Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Keyboard originally introduced in 2000, but discontinued three years later, this keyboard reintroduced the additional extended function keys last seen in the Apple Design Keyboard and debuted in a clear case with black keys. A version with white keys was introduced in 2002 alongside the iMac G4. The new Magic Keyboard is designed to work with the new iPad Pro, and is also compatible with the previous generation iPad Pro models. 1 Magic Keyboard, along with Apple Pencil, are the perfect pro accessories for the most advanced iPad Pro ever with fast and powerful performance, the breakthrough LiDAR Scanner, pro cameras, pro performance and pro audio enabling pro workflows that push the. The era of the butterfly keyboard kicked off with 2015’s 12-inch MacBook.It was just called MacBook (no “Air” or “Pro” modifier), and it was heralded as a new kind of laptop for Apple.
Many Mac users from way back in the legacy era consider the old ADB Apple Extended Keyboard II to be the best keyboard Apple ever made. Others of us might debate that, but the Extended Keyboard II was certainly the biggest, heaviest keyboard Apple ever made, covering a vast expanse of desktop and weighing in at a hulking 5 pounds. It was considered a professional alternative to its lesser Apple Keyboard and Apple Keyboard II contemporaries – and to the truly mediocre AppleDesign Keyboard that succeeded them.
This was in turn superseded by the also somewhat mediocre (but likable, IMHO) Apple USB ‘board that debuted with the original iMac and was also supplied even with the Blue & White G3 and early G4 Power Mac towers.
Direct comparison with these less-than-stellar ‘boards helped reinforce the Apple Extended Keyboard II’s legendary status. Unlike the other keyboards mentioned above, which are membrane types, the Apple Extended Keyboard II had mechanical key switches that gave it a smooth and light, albeit hard-bottoming, action.
I like the soft landing and (usually) light touch and shorter key travel of membrane ‘boards and think the current USB Apple Pro Keyboard is the best Apple keyboard ever, both esthetically and in terms of feel. However, there are many folks who prefer the feel of mechanical key switches and like an IBM-style “click” in their keystrokes.
For this constituency, there’s now a way to have all that, plus the white & crystal esthetics of modern Apple peripherals all in one modern, USB unit.
Tactile Pro (top) vs. Apple Extended
The Matias Tactile Pro USB Keyboard is hyped as the return of the Apple Extended Keyboard II in contemporary Apple-style livery. “The best keyboard Apple ever made rises again,” it says on the box.
Does the claim have objective substance?
This ‘board may be even better in some aspects. It’s certainly better looking. The original Extended Keyboard II presents a dull expanse of boring beige plastic. The Tactile Pro, on the other hand, is much more compact without sacrificing functionality, and to my eyes it’s very attractive in opaque white and crystal clear plastic with white keys.
In form factor and size, the Tactile Pro is actually closer in appearance to the Apple Keyboard II that was the entry-level Mac ADB keyboard prior to the introduction of the AppleDesign keyboard, and of course to today’s Apple Pro USB keyboard.
Here’s a comparison of dimensions:
- Apple Keyboard II: 80 keys, 16″ x 6″
- Matias Tactile Pro: 109 keys, 18″ x 6-1/2″
- Apple Extended Keyboard II: 105 keys, 18-3/4″ x 7-3/4″
The Tactile Pro resembles the Keyboard II in having notched back corners with ports (respectively USB and ADB) for plugging in other peripherals, but it manages to include even more keys than the much larger Extended Keyboard II did – and it makes the key caps larger in the bargain, partly because the Tactile Pro is bigger than it looks.
With standard Eject and Volume control keys, the Tactile Pro keyboard has been designed to match the look and features of Apple’s Pro Keyboard.
For full access to CD Eject and Power button features, you will need to download the Tactile Pro Driver Software (Mac OS X only, 407 KB). Num lock and caps lock are indicated by a thin green light when active.
The Tactile Pro’s key caps are labeled with the international characters, accents, punctuation, currency, and other symbols that are available by holding down the Option or Shift+Option keys.
Two fold down legs can elevate the back of the Tactile Pro about 3/4″, and rubber pads back and front keep the keyboard from sliding around on the support surface.
As for the key switches themselves, Matias says that they are the same Alps mechanical units used in the Extended Keyboard II, but the action on my old Apple keyboard that I used for comparison is considerably smoother than that of the Tactile Pro. Perhaps that’s because the old keyboard switches are well worn in, but it pertains to the seldom-used keys as well as the heavily used ones. Maybe Alps switches aren’t quite the same as they used to be.
The Tactile Pro’s key switches are also significantly noisier than the ones on the Apple ‘board, but since some people profess to like a clicking sound (believe it or not, somebody makes a shareware application that simulates the sound of a keyboard clicking for folks to miss it with their quiet membrane ‘boards) that may not be a shortcoming, depending upon your noise tolerance.
The Tactile Pro’s key switches have the same relatively long travel as the ones on the Extended Keyboard II, and that is reflected in the thicker section of the Tactile Pro keyboard compared with today’s slimmer ‘boards like the Apple Pro or Macally iceKey.
The Matias Tactile Pro gives the impression of being ruggedly constructed out of top-quality materials and is covered by in impressive five-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Matias Tactile Pro Keyboard for Mac sells for $99.95, which is pricey as keyboards go these days, but if you like that vintage mechanical key switch feel, there are not many alternatives.
For another take on the Matias Tactile Pro, see Kirk Hiner’s review on Applelinks.
- For other perspectives on the best Mac keyboard ever, see The Best Mac Keyboard? I Beg to Differ.
Keywords: #bestkeyboard
Short link: http://goo.gl/hLgX96
searchword: matiastacticalpro
Related
Keyboards that have you covered.
iPad keyboards provide a great typing experience and lightweight, durable protection for your iPad. And they attach to iPad magnetically — no need for switches, plugs, and pairing. The Magic Keyboard delivers even more with a floating design, backlit keys, and a built‑in trackpad.
Find the right keyboard for you.
NewMagic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard is an amazing companion for iPad Pro and iPad Air. It features a great typing experience, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB‑C port for pass‑through charging, and front and back protection. The Magic Keyboard features a floating cantilever design, allowing you to attach it magnetically and smoothly adjust it to the perfect viewing angle for you.
Compatible with
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch
(3rd, 4th, and 5th generation) - iPad Pro 11‑inch
(1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation) - iPad Air
(4th generation)
Comfortable typing
Backlit keys and a scissor mechanism with 1 mm travel for quiet, responsive typing.Built‑in trackpad
Designed for Multi‑Touch gestures and the cursor in iPadOS.Floating cantilever design
Smooth angle adjustability delivers the perfect viewing angle.Front and back protection
Folds into a case to provide front and back protection for traveling.
Smart Keyboard Folio
The Smart Keyboard Folio is a comfortable keyboard when you need one, and it provides front and back protection when you don’t. Simply attach it and start typing.
Compatible with
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch
(3rd, 4th, and 5th generation) - iPad Pro 11‑inch
(1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation) - iPad Air
(4th generation)
Two viewing angles
Switch between two viewing angles ideal for whatever you’re doing.Front and back protection
Provides lightweight, front and back protection.
Smart Keyboard
The Smart Keyboard delivers a comfortable typing experience wherever you are and converts into a slim, durable front cover when you’re on the go.
Compatible with
- iPad
(7th and 8th generation) - iPad Air
(3rd generation) - iPad Pro 10.5‑inch
Type or watch
Folding design enables different configurations for typing email messages or watching videos.Lightweight cover
Provides slim, durable front protection.
Accessories that let you make iPad your own.
Explore keyboards, cases, covers, Apple Pencil, AirPods, and more.
Which iPad is right for you?
New iPad Pro
The ultimate iPad experience.
iPad Air
Powerful. Colorful. Wonderful.
iPad
Delightfully capable. Surprisingly affordable.
iPad mini
Ipad Pro Apple Keyboard Case
Small in size. Big on capability.