68kMLA Classic Interface

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Found a nice Apple Extended Keyboard at a local junk shop today!
Posted by: Huxley on 2022-12-08 17:53:52 No crazy story here, but still: Stopped into my favorite local junk store while I was out running errands today, and I snagged an Apple Extended Keyboard, one of the greatest mechanical keyboards ever made along with a classic Apple mouse. The keyboard needs a little cleanup but otherwise looks totally solid. I've been a longtime fan / advocate for the later Apple Extended Keyboard II, but a lot of folks swear that this earlier version is actually superior, so I'm excited that I'll now get to do my own vintage-mechanical-keyboard-bakeoff! 🙂 Huxley
Posted by: Juror22 on 2022-12-08 18:04:43 That is terrific! Great find (and price!) and you're right, a superior keyboard - you'll see.
Posted by: croissantking on 2022-12-09 00:53:13 That is terrific! Great find (and price!) and you're right, a superior keyboard - you'll see. Curious but how comes its better than the II?
Posted by: olePigeon on 2022-12-09 08:23:59 @croissantking It's just personal preference. The original AEK used clicky Alps SKCM switches. The AEKII was a tiny bit smaller, and while some the early keyboards still had clicky switches, Apple had eventually switched over to the more quiet Alps SKCL switches. Linear or clicky, they're both fantastic keyboards, but a lot of people (myself included) prefer the clicky kind. 🙂 It's just so satisfying.
Posted by: Huxley on 2022-12-09 08:52:45 Thanks guys! Given the different switches, I might do a side-by-side comparison video using my good microphone - would be a fun addition to my retro-tech YouTube channel! Huxley
Posted by: croissantking on 2022-12-09 08:54:18 I used to have an AEKII but I (foolishly) threw it away. I'd fancy one of the original ones now (I never used the height adjustment) but they seem less common.
Posted by: joshc on 2022-12-09 09:20:46 Nice find. The height adjustment on the AEKII is prone to becoming a bit stiff/unreliable. I’d love an AEK but have yet to find one.
Posted by: rollmastr on 2022-12-10 03:33:39 The height adjustment on the AEKII is prone to becoming a bit stiff/unreliable. Easily fixed by a good clean.
Posted by: joshc on 2022-12-10 03:39:07 Easily fixed by a good clean. Is it? Never managed to get one working well and I’ve been through a lot of those keyboards. What’s the secret?
Posted by: rollmastr on 2022-12-10 07:00:00 Disassemble, soak in soapy water, scrub, dry, reassemble. Both of my AEK IIs were completely seized up and the mechanism works like new again after that treatment.
Posted by: macinbot on 2022-12-10 12:16:02 ... my retro-tech YouTube channel! Subscribed! Disassemble, soak in soapy water, scrub, dry, reassemble. Both of my AEK IIs were completely seized up and the mechanism works like new again after that treatment. All of this, plus I rinse everything again with isopropyl alcohol (and also use an electronics grade blower to dry everything out). And lube the switches after washing!
Posted by: macinbot on 2022-12-10 12:27:49 ... my retro-tech YouTube channel! Subscribed! Disassemble, soak in soapy water, scrub, dry, reassemble. Both of my AEK IIs were completely seized up and the mechanism works like new again after that treatment. I add in an isopropyl alcohol rinse for circuit boards and electronics after the wash and rinse. Helps release the water. Also use an electronics rate air blower to flush liquid out, but not strictly necessary. And lube switches.
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