Accessories
New Apple Keyboard Could Arrive Soon
The Bluetooth Apple keyboard could be getting a slight makeover soon, thanks to a premature listing of a new Apple keyboard that appeared on the Apple Online Store in Czech Republic and Hungary.
An Arabic version of the keyboard can also be seen in the US store as well, hinting to the possibility that Apple could be close to releasing a new Apple keyboard that would more closely resemble the keyboard on the MacBook.
First spotted by letemsvetemapplem.eu, the new Apple keyboard comes with a redesigned Enter key, controls for adjusting the brightness of the backlit keys (added to the F5 and F6 keys), and a power button in place for the eject key for CDs, hinting to the possibility that you may be able to power on and turn off your Mac right from the keyboard, but considering that Macs don’t detect Bluetooth accessories until after they’re booted up, we’re not sure what the power button will do exactly.
The Apple wireless keyboard hasn’t seen an update since 2011 when the company slightly changed the labels of a couple of the keys, changing the Dashboard key to the Launchpad key and updating the label of the Expose key. Other than that, the Apple keyboard hasn’t received a significant update since 2009, so it’s safe to say that it’s due for a refresh.
After Apple introduced an all-new keyboard on the new MacBook, this has us wondering if the new wireless keyboard will also arrive with the improved design.
The keyboard on the new MacBook is 40% thinner than the old style, but the key caps themselves are 17% larger. It’s a better-built keyboard overall, though, with stainless steel dome switches instead of silicone (these are the parts under the keys). Plus, each key has it’s own backlight instead of a general set of LEDs lighting up the whole keyboard. This makes for a more even application of light across the keyboard.
We’re not sure if this new wireless keyboard will be a big overhaul or if we’ll just see some minor layout changes, so we’ll have to wait and see what Apple decides to do.
If the new keyboard ends up being just a minor refresh, we probably wouldn’t end up getting in line right away, as it will probably cost the same $69 as the current keyboard or even more, considering the backlit keys. Instead, maybe give your current Apple keyboard a good scrubbing to make it look new.
Dirty keyboards look gross, and it doesn’t help that your keyboard is a cesspool for all kinds of germs to begin with. This means that it’s not only a good idea to clean your keyboard every so often so that it stays free of germs, but so that it also remains free of dirt and grime so that it looks brand spankin’ new at all times.
Unfortunately, we’re not sure when Apple would launch a new wireless keyboard. It could be one of things where they announce it at an event, which the closest one from today is WWDC in June, or the company could just randomly release the new keyboard without any warning, which Apple has done many in the past with smaller products.
Either way, if you’re not happy with the current Apple keyboard, it looks like you’ll have something to look forward to.