Apple IIe Key Caps

Description

The earliest ][e’s had white letter keycaps and then changed to black letters where it remained. On the surface, it is that simple. Underneath, however, there are some differences!

Visual differences, other than the white letters vs black, can be found on the underside of the black lettered caps. Some are the same color of beige as the top of the cap, later ones are black. The shift, tab and delete keys may or may not have 2 or 3 positions underneath for fastening on to the switch. These are important to know for your keyboard.

Usability differences include whether the Tab and Delete keys are offset or centered – this was the placement of these switches on the keyboard. All white lettered caps had offset Tab and Delete keys. All black bottom, black lettered caps have centered Tab and Delete keys. Gray bottom caps can be either and you have to determine it by looking at the underside of one or the other that remain on your keyboard.

The other major difference lies in the Caps Lock and Reset caps which were totally dependent on whether the keyboard used Alps or SMK AND long or short switches. They have recessed or extended stems inside these caps to bring them to the correct height. Please see the keyboard switch page to help you identify your switch type before ordering. These differences apply to both white and black lettered keycaps.

The last photo shows the 3 surface difference between white letters, black letters and even the caps for the IIe extended keyboard found here. Also please keep in mind that all may have some degree of discoloration, most often seen on the spacebar.

I finally made it through what key caps I do have available and they are available for you to order. You do still have to investigate what switches are on your keyboard.

White letter keycaps are found here.

Black letter keycaps with a brown bottom are found here.

Black letter keycaps with a black bottom are found here.

Keycaps for the extended platinum colored IIe are found here. These are light gray key caps with black letters and a dark gray bottom.