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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: SonicRevolution on Tue, 26 November 2013, 17:48:59

Title: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: SonicRevolution on Tue, 26 November 2013, 17:48:59
Just got my UNICOMP Spacesaver M Buckling Spring USB IBM Model M "clone"  It's been awhile since I owned the model M and I can't recall what they felt like other than they were super heavy! :D  So far I'm really liking UNICOMP's version.  From what I understand, this is an identical copy, or very close to the IBM model M with some improvements?  I repainted this matt black.  Something about the original black case looked like it had a lot of "blemish" on it.  I also took the UNICOMP tag off.  I'm trying to make my own label, maybe.  Maybe this was a no no?  Maybe I could find a IBM logo somewhere. :D

Though just like Cherry Blues/Blacks, I could imagine this causing some finger fatigue for me for gaming purposes.  I've been switching to this keyboard whenever I've got a LOT to type.  But for gaming, i've been sticking with Cherry Brown/Reds.  The keycaps feel pretty good though the print seems like some of the alignment is a tad bad.  It adds to the retro charm.  For a "spacesaver" it's still kinda bulky.  I wish it had even a tighter profile.

Anyone else big buckling spring fans?

(http://i.imgur.com/HosttyV.jpg)
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: Daniel Beardsmore on Tue, 26 November 2013, 18:25:40
You can get replacement LED covers here:

http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/LED

Might need to reach their minimum order value though, which is a nuisance.

I got the centre right one with my Spacesaver, as the Unicomp logo is so hideous. It's a nice keyboard, though I think I prefer the sound of my Model M. I gave away the Spacesaver, and my M isn't being used. I'm tempted to take it to work; I really do need the Windows key though (quite a pain using Server 2012 without it), and I'd have to rebind another key at the system level as nothing else works inside RDP.
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: terrpn on Tue, 26 November 2013, 18:35:33
You can get replacement LED covers here:

http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/LED

Might need to reach their minimum order value though, which is a nuisance.

I got the centre right one with my Spacesaver, as the Unicomp logo is so hideous. It's a nice keyboard, though I think I prefer the sound of my Model M. I gave away the Spacesaver, and my M isn't being used. I'm tempted to take it to work; I really do need the Windows key though (quite a pain using Server 2012 without it), and I'd have to rebind another key at the system level as nothing else works inside RDP.

from what what i have read unicomp's are a tad softer than original model m's

i would be using mine, but both of my ps2 to usb converters died so i had to buy a couple new ones and waiting for them to show up

if you are going to buy a new label from unicomp you ought to snag you a couple GH custom caps while they are still in supply. who knows if they will ever make anymore?
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: dorkvader on Tue, 26 November 2013, 18:49:43
Maybe I could find a IBM logo somewhere. :D

I think I have one from the quiet rubberdome moder M they made. It's beige though.

A unicomp 104 spacesaver was pretty much the first KB I actually bought, back in 2010 I think. It was PS/2 and I loved it. It's probably the keyboard I've type the most on, followed by my other M and the F that replaced it.
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: SneakyRobb on Tue, 26 November 2013, 19:30:07
I have unicomp ultra classic. It feels not less well made than the original model m still quality. But It does feels more reserved. Like thought was put into making it smoother.

Also, what paint did you use?
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: alosec on Tue, 26 November 2013, 19:32:56
still waiting on that unicomp ssk
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 26 November 2013, 23:29:24
Not much of a "UNICOMP Spacesaver M Buckling Spring" compared to the original IBM SSK ;)
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: 0100010 on Tue, 26 November 2013, 23:33:06
Looks nice in black.   ;)
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: terran5992 on Wed, 27 November 2013, 00:28:08
still waiting on that unicomp ssk

We are all waiting D:
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: czarek on Wed, 27 November 2013, 06:27:37
It's my favourite keyboard for mac, although the beige version looks much better.
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: Hellmark on Wed, 27 November 2013, 07:49:16
I wouldn't really call it a clone, since they're made by basically the same people from Lexmark that made the later Model Ms, and they bought everything from Lexmark when they divested of keyboard production.
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: berserkfan on Thu, 28 November 2013, 14:42:36
Super heavy?

My friend, there was this geekhacker TurkishRambo, who made an entire keyboard of Cherry grey switches a while back. NOw that's heavy!
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: Daniel Beardsmore on Thu, 28 November 2013, 15:31:24
I dare him to make one out of MX Super Black ;-)
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 28 November 2013, 15:35:16
I dare him to make one out of MX Super Black ;-)

If there was a big enough source I'm sure someone would!
Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: SonicRevolution on Thu, 28 November 2013, 16:19:23
I wouldn't really call it a clone, since they're made by basically the same people from Lexmark that made the later Model Ms, and they bought everything from Lexmark when they divested of keyboard production.

I think I read about this somewhere yeah!  This is very cool that it's relatively easy for consumers to pick up a buckling spring board. 

Title: Re: UNICOMP Buckling Spring
Post by: czarek on Fri, 29 November 2013, 02:51:35
Oh wait... this is the new version with the stupid layout of the keys on a right hand side of space bar ;)