Author Topic: This is bad... Suggest my next keyboard... (Read 5867 times)

SpatiallyAware · « **on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 18:29:33 »

I started out with a Filco tenkeyless w/ Cherry Blues.

Then I realized that the actuation point vs tactile bump doesn't work well with my 'hovering' style in FPS style games. So, I traded for a tenkeyless w/ Blacks (not here yet)

I hadn't even sent my Blue board off and already ordered a full-size with Blues to replace it.

So what's next? I was thinking maybe a Unicomp? Topre? (But the $$$!)

I'd like something somewhat cheap and quiet for work, maybe I'll try the Cherry Browns... Hmmm.... Who would've thought that keyboards would be an expensive hobby?

ch_123 · « **Reply #1 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 18:54:54 »

In this world of Filco this, double-shot that, people seem to forget that the Unicomp Customizer or Spacesaver is arguably the best value for money fresh-from-manufacturer keyboard going (at least in terms of shortcomings versus the price)

HaaTa · « **Reply #2 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 19:34:59 »

Quote from: ch_123;181645

In this world of Filco this, double-shot that, people seem to forget that the Unicomp Customizer or Spacesaver is arguably the best value for money fresh-from-manufacturer keyboard going (at least in terms of shortcomings versus the price)

Also "Made in USA", for those that like to support the North American economy.

asfogh · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 20:18:30 »

Quote from: ch_123;181645

In this world of Filco this, double-shot that, people seem to forget that the Unicomp Customizer or Spacesaver is arguably the best value for money fresh-from-manufacturer keyboard going (at least in terms of shortcomings versus the price)

these look kinda good

i wish they had a tenkeyless one

bitflipper · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 20:22:46 »

Quote from: asfogh;181686

these look kinda good

i wish they had a tenkeyless one

So does everyone else.

audioave10 · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 20:28:43 »

Visiting this site, among others, has had an effect of massive Geekdom put upon me.
one plain Logitech keyboard...thrown out
one Logitech Illuminated keyboard...put in closet
First off, I went to the local PC shops and asked to look at their junk. I found a Key Tronic
E03601P25 and an AT/PS2 converter...got them both for $5. Cleaned it up and fixed the loose cable
and although not great for gaming (to me), its a joy to type with and I already make less mistakes with it.
Recieved (from New Egg) the SiiG Mini keyboard to get a small form factor for now and its quite
solid but certainly not mechanical.
Bought (and already have) a DECK Legend "Toxic" keyboard and its downright amazing.
I also went to Clickykeyboards.com and bought an Intel model M 1996 82G2383 keyboard and can't wait to try that.
You experts should try to sell used cars - maybe not, since you people are so knowledgable here.
anyway...HELLO...and Thank You!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f356/averydla/SANY0074.jpg

hyperlinked · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 20:51:58 »

Quote from: ch_123;181645

In this world of Filco this, double-shot that, people seem to forget that the Unicomp Customizer or Spacesaver is arguably the best value for money fresh-from-manufacturer keyboard going (at least in terms of shortcomings versus the price)

Is there any appreciable difference between the Unicomp boards and say a well preserved Model M aside from the extra keys?

ch_123 · « **Reply #7 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 20:56:30 »

The Unicomps aren't quite as sturdy - there definitely has been a drop in quality since the IBM days. Of course, if you can find a brand new Model M that costs less than a new Unicomp, sure, go for the IBM.

Morning Song · « **Reply #8 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 20:57:56 »

There's some aesthetic differences. The Unicomps have slightly lighter and cheaper-feeling case construction and (some) real Model Ms have detachable cables, but to actually type on, there's very little if any difference.

audioave10 · « **Reply #9 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:00:24 »

Good question...and they look good in Black/Grey...

HaaTa · « **Reply #10 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:03:34 »

There's also the thing about USB and having "Window/Logo" keys.

audioave10 · « **Reply #11 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:06:52 »

I'm glad to have ordered an Intel Model M instead and it was just $45.
I'm also glad you mentioned the Windows key, as I don't want it on the IBM.

"ripster" is too fast...a good keyboard and some skills I bet.

bitflipper · « **Reply #12 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:06:54 »

Quote from: ripster;181694

Any day now! I believe!

That unicorn reminds me of today's Dilbert.

Which will be here first - the tenkeyless (space saving) Unicomp or the Lowpoly mini-guru?

HaaTa · « **Reply #13 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:07:46 »

I read that all of 5 minutes ago

.

kishy · « **Reply #14 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:14:26 »

I think you mean IBM.

And as at least a few members have agreed, ripster, the ping is in fact what we enjoy.

audioave10 · « **Reply #15 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:17:03 »

thanks kishy...you are correct - darn non-mechanical keyboard

kishy · « **Reply #16 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:18:52 »

Quote from: audioave10;181724

thanks kishy...you are correct - darn non-mechanical keyboard

Blaming it on the rubber domes, are we?

Understandable lol

audioave10 · « **Reply #17 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:28:14 »

Quote from: kishy;181725

Blaming it on the rubber domes, are we?

Understandable lol

That...and poor skills. I originally learned qwerty on a 1 1/2" throw Underwood typewriter in 1971. I've got alot of work to do to get back to it. Thus, why an
actual NEED for some good mechanicals.

skcheng · « **Reply #18 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 21:58:31 »

Ahhhhhhh.......why don't you guys just shut up

))

I got a better chance of getting us a Unicomp built buckling spring tenkeyless than any of you shmoes!!

skcheng · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 22:02:23 »

Quote from: SpatiallyAware;181634

I started out with a Filco tenkeyless w/ Cherry Blues.

Then I realized that the actuation point vs tactile bump doesn't work well with my 'hovering' style in FPS style games. So, I traded for a tenkeyless w/ Blacks (not here yet)

I hadn't even sent my Blue board off and already ordered a full-size with Blues to replace it.

So what's next? I was thinking maybe a Unicomp? Topre? (But the $$$!)

I'd like something somewhat cheap and quiet for work, maybe I'll try the Cherry Browns... Hmmm.... Who would've thought that keyboards would be an expensive hobby?

If you want a really expensive rubber dome feel, and you have 200+ burning a hole in your pocket, go for a Topre. Be prepared to be underwhelmed and I hope you like a sharp, poorly angled space bar

Cherry Browns are quiet, but they put me to sleep.

On the other end of quiet, I can HIGHLY recommend the IBM PC AT 84 key Model F buckling spring/capacitive keyboard. It's an AWESOME board.

HaaTa · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 22:57:45 »

Hahaha, born again Christians...

Don't associate me with those time sucks, please

.

Otterclock · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 12 May 2010, 23:56:45 »

Quote

I've never understood why the OCN guys pay more for a mouse than a keyboard.

to be fair, how quickly and accurately they can point their crosshairs is pretty gambreaking. Plus I think many of them use game pads, and only use their keyboard to hurl racist epithets and question people's sexuality in MMOs.

Phaedrus2129 · « **Reply #22 on:** Thu, 13 May 2010, 00:19:17 »

I only paid $20 for my Model M.

itlnstln · « **Reply #23 on:** Thu, 13 May 2010, 08:08:16 »

We kinda ride Unicomp pretty hard around here, but ch_123's right, they do make one of the better and cheaper quality keyboards. $60 is not a bad deal at all for a brand new BS keyboard.

didjamatic · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 13 May 2010, 08:13:14 »

Part of why Unicomps are "cheap" compared to some others is they're still in production. If they stopped, the price would go up and in a few years everyone would be bragging who had a unicomp board.

As for an ATF, the last few I've tried to buy have gone to other geekhackers before i could pull the trigger. The best one was mint and I talked the seller into $60 BIN, then someone nabbed it before I could get it. The last one ended at $106 with a cable that looks like pubes.

asfogh · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 13 May 2010, 17:38:11 »

Quote from: itlnstln;181871

We kinda ride Unicomp pretty hard around here, but ch_123's right, they do make one of the better and cheaper quality keyboards. $60 is not a bad deal at all for a brand new BS keyboard.

how are their quiet keyboards?

ch_123 · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 13 May 2010, 17:40:43 »

Rubber domes unfortunately.

Iceman · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 14 May 2010, 04:22:57 »

Quote from: ripster;181643

It'll take quite a few more keyboards before you reach the price of a decent video card.

I've never understood why the OCN guys pay more for a mouse than a keyboard.

I'm one of the few exceptions to that rule....:biggrin1:

trievalot · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 14 May 2010, 08:27:37 »

why CANT unicomp make the AT model F anyway?
this alone would solve world hunger, the middle east peace crisis and the oil spill off mexico.

ch_123 · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 14 May 2010, 08:30:34 »

I think Unicomp should make a gold-plated cure for cancer.

skcheng · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 14 May 2010, 08:34:39 »

Quote from: trievalot;182279

why CANT unicomp make the AT model F anyway?
this alone would solve world hunger, the middle east peace crisis and the oil spill off mexico.

They don't have any parts for the AT-F. I sent Chuck a picture of the power cord (have one with the cord cut off) and they don't even have a cord that will fit on the AT-F.

I think our best hope for Unicomp is a re-release of their own Space Saving buckling spring board which will be available later this year. At least that's what I was told.

ch_123 · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 14 May 2010, 08:38:46 »

Given that IBM stopped making them well over 20 years ago, it's hardly a surprise.

didjamatic · « **Reply #32 on:** Fri, 14 May 2010, 08:43:36 »

Just a thought... Unicomp may have purchased patents for the Model M but not for the ATF. So even if there was a demand big enough for an ATF for them to make (which there isnt') they might not be able to.

Are there differences in the 2 that would require different patents? The ATF is capacitive so there must be some differences. I don't own one yet so I don't know.

If the patents aren't an issue, can we request their space saver be capacitive?

ch_123 · « **Reply #33 on:** Fri, 14 May 2010, 08:58:24 »

The appropriate patent was filed in 1978, I don't think that's an issue.

Why do people think that Unicomp has some sort of magic machine that can magically churn out whatever people want? Think about, why do you think IBM discontinued making the Model F?

kishy · « **Reply #34 on:** Fri, 14 May 2010, 10:24:10 »

Quote from: ch_123;182285

Why do people think that Unicomp has some sort of magic machine that can magically churn out whatever people want?

:O They don't?!?

Iceman · « **Reply #35 on:** Wed, 16 February 2011, 05:37:48 »

Quote from: ripster;181643

It'll take quite a few more keyboards before you reach the price of a decent video card.

I've never understood why the OCN guys pay more for a mouse than a keyboard.

Not all of us...

Ive spent more on one keyboard then all of the mice I've purchased together.

EDIT: I just realized I replied to your post twice LOL. I'm tired. That being said I'm off to sleep.

BababooeyHTJ · « **Reply #36 on:** Wed, 16 February 2011, 14:32:52 »

Quote from: ch_123;181645

In this world of Filco this, double-shot that, people seem to forget that the Unicomp Customizer or Spacesaver is arguably the best value for money fresh-from-manufacturer keyboard going (at least in terms of shortcomings versus the price)

Yup, I love my spacesaver. Of all of the keyboards that I've tried the Unicomp is my favorite.

News:

Author Topic: This is bad... Suggest my next keyboard... (Read 5867 times)