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t2jd1967

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 19, 2021
96
50
I used to have three and (stupidly) gave one away a couple of years ago and last year one stopped working after what I suspect was a keyboard spill or something like that. Now I have just the one working version left and I also have one of these new magic full size keyboards, but honestly these are horrible to type on. I am considering trying to get one second hand and for the love of (insert appropriate deity) cannot understand why Apple chose to cease production of what I consider to be one of if not outright the best keyboard I have typed on for over 40 years. Has anyone who shares my fondness of this keyboard found a suitable replacement? For those who have never used it, it is quiet, exactly the right travel, does not hurt your fingers or hands after prolonged use is everything the magic keyboard isn't, right down to the great aluminium-and-white look. Now I need to have one for a second working location and don't fancy carrying the keyboard back and forth so I need something that will stay there permanently.
 

sheapuppy

macrumors member
Jun 25, 2020
53
29
Chicago IL
The A1243 is the best keyboard Apple ever made! I started planning many years ago and bought 2 of these second hand on FB marketplace. They're still going strong! Only concern I have is that they can be very finicky in that if they go "bad" it typically affects a row of keys all at once and there is no fix.

Another possible suitable Apple replacement is the M7803 Pro keyboard. From what I read, the M7803 may have a USB 1.2 hub instead of 2.0, but I'm not 100% sure.
 

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AZhappyjack

macrumors G4
Jul 3, 2011
10,128
23,567
Happy Jack, AZ
I currently have 3 of these keyboards. One is in use on a 2008 Mac Mini. The other two are stored away. One is the original (MB110LL/A) and two are the newer version (MB110LL/B)

The are two versions of the A1243 keyboard (the MB110LL/A and MB110LL/B) are distinguished by the icons on the F3 and F4 keys. This slight update took place in July 2011 on the release of OS X Lion and changed the label on the Exposé key (F3) to Mission Control and changing the Dashboard key (F4) to a Launchpad key.

And while it lacks the convenience of the TouchID key, it is, IMO, the best keyboard that I have ever used, bar none.
 
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