Keys
Tools
These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.
Background and Identification
The Apple Keyboard model A1243 is a full-sized keyboard made from aluminum and released in 2007. The design is very different from all of Apple’s previous keyboards, as the entire body of the keyboard is very thin. The keys use low-profile a scissor-switch mechanism which makes the keyboard similar to the ones used in Apple’s laptops from the time. The keycaps are white with grey lettering. You can identify this model by looking for the model number “A1243” written on the bottom of the device.
While the bottom of the keyboard is mostly flat, the back portion has a horizontal bar which runs the length of the device. Thus, when it is sitting on a desk, the entire keyboard is tilted upwards slightly. On either side of this bar there are USB 2.0 ports which work well as a place to connect a mouse or a flash drive.
The top row of the keyboard has an escape key and an eject key along with function keys from F1 to F19. To the right of the main area, the keyboard has arrow keys in an inverted T, home/end keys, and a dedicated numpad. Fun fact: this model was the first Apple keyboard not to include the Apple logo on the command key. All previous models had both the command logo and Apple logo on the key (see the model A1048 for an example).
Apple released a smaller version of this keyboard (model A1242) two years later. This short-lived revision removed the numpad and home/end key cluster found on the A1243.
Technical Specifications
Keys
- 109 keys
- Numpad
- Home/end keys
- Page up/page down keys
- Delete key
- Eject key
- Caps lock (with indicator light)
- F1 to F19 function keys
- Inverted T arrow keys
Connections
- Permanently attached USB cable (about 3 feet [91 cm] in length)
- Two USB 2.0 ports
Additional Information
Apple Keyboard Evolution - Part 2 by the iBook Guy on YouTube
Apple Keyboard A1243 review by Chryosan22 on YouTube