Why was ⌘ used as the command key on Apple computers, why not the Apple logo? [closed]

I was just curious about the command key, a little thing that seems to have been used for quite a long time.

Is there any particular reason that the founders of Apple decided to use the ⌘ symbol, not the Apple logo (like Windows does on their keyboards) as the Command Key? Just to clarify, I want the reasons why the designers chose it, and not personal opinion. Thanks!

Solution 1:

From the Wikipedia entry on the Command Key:

The "⌘" symbol (the "looped square") was chosen by Susan Kare after Steve Jobs decided that the use of the Apple logo in the menu system (where the keyboard shortcuts are displayed) would be an over-use of the logo.

It is also interesting that the ⌘ is not something Apple came up with. It is actually an ancient symbol called looped square.

Solution 2:

The command key was initially called Apple key and it was used in combination with other key to create a menu command shortcut. The shortcut for menu command was displayed in the Menu bar alongside the menu item.

Reportedly, Steve Jobs didn't like the on-screen overuse of the Apple logo. In typical Jobsian fashion:

"There are too many Apples on the screen! It's ridiculous! We're taking the Apple logo in vain! We've got to stop doing that!"

An alternative logo was hunted for by the famed Apple designed Susan Kare, that according to her was distinctive, attractive and had at least something to do with the concept of a menu command.

You can read a first hand account by Andy Hertzfeld on Folklore.org, How we got the unusual symbol used for the menu command key.