I am now the proud owner of a Wired Apple Keyboard as of this evening. I’d been discussing with x5315 my desire to use Mac OS X in a more desktop environment; something I had attempted to do with my MacBook when I first got it, but found using a laptop screen, keyboard, and overall form somewhat uncomfortable for use during long periods. What I really wanted, was a nice Apple workstation, but I don’t want an iMac, I can’t afford a Mac Pro, and the Mac Mini really needs a refresh. So we came up with the idea of buying a mini-DVI to VGA adaptor and using the monitor I have for my gaming rig (which doesn’t get much use at the moment), and a keyboard. In the end, I fell for the Apple RDF and bought an Apple wired keyboard as well, and thought I’d give my initial thoughts on it.

So far I haven’t done much typing with it beyond this article, but already I can give some impressions. First, this thing is nice looking. I mean seriously nice. I have seen nice gaming keyboards (and I own one), but obviously this is a completely different design, and it does it really really well. It really stands out on the desk, and definitely goes well with the light wood colour of the surface.

You can see that the keys are arranged and styled in the same way they are on the newer MacBook keyboards; with gaps in between and very low keys. Indeed, when typing it feels much the same as my MacBook keyboard. However the action definitely feels ’softer’ than my MacBook (and therefore most keyboards), and there isn’t much of a loud ‘clicking’ sound when the keys are depressed, however there is a definite responsive feeling that makes you know you have pressed a key. So far my only problem with typing (as I already am used to my MacBook keyboard) has been the position of the delete key, purely because I am used to my Saitek Basic keyboard which has the delete key in the line above the arrows. This is something I’m sure I will get used to.

Also of note: The keyboard comes with a fairly short USB lead attached, and also comes with a USB extension lead - either for extending the length of the keyboard lead, or for using in conjunction with the 2 USB ports on the keyboard, if your additional peripherals have very fat connectors that don’t fit underneath the keyboard.

So overall, I’m definitely liking it. It remains to see how well I get on with it after extended use, but I’m confident it’s going to become a firm favourite with me (and my hands!).

And now, for a gallery of pictures: