geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: kode on Mon, 10 August 2009, 08:12:32

Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: kode on Mon, 10 August 2009, 08:12:32: So I have two unicomp customizers, one built in september of 2007 and one build in february 2008. On the older of these, the regular alphanumeric keys are in two parts, that is removable key caps. The newer one only has the f, j and numpad 5 keys like that, and the rest of the keys are molded in one piece (like, for example, the ctrl, alt, space bar and so on). I mean, I can see the reasoning behind it in terms of costs and so on, but it's a but of a bummer for me if I'd want to swap the keycaps for vintage model m ones, for example, or if I'd want to rearrange the keys into a pangram or something like that. Has anyone other than me noticed this?
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 10 August 2009, 08:25:05: Yes, there's been plenty of discussion about the merits of the single vs double piece design. I don't see what your problem is though... You can still swap keys from older Model M to a Unicomp - the stems are removable.
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: kode on Mon, 10 August 2009, 08:42:49: It's more work, though. I also don't really want to break more springs than I already have by being careless...
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: DreymaR on Mon, 10 August 2009, 10:42:57: Oh me oh my! Does this apply to all their boards? I just ordered a SpaceSaver and if I get a lot of trouble switching it around to the Colemak layout or whatever I feel like doing with it I'm going to be sad about it.

I thought they'd be like the trusty old IBM boards in that respect. I suppose it'd cost more or something? Not sure what other merits the single-piece design could possibly offer.
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 10 August 2009, 11:22:32: In my estimation, compared to Alps (especially) and Cherry switches, BS are the easiest to pull. I have no problems with just a common ring-type puller.
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 10 August 2009, 11:26:22: I like how the last 4 digits on the Hooleon phone number spell "leet." They planned that.
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 10 August 2009, 13:49:01: Quote from: kode;108577
It's more work, though. I also don't really want to break more springs than I already have by being careless...

You'd have to go out of your way to break those springs on an IBM/Unicomp board. Just yank the think out with a flathead screwdriver. It helps if you turn the keyboard upside down when reinserting the keys.

Quote
I suppose it'd cost more or something? Not sure what other merits the single-piece design could possibly offer.

It's more a case of the merits of the double piece design - the Model F and older boards had single piece caps, and as far as I can tell, the only reason for the double piece caps was to accomodate those transparent keycaps IBM used to sell for POS customers. I'd argue that the single piece feel nicer to type on, but if you are accustomed to the older types, you'd obviously prefer them.

Also, in reality, there isnt all that much more work involved in swapping around the single piece keys than the caps on the double piece ones - you're going to need a screwdriver either way.
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: timw4mail on Mon, 10 August 2009, 14:34:43: Quote from: ch_123;108661

Also, in reality, there isnt all that much more work involved in swapping around the single piece keys than the caps on the double piece ones - you're going to need a screwdriver either way.

I've always felt that it was more difficult to get the actual key, than the keycap, as I could pull the keycap off of the key with bare hands, but I can't easily remove the key itself without a screwdriver.
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: kode on Mon, 10 August 2009, 16:46:17: Quote from: ch_123;108661
You'd have to go out of your way to break those springs on an IBM/Unicomp board. Just yank the think out with a flathead screwdriver. It helps if you turn the keyboard upside down when reinserting the keys.

Hah, well, I did manage to break a spring, actually. Took me a while to figure that out, too.

edit: Oh, right, I can usually pull of the outer half of the two piece one's by hand. :)
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 10 August 2009, 17:52:05: I can too, incidentally, but for the sake of doing it quickly, I'd use a blunt knife or screwdriver...
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: InSanCen on Sat, 15 August 2009, 11:16:38: I reckon I can pull the whole board (every single key) in under 5 mins, using only one hand.

Yeah, they are that easy. Never bent a spring either, (May just be lucky), and my 2nd Model M sat face down with no keys for over a week.

I think I may need to resort to a wire puller for the Wang 724 though, as the 3,6 and 9 on the numpad are getting iffy...
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: InSanCen on Sat, 15 August 2009, 15:49:16: Quote from: ripster;109869
Show Image
(http://www.kitschy-kitschy-coo.com/uploaded_images/exfeetmarbles-722365.jpg)

ROFL:nod:
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: InSanCen on Sat, 15 August 2009, 16:12:15: Quote from: webwit;109903
I don't even want to know what you're pulling with the other hand.

Buckling springs getting nekkid...:love:

I just can't help it... :embarassed:
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: Rajagra on Sat, 15 August 2009, 18:17:58: Quote from: ripster;108711
We need to have a keypulling contest. The bare hand macho Mexican wrestler crowd to the Geekhack screwdriver jam to the delicate twist and pull of the wire model (still my fave).

I'll take you all on at once with my IC extractor.

Having just effectively stripped down my IBM M2 three or four times while repairing the capacitor, I can now state with certainty this is a near-perfect tool for the job. Gives great control, and works on all key sizes, even the space bar. I would have gone insane without it.
Title: Unicomp keycaps
Post by: kode on Sun, 16 August 2009, 03:49:56: Yeah, I actually thought of using my IC extractor for that kind of job, and I guess that the next time it's needed I'll try it.