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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Pr0grammed on Sat, 05 December 2020, 17:08:28

Title: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: Pr0grammed on Sat, 05 December 2020, 17:08:28
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: Tactile on Sat, 05 December 2020, 17:42:59
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!

Have a look at some photos (https://www.clickykeyboards.com/product/1993-ibm-model-m-1391401-made-by-ibm-12-mar-93-2/) of a 1993 model M.
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: Pr0grammed on Sat, 05 December 2020, 18:11:05
yea, thanks. The M looks to be 1-piece.
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: ItIsWritten on Sat, 05 December 2020, 18:47:34
 No, it wasn't a 1 piece, but the quality of the plastic was better.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G950F met Tapatalk

Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: Pr0grammed on Sat, 05 December 2020, 19:45:24
There isnt as many seams either, or else they are well hidden
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: yui on Sun, 06 December 2020, 02:06:58
Unicomp still uses the same old molds so same construction, just well a lot more worn down so it is why the quality isn't as good. although much cheaper than when IBM was making them
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: sharktastica on Sun, 06 December 2020, 12:11:33
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!

The construction and form remains unchanged since day 1 of Model M manufacturing.

The differences between IBM-era and Unicomp Model Ms are in the plastic blend and condition of the moulds themselves. They specifically use Lexmark-era moulds for the Unicomp Classic that are between 24 and 29 years old (thus are past their prime to say the least, hence Unicomp released the New Model M earliest this year and have a TKL Mini Model M coming soon, both with brand new moulds).
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: cheater on Wed, 16 December 2020, 17:56:05
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!

The construction and form remains unchanged since day 1 of Model M manufacturing.

The differences between IBM-era and Unicomp Model Ms are in the plastic blend and condition of the moulds themselves. They specifically use Lexmark-era moulds for the Unicomp Classic that are between 24 and 29 years old (thus are past their prime to say the least, hence Unicomp released the New Model M earliest this year and have a TKL Mini Model M coming soon, both with brand new moulds).

It's not just that, a lot also depends on how quickly/slowly you cool the die you cast the material into, which can result in warping and therefore more visible seams.
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 20 December 2020, 17:20:53
Judging by the decreased number of models on their sites, and some comments I have seen online, Unicomp seems to be phasing out the older keyboard models in favour of the "New Model M".

As previous posters have pointed out, the cases are the same, but differ by age, and the plastic used (PC+ABS in Unicomp keyboards vs PVC used by IBM/Lexmark)
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: aegrotatio on Sun, 20 December 2020, 18:00:49
Wow, they renewed the molds? That's big news for Model M enthusiasts!
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: jamster on Sun, 20 December 2020, 19:11:36
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!

I am having trouble imagining how a keyboard case could be made without being two separate pieces. Do one piece cases exist somewhere?
Title: Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
Post by: Sup on Tue, 22 December 2020, 05:26:10
I am having trouble imagining how a keyboard case could be made without being two separate pieces. Do one piece cases exist somewhere?


Tray-mount  :p