[THRobinson]

I have an old MAC keyboard, the M7803 model and right now I have it totally pulled apart. Great keyboard but old, started sticking a bit and being clear it really showed up the dirt.

Thing is I like the keyboard and plan to use it a while longer... just curious if there was ever a USB2.0 option? Maybe a replacement part from Mitsumi I could replace this with and get USB2.0 out of it since right now it's USB1.2 or lower.

Long shot I know but, hey, might be something they made for warranty repairs or something.

Thanks

 

[i-rui]

why would you need USB2 speed for a keyboard? I can't see the increased speed being a factor for typing. I guess if you use the 2 ports to connect devices.... but you're probably better off using a faster HUB with more ports if that's a concern.

 

[THRobinson]

Ya the 2 USB ports...

I bought a new keyboard, died pretty quick (cheap illuminated Maxell) so going back to my old one. Just cleaning it right now to unstick some keys which is why I bought a replacement for.

The USB ports are handy, I have a wacom that I have to hook up with a 4' cable to reach the tower, so the USB port would be better. Also faster/easier to reach than my tower for USB sticks.

 

[pm-r]

Why not just get a USB extension cable and leave it accessible by your keyboard/monitor, or maybe even add a powered USB hub to it???

 

[THRobinson]

Well, there are a lot of options... extension cable, hub, hire a little person to run under my desk whenever I need stuff plugged in, etc...

...point is, the keyboard has 2 USB ports, if there was an option to pay $10 for a new part off eBay that has USB2.0, I'd buy it and save myself having more wires and devices on my already crowded desk.

Just finished putting it back together, works and looks like new... but wow... I counted over 60 screws in this thing.

 

[IllusionX]

even the new one isn't usb 2.0. i don't think.

Many usb sticks don't powerup correctly on the keyboard, so...

eitherway, i have one of those keyboard too and i've completely dissassembled mine to clean it up. Now all the dust is out and keys are clean. I just need a way to get the keys going smooth when i use it.

 

[THRobinson]

when mine was apart I took all the small rubber/silicon ... um... keyboard nipples? ... tossed them all in a mason jar, hot water and dish soap, shook the heck outta it, then rinsed them with hot water in a strainer and let air dry. Stuck all the keys and the plastic housing in hot soapy dishwater and gave a quick cleaning. Keys in another strainer to dry, and the clear plastic I windexed because of water marks.

I think having wiped down the circuit board/sheet with diluted alcohol, and having those 'nipples' really well cleaned, is why my keys are now working like new again without sticking.

It's a good solid keyboard... I replaced it with that Maxell because I work in the dark and illuminated keys was a nice option, and on sale $25... but 9 months and stuff is falling off. Probably grab the logitech K800 like I originally planned, but short on cash so fixed this instead. Now that it works again, I'll probably just use it.

But... the slow non-powered USB ports, kinda useless... only 1 of my 3 USB sticks works. That's why I hoped someone would have said ya, $10 off eBay and here's a part number and change the ports to something better.

 

[pm-r]

You mean you didn't just use the dishwasher???

It's Official: Dishwashers Are Great For Cleaning Keyboards | Cult of Mac

 

[THRobinson]

Oh, many a time I wish we had a dishwasher.

But, would it get my nipples clean?