For real this time: Unicomp Issues Statement on a BS keyboard smaller than SSK

[E TwentyNine]

Unicomp's announcement was taken by some here as a joke because it came out right around (or on, not sure) April 1. Unfortunate timing to be sure, but I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

The day before Unicomp announced I posted this: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56591

Which *was* a joke (and I thought a good one).  Their announcement the next day was just HORRIBLE timing, people definitely got mixed messages.

[SpaceGhost]

Unicomp's announcement was taken by some here as a joke because it came out right around (or on, not sure) April 1. Unfortunate timing to be sure, but I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

The day before Unicomp announced I posted this: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56591

Which *was* a joke (and I thought a good one).  Their announcement the next day was just HORRIBLE timing, people definitely got mixed messages.

Yup! That's exactly what happened.

[Dihedral]

Unicomp's announcement was taken by some here as a joke because it came out right around (or on, not sure) April 1. Unfortunate timing to be sure, but I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

The day before Unicomp announced I posted this: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56591

Which *was* a joke (and I thought a good one).  Their announcement the next day was just HORRIBLE timing, people definitely got mixed messages.

Ah it all makes sense now. Wow that is a really unfortunate chain of events!

[keyhopper]

Unicomp's announcement was taken by some here as a joke because it came out right around (or on, not sure) April 1. Unfortunate timing to be sure, but I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

THIS!

I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

made my day (tm)
So happy now!
 

[SpaceGhost]

Unicomp's announcement was taken by some here as a joke because it came out right around (or on, not sure) April 1. Unfortunate timing to be sure, but I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

THIS!

I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

made my day (tm)
So happy now!
 

Glad to hear that, keyhopper! Perhaps their decision to go TKL rather than the other layout caused them considerable delay -- making new injection molds, barrel frame, membrane, etc.

[SpaceGhost]

An open suggestion to Unicomp:

If you can afford to do so, as an addition to your current relatively low-cost product line, please produce a limited-production, no-holds-barred, all-out masterpiece of a TKL keyboard, followed by similar but standard-sized versions. Same high-quality PVC that IBM used for the housing, same attention to detail with regard to the quality of molded parts right down to the key caps, same high-quality keycap imprinting with legend fonts and symbols designed by a professional product design specialist and located properly and consistently on their respective cap faces, and with a return to capsense technology and internals like the Model F so that true NKRO would at least be intrinsic to the keyboard itself, along with a few other refinements.

The limited-production product line could command a selling price much higher than the low-cost line, and perhaps this would over time justify the expense of developing and producing it. It would certainly add a great deal to Unicomp's credibility and stature among buckling-spring advocates. A more elegant logo and perhaps new branding would also be advised for a high-end product line such as this.

[chicken]

I wanted the f660m-esque layout.

[ideus]

I wanted the f660m-esque layout.
 

Then get an F660M with clears, or blues.

[Touch_It]

F660 layout looked gross imo

[SpaceGhost]

I wanted the f660m-esque layout.

They probably figured the classic TKL layout would generate higher sales figures for them, and IMO, it probably would. Considering the enormous investment that must be made to bring a new keyboard to market, it seems like a reasonable decision at this time. If they really do introduce a successful new TKL, it is more likely they would follow up with a 60% design. But I believe it would need to appeal to gamers since so many prefer very compact keyboards, and thus it MUST have at least 6KRO if not NKRO. Capsense, capsense, capsense!!! And maybe designed for short-travel and very quick response upon actuation and release.

[SpaceGhost]

My idea (one of several possible layout variations) for the ideal 60% KB:

[ideus]

My idea (one of several possible layout variations) for the ideal 60% KB:

(Attachment Link)

Your idea? it looks like the Infinity keyboard. But the render rocks.

[SpaceGhost]

My idea (one of several possible layout variations) for the ideal 60% KB:

(Attachment Link)

Your idea? it looks like the Infinity keyboard. But the render rocks.

Thanks, but I actually did the solid model and rendering without ever even hearing about Infinity keyboards or seeing any of their layouts. BTW, I worked for the original Infinity Systems (the speaker company) in the early 70's. My boss was one of the 3 founders of the company and during that time he developed the world's first Class D (i.e., PWM -- Pulse Width Modulated) audio power amplifier.

[SpaceGhost]

And a Mopar-inspired color scheme for the 60% design...

[wcass]

An open suggestion to Unicomp:

If you can afford to do so, as an addition to your current relatively low-cost product line, please produce a limited-production, no-holds-barred, all-out masterpiece of a TKL keyboard, followed by similar but standard-sized versions. Same high-quality PVC that IBM used for the housing, same attention to detail with regard to the quality of molded parts right down to the key caps, same high-quality keycap imprinting with legend fonts and symbols designed by a professional product design specialist and located properly and consistently on their respective cap faces, and with a return to capsense technology and internals like the Model F so that true NKRO would at least be intrinsic to the keyboard itself, along with a few other refinements.

The limited-production product line could command a selling price much higher than the low-cost line, and perhaps this would over time justify the expense of developing and producing it. It would certainly add a great deal to Unicomp's credibility and stature among buckling-spring advocates. A more elegant logo and perhaps new branding would also be advised for a high-end product line such as this.

If they are reading this, I would be happy to give my services for capsense PCB design. I might have already designed something to fit an SSK barrel frame - just waiting for someone to lead that project. If they would prefer to keep with membrane but be capable of NKRO, I could show them my new project which I hope to have done in time for the Chicago KeyCon. 

[CPTBadAss]

Unicomp's announcement was taken by some here as a joke because it came out right around (or on, not sure) April 1. Unfortunate timing to be sure, but I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

Can to share with us a snippet of that email or do we just have to take your word for it?

And I believe that others have contacted Unicomp with the same response for years. They're developing an SSK/smaller layout buckling spring board.

[SpaceGhost]

An open suggestion to Unicomp:

If you can afford to do so, as an addition to your current relatively low-cost product line, please produce a limited-production, no-holds-barred, all-out masterpiece of a TKL keyboard, followed by similar but standard-sized versions. Same high-quality PVC that IBM used for the housing, same attention to detail with regard to the quality of molded parts right down to the key caps, same high-quality keycap imprinting with legend fonts and symbols designed by a professional product design specialist and located properly and consistently on their respective cap faces, and with a return to capsense technology and internals like the Model F so that true NKRO would at least be intrinsic to the keyboard itself, along with a few other refinements.

The limited-production product line could command a selling price much higher than the low-cost line, and perhaps this would over time justify the expense of developing and producing it. It would certainly add a great deal to Unicomp's credibility and stature among buckling-spring advocates. A more elegant logo and perhaps new branding would also be advised for a high-end product line such as this.

If they are reading this, I would be happy to give my services for capsense PCB design. I might have already designed something to fit an SSK barrel frame - just waiting for someone to lead that project. If they would prefer to keep with membrane but be capable of NKRO, I could show them my new project which I hope to have done in time for the Chicago KeyCon.

Generous of you to offer your services for capsense PCB design, wcass, but their CEO happens to be an electrical engineer who was with IBM back in the day. I'd be quite surprised if he has any trouble with this task. I think the real issue is the tremendous investment required for a product that may only have niche-market appeal.

IBM was easily able to fund the production of the Model F's and M's given their very high expected production volume at the time, which turned out to be quite realistic, leading to the production of millions of keyboards. I'm quite sure Unicomp's volume would be only a tiny fraction of this at best, and as such, a risky investment unless they could somehow persuade IBM to once again offer this type of keyboard to those who still want it, and to use Unicomp as their prime source.

With some investment from IBM, Unicomp could be transformed into a real leader in the keyboard industry. Sadly, IBM lacks that level of enthusiasm for truly great mechanical keyboards while we here seem to take it for granted. Also, sadly we want that classic IBM logo badge on the product as much as we want the keyboards themselves, or so it seems.

[SpaceGhost]

Unicomp's announcement was taken by some here as a joke because it came out right around (or on, not sure) April 1. Unfortunate timing to be sure, but I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

Can to share with us a snippet of that email or do we just have to take your word for it?

And I believe that others have contacted Unicomp with the same response for years. They're developing an SSK/smaller layout buckling spring board.

With apologies to Unicomp in the event my posting the following in any way offends them or is considered inappropriate, but I think this may clarify the situation. I swear this is an exact "copy and paste" from the email I mentioned:


"Thanks for sending me your renderings. You'll be happy to know that the version we are working on uses the more traditional layout.  We have spent too much time working on some technology stuff that we had hoped to incorporate into the new product. The new product is way behind schedule and the new stuff just isn't going to make the first cut. Anyway, we are still working on this. It's just late.

We won't have full NKRO but we are working on enhanced roll-over support. I would be interested in knowing what you think "enhanced" should mean. For example, are there multi-key combinations that we should support that aren't being supported today?

Thanks again for your time, ideas, thoughts, and patience.
Regards,
Neil"

I replied that I think they should seriously consider capsense with Model F-like internals and true NKRO, but what they decide remains to be seen.

[SpaceGhost]

And the new keyboard should be packed in fully-enclosing 2-piece molded foam inside a very sturdy, double-wall corrugated shipping box. When it comes to high-end products, presentation is extremely important to serious buyers, collectors, and enthusiasts.

[ideus]

My idea (one of several possible layout variations) for the ideal 60% KB:

(Attachment Link)

Your idea? it looks like the Infinity keyboard. But the render rocks.

Thanks, but I actually did the solid model and rendering without ever even hearing about Infinity keyboards or seeing any of their layouts. BTW, I worked for the original Infinity Systems (the speaker company) in the early 70's. My boss was one of the 3 founders of the company and during that time he developed the world's first Class D (i.e., PWM -- Pulse Width Modulated) audio power amplifier.

If you see the layout of one of the Infinities is similar to yours, but for one key at the left of the bottom row.

[SpaceGhost]

My idea (one of several possible layout variations) for the ideal 60% KB:

(Attachment Link)

Your idea? it looks like the Infinity keyboard. But the render rocks.

Thanks, but I actually did the solid model and rendering without ever even hearing about Infinity keyboards or seeing any of their layouts. BTW, I worked for the original Infinity Systems (the speaker company) in the early 70's. My boss was one of the 3 founders of the company and during that time he developed the world's first Class D (i.e., PWM -- Pulse Width Modulated) audio power amplifier.

If you see the layout of one of the Infinities is similar to yours, but for one key at the left of the bottom row.

OK, your point is ____________?

I could respond with the obvious "Great minds think alike", but that may be too presumptive on my part. Once again, I did the design without looking at the Infinity keyboard in question. Being interested only in Model M's, I have no need or desire to look at the myriad of other keyboards on the market. I did, however, listen and respond to several suggestions on another forum while working on the design. And if you look carefully, there are many functional differences beyond the one you mentioned -- not the least of which is the case design.

[ideus]

My idea (one of several possible layout variations) for the ideal 60% KB:

(Attachment Link)

Your idea? it looks like the Infinity keyboard. But the render rocks.

Thanks, but I actually did the solid model and rendering without ever even hearing about Infinity keyboards or seeing any of their layouts. BTW, I worked for the original Infinity Systems (the speaker company) in the early 70's. My boss was one of the 3 founders of the company and during that time he developed the world's first Class D (i.e., PWM -- Pulse Width Modulated) audio power amplifier.

If you see the layout of one of the Infinities is similar to yours, but for one key at the left of the bottom row.

OK, your point is ____________?

I could respond with the obvious "Great minds think alike", but that may be too presumptive on my part. Once again, I did the design without looking at the Infinity keyboard in question. Being interested only in Model M's, I have no need or desire to look at the myriad of other keyboards on the market.

Just providing evidence to warrant my comment; thus, you can dismiss it, cool down and be happy.

[SpaceGhost]

My idea (one of several possible layout variations) for the ideal 60% KB:

(Attachment Link)

Your idea? it looks like the Infinity keyboard. But the render rocks.

Thanks, but I actually did the solid model and rendering without ever even hearing about Infinity keyboards or seeing any of their layouts. BTW, I worked for the original Infinity Systems (the speaker company) in the early 70's. My boss was one of the 3 founders of the company and during that time he developed the world's first Class D (i.e., PWM -- Pulse Width Modulated) audio power amplifier.

If you see the layout of one of the Infinities is similar to yours, but for one key at the left of the bottom row.

OK, your point is ____________?

I could respond with the obvious "Great minds think alike", but that may be too presumptive on my part. Once again, I did the design without looking at the Infinity keyboard in question. Being interested only in Model M's, I have no need or desire to look at the myriad of other keyboards on the market.

Just providing evidence to warrant my comment; thus, you can dismiss it, cool down and be happy.

I *am* cool and happy, and I don't mind being shown a comparison -- I think my design is vastly superior anyway. <ghostly grin>

Here's a rear-quarter view; you can see it's like the TKL design I posted earlier in this thread, with extra USB convenience ports to accommodate additional input devices (2 in each rear corner). The cable could be a detachable type to facilitate the choice of aftermarket cables if desired, rather than the apparently-permanent cable depicted.

 

[Snowdog993]

I suppose Unicomp would go with a regular ANSI-type layout even if it were 60%.  Like the SSK just take off the arrow and other clusters on the right side. 
We will see in the future.
I really enjoy the enthusiasm too.  It would be nice to see them come up with several space-saving options with a traditional layout.  (I prefer to be just as comfortable typing on every keyboard without having to adjust to a different layout.)
If they had all the things I wished they would, they would have quite a variety to choose from.  They do have 4 regular color keys and 10 other colors just for the keys themselves.  I could imagine Unicomp coming out with a variable color layout like red/orange or maybe blue/light blue layouts.  I also could imagine them having a variety of case colors, other than black or pearl.  Maybe a red or blue or even a translucent color shell.
I can wish all day for them to do this.  It's actually what they do that makes all the difference in the world.
Ideas bring on more ideas.  (At least that's what I think.)
A lot of "original" ideas have already been made over the last 30 or so years.  So remember when it is your idea, it may be, or it might not be.

[ideus]

Ideas are always better than actual products; simply because, in our minds everything works perfectly; but, managing the gap between a design, and its execution, is the real matter successful business are made off. Let's see what Unicomp actually comes up with, meanwhile everything here is just speculation.

[SpaceGhost]

Ideas are always better than actual products; simply because, in our minds everything works perfectly; but, managing the gap between a design, and its execution, is the real matter successful business are made off. Let's see what Unicomp actually comes up with, meanwhile everything here is just speculation.

And longing... <ghostly sigh>

[SpaceGhost]

A fine but important point I'd like to make regarding the 60% design I posted,
(this one)



If technically feasible, I think the F1-F12 and alternate-numpad functions imprinted on the front faces of their respective keys should be invoked by using Fn and the relevant key. This is to allow numpad alternates (nav keys, Insert, Delete) to be invoked without being in NumLk mode -- NumLk mode would only invoke the numpad-specific functions, whether or not Shift is keyed when in NumLk mode (unlike the way IBM SSK's embedded numpad works for alternate numpad functions). This would be consistent with the way F1-F12 would be invoked, again, without being in NumLk mode -- since NumLk would of course be completely irrelevant as far as F1-F12 are concerned, anyway.

Note also that one of the Fn keys (and several other keys, for that matter) could be swapped for a different key and function and remapped accordingly. This keyboard, as well as the TKL I posted previously, would ideally be easily programmable using an on-screen GUI supplied with the keyboard (via CD ROM or download) that would make the task a snap even for a novice. And the required key caps with legends or symbols to match the changes should be readily available either as standard line items for those that are "standard" or as extra-cost custom legends/symbols.

Dreams might as well be very big indeed; otherwise why bother dreaming?

[tjcaustin]

I would eat an hhkb if that came out from unicomp and wasn't a hot pile of mismatched machined garbage.

[SpaceGhost]

I would eat an hhkb if that came out from unicomp and wasn't a hot pile of mismatched machined garbage.

Well, if Unicomp fails to do this or to get it right, any decent Asian keyboard manufacturer could take on the project. All of the relevant IBM patents have long-since expired, so the basic technology is in the public domain at this point. If a high-quality Chinese contract manufacturer (say, Foxconn for example) were to produce this keyboard to their highest standards, it would be very nice indeed, and it could easily be sold for less than $300 and still be extremely profitable. That is, if enough people bought them -- always the diciest part of the equation.

[Huxley2500]

Foxconn is too busy making Crapple iPads.

[vivalarevolución]

I'll believe it when I see it.  That's all.

[rowdy]

What they could do is devise "standard" and "silenced" variations.

So much effort today goes into making technology quieter, to spring a noisy BS-like keyboard on an unsuspecting public will likely only result in enthusiasts buying, despite the recent spate of articles praising the Model M.

The "silenced" version could have something similar to, and as simple as, a floss mod done to it, or it could utilise some new technology to make the switches actually quieter, while still employing a buckling spring activation mechanism to retain the feel of the original.