Apple Extended Keyboard II

Apple Extended Keyboard II
Switch	Alps SKCM Salmon Alps SKCM Ivory Alps SKCM White Ivory Alps SKCL Lock
Sense method	Metal contact
Protocol	ADB
Keycaps	Dye-sub PBT

The Apple Extended Keyboard II was introduced by Apple in 1990 to replace it's predecessor, the Apple Extended Keyboard.

The case is divided into two halves, a top and bottom-case, as well as the internal assembly. The top-case is secured by a single screw positioned at the back.

Compared to its predecessor, the Apple Extended Keyboard, the keyboard has had a few notable changes in terms of case design:

• The case has a curvy “S” shape to the side, rather than the single upwards swoop on the Apple Extended Keyboard.
• The Apple logo is located at the top-left, rather than on the bottom-left.
• The keyboard features a slider on the back which extends a single plastic foot which runs along most of the length of the keyboard. This allows the keyboard to be tilted, an uncommon feature among Apple keyboards.

The Apple Extended Keyboard II initially came equipped with Alps SKCM Salmon before changing to dampened switches during the 28th week of 1990. Alps SKCM Ivory switches were used up until early 1995 when they were replaced by Alps SKCM White Ivory.

The Caps Lock key always uses a Alps SKCL Lock latching switch.

Date of manufacture can be determined from the serial number sticker on the rear. For units manufactured in the US, the format APywwxxx%MO312 is used, where:

• y is the last digit of the year
• ww is the week number
• xxx is an alphanumeric serial

For example: AP0112EL%MO312 would be from the 11th week of 1990.

Switch type can be inferred from date of manufacture and other information present on the rear labels:

• Alps SKCM Salmon switches are found in models manufactured in U.S.A. with ©1989 or ©1990 with no 🅂 symbol present and a serial number indicating manufacture no later than week 28 of 1990.
• Alps SKCM Ivory switches are found in models manufactured in Ireland with ©1989 or models manufactured in U.S.A. with ©1990 and an 🅂 symbol present on one or both rear labels.
• Alps SKCM White Ivory switches are found in models manufactured in U.S.A., Mexico, or Ireland with ©1995.

The keycaps are made primarily from PBT plastic except for the spacebar, which was made in ABS plastic. They boast a unique profile exclusive to Apple keyboards of that era, such as the Apple Standard Keyboard and Apple Extended Keyboard.

However, unique to the Apple Extended Keyboard II, the “Power” keycap has flat profile. This differs from its predecessor, which had the same profile as all the other keycaps in its row.

• FCC ID: BCGM3501
• Made in Ireland

• FCC ID: BCGM3501
• Made in U.S.A. ©1990
• Alps SKCM Salmon switches