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ginopiazza49 · Jul 9, 2009, 09:39 PM

Does anyone use the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0 keyboard? I see that the Tactile Pro 2.0 keyboard has a "power-on" button. While I am sure that the Tactile Pro 2.0 keyboard itself works fine, I am hoping that the Tactile Pro 2.0 keyboard's "power-on" button works with the Mac mini (2009). That will solve my problem of not being able to reach the "power-on" button in the rear of the Mac mini due to being in a wheelchair. I posted a question to Matias, just waiting to hear back from them.

ibook_steve · Jul 9, 2009, 10:22 PM

As mentioned in the other thread, power buttons on USB keyboards cannot power on recent machines. I doubt this keyboard will be any different.

Steve

shifuimam · Jul 10, 2009, 02:58 PM

Call me crazy, but why would anyone spend $160 on a plan old USB keyboard? I realize it's got supercoolninjaawesome keyswitches, but can't something just as good be found on eBay?

ginopiazza49 · Jul 10, 2009, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by shifuimam

Call me crazy, but why would anyone spend $160 on a plan old USB keyboard? I realize it's got supercoolninjaawesome keyswitches, but can't something just as good be found on eBay?

Matias wrote me today that the power-on button is only for early era iMacs. Therefore, I will not be purchasing it.

cgc · Jul 10, 2009, 05:51 PM

I recently bought an Apple thin aluminum keyboard and it rox.

ghporter · Jul 10, 2009, 06:09 PM

Gino's issue is being able to manipulate the power button on his Mini, given that he has some mobility problems. Has anyone ever looked at the power button on the Mini? Is it hard to get out of the case? I think a pair of wires soldered to the button's terminals and going to an external button would probably do the job he needs, but I've never had a Mini open to see if this is as simple as I think it is.

tooki · Jul 12, 2009, 04:43 PM

The power button won't turn on any Mac made in many, many years, but once the computer is on, it'll still work to bring up the shutdown/restart/sleep dialog.

turtle777 · Jul 12, 2009, 05:15 PM

Aside from Glenn's suggestion to open the mini and solder a second switch, I think you should leave it on and put it to sleep when you don't use it.

Get a cheap USP for $ 45, which will also take care of the surge protection.

No need for a new keyboard.

Only downside: mini in sleep probably draws a little bit of power.
This site estimates the cost of a mini in sleep mode at $ 2 / year.

-t

Brien · Jul 12, 2009, 05:18 PM

Wouldn't it just be smarter (and cheaper!) to get a used Apple USB Pro keyboard on Ebay? These Matias keyboards look almost identical and they use the same keyswitch mechanics.

I'd still be using mine if it hadn't stopped working.

turtle777 · Jul 12, 2009, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Brien

Wouldn't it just be smarter (and cheaper!) to get a used Apple USB Pro keyboard on Ebay? These Matias keyboards look almost identical and they use the same keyswitch mechanics.

The OP's main concern is the power on/off switch on the keyboard, which doesn't work no matter what.

-t

ajprice · Jul 14, 2009, 06:30 AM

An option could be to set up the Mac to schedule a startup/shutdown or wake/sleep time in Energy Saver preferences if you use it regularly.

turtle777 · Jul 14, 2009, 09:09 AM

Good point. Together with sleep, that might be the next best thing.

-t

ThousandStars · Jul 22, 2009, 03:45 PM

Although I can't speak to the sleep button issue—it appears others already have—I can say that Tactile Pro 2.0 leaves much to be desired in other capacities, as I described in great detail in this review.