pressure required on Apple keyboards

Question

Level 1

4 points

pressure required on Apple keyboards

This is not specifically a bluetooth question, but this the only place where the keyboard issues are addressed.
I have a disabled friend who is looking for a keyboard where only a very small pressure/force is required to activate the keys. Ideally, she would like a 0 Newton keyboard. She is not satisfied with the current infrared substitutes.
Can someone tell me what is the force required to activate a key on the Apple keyboards that are sold?
These specifications are difficult to find.
Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro 2.4 Ghz 17", Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jan 24, 2008 1:00 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 25, 2008 7:39 AM in response to FChaplais

Hello FC:

I do not know that information (You could probably get it from Apple directly).

However, you might take a look at system preferences>universal access. Apple has provided some tools to help people with disabilities that may be relevant to your friend.

Best of success.

Barry

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Answer 2

FChaplais Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 6, 2008 9:37 AM in response to Barry Hemphill

The issue is that the Apple specs in the "Support" section of the site do not mention any keyboard, and that the presentation in the Apple Store does not mention that pressure threshold info. This is why I a posting this question to the forum.

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Answer 3

Feb 6, 2008 1:06 PM in response to FChaplais

Hi FChaplais-

You have a source or suggestion for a gauge to measure this force?

I am willing to measure this myself on my keyboard(s).

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

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Answer 4

FChaplais Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 6, 2008 1:46 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

She says 5 to 10 grams of weight to apply would be nice to consider the keyboard as "soft"

Thanks for the care

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Answer 5

Feb 6, 2008 3:06 PM in response to FChaplais

Let me see what I can find out and I will get back to you.

-DaddyPaycheck

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Answer 6

FChaplais Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 11, 2008 2:28 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Maybe it can be tested with little weights

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Answer 7

Feb 12, 2008 1:05 PM in response to FChaplais

Hi FChaplais-

Please accept my apologies for the delay.

I used what I think is an effective but crude method by simply piling post-1985 pennies on several different keys until they engaged and taking an average.

A post-1985 US penny weighs approximately 2.5 grams.

I came up with 32.5 grams of pressure required on a new model aluminum keyboard.

An old model white keyboard in a tray takes in excess of 50 grams of pressure.

I hope this helps the cause-

-DaddyPaycheck

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Answer 8

FChaplais Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 14, 2008 12:33 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Thank you I very much for what you did. I will relay this to my friend.

François

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