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Compatible keyboards for a Mac SE 5011
Posted by: billbucks060 on 2023-10-04 12:06:38
Hi,
I bought a Mac SE 5011 which is missing the keyboard.
What are the compatible keyboard? For instance will the M0487 and M2980 models work ?
Thanks
Bill
Posted by: ClassicGuyPhilly on 2023-10-04 12:10:37
Welcome to the board! Any ADB KB will work, however OEM was the M0116 model
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-04 12:15:14
Welcome to the board! Any ADB KB will work, however OEM was the M0116 model
And the M0115. I think keyboards were extra so you could pick which you wanted.
Posted by: billbucks060 on 2023-10-04 12:25:59
Great thanks for the info. I take the M3501 will also work ?
I have the choice between the M0487, M2980 and M3501 to use with my Mac SE
Posted by: ClassicGuyPhilly on 2023-10-04 12:27:11
Ah probably true @Phipli i think the square ADB mouse was OEM and then Keyboards were optional. I'd argue the M0116 is the more correct choice as it is a smaller footprint to go with the Compact form factor. However nothing compares to an AEK!
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-04 12:27:45
Great thanks for the info. I take the M3501 will also work ?
I have the choice between the M0487, M2980 and M3501 to use with my Mac SE
Go for the M3501 if you have the choice, have the room and it doesn't cost a fortune. It is the nicest.
Posted by: ClassicGuyPhilly on 2023-10-04 12:30:45
M2980s are garbage IMO
M0487s are decent and nice small footprint
M3501s AEK IIs are awesome but not quite as great as an original AEK M0115
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-04 12:35:42
M2980s are garbage IMO
M0487s are decent and nice small footprint
M3501s AEK IIs are awesome but not quite as great as an original AEK M0115
It's almost the same, but height adjustable. Note that AEKs / IIs came with different switches, so they're not all the same as each other. I prefer the AEKII 😛
Posted by: ClassicGuyPhilly on 2023-10-04 12:41:09
Are there AEK IIs with the same ALPS switches as an AEK?
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-04 12:44:17
Are there AEK IIs with the same ALPS switches as an AEK?
All AEKIIs are ALPS switches, although the exact models sometimes vary I think I read.
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-04 12:47:31
Are there AEK IIs with the same ALPS switches as an AEK?
AEK were built with Alps SKCM Orange and Salmon switches.

AEKIIs were built with...
Alps SKCM Cream Damped
Alps SKCM Salmon
Alps SKCM White Damped
Mitsumi standard mechanical (linear)
Posted by: ClassicGuyPhilly on 2023-10-04 14:53:14
Ok then by feel my I don't have a Salmon/Salmon on my set. There's definitely a different feel between my AEK and AEK II, but I'm pretty sure the AEK II is still some flavor of ALPS.

And poor @billbucks060 is getting a much more intense lesson on keyboards than ever intended. Again...welcome to the board 🤣
Posted by: ClassicGuyPhilly on 2023-10-04 14:58:56
Another thing, if you decide to go with an M0487 make sure it has both riser legs on the bottom. I can't type on that KB flat, so uncomfortable.

20231004_175757.jpg
This is a problem. If anyone has a riser leg they don't need let me know!
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-04 14:58:58
Ok then by feel my I don't have a Salmon/Salmon on my set. There's definitely a different feel between my AEK and AEK II, but I'm pretty sure the AEK II is still some flavor of ALPS.

And poor @billbucks060 is getting a much more intense lesson on keyboards than ever intended. Again...welcome to the board 🤣
The difference you'll be feeling is damped vs. undamped. The switches they use in both keyboards have similar feel. Even most of the salmons in the AEKIIs were damped.

Truth be told? I've worked in rooms with other AEKs... and you kinda want the damping so that someone doesn't forcibly try to navigate a CRT through your head while they're trying to concentrate. They. Are. Loud.
Posted by: ClassicGuyPhilly on 2023-10-04 15:08:15
They. Are. Loud.
We had three of them in a concrete walled room the size of a nice walk in closet, no carpeting. That was the sound of my high school days, AEKs are pure heavenly music to me. If it's too loud, you're too old! 😛
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-04 15:10:56
We had three of them in a concrete walled room the size of a nice walk in closet, no carpeting. That was the sound of my high school days, AEKs are pure heavenly music to me. If it's too loud, you're too old! 😛
Or unable to handle background noise when concentrating. 😛
Posted by: s_pupp on 2023-10-04 16:12:14
Or unable to handle background noise when concentrating. 😛
That would explain my preference for the much maligned, but fairly quiet, AppleDesign M2980.
Posted by: ClassicGuyPhilly on 2023-10-04 16:43:41
Unfortunately seems this forum doesn't allow polls so we can't have a best ADB KB showdown. At least we can hopefully all agree, the Adjustable Keyboard M1242 was the worst!

Screenshot_20231004_194245.jpg
Posted by: mdeverhart on 2023-10-04 20:14:08
At least we can hopefully all agree, the Adjustable Keyboard M1242 was the worst!
I use a Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic keyboard at home and at work, so I’d actually love to have one of these for my Mac collection (assuming the keys aren’t terrible to type on, even if they aren’t as glorious as the AEK/AEK-II!)
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-10-05 00:08:44
assuming the keys aren’t terrible to type on
Shockingly, despite being mechanical Alps switches, they're not very nice to type on.
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