Macally iKey- Dan Knight
- 1999.10.25
Supporting a network of over 80 Macs in three locations,
consistency becomes very important. Most of the Macs at work
are still running System 7.5.5. Newer ones are generally on
Mac OS 8.1 or 8.6. We use the Apple ADB Mouse (in its
various incarnations) almost exclusively, along with the
Contour
UniMouse on Macs without ADB ports.  The
problem with the iMac and non-beige Power Macs is that their
mouse and keyboard don't match our standard. So we've
standardized on the Contour UniMouse, but we're still
looking for the perfect keyboard.
The last one we looked at was the Adesso
Nu-Form, an ergonomic keyboard split down the middle,
with each half set at an angle. For those used to a split
keyboard, it's quite acceptable. In fact, we've ordered a
couple. But for those accustomed to typing on traditional
keyboards, those ergonomic things are always going to be a
frustration. After typing for decades, why should we have to
relearn? So we purchased a couple Macally
iKey keyboards, which have the identical layout to our
standard, the Apple Extended Keyboard. The iKey is evidently made by the same folks who made the
keyboard for the Umax SuperMac line. It's unusual trait is
the curved space bar. Except that this gives the keyboard a
curved edge and makes it impossible to fit a wrist rest
snugly against it, there's nothing wrong with that. It's a
unique design decision that really doesn't impact
usability. Like the iMac keyboard, the iKey has USB ports on either
end and allows you to power up the computer from the
keyboard. Unlike the iMac keyboard, we've had occasional
problems booting our Blue G3s with the iKey. The feel of the keyboard is good, a bit below the Apple
Extended and the MicroSpeed,
which are both ADB only, but at least a match for Apple's
USB keyboard. Best of all, the layout exactly matched
Apple's 105-key standard - something many Mac-specific
keyboards don't do. The only drawback is the short 5' USB cable. If you're
using it with a Blue G3 or a G4 on the floor, you'll need a
USB extension cable (which, alas, doesn't ship with the
G4). Other than that, the Macally is a good choice. It
provides the five keys missing from the tiny iMac/Power Mac
keyboard (see iMac
Keyboard: The Missing Keys) along with command, control,
and option keys on both sides of the space bar and full
sized arrow keys. 
- NOTE: MacFixIt
has been tracking problems with the Macally iKey USB
keyboard causing a "mouse freeze." The problem seems to
stem from the iKey's power requirements not leaving
enough power for most USB mice. The suggested workaround
is to plug your mouse into the computer's USB port or
into a USB hub.
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