What is it?

This is a replacement keyboard for the early model Apple IIc computer (Model A2S4000). The early model Apple IIc's had key switches that are prone to failure with age, giving the keys an inconsistent and unpleasant feel, if they even work anymore at all.

Use this link to see what kind of keyboard you have: Deskthority Apple IIc Wiki. This product is designed to replace the Type 1 keyboard.

The adapters in the kit will NOT work with the key caps from a Type 2 (ALPS) keyboard!

Why did you make it?

I recently re-discovered the Apple IIc I had in my childhood, and except for the keyboard, it still worked really well. There were no good replacement options available, so I made my own.

What makes it special?

This product is available as a near-complete item, or as a solder-it-yourself kit. If you order the assembled version, it will use Kailh Choc V2 Low Profile Blue key switches. These best replicate the feel of the original Apple IIc keyboard.

If you order the "kit" version, it will NOT include key switches, allowing you to choose the Brown, Red, or Blue versions to your liking.

Also, if you order the "kit" version, you will have to solder the connector, LEDs, resistors, and key switches yourself. The ATtiny microcontroller will come pre-soldered and pre-programmed, even in the kit version.

What is included?

Assembled Version

Complete PCBA that includes:

• 65 Key Switches
• LEDs and Resistors
• Acrylic Overlay
• Spacebar Stabilizer (does NOT include the metal bar)
• Stiffener (the original stiffener is better and can easily be swapped out)
• ATtiny microcontroller to replace the functionality of the latching keys (Caps Lock, Keyboard, 80/40)

In the parts bag:

• 34-pin Cable
• 65 (3 extra) Key Switch to Apple Key adapters (resin)
• 4 (1 extra) Key Switch to ALPS Key adapters (resin)
• 3 (1 extra) Space Bar Stabilizer parts (resin)

Kit Version

• PCBA with ATtiny Microcontroller soldered on (it's the only SMT part)
• Acrylic Overlay
• Stiffener (in case the original is missing/broken)

In the parts bag:

• 34-pin Cable
• 65 (3 extra) Key Switch to Apple Key adapters (resin)
• 4 (1 extra) Key Switch to ALPS Key adapters (resin)
• 5 (1 extra) Space Bar Stabilizer parts (resin)
• 3 LEDs (Red, Green, Blue)
• 7 Resistors (2-470 Ohm, 2-1 kOhm, 3-4.7 kOhm)
• 4-40 Screws and Lock Nuts

What's NOT included

Key Caps ARE NOT included! You will need to use the original keycaps with the provided adapters.

If you purchase the Kit version, it will NOT include key switches. You will need to purchase them separately from Amazon or AliExpress.

Why it's an improvement over the original Apple IIc Keyboard

The original keyboard used a "hairpin" mechanism that tended to bend out of shape, which in turn changed the feel of the key switches. The PCBA is also fragile - I had broken traces on the back of my keyboard that prevented some of the keys from working consistently. The keyboard also used both a spill guard and a dampener layer between the key caps and the key switches. Both of these disintegrate with age, creating additional issues.

The original keyboard also had 3 non-momentary (latching) switches. The latch on these switches is also prone to failure over time.

This product uses regular (non-latching) key switches for all 65 keys. The three keys that need to be able to "latch" have that behavior emulated by the small microcontroller on the PCBA. Because the Caps Lock doesn't physically latch, there is an added Blue LED right next to the Red Disk Activity LED, which allows you to tell when the Caps Lock is active.

Stocking Level and Shipping Notes

If stock appears or an option doesn't appear to be available, please message me - I will be able to provide an update on how long it will take for parts for additional kits to arrive.