tinkerBOY ADB Keyboard/Mouse to USB Converter with QMK Firmware and Via support

(29 customer reviews)

The tinkerBOY ADB to USB Keyboard/Mouse Converter now features QMK Firmware with the VIA functionality for real-time remapping. This means you can connect your vintage Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) keyboards and mice, such as the AEK and AEK II Apple Extended Keyboards, to modern computers. It’s completely plug-and-play, requiring no special drivers. The converter uses a mini-DIN 4 connector, the same type found on S-video cables.

Daisy chaining with multiple ADB devices is also supported. For example if you want to use an adb mouse just plugged it in your adb keyboard.

*** I’ve assembled a few USB-C versions of this adapter. If you want one, just email me at tinkerboy.xyz@gmail.com *** Some pictures of my USB-C version at 68kmla.

SKU: ADB Categories: ,

Description

The tinkerBOY ADB to USB Keyboard/Mouse Converter now features QMK Firmware with the VIA functionality for real-time remapping. This means you can connect your vintage Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) keyboards and mice, such as the AEK and AEK II Apple Extended Keyboards, to modern computers. It’s completely plug-and-play, requiring no special drivers. The converter uses a mini-DIN 4 connector, the same type found on S-video cables.

Daisy chaining with multiple ADB devices is also supported. For example if you want to use an adb mouse just plugged it in your adb keyboard.

For configuration and remapping guide, please visit Remapping and Configuration Guide for tinkerBOY ADB Keyboard/Mouse to USB Converter.

Compatible with these Apple ADB keyboards/Mice:

  • Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard (Model A9M0330)
  • Apple Keyboard (Model M0116)
  • Apple Extended Keyboard / AEK (Model M0115 )
  • Apple Keyboard II (M0487)
  • Apple Extended Keyboard II / AEKII (Model M0312)
  • Apple Extended Keyboard II / AEKII (Model M3501)
  • Apple Adjustable Keyboard (M1242)
  • AppleDesign Keyboard (M2980)
  • Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh Keyboard (M3459)
  • Apple Desktop Bus Mouse
  • Apple Desktop Bus Mouse II

What’s included?

  • 1 x tinkerBOY ADB to USB Keyboard/Mouse Converter

Related Products:

 

 

Additional information

Option

v1 – w/ USB case and molded cable, v2 – w/o USB case

29 reviews for tinkerBOY ADB Keyboard/Mouse to USB Converter with QMK Firmware and Via support

  1. Clint –

    I cannot believe I’m using my Apple Extended keyboard with my iMac. Thanks there buddy!

  2. Jeester –

    Works perfect with my old AEK!

  3. Patrick –

    I am typing this review from my circa 1988 Apple Extended Keyboard on my 2015 iMac – a 3-decade difference. 🙂 Thank you so much for your ingenuity with the electronics, and the simple, clean design of the device! Takes a while to ship to New York, but worth it.

    • tinkerBOY –

      I’m glad you liked it. You’re welcome! 😊👍

  4. Chris –

    Can I use this to connect my IIgs keyboard and mouse to a kvm
    I have on my desk?

    • tinkerBOY –

      I have not really tested it with a KVM so I’m not sure if it works or not.

  5. Jared –

    Worked first time with my Apple adjustable keyboard on my 2018 Mac Mini. I did have to widen the square hole slightly as you mentioned, but worked perfectly after that! Thanks for the awesome product.

    • tinkerBOY –

      Thank you! Newer adapters don’t have that issue anymore and the female ADB connector already molded. 🙂

  6. Luca –

    Well done! I received this ADB-USB converter today, in Italy 19 days from order, its works.
    The only problem is that my Apple extended keyboard II is QZERTY and the mapping is QWERTY. Probably I will exchange key fiscally, nobody have other suggestions? Thanks

  7. ysj –

    Legit! The converter works. I bought an AEKII and I’m using it with my iMac!
    Dude is super prompt to reply and the shipment arrived despite the pandemic.

  8. Krzysztof –

    I haven’t bought it yet so my rating right now makes no sense (but I cannot add this query without choosing it). Judging from what other buyers have written, it’s an excellent converter.

    Before I buy it, though, I would like to ask Luca (who commented on 27 March 2020) if he added in the Keyboard system preference “Italian – Typewriter” (which has the QZERTY layout) to Input Sources and if he chooses it while typing with his Apple Extended Keyboard II the resulting spelling still isn’t correct.

    The answer to these questions is important to me because I also have a non-English physical AEK II.

  9. Carlo Munguia –

    I’m writing this review with an Apple IIgs keyboard after just receiving this converter.
    This is AMAZING.

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THESE!!!!!! 😀

  10. sal –

    will this work with PC?

    • tinkerBOY –

      Yes.

  11. Christian –

    No issues connecting my german layout AEK to a 16″ MacBook.

    Cost me 80 EUR incl. shipping to Germany and customs but worth every cent! 👌

  12. Evan –

    I’m in disbelief with how fast it arrived and how well it works- if I ever need replacement parts and controllers, I’m coming back to you first. Thank you so much!

  13. Tack_Tau –

    Can we have another color option? (like beige/light grey to match the color of the origin apple ADB cable)

    • tinkerBOY –

      Sorry, only black for now.

  14. John Pritchard –

    Will this work with a Gravis Joystick (ADB) on Mac G4 & OS9?

  15. Gus –

    ***NOT ACTUAL RATING – REVIEW ***
    I don’t have the product yet but could not find this in the documentation, is it bi-directional? Can I use it to plug a USB keyboard/mouse to my old mac?

    • tinkerBOY –

      It’s just meant for an ADB keyboard to be plugged in computer’s USB port.

  16. Rob Lewis –

    Maybe a dumb question, but does the keyboard’s Power On key do anything with modern Macs? What about the CD Eject key? (doing this from memory, so I’m not 100% sure my old AEK has these keys).
    This is plug-and-play with U.S.-spec keyboards, right?

    • tinkerBOY –

      The Power Key does not do anything but it is used in combination with another key to go in to “bootloader” mode for remapping.

  17. Jesper –

    I want buy it but first I do have a question, does this also work if you add a usb to usb c adapter? My Macbook only has usb C ports. So I add a usb c adapter to this converter. Thanks!

    • tinkerBOY –

      Yes absolutely. In fact, I use an usb to usb c adapter on my Mac mini.

  18. John –

    Ordered on Feb. 19 2021, received on March 5 2021, Northeastern US address. This adapter does exactly what it says – ADB to USB now allowing me to use my old Apple keyboard with the clacky keys (658-4081). Shipping was fast, and Tinkerboy emailed me confirmation for the order and spelled out the possible shipping delays coming from the Philippines, but is still came pretty quickly.

  19. JDW –

    If I attach an ADB keyboard (i.e., the IIgs keyboard) to my modern Intel Mac, when I put the Mac to SLEEP and then type any key, will the Mac wake from sleep?

    • tinkerBOY –

      Yes of course.

  20. Joshua L –

    Very nice converter. My M0116 keyboard functions perfectly on Windows 10.

  21. Valentin –

    Can I use this to connect my m0487 to a windows PC?

    • tinkerBOY –

      Yes it’s compatible.

  22. Tom Jackson –

    Not a review…yet..just a couple of questions.
    I am currently running a G3 with some software that uses a security dongle connecting inline through the keyboard cable via the ADB port. This computer has stopped working and has forced me to to switch over to a G4 that no longer has the ADB port.
    Can you think of any reason why this converter might not work for me?

  23. Bill –

    Hi – I’ m looking to use an AEK with my Windows PC. I see here that the converter is compatible with the PC and that’s great! Will I be able to plug the USB into a USB hub?

    • tinkerBOY –

      Yes it will work the same as plugging to a regular USB port on your computer.

  24. Eric –

    Just a question— I have an older two ADB port converter but my AEK seems to drop keystrokes. Do you have any idea whether I will have the same issue with this adapter? If not, I’m totally in!

    • tinkerBOY –

      If your AEK keyboard is not faulty then yes it should work without issues with my adapter.

  25. Daniele Arcomano –

    Hi, just a question: do you know if the adapter works with the mac mini M1 Apple Silicon?

    • tinkerBOY –

      I have not tested yet but i think it’s gonna work.

  26. Diogo Ferreira –

    *NOT A RATING, JUST A QUESTION*

    I’m thinking about buying a AEK2 but, as I’m portuguese it’s with portuguese layout.
    Is it possible to change the layout configuration?
    If so, do you ship to Portugal?

    Thanks and best regards,

  27. Andrew –

    Just a question:
    I have an Adesso AEK-503T keyboard with integrated trackpad. The keyboard comes a min-DIN 4 pin cable and two ADB feedthru ports. Do you think tinkerBOY converter can make BOTH keyboard and trackpad work on a Window machine? Thanks

    • tinkerBOY –

      Yes i believe it should work.

  28. Edoardo –

    Just received and it works great with my Apple Keyboard II !! well done!

  29. jo –

    Works on my 16’inch m1pro. Amazing to use such a good laptop with an old apple desktop mouse. (press option on keyboard to open the left-click menu).
    Was worried it wouldn’t work on m1 but it’s perfect.
    Took 3 weeks of shipping to Canada.

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