Author Topic: Unicomp keyboards are underrated  (Read 3036 times)

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Offline kolly

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Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« on: Sat, 23 November 2024, 05:49:21 »
I always find it surprising how few people talk about Unicomp. They make made in America keyboards with buckling springs for an incredible price. I have an original Model F and a modelfkeyboards.com reproduction, and I have found little difference between the tactile feedback between the three. I've also found it astonishing how expensive custom boards have become, with people putting in switches that feel far less substantial in keyboards that cost 4-10x the price of a Unicomp. I can definitely appreciate that form over function is not necessarily a bad thing, but for the price of the board, people can get such an amazing typing experience for the price of an accessory or backplate for another board https://19216811.cam/  https://1921681001.id/ .
« Last Edit: Sat, 30 November 2024, 06:08:49 by kolly »

Offline Tempest790

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 24 November 2024, 11:03:12 »
Very much so. I bought a Unicomp for my dad years ago and he loved it. Made him feel like he was using a typewriter again compared to his cheap mushy keyboard that came with the PC. They've gone up in price a bit, but it's still the best deal for a true tactile keyboard. Buckling springs are simply among the best switches ever created.

I used to buy various keyboards, trying to find something that worked for me. While I've never tried Click Bars or Clickies, I found most Cherry MX style switches are inherently linear in nature. MX Reds were a favorite of mine, but I prefer tactile over linear. Browns, blues, greens, whites - none of them really clicked with me (pun intended).  ;)

The only disadvantage to buckling springs that I can see is not being able to have different weightings. If you like a really light switch, buckling spring may not work for you. Aside from that, I would also recommend people to skip buying so many MX based keyboards and just get a Unicomp (or splurge on a new Model F). Nothing much else out there, except maybe a really good vintage Alps switch keyboard, really comes close to comparing.

Offline blondie

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #2 on: Sun, 24 November 2024, 21:25:30 »
Thanks for mentioning this. I was not aware of these keyboards. I thought the new Model F keyboards being offered here were interesting. I almost pulled the trigger on one F122. But the complicated buying process, plus the rude behavior of the guy answering my questions on said complex process turned me off.

Now, seeing as I can get one for 1/3 the price really makes me glad I didn't buy it. What do I get for the markup, really? An aluminum case? Windows keys and Unix (HHKB) layout? Definitely not worth it.
There is no greater knowledge than the knowledge of one's self. There is no greater truth than the truth of moral conviction. And there is no greater keyboard than the one beneath my fingertips.

Offline wjrii

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 26 November 2024, 10:01:29 »
Thanks for mentioning this. I was not aware of these keyboards. I thought the new Model F keyboards being offered here were interesting. I almost pulled the trigger on one F122. But the complicated buying process, plus the rude behavior of the guy answering my questions on said complex process turned me off.

Now, seeing as I can get one for 1/3 the price really makes me glad I didn't buy it. What do I get for the markup, really? An aluminum case? Windows keys and Unix (HHKB) layout? Definitely not worth it.

I own a Unicomp from about ten years ago, and it is indeed very good.  I understand the molds for the plastic parts are a little better these days sine they re-did their tooling.  The new Model F is different in a few ways beyond what you mentioned, though to be fair the Unicomps can be had with Windows keys now (just FYI).  The F's use slightly larger, more robust feet and springs for the switches, which makes them even just a bit "MORE", and critically, they also use capacitive sensing on the curcuitboard, instead of a conductive membrane.  The F's should be even more reliable and durable than the Unicomps, though the Unicomps are a time-tested design of their own.  The F's also support true "N-Key Rollover" meaning that try as you might, you can never hit multiple keys in a way that the incorrect keys will register due to the electronics of the board.  This is still possible with Unicomp's design, but except for intense gamers (who are unlikely to use buckling springs in the first place), I'm not sure it a huge deal.

The F's are more firmly in the hobbyist space, where Unicomp is still first and foremost a supplier of reliable boards to a small but significant customer base of businesses and people who never stopped wanting a Model M, with hobbyists as the sideline.  The prices and approach reflect that, and while it's certainly fair to find the New Model F falls into your personal range of "diminished returns," they have their place in the market as well.  I don't know the people involved, but I'm sorry if your experience with them was poor.

Offline blondie

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 28 November 2024, 10:41:42 »
To be clear, I think the F-122 Unicomp model is not available with windows keys. If I am wrong, I will buy one immediately.
There is no greater knowledge than the knowledge of one's self. There is no greater truth than the truth of moral conviction. And there is no greater keyboard than the one beneath my fingertips.

Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 28 November 2024, 16:21:20 »

F-122 Unicomp


Unicomp does not sell "F" keyboards.
"Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease; (however) against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one's prejudgment simply need not be believed - in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical - and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self-satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack.
For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will (should) we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran theologen and pastor 1938

Offline blondie

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 28 November 2024, 22:46:06 »
PC 122. Whatever. Your pedantics are a bit much.
There is no greater knowledge than the knowledge of one's self. There is no greater truth than the truth of moral conviction. And there is no greater keyboard than the one beneath my fingertips.

Offline Findecanor

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 29 November 2024, 02:13:37 »
Well.. This is a forum for pedantry about keyboards, so... :)
🍉

Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 29 November 2024, 08:02:02 »

Your pedantics are a bit much.


You do understand that there are many keyboard enthusiasts who prize the IBM "F" constellation of keyboards, and the modern re-imaginings, right?
 
"Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease; (however) against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one's prejudgment simply need not be believed - in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical - and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self-satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack.
For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will (should) we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran theologen and pastor 1938

Offline kbthocking

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 29 November 2024, 10:10:34 »
Unicomp keyboards with a TrackPoint/Pointing Sticks have terrible scrolling. It is obvious when comparing to a ThinkPad or a TEX keyboard.
Besides, the buckling springs don't feel the same as my silver label IBM Model M.
But I do appreciate that they are made in the USA.
« Last Edit: Fri, 29 November 2024, 10:24:29 by kbthocking »

Offline blondie

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 29 November 2024, 13:36:21 »
Quote

You do understand that there are many keyboard enthusiasts who prize the IBM "F" constellation of keyboards, and the modern re-imaginings, right?

You do realize that that form of question makes you sound like an *******, right?

No, obviously not.
There is no greater knowledge than the knowledge of one's self. There is no greater truth than the truth of moral conviction. And there is no greater keyboard than the one beneath my fingertips.

Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 29 November 2024, 14:52:11 »

you sound like an *******


I suppose that you are right. My apologies.

Maybe I was just taken aback that the buyer was expecting to get a Model F keyboard from Unicomp.
"Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease; (however) against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one's prejudgment simply need not be believed - in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical - and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self-satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack.
For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will (should) we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran theologen and pastor 1938

Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #12 on: Sat, 30 November 2024, 01:46:05 »
You do realize this entire conversation is bot.

Offline blondie

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 30 November 2024, 10:06:34 »

you sound like an *******


I suppose that you are right. My apologies.

Maybe I was just taken aback that the buyer was expecting to get a Model F keyboard from Unicomp.

No hard feelings.
There is no greater knowledge than the knowledge of one's self. There is no greater truth than the truth of moral conviction. And there is no greater keyboard than the one beneath my fingertips.

Offline wjrii

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Re: Unicomp keyboards are underrated
« Reply #14 on: Thu, 05 December 2024, 15:48:23 »
To be clear, I think the F-122 Unicomp model is not available with windows keys. If I am wrong, I will buy one immediately.

Well, now that we've established that it'd be a PC-122  ;D I'd recommend emailing them.  They do at least some customization, generally having you add a certain amount of "customization" items to your shopping cart.  It might be that the 122 membrane sheets can't support the extra key, but maybe they do.  I dunno.  I have only ordered a few replacement ketycaps from them, but that purchase went smoothly.