, but such a thing won't really make any real difference to me.

:edit: Forgot about the num-pad-less wireless KB. Actually, if Apple offered the "little" KB in a wired format, I'd buy that. :p

[Spanky Deluxe]

Not the best poll, should be split up into liking the wired one and another for the wireless one.

I love the wired one (apart from feeling a bit sad that they got rid of the Apple logo) but dislike the wireless one. I'm fairly confident that they'll release a Wireless Pro keyboard though, that has those missing buttons that pro users use all too much.

[iBunny]

I think it sucks personally.

Desktop keyboards are always better. The only reason we have the "Laptop" style keyboards are because there is no room for the big keys.

The keys are also too far apart.... The sole reason I chose the MBP over the MacBook.

[sminman]

I love the new keyboard.

I can fly on it and the keys are really responsive and it has a nice low profile.

The new iMac has also grown on me...

[Analog Kid]

Need the number pad on the wireless version... I don't put it in my lap, I leave it on my desk but I don't want the wires interfering with everything and I use that number pad frequently.

On the plus side, it doesn't have the design flaws of the previous wireless keyboard which is basically a crumb tray with keys.

[adrianblaine]

I think combined with the new iMac it looks funny: Aluminum, White, and Black. It looks like a weird mishmash of colors now IMO. Black and white look good together, aluminum and black look good together, (I personally don't like the aluminum and white together) but with all three it looks funny to me. I guess I'll save my final opinion when I see it in person when I go to the Apple Store later today.

[tbealmear]

I like it. Yes, it will def take some getting used to, but my friend has a MB and I loved typing on it once I got used to it. The lack of the number pad on the wireless one does boggle my mind. They should come out with some sort of fix for that problem, whatever it might be. When it comes to the color...I like the color. I like the black and silver. I like the white and silver. But, at the same time, having all three together looks strange. Hopefully I will get used to it once I get mine here before too long.:D

[BenRoethig]

I was pretty skeptical honestly going in, but I love the thing.

[CalBoy]

It needs to have better keys; I don't like the macbook keyboard. The BT one also needs to have that numberpad. It's really useful. Also, I don't care if it's a little more stylish, the old one was just fine IMO. That's why I'm going out to buy an older one today:)

[zv470]

I love them both, (I've ordered a wireless one already.)

I think Apple should release a wireless numpad (by itself.)

They're right to remove it from the wireless keyboard as the numpad sticks out to the right when the keyboard's sitting on a lap... if they release a wireless number pad you could leave that on the desk when you take the keyboard off the desk. :)

[telecomm]

The lack of the number pad on the wireless one does boggle my mind. They should come out with some sort of fix for that problem, whatever it might be.

I don't like the lack of a number pad either...

I though about this problem for a long time, though, and I think I've got a fix!

They could attach a wireless (maybe bluetooth?) number pad to the right hand side of the bluetooth keyboard! Then you'd have 2 wireless devices in one!:p

[Lynxpoint]

I am seemingly in the minority, but I appreciate the BT keyboard being sans numberpad. I prefer to be able to reach all keys on a kb without moving my arms if possible and I also prefer symetric layouts.

[sonictonic]

I like it, but I would have loved it if they didn't leave out the number pad (WTF??), and the buttons weren't white. It totally clashes I think, and I really do not understand why they would not want the buttons black or even silver to match the system better. There is no logical reason to throw white into the mix when it does not match one bit. Oh wait, maybe it's to save money since they are the same buttons as on the MacBook :eek: Yuck Apple! Don't be this cheap! You have better style than that!

[MrSmith]

I know there are "tactile feedback" nazis out there who'd be most happy with a 1927 IBM keyboard where you have to exert three pounds of force per key just to get the mechanism to move...Have we met? :)

[Jerry Spoon]

Bring back the Apple symbol on the Command key and I will love it.

I'm in the same boat. I do training with groups frequently on the mac and a group always wants to know the keyboard shortcuts. I'm going to have to train myself to say "command" instead of "apple" when telling them the shortcut. And I think it was just visually easier for those people who wanted to try using keyboard shortcuts to remember the "apple key". We'll see.

[rijiMacDij]

Having suffered a number of injuries and wear and tear, I having been looking for a narrow, centred keyboard for ages.

I have frequently found myself smacking the mouse into the end of the keyboard and wishing it wasn't there.

Thank-you Apple. My back thanks you, and my neck thanks you too.

Now I can sit straight, without having to have one arm asymmetrically hanging out to one side, with my neck contorting to compensate.
:D:D:D

[CortexRock]

I've just come back from a little trip to the Apple Store at Bluewater, here in Kent, UK. Treated myself to the new wired keyboard and am posting with it now.

My initial impression is positive, I'm a touch-typist so finding that all the keys 'feel' they're in the right place is a real bonus. The new design means it will be ten times easier to clean too!

A couple of minor caveats:


The new keyboard requires OSX 10.4.10, according to the documentation. Don't know if it would work on older OS versions - perhaps someone else could try and report back?

A keyboard update from Apple is required to activate the new key functions (Expose on F3, which does what F9 used to do, plus the other changes). There is no install disc, so you need an internet connection. The download is about 16 megabytes.

The USB ports are indeed 2.0, but they don't work for powered devices - ie you can sync your iPod, but not charge it. My Wacom tablet didn't work either, but USB flash drives and my trusty MS Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 work fine (I've tried and got fed up with the Mighty Mouse!).

All in all, it looks great with my Rev. A Intel iMac, so I'll give it 8 out 10 :D

[mkrishnan]

The new keyboard requires OSX 10.4.10, according to the documentation. Don't know if it would work on older OS versions - perhaps someone else could try and report back?

A keyboard update from Apple is required to activate the new key functions (Expose on F3, which does what F9 used to do, plus the other changes). There is no install disc, so you need an internet connection. The download is about 16 megabytes.

The USB ports are indeed 2.0, but they don't work for powered devices - ie you can sync your iPod, but not charge it. My Wacom tablet didn't work either, but USB flash drives and my trusty MS Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 work fine (I've tried and got fed up with the Mighty Mouse!).


Thanks for your mini review! :) I'm very curious to try one also. Just briefly, for what it's worth...

1) I suspect that the installer and 10.4.10 are only necessary for the special features you're describing... otherwise, this is the first time I'd hear of a USB or Bluetooth kbd that did nothing at all without special drivers.

2) Yeah, the USB2 limitation is a pretty universal one on keyboards and other things that hub USB without having an independent power source. The essential problem is that the keyboard isn't allowed by USB to draw enough power from the bus to power itself and be fully adequate for the external devices. This is why people often run into weird problems with USB devices that are plugged in somewhere other than the main USB ports on the computer. Sometimes they charge, but not well, sometimes they behave erratically, sometimes they fail to support certain devices, etc. :(

[bug67]

I wish it was back-lit like my PowerBook's keys. I've been looking for a back-lit desktop keyboard forever and just can't seem to find anything. It'd be great if Apple back-lit theirs.

[brooker]

I'm in the same boat. I do training with groups frequently on the mac and a group always wants to know the keyboard shortcuts. I'm going to have to train myself to say "command" instead of "apple" when telling them the shortcut. And I think it was just visually easier for those people who wanted to try using keyboard shortcuts to remember the "apple key". We'll see.

the labels are more consistent now... and you can still call it the SPLAT key! Splat-q to quit!

[edenwaith]

I'll need to try one out to get a proper opinion of this new keyboard, but my initial reaction is one of disgust. It seems that they changed around too many things, things which just don't make much sense. I LOVE having the volume control buttons on the right-hand side of the keyboard. With just a small movement from my mouse to my keyboard, I can easily change the volume or eject a disc. But if the keys are in the center of the keyboard, that requires more movement. And with the Expose and Dashboard keys being moved to the left, how would that affect the F9, F10, F11, and F12 hot keys that I've been using for the past several years with Panther and Tiger?

Being a USB2 keyboard is a good thing, however. And I hope this new design helps to keep the keyboard clean, and perhaps even a little more water resistant.

But in the end it won't really matter. When I get a new iMac, I'm just going to use my Matias Tactile Pro keyboard. Best keyboard made. Ever.

[CBAviator]

Need the number pad on the wireless version... I don't put it in my lap, I leave it on my desk but I don't want the wires interfering with everything and I use that number pad frequently.

On the plus side, it doesn't have the design flaws of the previous wireless keyboard which is basically a crumb tray with keys.

It was king of making me wonder...the ship dates on the wireless keep getting bumped back longer and longer. Any chance Apple may be designing one with a number pad and that's why the ship dates keep getting pushed back?

[CBAviator]

One thing I was very surprised about was the weight. The original "rumor" photos made it look kind of cheap and plastic-like. Once I used one in person, however, my opinion completely changed!

[Mord]

I like the wired keyboard, I don't like the wireless version.


I really do love my macbook keyboard and prefer it to any desktop keyboard I've ever used bar an IBM model M.

[MacBlackBook22]

I like it, but I would have loved it if they didn't leave out the number pad (WTF??), and the buttons weren't white. It totally clashes I think, and I really do not understand why they would not want the buttons black or even silver to match the system better. There is no logical reason to throw white into the mix when it does not match one bit. Oh wait, maybe it's to save money since they are the same buttons as on the MacBook :eek: Yuck Apple! Don't be this cheap! You have better style than that!

I think they should have done the silver with black keys, for goodness sake don't forget there is a black Macbook and it has black keys so they are available no need for those white keys which I personally hate so much I got a black iskin for the previous white keyboard.

Having said that I am looking forward to getting the new wireless keyboard. I use it on my lap so I am very happy they don't have the keypad on it as I never use one. Plus this one will be lighter. I found that the old one was way to heavy:apple:

[pimentoLoaf]

Answer: I hate it (I prefer the word loathe, though).

I do lots of typing -- the previous keyboard with it's curved cross-section is far superior.

[RonJ83]

its a nice keyboard, takes some time gettin used to but nice overall. i like it.

[Cyberthato]

now, just give me a bluetooth numeric pad for my mbp and i'll boy it asap

[esco]

I really like the wired version...except for the wire. I agree with everyone that wants a full bluetooth version.

The USB ports on the wired version are pretty helpful though, if only it could charge my iPhone
:(

[antic]

I haven't had chance to use it yet so I'll reserve my judgement. But from the look of it, it sits flatter on the desk so it should theoretically reduce wrist strain.

Looks good but I wish they would have made a full size bluethooth version. I miss the key pad but dont like trailing wires all over the place. They have dropped the ball on this one.

[aswitcher]

I love the new wired alu keyboard BUT I cant key F3 and F4 to work when connected to my MBP. It recognises the music keys (F7-F9) and audio (F10-F12) on the different keyboards have different functions but does not recognise the F3 and F4 on the alu Keyboard.

Anyone tried this?

Edit - Yes I have the firmware update.

[xsphat]

Have we met? :)

I second that.

[JasonMac]

Love the new keyboard, too bad I just bought the old model, :(

[ICEBreaker]

I've seen the real thing but have not actually used it long enough to give it a fair judgement. Having said that, I guess I can only echo all the comments already made.
Keys: I am a tactile key person, so I don't think I like the new ones very much. Thanks to edenwaith for his/her mention of Matias Pro Tactile keyboards. I'd love one, but at almost USD150, it's outside of my budget. Besides, I need a wireless model. The great thing about the new iMac's keys is that they are nice and easy to clean! Love that about it.
Colour: I love the Apple white (ala iPod)! Why did they have to make the iMac in aluminium? I knew it was coming since the Mac OS X theme is metallic but I really prefer white like the old iMac. Oh well, I suppose the keyboard has to go with the computer, so aluminium it is. But the keys are white? Although I like white, it just doesn't go with the aluminium, and it also does not go with the iMac's silver/black look. Yuck!
Contour: Again, the last iMac's curved contour seems more comfortable. But as I have not used the new keyboard for an extended period of time, I can't say the new one is totally uncomfortable.
Wireless Numerical Keypad: How can they release Numbers and then give us a keyboard without a number pad? Anyone who do calculations requires a numerical keypad. Now, I understand why some people don't want numerical keypads, and I totally respect this. So Apple really should release two versions, one with, and one without the numerical keypads. I think this issue is so divisive that two versions are required. I am going to hold off my iMac purchase until this is cleared up.
By the way, they cannot just offer a separate wireless numerical keypad. I don't see how it can be joined to the wireless keyboard because it would get in the way of the power switch. A totally separate keypad would require another bluetooth slot. I don't know how many bluetooth connections the iMac can handle, but I imagine it to be in the region of 2-4.
Missing Keys: How can they miss those valuable keys? What were they thinking? Those keys are essential to many of us, and I don't feel they get in the way, even for those who don't use them (unlike the num keypad). Place them back!
The Apple Key: I have not used the Mac for more than 15 years. That's half my life. So I do not have much emotional attachment to Apple. But even a PC user like me feels that the apple logo should not be lost. It's what makes a Mac... an Apple. People love Macs for what they are, quirks and all. Don't start removing these characteristics, for the sake of change.
Back-lit: Ah I forgot this item. Back lit keys would be PERFECT. I am typing in the dark now and wish I could see the keys!Have I missed anything? Hope not.

[petvas]

I have been using the new wired keyboard for the last couple of days and I am very happy with it. The only things that I dont like are:

The placement of the Expose and Dashboard buttons. It creates an inconsistency. I also have a Macbook and now I have to remember that F9 is the expose button on it and F3 on my iMac...
Placement of the Volume buttons...I liked the previous position
Placement of the eject key...It should be on the F19 key...

[byakuya]

Here's my two cents after receiving my keyboard freshly from Japan (http://daysofourmacbooks.blogspot.com/2007/08/apple-keyboard-freshly-arrived-from.html)
The design: mediocre...colors don't match well in my opinion.
USB ports: placement is bad...too far in.
Function keys: need to get used to it.

However, the typing feel is excellent. And I mean that is the main point about keyboards isn't it? it is just fun to type away on this one.

byakuya

[mathwhiz90601]

I like it. It works, unlike my old mac keyboard. Going to replace that one with a used keyboard off ebay and upgrade it to panther.

[chuckiehina]

Had black keys.

Added a row of the function keys instead of doing "double duty" like laptops.

Numeric keypad for wireless

More (and larger) setting for angles.

[narzod]

I love the new wired alu keyboard BUT I cant key F3 and F4 to work when connected to my MBP. It recognises the music keys (F7-F9) and audio (F10-F12) on the different keyboards have different functions but does not recognise the F3 and F4 on the alu Keyboard.

Anyone tried this?

Edit - Yes I have the firmware update.

I'm having the same problem.:mad:

[swampfox]

kinda like the idea but not sure if i will switch

[nateDEEZY]

Would be cool if they sold 2 versions of the BT keyboard, so I'm holding off on a BT keyboard purchase till then. I'm currently happy with the last gen BT keyboard.

[mavherzog]

I really do love my macbook keyboard and prefer it to any desktop keyboard I've ever used bar an IBM model M.
I feel the same way. Absolutely LOVE the ol' Model M's. Hated every laptop keyboard I used until I bought my MacBook. (which is odd considering the keyboards are NOTHING alike in their tactile feedback, sound, mechanics, etc)

I guess we just know quality. :)

[vicious7]

I finally had the opportunity to try out the new keyboard. It looks good, is solid and quiet. But I am not sure I like the action of the keys. It feels like I'm typing on a toy. Too bad, it would have looked great with the MBP. I guess I'll settle for my noisy, but trusty Apple KB.

[ctsport1234]

i like it very much, just kinda bummed out about my BT KB not shipping until sometime in October :p

[mizzoucat]

I'm currently using the DiNovo Edge and find it to be an excellent keyboard. The new Apple keyboard is nice but I don't like the spacing of the keys. If it were more like the macbook pro keyboard and not the macbook keyboard, I'd probably buy it.

[aswitcher]

Just got an update. Keyboard shipping this week, due next week. Now being prepared for shipment.

[JesterJJZ]

I think the new keyboards are terrible. They just don't "feel" as good to type on. I can't stand laptop keyboards.

[AceWilfong]

Matches the white 24 quite well...never used the numerical keyboard and glad it's gone. Reminds me of a vintage Leica, in a way.

[dannyar]

i love it as well as the wireless one

[dannyar]

4got to mention the the size and mobility of the wireless is great

[psychofreak]

My switcher friend just got it, I like it after 5 minutes typing...but I'm used to my MB's keyboard...

He loves it, especially how it has a picture for Exposé, Dashboard and iTunes shortcuts :)

[albusseverus]

I've got both the new aluminum keyboards and they're excellent.

They are the fastest and most comfortable keyboards Apple's ever made and I've used EVERY Mac keyboard sold.

The WIRED version is the flattest, fastest & most comfortable on the fingers & while I love the number pad, I'm right handed and the mouse needs to go where the number pad is, to avoid injury.

So I got the WIRELESS - the key positions are slightly different, but the mouse is in the correct spot, now. The wireless keyboard sits higher at the back (because of the batteries), which is not as good as the wired keyboard, but still better than any other keyboard. The keys make more noise, due to the extra hollow under the keyboard, but it's very fast and extremely comfortable to use.

The Function key won't give you a number pad, but it will do forward delete, page up, page down, Home, End.

The new functions on the F keys are a godsend, especially the iTunes/DVD Player controls. They should have made one for Spaces, though.

Cheers

[Hedicito]

Simple, thin, light weight, slick design... In one word: PERFECT.

[farefield]

they need to make the keyboard with the NUM. pad wireless also!! u no what i mean.:D

[solidgoldmini]

It's quiet. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it's nice. I second the request for the num pad on the wireless keyboard, though.

[jakebrake3202]

I'm currently using the DiNovo Edge and find it to be an excellent keyboard. The new Apple keyboard is nice but I don't like the spacing of the keys. If it were more like the macbook pro keyboard and not the macbook keyboard, I'd probably buy it.


I agree, I like the keys on the macbook pro much more.

[drgrafix]

I tried the new KBs out at the apple store before I ordered and decided to go with the included wired because I didn't like the feel of _any_ of apple's KBs or the mouse. I wound up buying the Logitech setup S530, and I like it better. The mouse I especially like as my hands are big and between the thumbwheel and the weight, the Logitech wins hands down. The keyboard is a little more dimensional than the apple, but I can't say it exudes quality but it looks nice. I've been using a logitech wireless KB & Mouse on my PC for around 15 months and I really like it so much the mac version was a no-brainer.

I also like having the numeric keypad, so I think apple should take a deep breath, step back, and design a complimentary bluetooth KB with buttons that have a little more 3D/throw, and it has perhaps a docking/removeable numeric pad. I don't normally use a KB in my lap and if I did... what surface is the mouse on?

Hmmm... thinking about a dock arrangment, I'm wondering if a clip-on tablet would be cool.

[idonotliketostu]

I'm a huge fan. I don't know why but theres some type of feel to each key that is missing from the regular keyboards. lol

[spacecadet610]

stylish and functional. i like