If you've got the new Apple wired keyboard: Reviews?

[wordmunger]

I know there are a few reviews of the new apple wired keyboard out there, but I have a few specific questions. I'm considering buying one even though I'm not going to get a new iMac. Please answer only if you've actually tried the things I'm asking about. Thanks!

1. Feel. I don't like the old apple wired keyboard because of the "mushy" feel while I type. I've seen a few reviews suggesting that the new keyboard feels more like a macbook keyboard. Can anyone confirm that? My daughter has a macbook and that feels much nicer to me.

2. Height. It seems like the new keyboard is awkwardly short. Maybe I'm just used to my old keyboard, but I like to have my hands a bit above the table when I type. Is this a problem, or is it something you get used to?

3. USB ports. I know they aren't powered, but I still would like to be able to plug my 1st generation iPod Shuffle in to sync / use as a USB key. Is there enough clearance for that, or does the case of the Shuffle hit the side of the keyboard?

4. Any other concerns? Overall I think the keyboard looks great, but I want to be sure before I buy it. Thanks!

[netdog]

1) If you like the MacBook keyboard, you will love this. Personally, I thought the MacBook keyboard was the best on offer from Apple before this was introduced. FWIW, I also liked the old USB keyboard.

2) You get used to the height.

3) Don't know.

4) No concerns. Best keyboard Apple has ever made in my opinion. After using it for a few days, it is very fast and quite solid. Love it. A+

[jellomizer]

1. Feel. I don't like the old apple wired keyboard because of the "mushy" feel while I type. I've seen a few reviews suggesting that the new keyboard feels more like a macbook keyboard. Can anyone confirm that? My daughter has a macbook and that feels much nicer to me.

As for mushy I say it isn't super mushy when typing there is a small snap to it. Not as much as an IBM Model M keyboard but about the same as a Dell Quiet Key Keyboard. (as I tap a Dell Quiet Key right next to me and compare it with my Mac Keyboard that came today.



2. Height. It seems like the new keyboard is awkwardly short. Maybe I'm just used to my old keyboard, but I like to have my hands a bit above the table when I type. Is this a problem, or is it something you get used to?


I didn't find much of a transition problem. But I am normally use to typing on my MacBook Pro Keyboard where the Keyboard is flush with the Laptop or If I am using a keyboard it has one of those rests on it... And I am typing with my hand on the table right now... Typing elevated isn't that bad the angle is good enough to not feel flat. You may need some adjustment to it because you are use to external keyboards but if you use a Laptop a lot there is no real problem to it.



3. USB ports. I know they aren't powered, but I still would like to be able to plug my 1st generation iPod Shuffle in to sync / use as a USB key. Is there enough clearance for that, or does the case of the Shuffle hit the side of the keyboard?

As for clearance I am not sure about the shuffle but my USB key fit in fine. The Keyboard did come with a USB Extender though, that may make it fit. The devise is non powered and I did get a message from OS X stating my drive wasn't getting enough power... My mouse seems to work though.



4. Any other concerns? Overall I think the keyboard looks great, but I want to be sure before I buy it. Thanks!

When you get it you will need to do a software update to get all the features... Also I find that I am having problems doing the command c and command v but that may be because I am use to the laptop keyboard for using os x and on this keyboard my musscles tell me that I am using a PC keyboard and I need to do a Ctl-C and a Ctrl-V. I have been using it all day for some programming and I havent had to many problems with it. It feels good to me. But to be fair I am also not a Keyboard Snob. I just got it because it had Keys for up to F19 which is good for working remotely on a Vax.

[zami]

Fantastic keyboard but why doesn't holding down option at restart bring up the disk selection? It's driving me crazy.

BTW the Expose, brightness and Dashboard keys do nothing on mine either. It's the wired, extended version with the latest driver installed.

[Star Destroyer]

It certainly has a better price then the wireless version, however i wonder why the wireless version doesnt have the umber pad, which i really really wanted since i do a lot of spreadsheets :(

So my determining question is : How long is the cord?

I want something i can plug i and then chill on my bed with my wireless mouse and do some spreadsheeting...

So anyone wanna measure their cord pour moi?

[zami]

It certainly has a better price then the wireless version, however i wonder why the wireless version doesnt have the umber pad, which i really really wanted since i do a lot of spreadsheets :(

So my determining question is : How long is the cord?

I want something i can plug i and then chill on my bed with my wireless mouse and do some spreadsheeting...

So anyone wanna measure their cord pour moi?

The actual cord that is attached to the keyboard is about 83cm, however there is also the usual little Apple proprietary extension lead used that is probably about the same length, mine's at the bottom of a cupboard in the packaging otherwise I'd measure that as well.

[wordmunger]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. I think I'm probably going to make the plunge, except for that niggling Shuffle question. Is there no one who has the first-gen Shuffle who could quickly try it out with the new keyboard?

[rodman109110]

BTW the Expose, brightness and Dashboard keys do nothing on mine either. It's the wired, extended version with the latest driver installed.

they work on mine. it took me a second to figure out i had to unselect the use the f1, etc keys as function keys in the keyboard preferences.

as for the shuffle question, i don't have one but i stuck a flash drive into the usb port and it read it fine. there is a little space left in between the flash drive and the usb port. so if its not much thicker than a flash drive it should work.

[mkrishnan]

I did a bit of typing on it today... I have to say, I'm not sure if I like it. I think it looks gorgeous. It felt awkward typing on it from too much elevation (standing at the kiosk at the Apple Store). My typing was generally accurate and fast, although sometimes my nails banged into the keys uncomfortably. I think I could touch type adequately on it with adjustment.

[esco]

One thing about the keyboard that was a pleasant surprise was the feel of the keys. It's not the same smooth plastic as the macbook keyboards; it has a slight texture to it. Very nice IMO

[jstennis1591]

I just got mine today and i absolutely love it!

And as far as the people having issues with the software update 1.1, i had absolutely none on my MBP........installed it, restarted, and then i was up and running using all the new buttons.....

another great apple product! and another very happy apple customer

[cavemonkey50]

I absolutely love my new Apple Keyboard. It feels excellent and looks great. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

I have a more detailed review on my website, so instead of rehashing it here, just check it out: http://cavemonkey50.com/2007/08/review-apples-new-wired-keyboard/

[esco]

And as far as the people having issues with the software update 1.1

I can't even install 1.1 :(

Leopard keeps saying it already has a newer version of the keyboard software installed

[Sean Dempsey]

I just got mine in the mail today. So far its pretty great. I haven't installed the keyboard update software yet, but I will. I love my macbook and it's keyboard, so hopefully this will become just as comfortable.

[Osarkon]

I can't even install 1.1 :(

Leopard keeps saying it already has a newer version of the keyboard software installed

Maybe that's because the version on Leopard is newer, just doesn't support the new keyboards (yet). I imagine if there's a new build before the final release, it should support the new keyboards.

The driver updates apple released were only for Tiger probably.

[Sean Dempsey]

got the software update installed.

All the special keys work fine. Great to be able to control itunes from the keyboard now without looking. The brightness keys do nothing, but I am on a mac pro and I am guessing that those only work on a laptop or imac. When my macbook is plugged into an external display, the external display is not affected by the brightness keys either.

Also, F16 opens the quick find bar in firefox... not sure what it does in other programs. F13, 14, 17, 18, 19 have no apparent function yet. I am guessing in Leopard the keys will all be more mappable.

although, the glare off this keyboard is extreme, I can barley see what I am typing. They should have gone with matte aluminum.

[petvas]

I just got my new aluminum keyboard today. My initial impressions:


The feel when typing is almost like the Macbook. I definitely like it better than the old whote keyboard
Its short and it feels a bit awkward. I hope to get used to the height
It looks great!
I just tried connecting my 30GB Video iPod 5.5 gen and it doesn't work. I guess the USB Hub doesn't provide the necessary power. I don't know about the Suffle as I don't have one


Overall I would recommend it to everyone!

[dalvin200]

I absolutely love my new Apple Keyboard. It feels excellent and looks great. I would highly recommend it to anyone.


i concur..

plus its sooooo much quieter than the previous apple keyboard.. so now i don't wake everyone up with the clanging of the keys.

ta-ra-ta-ta-taaaaaa i'm lovin it.. ;)

[rhildinger]

The brightness keys do nothing, but I am on a mac pro and I am guessing that those only work on a laptop or imac. When my macbook is plugged into an external display, the external display is not affected by the brightness keys either.

The brightness keys will work on a Mac Pro if you use a display with a software controllable brightness level, which at present is just Apple's line of ACD's.

[eug_ch_cheng]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. I think I'm probably going to make the plunge, except for that niggling Shuffle question. Is there no one who has the first-gen Shuffle who could quickly try it out with the new keyboard?

i just purchased the new apple keyboard, it's a beauty.
i can report that it works perfectly well with my 1st gen 1GB shuffle (lego).
it syncs and charges it like any usb 2.0 port
it fits quite nicely as well.
sweet as.
take the plunge indeed i say.

(btw, i'm running a rev a G5 imac)

[joshwest]

i like it to ap oint i think its going to atake a whief or me to get use to it. i have kinda big hands and a smaller keyboard doesnt make much sense to me other than the look of it. it is very quiet though i do like that factor when trying to type a letter at 3 in the morning

[wordmunger]

I just received my new keyboard and I'm syncing my shuffle as I write this. Everything appears to be working flawlessly, and the keyboard is indeed beautiful and a dream to type on. I love it!

I'm not sure if the shuffle is charging via the keyboard but the ability to sync is already a huge improvement [update: it's not. The way you tell is to eject from iTunes. If there's an orange light, it's charging. There isn't.] . I'll try to remember to come back with an updated review after I've had a chance to use the new keyboard for a few days.

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

[ascender]

3. USB ports. I know they aren't powered, but I still would like to be able to plug my 1st generation iPod Shuffle in to sync / use as a USB key. Is there enough clearance for that, or does the case of the Shuffle hit the side of the keyboard?

A first-gen shuffle fits nicely in to a USB port, its just the right size to fit under the keyboard.

[Iso79]

Got mine earlier this week. It's sexy and feels great. Only downside it won't charge my ipod or power my CF card reader.

[CnoteMD]

I've been using the new keyboard for the past few days and I think it works great!. I was a PC user until a couple of months ago. When I got my 24 inch iMac it was a dramatic improvement. I became interested in the new keyboard because of the upgraded USB 2.0 connections. I wasn't as concerned about charging as I have a powered USB hub (though it seems that when connected to the newer aluminum iMac, it WILL charge iPods).

Overall, I am VERY impresed with the typing feel. I was a bit reluctant to upgrade the keyboard because I like the feel of the normal keys on the previous keyboard. The previous keyboard was vastly superior in feel to the Logitech keyboard I was using on my PC. Also, I really didn't like the feel of the keys on many PC laptops (haven't had much experience with macbooks). Even though the keys are very low profile, they have a nice feel and have resulted in my typing speed increasing. There is also the added benefit of the keys being almost completely silent.

[TheSpaz]

I have returned to the big white Apple Keyboard because the new one was annoying me a lot. I actually like the bulkyness of the desktop keyboard and when I was trying to type on this little keyboard, it made me feel like I was typing on a laptop, which is not what I want. Also, I missed the little dips in the keys to help your fingers stay on them better. With the aluminum keyboard, the keys press down and pretty much disappear because they become flush with the aluminum which is annoying somehow... strange feeling. I like being able to push the keys down further on the old keyboard. With the aluminum keyboard, the keys are very short and typing on it just doesn't feel right to me. Maybe I'm just old school. I like the big keyboards. They feel much more solid to me.

[mikes63737]

It's the most comfortable thing that I've ever used. I can type so much faster on it and it feels better than the old one. Plus, it doesn't get as dirty as the old one did.

[island]

best keyboard I ever used, EVER.

[koobcamuk]

Good, very good.

Annoyed that the USB ports aren't powered by the MacBook, but that's not really the main issue here.

[dethl]

I just picked up my special order for a wired keyboard this morning from my campus bookstore - great keyboard. I'm happy that I decided to replace my older white apple keyboard with this.

This keyboard will go great with my PM G5...I can't wait to take it back to my apartment (i'm at work typing on it as I speak).

[rainydays]

Best keyboard ever.

[Hobbit6003]

Actually, I don't quite like the look of the new keyboard, as I find it a little kiddish for my liking.

Furthermore, I quite like the closeness and the bevelled edges of the keys on my PB and MBP.

However, I got to try the new keyboard out at the local Apple store here in Singapore, and I must say that this is one of the most comfortable keyboards I've ever used in my life!

I bought it without hesitation and gotten it plugged to my Apple Cinema Display at home.

I think I'm gonna return to the store tomorrow to get another one for my son's iMac, and I'm looking forward to getting a wireless one when it comes out, for my MBP on the move.:)

[aaron.lee2006]

Just got my new Apple wired keyboard. IT'S AMAZING. So great to type on. At first I was a bit dissapointed about the low power USB but I found out that since my external HD uses external power sources that it would function well on the keyboard USB ports leaving room for my iPod on the actual computer. It's so thin and looks great on my desk!

My Advice:
BUY ONE!

[coffey7]

My Mother is a great typist and she can type over 100 words per minute. She really hates the new Mac keyboard. She doesn't like the feel at all. I think it is horrible also. I still like IBM keyboards the best. Nothing is better than a think pad keyboard. Great feel. When I pick up one of the new imacs I will sell the keyboard and just use my older one I have.

[Hobbit6003]

My Mother is a great typist and she can type over 100 words per minute. She really hates the new Mac keyboard. She doesn't like the feel at all. I think it is horrible also. I still like IBM keyboards the best. Nothing is better than a think pad keyboard. Great feel. When I pick up one of the new imacs I will sell the keyboard and just use my older one I have.

Yeah, I llke the Thinkpad keyboard too...but strange, i like this new Apple keyboard just as well.:)

[koobcamuk]

I just phoned Apple and they are collecting it next week. I really like the feel - but I hate having a wired keyboard after so long with wireless, and the USB port issue just sucks. I would rather spend the extra money and have a wireless keyboard and leave a USB port free.

[tyr2]

Good points:

* Nice to type on, it is indeed very similar to the MacBook keyboard.
* Nice and light, easy to transport around
* Looks good

Bad points:

* Connecting it to my USB hub caused OS X to give 'usb draining too much power' (or similar) and shutting down the port the hub was attached to. It works fine attached directly to the port
* Pressing the space bar lightly in the bottom left or right hand corners is not detected for me.
* Not sure I like the narrower return key compared to the previous version (UK keyboard)
* The expose & dashboard keys don't work on my MacBook, they work fine on the Mac Pro tho.

Overall:

I much prefer it to the old Apple keyboard which I never gelled with. Would recommend at least giving it a go, especially if you're a fan of the MacBook keyboard.