Apple designed three different keyboards for the various Titanium PowerBook models. Even though Titanium PowerBook keyboards appear to be the same design, there are subtle differences that make them incompatible between PowerBook models. If you're looking for a replacement keyboard for your Titanium PowerBook, you want to make sure that you purchase the right keyboard. This guide will explain the differences between keyboard models and how to tell them apart.

Apple's 1st generation PowerBook keyboard was designed for the 400/500 MHz PowerBooks. The 2nd generation keyboard was designed for the 550/667 PowerBooks, and the 3rd generation keyboard was introduced with the 667 MHz DVI PowerBook. The keyboards are NOT interchangeable between PowerBook models.

The Mercury PowerBooks (400/500 MHz) were the first generation of G4 PowerBooks. The Mercury PowerBook keyboard can be identified by the location of the keyboard latches. The left latch is between the ESC & F1 keys; the right latch is located between the F8 & F9 keys. The F1-F4 keys are located to the left of the keyboard lock mechanism. There are also two "Option" keys on this keyboard, one on either side of the space bar. The part number of this keyboard is 99.N1382.A01. The ribbon cable that attaches the keyboard to the logic board has a connector that is approximately 1/2 inch (13mm) wide. Mercury PowerBook Keyboard

Mercury PowerBook Keyboard
(Latches Circled in Red, Option Keys Circled in Blue)

DVI PowerBook Keyboard
(Video Mirror Key Circled in Red)

The bottom side for each of the three keyboard models are displayed for reference in the following photos:

       
Mercury Keyboard Back                  Onyx Keyboard Back                   DVI KeyBoard Back