Lovely pro keyboard (Apple Pro Keyboard)

Member Name: davomrmac

Product:	Apple Pro Keyboard
Date:	05/10/08 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Really nice to type on, looks nice, easy to clean

Disadvantages: Shows dirt

I owned and used both a wired version and the bluetooth wireless version of this keyboard. This review really applies to either, as they both actually feel the same when typing. However, for this review, I will concentrate on the wired version.

It sports a clear bottom casing (warning hairs and dust collect, so this can look really naff after a while), which has a flip out stand. This raises the back of the keyboard slightly, so it is angled slightly. On each side of the keyboard is a USB port, which can be used for plugging in a mouse, or something like a USB flash memory key. The keys themselves are white. Beautifully printed with the symbols and very slightly curved on the top. For purists the 'Apple' key is still marked on the keyboard, which in their newer keyboards has been dropped in favour of the Command (CMD) key. The function is still the same, but I love my little Apple symbol.

Typing on this wonder is really comfortable. The keys have just the right amound of travel. They feel firm with none of that spongy feel on cheaper keyboards. You will also notice that it is quiet. Other keyboards can be very plasticky and clatter away as you type... not so here.

A quick tip: If you have one of these that is looking a little grubby, or pick up a second hand bargain it is very easy to clean. Take a photo, or find an online image to remind you of where all the keys are. Set out some clear workspace. You can then pop off all the keys gently. This allows you to clean all that grime and dust out from underneath. Place the keys in a bag, add a drop of water and washing up liquid. Shake, rub, rattle, you get the idea. Then rinse. Lay out on a towel and dry and either leave overnight or use a hairdryer. Then pop all the keys back in place. Voila a lovely clean keyboard.

Just recently, Apple revised the design of their keyboards, to a slimline version with flat keys (which I have reviewed elsewhere on dooyoo). Until this slim version was released, I regarded this Pro Keyboard as the best ever. The slim one beats it in ergonomics, though I still do rate this one as having perfect travel of the keys, making feedback simply the best.

Summary: A fantastic quality keyboard, wired or wireless

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