If you are familiar with the wiki entry on this keyboard (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Desktop_Bus_Keyboard), you will know the basic of the keyboard. I am somewhat entranced by this keyboard because I remember using it in my elementary school and it being the best keyboard that i ever typed on in my younger years. When I got into mechanical keyboards, this keyboard popped into my mind and I had to get one for nostalgia's sake. So I got two.
I have an inclination to believe that production was switched to Taiwan in the later years because my made in Taiwan version has a production date of 1989, and this board was produced from 1986-1992. Not sure, though.
There are two versions of this keyboard:
1. The made in Japan version, part# 658-4081
-orange Alps switches, tactile, non-clicky, light for Alps
-brighter keycaps
2. The made in Taiwan version, model# A9M03330
-white SMK switches, tactile, non-clicky, lighter than Orange Alps
-doubleshot keycaps
-slightly darker keycaps than the made in Japan version
Here is a photo of the two side-by-side. The made in Japan is on the top.
Closer view, with the made in Japan on the left.
Here are the PCBs. The made in Taiwan version has the tin foil on the PCB. Not sure about the purpose of that.
Here some photos highlighting the difference between the keycaps. Notice that the doubleshots have more support for the mounting stem.
The keycaps have stems of different lengths for the different rows. The number row has the tallest stem.
The switch on the number row is mounted vertically rather horizontally. Both boards have this. I assume this was done because the vertical orientation was more stable for the longer stem. I don't know for sure.
And here are some closeup photos of the switches. Once again, the made in Japan has Orange Alps, and the made in Taiwan has white SMK.
Ok, that is all for now. Let me know if you have any questions.