ADB keyboards

ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) keyboards are input devices designed to interface with computers via Apple's proprietary serial bus, ADB. Introduced by Apple in 1986, this bus was a standardized, low-speed communication protocol primarily used for connecting input peripherals like keyboards, mice, and…

Key facts

First appeared: 1986
Category: technology
Problem solved: ADB keyboards, as part of the ADB ecosystem, solved the problem of disparate and inflexible input device connectivity. Prior to ADB, Apple computers often relied on multiple proprietary ports or simple pass-through mechanisms, making it cumbersome to connect multiple input devices, implement device-specific drivers, or hot-swap peripherals.
Platforms: NeXT, Apple IIGS, Macintosh (68k and early PowerPC)

Related technologies

Power Macintosh G3 (early models)
Macintosh SE
NeXT Computer
Macintosh II
Apple IIGS
Macintosh Classic
Macintosh LC series

Notable users

Apple Inc.
Third-party peripheral manufacturers (e.g., Logitech, Wacom, Kensington)
NeXT Computer, Inc.