Today in Apple history: Apple’s last mechanical keyboard is a winner

November 15, 1990: Cupertino wins a design patent for the Apple Extended Keyboard II, arguably the greatest computer keyboard of all time.

Delivering the perfect combination of durability, feel and a pleasing click-clack sound, the Extended Keyboard II will become a mainstay of pro-grade Apple setups during the early 1990s — and perhaps the best-loved keyboard in Apple history. Courtesy of an ADB-to-USB adapter, some people continue to use these input devices today.

Apple Extended Keyboard II: Best Mac keyboard ever?

The original Extended Keyboard arrived in 1987, after the departure of Steve Jobs from Apple following his battle with CEO John Sculley. In the same way that Macs of that era focused on extendability in a way Jobs never approved of, the Apple Extended Keyboard models — of which the Extended Keyboard II is the best — included function and arrow keys Jobs did not like.

The Apple co-founder likely would have appreciated the quality of the keyboard, however. It combined high-end components with the kind of clever proprietary touches that make Apple products great. For instance, it used mechanical key switches made by Japan’s Alps Electric Co., which later produced keyboards for the iMac.

The keys felt responsive in a way that is rare to find. The sound left no doubt about whether you had hit a key. And the keys snapped back at an impressive speed after you pressed them, thanks to physical springs under each keycap.

Features define the best Apple keyboard of all time

The Apple Extended Keyboard II included a couple of other neat touches, too. Its Caps Lock key remained depressed when you hit it (unlike today’s, which indicate they are on by way of an LED). This gave the keyboard a typewriter-style feel that many users appreciated. The keyboard also boasted a power switch, which drew many accolades in the early 1990s.

Finally, in a notable improvement over its predecessor, the Apple Extended Keyboard II featured an extendable foot in its base. This allowed for a variable height. Combined with a curved, ergonomic design, this gave users many options for getting the keyboard angled just right for their individual needs.

Did you ever hack out a document on one of these popular peripherals? Or maybe you’re still using one today? Tell us why this was the best Apple keyboard ever (or not) in the comments below.

Luke Dormehl

Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.