Use Your Classic Apple ADB Keyboard and Mouse on a Modern Computer
If you still have a soft spot for classic Macintosh computers, chances are you’ve got some vintage Apple hardware tucked away somewhere — perhaps an Apple Extended Keyboard II, an ADB mouse, or another classic Macintosh keyboard that simply feels better to type on than most modern alternatives.
The problem is that Apple ADB keyboards and mice were designed for an era long before USB became the standard.
Modern Macs and PCs don’t have an ADB port, leaving many excellent vintage Apple peripherals sitting unused.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: an Apple ADB to USB adapter that allows you to connect classic ADB keyboards and mice to modern computers via USB.
What Is Apple ADB?
ADB, or Apple Desktop Bus, was Apple’s proprietary peripheral interface used throughout much of the classic Macintosh era.
Introduced in the 1980s, ADB allowed keyboards, mice and other compatible peripherals to connect to a Macintosh using a relatively simple four-pin connection.
ADB was particularly common on Macintosh computers from the late 1980s through the 1990s, including many popular models such as the Macintosh II series, Quadra, Performa and Power Macintosh.
The technology was eventually replaced by USB as Apple moved towards newer generations of hardware.
While ADB is now considered obsolete, the keyboards and mice designed for it remain highly desirable among collectors, retro-computing enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates classic Apple hardware.
Why Use a Vintage Apple ADB Keyboard Today?
There’s something special about typing on a classic Apple keyboard.
The Apple Extended Keyboard and Apple Extended Keyboard II, for example, have developed a loyal following among enthusiasts because of their solid construction, distinctive key feel and unmistakable Macintosh-era design.
Rather than keeping these keyboards connected to a vintage Macintosh, an ADB to USB adapter lets you use them with a modern computer.
That means you can enjoy your favourite vintage keyboard with:
- Modern Windows PCs
- Modern Macs
- Linux computers
- Raspberry Pi systems
- Retro-computing projects
- USB-equipped laptops and desktops
- Modern computers used alongside vintage Macintosh hardware
It’s an easy way to give an old Apple keyboard a new lease of life.
Connect a Classic ADB Mouse to a Modern PC or Mac
The same applies to vintage Apple ADB mice.
If you’ve got an original Macintosh mouse sitting in a drawer, an ADB to USB mouse adapter can make it useful again.
Instead of needing a vintage Macintosh simply to use your old mouse, you can connect it directly to a modern computer using USB.
This can be particularly useful for retro-computing enthusiasts who want to recreate the look and feel of a classic Macintosh setup while using modern hardware behind the scenes.
A Great Alternative to the Griffin iMate
For many years, one of the best-known solutions for connecting ADB peripherals to USB was the Griffin iMate.
The iMate became popular because it provided a straightforward way to connect classic Apple ADB keyboards and mice to computers with USB ports.
Unfortunately, the Griffin iMate is now discontinued and can be difficult to find. As a result, working examples can command surprisingly high prices on the second-hand market.
That’s where a modern ADB to USB adapter can be a useful alternative.
If you don’t want to spend a premium hunting down a Griffin iMate, an alternative ADB-to-USB solution gives you a practical way to bring your classic Apple peripherals back into everyday use.
Griffin iMate vs ADB to USB Adapter
| Feature | Griffin iMate | Modern ADB to USB Adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Connects ADB peripherals | Yes | Yes |
| USB connection | Yes | Yes |
| Works with classic Apple keyboards | Yes | Designed for ADB keyboards |
| Works with ADB mice | Yes | Designed for ADB mice |
| Discontinued | Yes | Available as a modern solution |
| Suitable for retro-computing | Yes | Yes |
| Useful with modern computers | Yes | Yes |
The biggest advantage is simple: you don’t need to rely on finding a used Griffin iMate in good working condition.
Bring Your Apple Extended Keyboard II Back to Life
The Apple Extended Keyboard II is one of the most recognisable keyboards from Apple’s classic Macintosh era.
Its distinctive design makes it a popular choice for vintage Apple collectors, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and retro-computing fans.
But owning one today raises an obvious question:
How do you connect an Apple Extended Keyboard II to a modern computer?
The answer is an ADB to USB adapter.
Simply connect the ADB plug from the keyboard to the adapter, then connect the adapter to your computer’s USB port.
You can then use your vintage Apple keyboard without needing to track down an old Macintosh just to provide the correct interface.
Perfect for Retro Computing
ADB to USB adapters are particularly useful for anyone building or maintaining a retro-computing setup.
You might have a collection of original Macintosh hardware but also use a modern PC for everyday tasks, development or emulation.
Being able to switch your vintage peripherals between systems gives you much more flexibility.
They’re also useful for:
Vintage Apple restoration
Restore the appearance and feel of a classic Macintosh setup while using modern hardware where appropriate.
Macintosh emulation
Use an authentic Apple keyboard with an emulator running on a modern PC or Mac.
Retro gaming
Classic Apple keyboards and mice can add an authentic feel to retro-computing and gaming projects.
Everyday computing
If you simply love the feel of your vintage Apple keyboard, there’s no reason it has to remain connected to a vintage computer.
Hardware preservation
Using an adapter can allow you to keep your original Macintosh hardware safely stored while still enjoying the peripherals themselves.
Why Not Just Buy a Modern USB Keyboard?
You certainly could — but that’s missing the point.
Retro computing isn’t just about functionality. It’s about the experience.
A modern USB keyboard might be faster, thinner and packed with features, but it doesn’t have the same character as a keyboard from the classic Macintosh era.
For collectors, using original hardware is part of the enjoyment.
There’s also something satisfying about taking a peripheral that was designed decades ago and making it work with a computer released many years later.
ADB to USB: Giving Vintage Hardware a Second Life
One of the great things about retro computing is discovering that old technology doesn’t necessarily have to become obsolete.
Classic Apple ADB keyboards and mice are still perfectly usable pieces of hardware. They simply use an interface that modern computers no longer provide.
An ADB to USB adapter bridges that gap.
Instead of searching for an increasingly rare Griffin iMate, you can use a modern adapter to connect your classic Apple ADB peripherals to a contemporary USB-equipped computer.
It’s a small piece of hardware that can make a huge difference to the usability of your vintage Apple collection.
Ready to Connect Your ADB Keyboard or Mouse?
If you’ve got a classic Apple ADB keyboard or mouse gathering dust, now is the perfect time to put it back to work.
Our Vintage Apple ADB to USB Mouse and Keyboard Adapter is designed for retro-computing enthusiasts who want to connect classic Apple ADB peripherals to modern USB computers.
Whether you’re looking for a Griffin iMate alternative, want to use an Apple Extended Keyboard II with a modern PC, or simply want to keep your original Macintosh mouse in regular use, an ADB to USB adapter provides a convenient bridge between classic Apple hardware and today’s computers.
Don’t let a missing ADB port keep your favourite vintage Apple peripherals in the cupboard. Connect them to your modern computer and keep the classic Macintosh experience alive.