Input · The Beige Era · 1986
Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard
ADB keyboards helped standardize Mac input for more than a decade, daisy-chaining keyboards, mice and other devices through one small connector.
Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard: key facts
When was the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard released?
The Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard was released in 1986. Apple discontinued it in 1990.
How much did the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard cost?
The Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard launched at $129 in 1986 — about $377 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What are the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard’s specs?
The Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard used a N/A, with None of memory. It ran Driver / firmware support.
Why does the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard matter?
Standard keyboard for the ADB era.
Full specifications
| CPU | N/A |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | None |
| Storage | — |
| Display | None |
| GPU | N/A |
| Ports | ADB |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | ADB keyboard |
| Operating system | Driver / firmware support |
| Released | 1986 |
| Discontinued | 1990 |
| Launch price | $129 |
How the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard compares to today
Launched at $129 in 1986 — about $377 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
It is the kind of model collectors use to map Apple’s complicated family tree.
Related Input models
Open the Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-27