Apple Pro Keyboard (Black) Sticking Keys?

[BeniD82]

Hi Guys!

So... I was able to get my hands on an "old new stock" - or "new old stock" (whichever) - black Apple Pro USB keyboard in pristine, mint condition. It still had the original shipping material/wrapper when I received it, not a single scratch on it, and has never even been touched. It looks awesome! The only thing I noticed is that the space bar sticks once you push down on it. I'm assuming it has to do with the actual age of the keyboard (having been stored for years and years possibly) which is unfortunate.

I just wanted to see if this is perhaps something that happens to all these keyboards eventually and if you guys have any suggestions on how to fix the thing? I tried loosening the clips which hold the space bar in place but it doesn't appear to really make any difference. I'm assuming that the "rubber nipple thingy" may be the culprit due to its age.

I still have my old Apple ADB Keyboard II hooked up to my vintage Mac(s) and it is still working just fine after all these years (I love typing on that one actually). I have to admit, I do miss the days where keyboards weighed several pounds and key switches were still all mechanical, talk about being able to speed-type on these... most modern keyboards feel like you're pushing down on Play-Doh when you type. :lol:

-- BeniD82

 

[MacJunky]

http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional/

Here, it even weighs 3lbs. I have one and I love it.. except for the glossy case, but if you keep your computing area dark you cannot see it. <_< >_>

 

[BeniD82]

So.... I had an epiphany a few minutes ago. Since searching for a replacement "rubber plunger" or "rubber dome" has been pretty much an exercise in futility and I really do not wish to gut a working keyboard just for a few parts, I tried to think of an alternative. I considered some type of coil or spring (such as in a ball point pen) but since I didn't have anything workable available, that idea had to be canned.

I ended up cutting a few pieces of foam into the correct shape, placed these under the space bar, popped the bar back in, and voila, it is working! This may not be an elegant solution but it seems to work just fine I'll probably see if I can find one or two springs to try replacing the foam with, but like I said, the foam is doing the trick for now, yay! :lol:

 

[register]

The foam trick is the technical base of many cheap keyboards. As long as you do not mind to replace the foam repeatedly it might work. The compression stress-strain characteristics of foam undergoes a notable faster degradation than common steel springs or rubber. You might be disappointed about the changing tactile feedback of the key.

I am tempted to buid a FrankenBoard from an Apple Extended Keyboard II and a more recent Apple USB keyboard (I have two of that white keyboards with narrow acrylic frame). The result should have less compatibility issues than the ADB and iMate combo. Using the wireless flavour one could even avoid any case or cable modifications. We could make a keyboard with the most excellent durability and ergonomic properties fully compatible with recent computers.

Did someone already succeed in an attempt just to transplant the USB keyboard controller to the mechanics of an old ADB Keyboard?