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Upside-down "T" arrangement is gone from new iMac (2021) keyboards. But why?
- Thread starter Mac Fly (film)
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It’s such a strange decision to not have the inverted-T keyboard layout.
The current MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Magic Keyboard for iPad Air/Pro, and the larger Magic Keyboard with numeric keys all use the same arrow key design.
The current MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Magic Keyboard for iPad Air/Pro, and the larger Magic Keyboard with numeric keys all use the same arrow key design.
This just copies Apple's design previously (from 2015). But in 2019/20 Apple reversed this design and went back to the upside-down "T" arrangement based on complaints and feedback. Apple made a deal of drawing our attention to it, you can see it on the product marketing pages on this website right now. Many reviewers welcomed the returning of the arrows you can know by feel without looking down.
The model with numeric keypad has got the upside down T arrow keys (see picture). This is exactly the same as the magic keyboards that came with the regular intel iMacs. The one without numeric keypad that came with my 2020 27" has the exact same layout as the new one apart from the touchid button that is replacing the eject key on mine.
So good to know the full sized keyboard has the inverted T arrow keys!
I specifically ordered the full sized numeric keypad keyboard for my M1 iMac in blue.
Hoping it will be like this ^^^ I paid $50 extra.
The previous Apple external wireless keyboard (without the numeric keys) also had the inverted-T keyboard, just like the laptops.
Yes, but we were hoping it would change to match the laptops, which returned to the inverted-T layout starting with the 16-inch MacBook in 2019.
You are correct!
I just noticed the same thing - even my first gen wireless "compact" keyboard which I don't use anymore has the inverted T just like the full sized numeric keyboard I use daily....
Well hoping the new colored iMac full size keyboard has the inverted T like mine.....
I don't get the fuss to be honest. The only difference is that the left and right arrow keys are bigger, but the up and down keys are still small. The size of the keys is the biggest drawback in my opinion. That's why I'm still using the old school wired keyboard which has the added benefit of having 2 extra USB ports 
The gap above those keys make it easier to find without looking down at the keyboard. They returned to that keyboard layout starting in 2019, and it’s now on all their ‘compact’ keyboards, except for this one.
Yes agree, it helps to have the gap as I type using tactile keyboarding - not looking down on it while typing...
Apple quote: “design is how it works”
Apple reality: design is how it looks
The keyboards should have slightly less rounded corners and should have inverted T. iMac should be ~20 mm thick, with line-in port on rear and should have its power-supply built in with potentially the chin removed. Stand should be tilt and height adjustable. Design is how it works.
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The narrow version of the Magic Keybaord hasn't had a inverted-T layout since 2015. In fact, strictly speaking the narrow version of the Magic Keyboard never had an inverted-T layout. Its predecessor, the Apple Wireless Keyboard introduced in 2011 and discontinued in 2015, did.
In comparison the full-sized version with numpad on the right-hand side always had one and continues to do so.
In comparison the full-sized version with numpad on the right-hand side always had one and continues to do so.
It wouldn’t have the corner radius anyways because it wouldn’t extend down to the corner.
I also wonder why they didn’t do it.