Earlier this month Apple redesigned their keyboard along with the new iMacs and given the fact that our keyboards are dirty cesspools at this point we decided it was time we upgraded and gave the new models a spin. The new keyboards are made of sculpted aluminum and come in wired and unwired (it uses Bluetooth) models. On both models the keys are set much closer to the actual board than the older version, which both minimizes sound and allows less spring for your fingers. They also have function keys for one-touch access to features such as screen brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, fast-forward and rewind, Expose, and Dashboard.
For close up images and my full review, read more
The wired keyboard features USB 2.0 ports for connecting to your iPod, Mighty Mouse, digital camera, and other USB-based electronic devices. The wireless keyboard uses Bluetooth wireless technology and can be paired with the new wireless Mighty Mouse.
| Keyboard | The good | The bad | The price |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Wired Apple Keyboard | The design is sleek and slim. We like the robustness of the aluminum encasing, but adore the fact that its slimness means it's less likely to harbor crumbs and spills. Keys have been updated to resemble MacBook with new fonts and are very easy to type on. Many multimedia functions have been condensed with F keys. Has two extra hidden USB ports for a mouse, etc. Definitely a sleeker, quieter and easier to clean/keep clean device. | Takes a bit of getting used to and you need to install the keyboard upgrade software to get started. Other than a few finger slips, the switch should be effortless. | Costs $49 |
| New Wireless Apple Keyboard | It's cable free, which is every geek's dream. Same low-profile anodized aluminum frame as the Wired model. It connects via Bluetooth technology and apparently conserves battery by automatically powering down the keyboard when you’re not using it and turning it on the instant you start typing. | We never love Bluetooth as much as we think we will. Maybe it's just us. | Costs $79 |
| Old Apple Keyboard | Clear plastic frame, which is surprisingly durable. We loved the easy USB connectivity and have a certain nostalgia for the "click click" noises. | No matter how much I try to keep it clean, it manages to get dirty in hard to reach areas. We had to use rubber wrist support because of the height of keyboard. | After test driving the new ultra-thin keyboard, I can't say I'll be pulling out my old keyboard anytime soon. Maybe a back-up for emergency spills. |
Camper
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Pepe Jeans
the new is much sleeker, and i would defintiely like to have one!
1I love the newer ones and I actually got used to them really quickly.
2I love it! I'm waiting for the release of the wireless one...can't wait!
3I have the old one and it's gorgeous but impossible to keep clean.
4very cool
5Love the sleek design, but I'm sold on the cleanness factor!
6Great to see a side-by-side comparison!
7i absolutely hate the new keys on the ibook and from the looks of it, this new key board has them. i'd stick w/ a powerbook just for the key board, even if my life/job didn't require it.
8@lostbronte: Windex works absolute wonders on those white keyboards. Trust me! The CEO and owners of the last company I worked for would leave their keyboards on my desk so I could rub 'em clean with a paper towel and Windex. (Or any generic window cleaner will do!)
9The only thing that bums me out about the bluetooth option is they removed the number keypad on it. Seems very odd to me.
10People who use MacBooks more than desktops will find new BT keyboard more suitable because they already use that kind of keyboard with numbers bellow of !"#$%&'()=?* signs
I use both, and I think I would get used to numberless BT keyboard
BTW Funny thing is, I just got eMail from Apple distributor in this part of europe (I am authorized Apple reseller) we will be able to get new iMacs soon, but not the new keyboards, how odd is that?
11Yeah the old ones are impossible to keep clean- I agree with that.
12I agree with Green. The old ones are sooooo hard to clean! It drives me nuts.
13i agree about the oddness of removing the num-pad on the bluetooth keyboards. the new keyboards' keys are kinda like the ones on the macbooks, right?! that would be a plus. i haven't seen one in person yet.
14We just got one last week, and I love it. I was used to it in no time.
15we love it! we just got ours and its really neat!
16I think new one looks and is much more better! At least, it seems so from the first look at it.
17Plus, it's much more better from another point of view - usability! As I have a disaster with water coming into keyboard and then few keys would never work again! And that one is so sleek - water will just drop off.
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