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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Pacifist on Sun, 24 November 2013, 15:40:01
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From Unicomp's Facebook:
The Holidays are here! Are you ready?!?! Unicomp is ready to celebrate!
New Product release and Black Friday – Cyber Monday sale!
Stay tuned for updates. . .
Please let it be model F ssk
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This is a great find!
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....
damn...i just bought an ultra classic lol.
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Didn't someone already post a thread about this?
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I'll be happy if they release an SSK in general.
Also, by SSK-F, do you mean the F Switch, or an F-122 without a numpad?
Both would be cool
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Unfortunately Unicomp doesn't do anything Model F.
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Also, by SSK-F, do you mean the F Switch, or an F-122 without a numpad?
Don't hold your breath. Unicomp owns the patents and tools to build Model Ms.
The Model F has very little in common with the Model M internally.
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Didn't someone already post a thread about this?
Related to this, but this is another update from unicomp about what's happening. The one before was more vague, this one confirms a new product, the other thread was just speculating about it
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Unfortunately Unicomp doesn't do anything Model F.
Also, by SSK-F, do you mean the F Switch, or an F-122 without a numpad?
Don't hold your breath. Unicomp owns the patents and tools to build Model Ms.
The Model F has very little in common with the Model M internally.
I'm aware Unicomp doesn't do Model Fs, so the internals would be unlikely, but they do have a remake of the M-122, which is more what I was hinting at.
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Knowing how staid and boring Unicomp is,
I predict some model that is like the Classic.
I'm getting ready to yawn...
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I bet Mkawa knows ;)
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It's probably their new dyesubbed keys.
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It's probably their new dyesubbed keys.
I hope it's not "You remember back in July we announced that in a few weeks we would release the Unicomp 103? Well it's finally here! SSK? Yeah ... we're stilll working on that."
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It's probably their new dyesubbed keys.
Interestingly enough, there exist some unicomp keyboards from the early 2000's that have dyesubbing in red, blue, and green (I own one and several similar ones sold on eBay recently). I wonder how their new process will differ in the results.
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Only chance for a new SSK is Ming's conversion.
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so guesses ...
SSK (not bloodly likely)
dyesub keycaps
new model upgraded to 6kro/nkro
new silent (or muffled) buckling spring
wireless model
So far dyesub is the most likely. Maybe selling Ultra Classic 103's preloaded with different color dyesubs at cost for Fri/Mon.
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so guesses ...
SSK (not bloodly likely)
dyesub keycaps
new model upgraded to 6kro/nkro
new silent (or muffled) buckling spring
wireless model
So far dyesub is the most likely. Maybe selling Ultra Classic 103's preloaded with different color dyesubs at cost for Fri/Mon.
We can always hope for SSKs. DON'T CRUSH OUR DREAMS!
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so guesses ...
SSK (not bloodly likely)
dyesub keycaps
new model upgraded to 6kro/nkro
new silent (or muffled) buckling spring
wireless model
So far dyesub is the most likely. Maybe selling Ultra Classic 103's preloaded with different color dyesubs at cost for Fri/Mon.
We can always hope for SSKs. DON'T CRUSH OUR DREAMS!
Well ... I can fuel your fantasies: Perhaps Mkawa is missing because he is in Kentucky right now helping with the tooling for the new SSK's.
Does that make you feel better? :D
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so guesses ...
SSK (not bloodly likely)
dyesub keycaps
new model upgraded to 6kro/nkro
new silent (or muffled) buckling spring
wireless model
So far dyesub is the most likely. Maybe selling Ultra Classic 103's preloaded with different color dyesubs at cost for Fri/Mon.
We can always hope for SSKs. DON'T CRUSH OUR DREAMS!
Well ... I can fuel your fantasies: Perhaps Mkawa is missing because he is in Kentucky right now helping with the tooling for the new SSK's.
Does that make you feel better? :D
I hope he is...
<randomspeculation>
If they are SSKs, what do you guys think they'll be priced at?
</randomspeculation>
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Have no idea. But given how long they let the molding last it's better to buy a bunch now than years later.
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Hell, if this is an SSK, then my knife can wait. Goodbye free money. :(
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Hmm... Curious ... I wonder if they've got any molding for the Kishsaver...
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screw SSK, i want a 75% buckling spring. i would save alot of money.
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(http://narwhaler.com/original/sw/b/prepare-to-have-your-jimmies-rustled-dragon-ball-z-sWBzuw.jpg)
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There is NO WAY IN HELL, that they can // would keep SSK production under-wraps...
If anything they'd want to generate Immense hype to make sure they sell their stock..
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There is NO WAY IN HELL, that they can // would keep SSK production under-wraps...
If anything they'd want to generate Immense hype to make sure they sell their stock..
You must completely suck at foreplay
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There is NO WAY IN HELL, that they can // would keep SSK production under-wraps...
If anything they'd want to generate Immense hype to make sure they sell their stock..
You must completely suck at foreplay
Brother, I must inform you that the honorable tp4tissue does, in fact, acquire a significantly greater quantity of female relationships than you do.
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new model upgraded to 6kro/nkro
Sadly, this isn't going to happen either, for a number of very good technical reasons.
I think your guesses about the wireless model and bringing back greased spring quiet model are both excellent ideas, though I agree that it's more likely a formal announcement of their dyesub process.
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new model upgraded to 6kro/nkro
Sadly, this isn't going to happen either, for a number of very good technical reasons.
I think your guesses about the wireless model and bringing back greased spring quiet model are both excellent ideas, though I agree that it's more likely a formal announcement of their dyesub process.
black on black will be sexy...
Hopefully they will do Custom layouts..
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My prediction, they're going to release a compact keyboard. Why else would they have released front function number keys a few months ago?
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/663/jmti.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/jmti.jpg/)
(very badly photoshopped image)
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My prediction, they're going to release a compact keyboard. Why else would they have released front function number keys a few months ago?
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/663/jmti.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/jmti.jpg/)
(very badly photoshopped image)
Doubt it . Most likely will get TKL
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My prediction, they're going to release a compact keyboard. Why else would they have released front function number keys a few months ago?
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/663/jmti.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/jmti.jpg/)
(very badly photoshopped image)
Doubt it . Most likely will get TKL
TKL BS == SSK!
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My prediction, they're going to release a compact keyboard. Why else would they have released front function number keys a few months ago?
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/663/jmti.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/jmti.jpg/)
(very badly photoshopped image)
Whoa. That's a good looking keyboard..
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I wish they would make a plain keyboard case rather than going retro
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I wish they would make a plain keyboard case rather than going retro
Everybody loves retro
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I wish they would make a plain keyboard case rather than going retro
Everybody loves retro
Not everyone ;)
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SSK is very unlikely to be released
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they found some new old stock ssks in the basement and give them away for 19.99USD :eek:
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they found some new old stock ssks in the basement and give them away for 19.99USD :eek:
pls. pls let that be true
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they found some new old stock ssks in the basement and give them away for 19.99USD :eek:
Was that where you get your 6 Spacesaving keyboards
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they found some new old stock ssks in the basement and give them away for 19.99USD :eek:
Was that where you get your 6 Spacesaving keyboards
sadly not.
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they found some new old stock ssks in the basement and give them away for 19.99USD :eek:
This already happens on eBay.
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Well ... I can fuel your fantasies: Perhaps Mkawa is missing because he is in Kentucky right now helping with the tooling for the new SSK's.
I heard a similar rumor: Mkawa is MIA because he's driving to Lexington to engage in a hostile takeover of Unicomp.
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Well ... I can fuel your fantasies: Perhaps Mkawa is missing because he is in Kentucky right now helping with the tooling for the new SSK's.
I heard a similar rumor: Mkawa is MIA because he's driving to Lexington to engage in a hostile takeover of Unicomp.
Seems legit.
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It's probably their new dyesubbed keys.
Interestingly enough, there exist some unicomp keyboards from the early 2000's that have dyesubbing in red, blue, and green (I own one and several similar ones sold on eBay recently). I wonder how their new process will differ in the results.
Very true. I have most of a 101 pebble key set dyesubbed in blue.
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It's probably their new dyesubbed keys.
Interestingly enough, there exist some unicomp keyboards from the early 2000's that have dyesubbing in red, blue, and green (I own one and several similar ones sold on eBay recently). I wonder how their new process will differ in the results.
Very true. I have most of a 101 pebble key set dyesubbed in blue.
Please let it be the 104 Red alert dyesub
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unicomp ssk? :D
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If they could make the ergo version (M15) I'd drop dead and quickly purchase/preorder one. M15 has somewhat been a keyboard that I was hoping to become a thing apart from sourcing seconds (or thirds, etc) of the same variant on ebay.
Imagine an ergo keyboard with buckling springs.. or rather just the idea of ergo keyboards. Be able to kill to brids with one stone, satisfying those who just want a regular Model M to be just a normal keyboard and those who wants to make it fit their style (i.e. ergo).
It seems as though M15 is maybe something that Unicomp has rights to produce and considering how much the M15 were priced on pre-loved goods it just seems unfair considering their rarity. Ultimately I guess I am only dreaming haha.
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http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/NEW
SOONTM
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If they could make the ergo version (M15) I'd drop dead and quickly purchase/preorder one. M15 has somewhat been a keyboard that I was hoping to become a thing apart from sourcing seconds (or thirds, etc) of the same variant on ebay.
Imagine an ergo keyboard with buckling springs.. or rather just the idea of ergo keyboards. Be able to kill to brids with one stone, satisfying those who just want a regular Model M to be just a normal keyboard and those who wants to make it fit their style (i.e. ergo).
It seems as though M15 is maybe something that Unicomp has rights to produce and considering how much the M15 were priced on pre-loved goods it just seems unfair considering their rarity. Ultimately I guess I am only dreaming haha.
I highly doubt that Unicomp has M15s. The only way we know they MAY be working on SSKs is because we've talked to them. Nobody's asked about M15s, and if they could, they should've brought them out ASAP if they had them, considering their current price.
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This better not be a let down. That's all I know.
If they could make a split buckling spring, but with the curved backplate of the Model M, rather than the flat M15, that would be awesome.
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The problem is, realistically, you can sell about a hundred M15s and the world demand is met.
Ergo boards are very much a moment-in-time thing, and have fallen out of favour for most users.
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The problem is, realistically, you can sell about a hundred M15s and the world demand is met.
Ergo boards are very much a moment-in-time thing, and have fallen out of favour for most users.
No?
Everyone who knows computers knowz ergo board.... the world supply is not satisfied...
That's also not how you sell things..
If the market isn't there.. .You create it... and Convince people whether they need it or not, that they should buy one...
That's why most of you have mechanical keyboards to begin with....
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/069.gif)
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This better not be a let down. That's all I know.
You are optimistic I think. Unicomp is good at letdowns.
Still, I am an optimist as well, and I hope for something cool!
Ergo boards are very much a moment-in-time thing, and have fallen out of favour for most users.
I disagree: there are many people (and many GH menbers) that only use ergo boards now. Even today, my favorite KB to type on was the ergoDOX.
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This better not be a let down. That's all I know.
You are optimistic I think. Unicomp is good at letdowns.
Still, I am an optimist as well, and I hope for something cool!
Ergo boards are very much a moment-in-time thing, and have fallen out of favour for most users.
I disagree: there are many people (and many GH menbers) that only use ergo boards now. Even today, my favorite KB to type on is the ergoDOX.
(http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons/tuzki-bunnys/tuzki-bunny-emoticon-004.gif)
No-Homo
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This better not be a let down. That's all I know.
You are optimistic I think. Unicomp is good at letdowns.
Still, I am an optimist as well, and I hope for something cool!
Ergo boards are very much a moment-in-time thing, and have fallen out of favour for most users.
I disagree: there are many people (and many GH menbers) that only use ergo boards now. Even today, my favorite KB to type on was the ergoDOX.
I don't necessarily mean as a preference, but as a business thing. There was a grand "season" of ergo boards on the market. The original Microsoft Natural, the Chicony 7001, the G80-5000, and the M15 pretty much sold side-by-side as normal-consumer items.
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This better not be a let down. That's all I know.
You are optimistic I think. Unicomp is good at letdowns.
Still, I am an optimist as well, and I hope for something cool!
Ergo boards are very much a moment-in-time thing, and have fallen out of favour for most users.
I disagree: there are many people (and many GH menbers) that only use ergo boards now. Even today, my favorite KB to type on was the ergoDOX.
I don't necessarily mean as a preference, but as a business thing. There was a grand "season" of ergo boards on the market. The original Microsoft Natural, the Chicony 7001, the G80-5000, and the M15 pretty much sold side-by-side as normal-consumer items.
It was a different world back then.. people still went outside to play and such...
The summers of modernity is DEAD silent, why... everyone inside.. xbox.. and facebook..
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Boy, when's the last time they had a new product? Hope it's a compact board!
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The thing about ergo boards being dead I definitely don't see as true. Most people don't buy as many ergo keyboards anymore, because how many people use laptops, and no external keyboard?
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If they could make the ergo version (M15) I'd drop dead and quickly purchase/preorder one. M15 has somewhat been a keyboard that I was hoping to become a thing apart from sourcing seconds (or thirds, etc) of the same variant on ebay.
Imagine an ergo keyboard with buckling springs.. or rather just the idea of ergo keyboards. Be able to kill to brids with one stone, satisfying those who just want a regular Model M to be just a normal keyboard and those who wants to make it fit their style (i.e. ergo).
It seems as though M15 is maybe something that Unicomp has rights to produce and considering how much the M15 were priced on pre-loved goods it just seems unfair considering their rarity. Ultimately I guess I am only dreaming haha.
I highly doubt that Unicomp has M15s. The only way we know they MAY be working on SSKs is because we've talked to them. Nobody's asked about M15s, and if they could, they should've brought them out ASAP if they had them, considering their current price.
Yeah I figured as much but hey, wishful thinking wouldn't hurt wouldn't it? I don't know much of the inside stories with Unicomp but I have heard plenty of times that it might be SSK or some compact keyboard. Although I have no gripes with SSK/compact (I am using one right now anyway), I thought it would be quite interesting if they somehow brought out something different to excite the market.
In either case, I am sure SSK/Compact would really also surprise the market (but probably to a lesser degree to something different as what they have been telling others) just as well if Unicomp decides to bring out something quite different from their regular lines of keyboards.
SSK, 122 keys, M15 or even keyboards with trackpoint. It seems like the markets these days are either targeting at compacts or enticing gamers with mechanical boards. There isn't all that much innovation in being all that different given the fact that manufacturers could easily play ball and try to change the market. It is also a given at the same time that manufactuerers face a tough time to be able to satisfy all sorts of markets but if there was a way or mean to stop these overpriced pre-loved goods it would be nice imo.
As for those who doubt that ergo keyboards will be a hit. I personally wouldn't admit that is completely true. Whilst the market seems to be heading in other directions, it is not like ergo keyboards are exactly dead. If ergo keyboards were to be that extinct. Think about the ridiculous pricing of a M15 in good condition. I heard it was sold for $1500. What about those data hands? they were not sold as much when the manufacturer was still around but when the manufacturer has disappeared the price of those data hands rocketed up (not as much as that M15 keyboard but still way higher than original pricing). There was a somewhat semi-broken M15 keyboard for sale which I was tailing at the price of it, the keyboard was eventually sold for USD$400. That is enough for one to virtually be able to buy a HHKB Pro (and not to have it delivered to places where there would be import taxes such as EU).
Ergo keyboards aren't dead, but they aren't that much of a hit either. It is on similar level imo as the compact keyboards, as long as one has a preference for them, there will always be an interest. If ergo keyboards were "extinct", I am sure keyboards like M15 and data hand would not have been sold at some really high price, given the fact that they are second hands just like those who are still after SSK.
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My prediction, they're going to release a compact keyboard. Why else would they have released front function number keys a few months ago?
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/663/jmti.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/jmti.jpg/)
(very badly photoshopped image)
This is the much rumored SpaceFN keyboard.
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How many of you getting antsy about the new Unicomp thingy? Still refreshing the New Release page?
Well, I just stumbled on something that would have me believe we are indeed going to be introduced to a brand new SSK!
Scroll down the menu list on this page and see for yourself!
http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/CVSET
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Wait...much smaller than an SSK!!! :-X
edit: Durr - obviously, I can't count. :-[
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How many of you getting antsy about the new Unicomp thingy? Still refreshing the New Release page?
Well, I just stumbled on something that would have me believe we are indeed going to be introduced to a brand new SSK!
Scroll down the menu list on this page and see for yourself!
http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/CVSET
0.o 84 keys
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Nice find on the 84-key menu item. I checked the internet archive and the last copy of that page they have stored is from January 2013 and it did *not* have that entry.
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Nice find on the 84-key menu item. I checked the internet archive and the last copy of that page they have stored is from January 2013 and it did *not* have that entry.
Fingers crossed for that.... :cool:
Unfortunately, I made a less impressive, slightly depressing find...
http://pckeyboard.com/page/product/UW40P4A
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Nice find on the 84-key menu item. I checked the internet archive and the last copy of that page they have stored is from January 2013 and it did *not* have that entry.
Fingers crossed for that.... 8)
Unfortunately, I made a less impressive, slightly depressing find...
http://pckeyboard.com/page/product/UW40P4A (http://pckeyboard.com/page/product/UW40P4A)
Well, since that's already on the website, it probably couldn't be the new item (he hopes)! :D
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Nice find on the 84-key menu item. I checked the internet archive and the last copy of that page they have stored is from January 2013 and it did *not* have that entry.
Fingers crossed for that.... :cool:
Unfortunately, I made a less impressive, slightly depressing find...
http://pckeyboard.com/page/product/UW40P4A
Knowing Unicomp hyping up a "new product" that's just an old product with a new color scheme isn't out of the question, but I have to believe it's something more.
At least the general availability of colored legends if not a USB SSK.
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Nice find on the 84-key menu item. I checked the internet archive and the last copy of that page they have stored is from January 2013 and it did *not* have that entry.
Fingers crossed for that.... :cool:
Unfortunately, I made a less impressive, slightly depressing find...
http://pckeyboard.com/page/product/UW40P4A
How is that depressing?
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Nice find on the 84-key menu item. I checked the internet archive and the last copy of that page they have stored is from January 2013 and it did *not* have that entry.
Fingers crossed for that.... :cool:
Unfortunately, I made a less impressive, slightly depressing find...
http://pckeyboard.com/page/product/UW40P4A
How is that depressing?
Depressing in so much as a Brilliant White 'face-lift' of the 104 wouldn't be as monumentally exciting as a brand new SSK :)
Anyway, Zach get that update up pronto lol the suspense is killing!
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Nice find on the 84-key menu item. I checked the internet archive and the last copy of that page they have stored is from January 2013 and it did *not* have that entry.
Fingers crossed for that.... 8)
Unfortunately, I made a less impressive, slightly depressing find...
http://pckeyboard.com/page/product/UW40P4A (http://pckeyboard.com/page/product/UW40P4A)
How is that depressing?
Depressing in so much as a Brilliant White 'face-lift' of the 104 wouldn't be as monumentally exciting as a brand new SSK :)
Anyway, Zach get that update up pronto lol the suspense is killing!
Still, the fact that it's currently up shows that it isn't the surprise.
Ditto. Hurry up and let us throw money at your brand new SSKs.
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Going to lowball estimate with
"New Product!!!" = Dyesubbed "G" and "H" in red !!!!!!
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Going to lowball estimate with
"New Product!!!" = Dyesubbed "G" and "H" in red !!!!!!
I wouldn't be surprised, Unicomp is such a zombie company for last few years.
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Lol...t-minus 10 hours until new dyesubbed keycaps! If it's actually a 60% or SSK I will eat a shoe.
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Lol...t-minus 10 hours until new dyesubbed keycaps! If it's actually a 60% or SSK I will eat a shoe.
Quoted just in case :P
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Lol...t-minus 10 hours until new dyesubbed keycaps! If it's actually a 60% or SSK I will eat a shoe.
QFT
I hope it's an SSK.
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Doesn't the 84-key frame option make it a little obvious? Why else would they have added that to their website?
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Doesn't the 84-key frame option make it a little obvious? Why else would they have added that to their website?
Holy ****...I thought you were trolling until I actually checked!. OMGwtfbbqsauce. Brb...going to the store to buy some sriracha....gotta spice up that shoe I'm going to eat tomorrow.
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My wallet can't handle this, if it is true I wonder what it will look like and I wonder if they are going to charge a huge premium. This could be awesome if it is true :eek:
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Stop getting me excited you guys
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WTH is a "cover set" in Unicomp lingo? Is it a chasis?
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WTH is a "cover set" in Unicomp lingo? Is it a chasis?
I would assume it'd be a top frame.
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I was almost wondering if it was just a keyboard cover and they were releasing one to fit existing SSKs, but that almost seems more unlikely.
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Exciting! If it is an SSK, what are we predicting price wise?
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Exciting! If it is an SSK, what are we predicting price wise?
$100-$150 hopefully.
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And I just thought I hit my end game.... ???
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And I just thought I hit my end game.... ???
Plot twist:
You never complete it :blank:
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And I just thought I hit my end game.... ???
Plot twist:
You never complete the end game :blank:
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wo .. wo . wo..
So... this is actually happening...
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And I just thought I hit my end game.... ???
Plot twist:
You never complete it :blank:
And once CM releases those Topre/Cherry MX compatible stems, it's like hitting another checkpoint :-\
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I think that "frame-84 key" is the barrel frame for the original ssk. They always had that, but I think they only recently listed it on their website.
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I think that "frame-84 key" is the barrel frame for the original ssk. They always had that, but I think they only recently listed it on their website.
(http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons/tuzki-bunnys/tuzki-bunny-emoticon-001.gif)
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How many of you getting antsy about the new Unicomp thingy? Still refreshing the New Release page?
Well, I just stumbled on something that would have me believe we are indeed going to be introduced to a brand new SSK!
Scroll down the menu list on this page and see for yourself!
http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/CVSET
Guys, Unicomp has had SSK cases and barrel frames ("chimneys" in unicomp lingo) for a while.
I actually ordered this part in June, when I was restoring CPTbadass's SSK.
edit: there's a good chance that they added it to their website because of my order.
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How many of you getting antsy about the new Unicomp thingy? Still refreshing the New Release page?
Well, I just stumbled on something that would have me believe we are indeed going to be introduced to a brand new SSK!
Scroll down the menu list on this page and see for yourself!
http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/CVSET
Guys, Unicomp has had SSK cases and barrel frames ("chimneys" in unicomp lingo) for a while.
I actually ordered this part in June, when I was restoring CPTbadass's SSK.
edit: there's a good chance that they added it to their website because of my order.
They sell the ssk case too?
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They sell the ssk case too?
They have had these in the past if you call them.
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Unicomp is ruining Thanksgivings everywhere. I should be with my family but I just can't stop pressing F5.
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(ಥ_ಥ)
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Unicomp is ruining Thanksgivings everywhere. I should be with my family but I just can't stop pressing F5.
Yeah, I just installed Auto Refresh Plus on Chrome - updates automatically now every 12 seconds :)
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What the?
I knew they had barrel assemblies for the SSK, but the top part of the case as well? That's great. One of my SSK's has engraving on one side so this would be great if it's true.
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What I find hard to believe is with as much demand as there is for SSK's that Unicomp's supply of barrel/chasis/chimney's haven't been wiped out by now. Granted they haven't advertised them recently but you would think 1 or 2
greedy enterprising individuals might have called - discovered them - then bought them all up.
Right now I'm leaning towards the theory of a brand new 60%ish board. Can someone explain why they would create dual side print function/number keycaps?
Edit: conspiracy theory - some high ranking moderators - particularly those with strong buckling spring knowledge have been in on this for a while and have been helping Unicomp on the side designing this new board. We'll see - either way one of us will be eating a hat :p
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That's another thing - I see no other reason for the side printed number/function keys.
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What the?
I knew they had barrel assemblies for the SSK, but the top part of the case as well? That's great. One of my SSK's has engraving on one side so this would be great if it's true.
I know they had the capabilites to make new cases, but if they still do, I cannot say
What I find hard to believe is with as much demand as there is for SSK's that Unicomp's supply of barrel/chasis/chimney's haven't been wiped out by now. Granted they haven't advertised them recently but you would think 1 or 2 greedy enterprising individuals might have called - discovered them - then bought them all up.
Right now I'm leaning towards the theory of a brand new 60%ish board. Can someone explain why they would create dual side print function/number keycaps?
Edit: conspiracy theory - some high ranking moderators - particularly those with strong buckling spring knowledge have been in on this for a while and have been helping Unicomp on the side designing this new board. We'll see - either way one of us will be eating a hat :p
How about aesthetics? Maybe some people like front printed F# keys? The geekhack kits have this.
Maybe some customers wanted compatibility with their model C keyboards that also have this?
Maybe they want to showcase their capabilities?
There is still the issue of membrane availability.
About new barrel frames for SSK's, I think they just still have the lexmark mounds for them. The one they sent to me had drainage channels and had to be modified a little to fit with the rest of the old hardware in the old case.
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I wonder if their new product is a new set of keycaps.
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How about aesthetics? Maybe some people like front printed F# keys? The geekhack kits have this.
WHO in this universe wants front printed function keys on a keyboard without this embedded layer? Of course the Geekhack kits are going to have it when the kit is for a 60%.
Maybe some customers wanted compatibility with their model C keyboards that also have this?
What Model C are you referring to?
Maybe they want to showcase their capabilities?
Unicomp is that kid that waits until 10pm on Sunday night to do their homework. As of late they are too lazy to showcase anything.
There is still the issue of membrane availability.
Blah blah freakin blah. For all anyone knows they already have a pallet of these or have developed a procedure for folding the existing membrane as Mkawa has.
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Maybe some customers wanted compatibility with their model C keyboards that also have this?
What Model C are you referring to?
Officially it's the IBM 3178 keyboard series. There are four. I have the data entry layout (C1) there also exist C2 C3 and C4.
Here's a picture of the label of the "model C2" that has front printed F# legends
http://www.9999hp.net/keyboard/temp/5640987-label.jpg
And you can see said keycaps (from 1983) in this picture of the front:
http://www.9999hp.net/keyboard/temp/5640987-big.jpg
Mine came with the manual and it also shows which switch position on which keyboard supports typematic repeat (aka sends an upcode so you know if it's being held down). Images of this are on my imgur:
http://imgur.com/a/Qe41v
The C4 also has them, but I couldn't find a picture.
Ofcourse the 107-key "administrative" IBM 4704-400 keyboard also has these front printed F# on the number row), but they are much less common.
http://kishy.dyndns.org/?p=980
Big thanks to dw_junon for having such good info on his 'site!
Maybe they want to showcase their capabilities?
Unicomp is that kid that waits until 10pm on Sunday night to do their homework. As of late they are too lazy to showcase anything.
Clearly they are going to be releasing something. This is a marked change from their marketing from previous years. Since there is already evidence of said change, it's reasonable to believe they might start to come out of their shell a little and start showcasing / marketing/ selling their abilities.
I mean, the Geekhack keycaps they made were pretty much a showcase / demonstration of their new capabilities now. They are showing what they can do and already showcasing. If they were the "kid that waits until 10pm on Sunday night to do their homework" before then they are less of that persona now.
There is still the issue of membrane availability.
Blah blah freakin blah. For all anyone knows they already have a pallet of these or have developed a procedure for folding the existing membrane as Mkawa has.
This seems a little inconsistent with your last point. If they are such procrastinators, then how would they release these much vaunted SSK's and 60%'s at all? No, Unicomp is playing things safe, like they have been, like the traditionalists they are. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but I would expect a company to "showcase" a new manufacturing process for keycaps they have much sooner than release a much wanted keyboard style with no warning or preparation. They aren't that good at keeping secrets, and SSK unicomps have been talked about for many years. Your wishful thinking is getting in the way of reality.
And, as expected, they have released said showcase, with the geekhack keys. There's also a chance those APL sets they had were not NOS and were made recently as well to test out their dyesub machine.
Finally, to address your last point, rolling up the membrane is not an acceptable manufacturing process (has to be done by hand, wear issues, etc.), but I wouldn't put it past unicomp to try it.
Now if they do release something like an 87 key or 60% I'l be very happy and quite surprised, but I wouldn't bet on it either.
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Looks like the black/brilliant white..
http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/NEW
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what a big let down
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Looks like the black/brilliant white..
http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/NEW
Oh boy :-X
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(http://tcsescaptainslog.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/618px-jeanlucpicardfacepalm1.jpg)
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Lol dat wall of text by vader and it turns out to be nothing interesting
Edit: nothing interesting released by unicomp after much hype/speculation
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*Looks at date*
Damn... It's not April 1st.
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If they're so cautious and don't want to release a potentially risky new product (because they're have to make costly new molds?) why don't they try a kickstarter for it. A lot of companies have done that for far less risky ventures.
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so the black on white key caps are the big thing?
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It's like BlackBerry still thinks they matters.
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I am disappoint
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[attachimg=1]
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I see the photo above and read it as Happy Thanksgiving Geezer!
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* very disappointed *
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Can't wait until the Christmas sale :-\
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Maybe some customers wanted compatibility with their model C keyboards that also have this?
What Model C are you referring to?
Officially it's the IBM 3178 keyboard series. There are four. I have the data entry layout (C1) there also exist C2 C3 and C4.
Here's a picture of the label of the "model C2" that has front printed F# legends
http://www.9999hp.net/keyboard/temp/5640987-label.jpg (http://www.9999hp.net/keyboard/temp/5640987-label.jpg)
And you can see said keycaps (from 1983) in this picture of the front:
http://www.9999hp.net/keyboard/temp/5640987-big.jpg (http://www.9999hp.net/keyboard/temp/5640987-big.jpg)
Mine came with the manual and it also shows which switch position on which keyboard supports typematic repeat (aka sends an upcode so you know if it's being held down). Images of this are on my imgur:
http://imgur.com/a/Qe41v (http://imgur.com/a/Qe41v)
The C4 also has them, but I couldn't find a picture.
Ofcourse the 107-key "administrative" IBM 4704-400 keyboard also has these front printed F# on the number row), but they are much less common.
http://kishy.dyndns.org/?p=980 (http://kishy.dyndns.org/?p=980)
Big thanks to dw_junon for having such good info on his 'site!
Maybe they want to showcase their capabilities?
Unicomp is that kid that waits until 10pm on Sunday night to do their homework. As of late they are too lazy to showcase anything.
Clearly they are going to be releasing something. This is a marked change from their marketing from previous years. Since there is already evidence of said change, it's reasonable to believe they might start to come out of their shell a little and start showcasing / marketing/ selling their abilities.
I mean, the Geekhack keycaps they made were pretty much a showcase / demonstration of their new capabilities now. They are showing what they can do and already showcasing. If they were the "kid that waits until 10pm on Sunday night to do their homework" before then they are less of that persona now.
There is still the issue of membrane availability.
Blah blah freakin blah. For all anyone knows they already have a pallet of these or have developed a procedure for folding the existing membrane as Mkawa has.
This seems a little inconsistent with your last point. If they are such procrastinators, then how would they release these much vaunted SSK's and 60%'s at all? No, Unicomp is playing things safe, like they have been, like the traditionalists they are. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but I would expect a company to "showcase" a new manufacturing process for keycaps they have much sooner than release a much wanted keyboard style with no warning or preparation. They aren't that good at keeping secrets, and SSK unicomps have been talked about for many years. Your wishful thinking is getting in the way of reality.
And, as expected, they have released said showcase, with the geekhack keys. There's also a chance those APL sets they had were not NOS and were made recently as well to test out their dyesub machine.
Finally, to address your last point, rolling up the membrane is not an acceptable manufacturing process (has to be done by hand, wear issues, etc.), but I wouldn't put it past unicomp to try it.
Now if they do release something like an 87 key or 60% I'l be very happy and quite surprised, but I wouldn't bet on it either.
+1 For the point highlighted in bold.
If Unicomp were to be that successful with the keyboard market as it is, they probably would have released cool things but I do recall there was an old documentary about Unicomp had to cut some staff out due to the lack of sales.
Seriously, just as the keyboard market itself is already flooded with all sorts of variations to suit one's budget and that mechanical keyboards may not receive as much attention as your cheap average $5 membrane keyboard for instance. Then having that factor being compounded because of things such as a mechanical board to suit one's needs.
dante, you make it sound like as if Unicomp was to disappear you would be relieved.
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dante, you make it sound like as if Unicomp was to disappear you would be relieved.
I'm not going to talk about Unicomp anymore.
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I wouldn't be surprised, Unicomp is such a zombie company for last few years.
There you go :) I have a bad feeling that they won't be alive for much longer...
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Unicomp need to revise and design different keyboard product based on buckling spring. I'd buy 60% or SSK in heart beat. I guess it's time to sign some petition and get them to do something before they go bankrupt.
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I meant how hard is that to have a new SSK or 60%? If it was financial problem that they need to guarantee the sell up front, they could create KickStarter campaign. Someone with a vision can see that Buckling spring is not really dead technology, there are still lots of people would not mind cashing out few hundreds bucks for good buckling spring keyboard.
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I don't trust them any more. Who knows how they interpret 60% or SSK layout after what they did to normal 104 layout recently?
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ffffffffffffff............
That was the big reveal ?
Black on BRILLIANT white...
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/17f0f3b0.gif)
It's like they don't want money...
Suppose, we should given them credit for being such an eccentric-company (http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/154218d4.gif)
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Since Buckling spring pattern is expired, are there any other companies making buckling spring keyboard aside from Unicomp?
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This is really a big big let down. I mean, ****, who the hell wants white keys on a black keyboard? Especially before Black keys were even given as an option. If they made a black Classic with Black keys, I'd be more ok with their ****ty unveiling.
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What a let down. Luckily for me however, my 2 SSKs just arrived!
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What a let down. Luckily for me however, my 2 SSKs just arrived!
Well **** you, too!
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I don't trust them any more.
They have excellent products, great prices, and wonderful customer service.
Don't knock them because their R&D budget is zero.
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I don't trust them any more.
They have excellent products, great prices, and wonderful customer service.
Don't knock them because their R&D budget is zero.
Well said.
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Going to lowball estimate with
"New Product!!!" = Dyesubbed "G" and "H" in red !!!!!!
I was pretty close to the estimation on the letdown that this would be.
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I don't trust them any more.
They have excellent products, great prices, and wonderful customer service.
Don't knock them because their R&D budget is zero.
So is budget for: QA, Marketing and PR. This is pretty much death sentence for any tech company.
And don't get me wrong. I like them as people. Their customer support is great, and keyboards are built almost as well as IBMs used to be. I like them more than IBMs actually, as they are brand new and have much more consistent feel across the keys, I also liked their previous 104 key models, and previous version of Spacesaver M is my 2nd favourite keyboard (was 1st for a very long time) of them all.
I purchased 2 keyboards and many sets of springs and keycaps from them directly, even thought the cost was not low, shipping and import duties almost doubled original prices.
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White keys on a black keyboard? Anyone following some of the various HHKB threads around here - that's actually quite a nice combination!
An SSK would have been nice, but there's probably a lot of people out there who would be thrilled with what Unicomp have produced.
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I don't trust them any more.
They have excellent products, great prices, and wonderful customer service.
Don't knock them because their R&D budget is zero.
Zero R&D budget? That would sound like an excuse to me than actually trying to do something to improve the situation of the whole company. There are many ways to raise funding for R&D and will allow them to have budget buffer to release new product. Crow funding is one of way to achieve that. It's more like Unicomp has been too lazy or has never been listening to their customer very well. If Unicomp is reading this thread, please wake the **** up !!!
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Lol dat wall of text by vader and it turns out to be nothing interesting
Edit: nothing interesting released by unicomp after much hype/speculation
I know! I think I put more work into this than unicomp did
also
I wonder if their new product is a new set of keycaps.
You called it.
I don't trust them any more.
They have excellent products, great prices, and wonderful customer service.
Don't knock them because their R&D budget is zero.
Zero R&D budget? That would sound like an excuse to me than actually trying to do something to improve the situation of the whole company. There are many ways to raise funding for R&D and will allow them to have budget buffer to release new product. Crow funding is one of way to achieve that. It's more like Unicomp has been too lazy or has never been listening to their customer very well. If Unicomp is reading this thread, please wake the **** up !!!
Unicomp is just playing things safe, very conservatively. I can't say how expensive continuing production is for them, or how much money they are making or losing. Perhaps there are financial reasons why they aren't researching things just now. Perhaps next year, if buckling spring keyboards remain popular, they will have the funds to branch out.
Actually, I'd say this might be the only viable business strategy (that or trying to capture some of the gamer market: good luck!) long lasting items like crocs or model M's are hard to stay viable for many years. The items last so long, you have to continually find new customers or the market becomes saturated.
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Going to lowball estimate with
"New Product!!!" = Dyesubbed "G" and "H" in red !!!!!!
I was pretty close to the estimation on the letdown that this would be.
And brilliant white. :-(
Not enough innovation to make me buy another Unicomp. As much as I love them, no point to add another one in the collection.
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Unicomp this is amazing!... no wait, that other word.... terrible, yes terrible.
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^love your avatar
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I see the photo above and read it as Happy Thanksgiving Geezer!
lol, geezer hahaha ;D
I was making a swipe at the guys at Unicomp being literally like these old fogeys, lapping it up while encased in their safe little 'cocoon' where keyboards are made like old malt whiskey, made to last and be savoured just like they always were and always will be.
Guys like Zack are the reason why we love Unicomp. He'll go to extraordinary lengths to help if you're having a problem with a new keyboard. Perhaps they need more guys like him in R&D and in other areas. I think the main problem with this new release was with Marketing. They just didn't forsee the hype that a small bit of promo would generate. Now they know.
If you saw the movie 'Cocoon' from which this pic was taken, you'll get the reference, and maybe harbour the hope that whilst they are an old bunch of guys that would not let IBM/Lexmark go down the drain, they will somehow in the face of today's sudden resurgence in demand for mechanical keyboards, be rejuvinated by the magical waters they have been frolicking in – a veritable 'buckling spring' of restorative powers! Maybe, just maybe, they can turn that old cottage industry into a shiny new state of the art facility putting the smack-down on the upstart 'gaming' keyboard companies that have to an extent jump-started it all. I'm rooting for the tortoise.
Here's the movie synopsis from IMDB: “When a group of trespassing seniors swim in a pool containing alien cocoons, they find themselves energized with youthful vigour.” :)
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Come on Unicomp!
[attachimg=1]
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Welp. I have to admit that was rather anti-climactic. White on black. I mean, it looks good, and $74 is a nice price for a bulletproof keyboard. But I expected something more. I would've been more excited with an industrial gray Ultra Classic.
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Guys, Unicomp has had SSK cases and barrel frames ("chimneys" in unicomp lingo) for a while.
I actually ordered this part in June, when I was restoring CPTbadass's SSK.
edit: there's a good chance that they added it to their website because of my order.
Many thanks again Dorkvader. The whole process seemed to go very smoothly. Dorkvader just emailed/called them and we got SSK parts :D. So although this release may have been disappointing, at least they have good customer service and sell parts that might not even be listed on their site. That was my only dealing with Unicomp, and even though it was through Dorkvader, I would say it was positive for me. Hopefully we see more innovation from them for products the GeekHack community seems more interested in but for now, I think fohat.digs has the right idea.
They have excellent products, great prices, and wonderful customer service.
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So, they have SSK parts but don't have the product?
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So, they have SSK parts but don't have the product?
Ugh I can't find the post but I think dorkvader who said they don't have the ability to make the membrane.
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So, they have SSK parts but don't have the product?
They don't have ALL the parts.
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So, they have SSK parts but don't have the product?
Ugh I can't find the post but I think dorkvader who said they don't have the ability to make the membrane.
Hacksaw between the arrow keys and the number pad. Jk.
I know some engineering has to go into it.
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So, they have SSK parts but don't have the product?
Ugh I can't find the post but I think dorkvader who said they don't have the ability to make the membrane.
I know some engineering has to go into it.
There's some discussion about it here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41205.msg1046469#msg1046469). And in the mean time, read up on mkawa's SSK project here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33430.0) as well as the project project from wcass here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40111.0).
Hacksaw between the arrow keys and the number pad. Jk.
Already been done kind of. Check out The_Beast's 65% Buckling Spring board (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44875.20) and how hasu patched a membrane here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=29483.0).
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I'm happy that Unicomp -- a small company in a niche market -- is going to issue something new, but I understand their limits and thus I'm not setting my expectations high. Also, it wouldn't have made sense to invest much into developing a whole new product without inquiring potential customers first.
I wish their news were "We have hired a sharp marketing guy" because lack of promotion is the greatest weakness of Unicomp. I have navigated their website recently and I couldn't figure out things quickly. For instance, what's the difference between the Ultra Classic and the Spacesaver M? The latter targets Apple users... why didn't they call it "Ultra Classic for Mac" or something like that? What makes the EnduraPro special? Its trackpoint, but that's not said anywhere; you have to magnify the picture to see it. This is just the website. For marketing, AFAIK Unicomp relies on word of mouth alone.
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I'm happy that Unicomp -- a small company in a niche market -- is going to issue something new, but I understand their limits and thus I'm not setting my expectations high. Also, it wouldn't have made sense to invest much into developing a whole new product without inquiring potential customers first.
I wish their news were "We have hired a sharp marketing guy" because lack of promotion is the greatest weakness of Unicomp. I have navigated their website recently and I couldn't figure out things quickly. For instance, what's the difference between the Ultra Classic and the Spacesaver M? The latter targets Apple users... why didn't they call it "Ultra Classic for Mac" or something like that? What makes the EnduraPro special? Its trackpoint, but that's not said anywhere; you have to magnify the picture to see it. This is just the website. For marketing, AFAIK Unicomp relies on word of mouth alone.
Yeah!
Their website is bare-minimum.
They don't describe what each product is.
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I'm happy that Unicomp -- a small company in a niche market -- is going to issue something new, but I understand their limits and thus I'm not setting my expectations high. Also, it wouldn't have made sense to invest much into developing a whole new product without inquiring potential customers first.
I wish their news were "We have hired a sharp marketing guy" because lack of promotion is the greatest weakness of Unicomp. I have navigated their website recently and I couldn't figure out things quickly. For instance, what's the difference between the Ultra Classic and the Spacesaver M? The latter targets Apple users... why didn't they call it "Ultra Classic for Mac" or something like that? What makes the EnduraPro special? Its trackpoint, but that's not said anywhere; you have to magnify the picture to see it. This is just the website. For marketing, AFAIK Unicomp relies on word of mouth alone.
Yeah!
Their website is bare-minimum.
They don't describe what each product is.
But then people who want a BS keyboard probably know exactly what they want and where to get it.
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But then people who want a BS keyboard probably know exactly what they want and where to get it.
Er... Not everybody is born a Geek Hacker :) My memory could be deceiving me, but I had an easier time in browsing their old website as a novice that I have had with their new one now. Their new website doesn't even make apparent that layouts for different languages are available. Wait a moment! Are they still available?
Their current "Parts, Covers, and Services" section is empty! Why don't they mention that they sell blank sets, for instance? Now that I think about it, a blank Unicomp could be a new proposition. The Unicomp Otaku! Maybe that's what they are going to unveil on Black Friday?
If I were a web developer, I would offer them to redesign their website at a discounted rate to help their business, which I wish to last. Heck! I could even accept to be paid in keyboards.
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But then people who want a BS keyboard probably know exactly what they want and where to get it.
Er... Not everybody is born a Geek Hacker :) My memory could be deceiving me, but I had an easier time in browsing their old website as a novice that I have had with their new one now. Their new website doesn't even make apparent that layouts for different languages are available. Wait a moment! Are they still available?
Their current "Parts, Covers, and Services" section is empty! Why don't they mention that they sell blank sets, for instance? Now that I think about it, a blank Unicomp could be a new proposition. The Unicomp Otaku! Maybe that's what they are going to unveil on Black Friday?
If I were a web developer, I would offer them to redesign their website at a discounted rate to help their business, which I wish to last. Heck! I could even accept to be paid in keyboards.
You must admit, though, that they are catering for a fairly limited segment of the keyboard market. And most people who want a copy of a 30 year old keyboard design would probably know what they were getting themselves into and where to get it from.
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You must admit, though, that they are catering for a fairly limited segment of the keyboard market. And most people who want a copy of a 30 year old keyboard design would probably know what they were getting themselves into and where to get it from.
My experience has been different. If I were to buy today from Unicomp, maybe I wouldn't because I wouldn't be able find what I was seeking (Italian layout). Rowdy, you have been cursed by your knowledge: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_knowledge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_knowledge) ;)
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You must admit, though, that they are catering for a fairly limited segment of the keyboard market. And most people who want a copy of a 30 year old keyboard design would probably know what they were getting themselves into and where to get it from.
My experience has been different. If I were to buy today from Unicomp, maybe I wouldn't because I wouldn't be able find what I was seeking (Italian layout). Rowdy, you have been cursed by your knowledge: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_knowledge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_knowledge) ;)
Sometimes I do, yes :))
But considering if the average person wanted a "special" keyboard, they would either visit their local computer retailer, or perhaps look online. Such places would promote and advertise flashy "gaming" keyboards, like the BlackWidow, and most people would stop looking there (probably with a purchase).
For those who dig deeper, and discover the different switches, eventually they will encounter an IBM Model M, or perhaps they used one back in the day.
Then the search will widen, Geekhack will appear more and more often in search results, and eventually they will discover Unicomp.