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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Mynameislol on Thu, 19 July 2012, 15:05:56

Title: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: Mynameislol on Thu, 19 July 2012, 15:05:56
Ahh, i've had this wish for quite some time now to get either the ibm model m or a unicomp keyboard, and this is what i got!

(http://filesmelt.com/dl/20120718_211337.jpg)

Now i can finally have the clicky keyboard i've dreamed of!

... or so i though. As it turns out, it's a rubber dome variant, because when i first typed with it, i thought to myself (this doesn't feel very special)
so i popped up a keycap and whaddya know, it's a rubber dome keyboard. Yet, even though it's not clicky, it's still the best keyboard i have gotten so far, and i will use this until i either get a clicky ibm keyboard, or until i buy myself a unicomp keyboard. Also, to a sidenote, the day before my birthday, my friends mom threw away a clicky ibm keyboard, so i guess it's bad luck for me huh.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: Wildcard on Fri, 20 July 2012, 00:18:08
Welcome to GeekHack!

That's still a very good rubber dome board and it also looks to be in great shape. The true test is if you like it.

As far as buckling springs go, look for a nice Model F, you won't be disappointed.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: Mynameislol on Fri, 20 July 2012, 03:58:00
Welcome to GeekHack!

That's still a very good rubber dome board and it also looks to be in great shape. The true test is if you like it.

As far as buckling springs go, look for a nice Model F, you won't be disappointed.
Okay, i'll keep that in mind.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: JBert on Fri, 20 July 2012, 04:11:31
Just a friendly warning though: model Fs might be the best click for you buck, they do only come on keyboards with obsolete layouts.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: Mynameislol on Fri, 20 July 2012, 04:53:46
Just a friendly warning though: model Fs might be the best click for you buck, they do only come on keyboards with obsolete layouts.
Okay, but i'm starting to think that buying a unicomp keyboard is my best shot. I'm wondering, i'm thinking of either getting the ultra classic or just the classic, but i'm not entirely sure what the difference is besides having the windows and function key. I don't really need any of them, and i prefer to get the classic, but if the ultra classic is built better and more stable and has better tactile response, i can get the ultra classic. What should i get? The ultra classic or the classic?
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: urbanus on Fri, 20 July 2012, 05:29:23
Just a friendly warning though: model Fs might be the best click for you buck, they do only come on keyboards with obsolete layouts.
Okay, but i'm starting to think that buying a unicomp keyboard is my best shot. I'm wondering, i'm thinking of either getting the ultra classic or just the classic, but i'm not entirely sure what the difference is besides having the windows and function key. I don't really need any of them, and i prefer to get the classic, but if the ultra classic is built better and more stable and has better tactile response, i can get the ultra classic. What should i get? The ultra classic or the classic?

I've got one of each: a Classic 101 ps/2 (was called "Customizer" at the time I bought it) and an Ultra Classic 104 USB.  (As well as various other Model Ms, both new and used.)

Apart from the Windows keys of course, the main difference is that the classic has the same construction as the old IBM model Ms, therefore I could cannibalise it for parts.

They're both superb keyboards.  I'd recommend either one, depending on which one has features to suit you.

(And BTW, I've also got a rubber dome Model M manufactured by Lexmark and branded "Ambra", probably similar to yours, and yes it is a fine rubber dome.  You should keep it -- could come in handy!)
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: Mynameislol on Fri, 20 July 2012, 05:50:13
Just a friendly warning though: model Fs might be the best click for you buck, they do only come on keyboards with obsolete layouts.
Okay, but i'm starting to think that buying a unicomp keyboard is my best shot. I'm wondering, i'm thinking of either getting the ultra classic or just the classic, but i'm not entirely sure what the difference is besides having the windows and function key. I don't really need any of them, and i prefer to get the classic, but if the ultra classic is built better and more stable and has better tactile response, i can get the ultra classic. What should i get? The ultra classic or the classic?

I've got one of each: a Classic 101 ps/2 (was called "Customizer" at the time I bought it) and an Ultra Classic 104 USB.  (As well as various other Model Ms, both new and used.)

Apart from the Windows keys of course, the main difference is that the classic has the same construction as the old IBM model Ms, therefore I could cannibalise it for parts.

They're both superb keyboards.  I'd recommend either one, depending on which one has features to suit you.

(And BTW, I've also got a rubber dome Model M manufactured by Lexmark and branded "Ambra", probably similar to yours, and yes it is a fine rubber dome.  You should keep it -- could come in handy!)
Okay, i'm getting ready to order a classic 102 key. But i'm going to wait before buying it so i can think this through, but everything is ready, i just need to say the word.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: urbanus on Fri, 20 July 2012, 06:31:01
Okay, i'm getting ready to order a classic 102 key. But i'm going to wait before buying it so i can think this through, but everything is ready, i just need to say the word.

Cool.

There's one other thing I would like to add.  In terms of the key area dimensions, the Ultra Classic is identical to the Classic and every other model M.  I lined my Ultra Classic up against an old white label model M, and the key area size, height, curve of the backplate etc. are identical.  And even though it's a bit lighter, it's still very heavy compared with other boards.  It's still a model M; the only difference is that they've cut the shell down to a more compact size.

Whether that's better or not is a matter of preference.  I like my big ass old model Ms; but on the other hand, the Ultra Classic leaves more room on my desk, and looks more modern.  And it still has the classic feel.  So either is great, IMHO.

Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: Mynameislol on Fri, 20 July 2012, 07:48:56
Okay, i'm getting ready to order a classic 102 key. But i'm going to wait before buying it so i can think this through, but everything is ready, i just need to say the word.

Cool.

There's one other thing I would like to add.  In terms of the key area dimensions, the Ultra Classic is identical to the Classic and every other model M.  I lined my Ultra Classic up against an old white label model M, and the key area size, height, curve of the backplate etc. are identical.  And even though it's a bit lighter, it's still very heavy compared with other boards.  It's still a model M; the only difference is that they've cut the shell down to a more compact size.

Whether that's better or not is a matter of preference.  I like my big ass old model Ms; but on the other hand, the Ultra Classic leaves more room on my desk, and looks more modern.  And it still has the classic feel.  So either is great, IMHO.


Well, i like the feel of this large model m, and the classic 102 is cheaper, and because i live outside the US, i save a few bucks on the tax.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: 9-bit on Fri, 20 July 2012, 16:45:32
Hope you don't feel too bad. You pretty much got the best rubber dome keyboard out there, so good job man!
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: 486 on Fri, 20 July 2012, 18:57:48
What layout is that?
(danish?)
Anyway, If you've got a ton of money, buy an F AT. Be warned of the layout.
If you want an all round keyboard, go for the white label M's, e.g. 1390401 or in your case, a 1391407.
If you don't have much money, get a blue label. I also find Blue labels very easy to mod to USB.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 20 July 2012, 19:40:14
Just buy a new one from Unicomp.

Choice of shapes, sizes, and colors, native USB plug, no muss, no fuss.

Warranty, etc.

Yes, it will take a C-note, but then you get years of secure, trouble-free typing.


PS - glad to be back. a few weeks of detox probably helped me a lot. and, besides, I wrecked my C:\ drive about the same time geekhack.org evaporated. I feel like a new/old man.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: Mynameislol on Tue, 07 August 2012, 15:29:57
(http://filesmelt.com/dl/20120807_221925.jpg)

Thank you all for recommending this keyboard for me! I'm very pleased with it, i'm type alot faster and more accurate with it, i used to type 60-65 wpm, but now i type 70-75 wpm! It might be a placebo-effect, but whatever it is, i'm glad i bought this keyboard! I'd recommend this keyboard to everyone! Well, except maybe those who hate the loud click... But i'll be using this keyboard for typing and gaming. Hopefully, i will also use it the rest of my life. /sorry for bumping
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: funkymeeba on Tue, 07 August 2012, 15:35:53
Hey man, as far as I'm concerned, that is a very worthwhile bump. Congratulations!
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: Djuzuh on Tue, 07 August 2012, 15:49:06
Show Image
(http://filesmelt.com/dl/20120807_221925.jpg)


Thank you all for recommending this keyboard for me! I'm very pleased with it, i'm type alot faster and more accurate with it, i used to type 60-65 wpm, but now i type 70-75 wpm! It might be a placebo-effect, but whatever it is, i'm glad i bought this keyboard! I'd recommend this keyboard to everyone! Well, except maybe those who hate the loud click... But i'll be using this keyboard for typing and gaming. Hopefully, i will also use it the rest of my life. /sorry for bumping

Model Ms are really subpar for gaming imo.

But if it works for you, great !
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: jkercado on Tue, 07 August 2012, 16:27:08
Congrats! I just received an Unicomp Ultra Classic yesterday afternoon. I've been using it today at the office (where it will reside permanently) and I gotta say that I just love it! It's definitely a bit lighter in action than my 20 year-old Model M, and feels crisper and much less pingy. I love it.

Did you get a sparkly spacebar? Mine has one and I wonder if it's related to plastic types, you know, having the spacebar made of a different plastic.
Title: Re: I got a model m for my birthday!
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Tue, 07 August 2012, 16:31:22

Model Ms are really subpar for gaming imo.

But if it works for you, great !

Lies. I've not had problems playing games on any of the switches I own, besides clears springs being too strong to hold down for hours at a time.

Good choice on that one. I'll probably eventually get one from them, but I already have 2 regular model m's from ebay.