Apple Prototype Keyboard (for Macintosh 128k)

[Tuntematon]

I stumbled upon this recently. So damn cool! I wonder why it never went into production.

http://alexsappleorchard.blogspot.ca/20 ... ofile.html

[Stabilized]

Looks more 'modern' than the finalised keyboard that came with the 128K, more akin to the one on the Apple IIc. It's a lovely looking keyboard, do you have any more pictures or info? When I do a google search for Apple 128K prototype keyboard I get this one and then a number of pictures of one that looks like the official keyboard but that included a reference card system:

[Tuntematon]

All I've got is the site I linked. I think that's the only picture. The keyboard was originally purchased by an employee at an Apple facility.

[face]

Cool, a HHKB from Apple.

[emdude]

Hot damn, that looks a lot better than the actual M0110. That bezel is much more minimal, very nice.

This is making me think about what it would be like to mod a M0110 to look like this, using Alps SKCM switches and key caps from a IIc or Desktop Bus Keyboard.

[Elrick]

Cool, a HHKB from Apple.

So basically Apple developed this abomination layout far earlier than the HHKB mob.

So much for originality, something the japanese are not well known for. Far easier to copy someone else than come up with something of your own.

So it looks like Steve Jobs deserves the kick up the back side for this keyboard layout, go figure .

[Hak Foo]

The timeline sort of fails. The Macintosh 128 actually predates the Apple IIc by three months.

Since the IIc introduced that "Snow White" design, it's eminently possible there was simply not enough guidance or models available at the time of the Mac's development to do the Snow White look on it.

I could see it being tied to the later, modestly-redesigned Toaster Macs (the SE, for example), but the plug is clearly not ADB.

I wonder if this was intended to be used with a hypothetical "interim" model somewhere between the 128 and SE series. Maybe they intended to make a new look for the Mac Plus, or introduce a colour model prior to the II?

[nevin]

apologies for reviving a dead thread.... obviously by the look it's IIc/IIgs era (1984-1986) but pre-dates the ADB keyboard (going by the cable & bezel).

there was also the "Cassie Prototype Keyboard". very similar, minus the bezel.
http://www.applefritter.com/?q=node/294


some other old apple protype stuff
https://www.fastcodesign.com/1671718/fr ... came-to-be

...and we thought 60% was a "NEW" concept.........