Unicomp keyboards are underrated

[kolly]

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/ .

[Tempest790]

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.

[blondie]

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.

[wjrii]

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.

[blondie]

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.

[fohat.digs]

F-122 Unicomp

Unicomp does not sell "F" keyboards.

[blondie]

PC 122. Whatever. Your pedantics are a bit much.

[Findecanor]

Well.. This is a forum for pedantry about keyboards, so...

[fohat.digs]

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?
 

[kbthocking]

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.

[blondie]

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.

[fohat.digs]

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.

[tp4tissue]

You do realize this entire conversation is bot.

[blondie]

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.