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Quick Look: Apple’s New Flat USB Keyboard

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When Apple recently announced the new iMacs they also made available two new keyboards, a USB model and a smaller bluetooth version.

Both of these keyboards are completely redesigned and feature elegant, ultra-thin aluminum enclosures with low-profile keys that have a positive short click.  The USB keyboard has 19 function keys with new positions for most of the one touch features such as screen brightness, volume, eject, etc..  This keyboard also contains two USB 2.0 ports.

I ordered the USB version and received it late last week.  I’ve been using it this past weekend and so far I like it.  What seemed at first to be “mushy” feel when typing, I’ve since recognized as the impression of the short throw.  There’s a positive click but it happens within such a short depression range that it’s hardly noticeable when you’re typing quickly.

The keys are flat and widely set apart with little or no audio feedback.  If you like the “Underwood typewriter” sensation of shaped keys with a long positive throw and a loud audio feedback then these keyboards are certainly not for you.  I however, have found it easy to type quickly (for me)  and accurately on.

The new arrangement of the function key features will take some time to get use to. I still have to stop and look at them to fine the new placements.  While I certainly welcome the inclusion of media controls, I don’t understand the reason’s behind moving the other features… except perhaps for greater consistency with the MacBook and MacBook Pro functions.

The look and design of the keyboard is amazing, and matches the newly redesigned iMacs.  It also goes well with the aluminum of my Apple 23″ Monitor and Mac Pro.

These keyboard will polarize those who like them and those who don’t, at least from a use perspective.  There could well be more on the don’t like them side with this one since it is a departure from the normal accepted design of a keyboard.

I’d recommend you try them at your local Apple store or by using a friends or colleagues before you make a purchase.

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Posted on: Monday, August 20, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Posted by: Earl Moore
Filed Under: Apple Mac, Reviews
Post Viewed: 725 views



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    Comments

    2 Responses to “Quick Look: Apple’s New Flat USB Keyboard”

    1. paul on August 20th, 2007 1:18 pm

      Careful, Earl! Your inner geek is showing! ;-) My favorite keyboard is the, *gulp*, Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. It is so comfortable to type with and has such a natural feel. My wrists and hands never seem to tire when using it. Hey! M$ made one good thing!!!

    2. Earl Moore on August 20th, 2007 1:49 pm

      Hi Paul,
      I used a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard for years and loved it. But I found that using it made switching back and forth to a laptop or a regular keyboard awful. My fingers would be all over the place on the laptop/normal keyboard after coming off the ergo board. I finally switch back to a “normal” keyboard so I could move back and forth more effectively.

      My favorite mouse is currently a Microsoft Natural Laser mouse 6000. It’s got a natural tilt to it that I love.

      Microsoft makes great keyboards and mice.

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