Post by: base_on_base on Sun, 01 February 2015, 21:51:15
Post by: daerid on Sun, 01 February 2015, 23:10:56
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 02 February 2015, 07:15:27
The still use the IBM factory equipment and build a true Model M keyboard.
Over the years, changes have been made, and quality control has declined, but the general overall product that you buy brand new today is the same product that you would have bought decades ago.
Post by: 0100010 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 08:01:53
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 09:47:13
Post by: hwood34 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 10:08:05
Post by: mougrim on Mon, 02 February 2015, 10:26:02
Post by: inanis on Mon, 02 February 2015, 10:37:35
The only trouble I've ever had is that I ordered a set of RGB mods for my SSK, and the shift keys are different shades of green. When I questioned Unicomp about this I was told that it was on purpose, which I thought was weird, but I kept them anyway.
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 02 February 2015, 10:50:04
Also, the quality of their keycaps is outstanding.
Except that they don't always hit the alignment properly.
Most of mine have been great, but I got a set of green legends that were very inconsistent. Too bad, because they are very handsome!
Post by: mougrim on Mon, 02 February 2015, 10:53:24
Also, the quality of their keycaps is outstanding.
Except that they don't always hit the alignment properly.
Most of mine have been great, but I got a set of green legends that were very inconsistent. Too bad, because they are very handsome!
But their duesubbing process is still good (I comparing original keyset from my AT F with new one I ordered from Unicomp).
Post by: iMav on Mon, 02 February 2015, 11:07:39
Post by: mougrim on Mon, 02 February 2015, 11:25:09
Overall, I dislike the design of the Model Ms (with the plastic rivets). I much prefer the Model F's...and even the Model M2's, since they are much easier to work on.
And much more sturdy.
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 12:55:47
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 02 February 2015, 13:10:35
Themainonly thing the Model M has going for it over the Model F is the layout.
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 13:19:47
Themainonly thing the Model M has going for it over the Model F is the layout.
Well, the top half of the Model M's case is arguably more sturdy (ie. not as brittle) than F's, and M's don't require custom converters.
Post by: mougrim on Mon, 02 February 2015, 13:35:16
Themainonly thing the Model M has going for it over the Model F is the layout.
Well, the top half of the Model M's case is arguably more sturdy (ie. not as brittle) than F's, and M's don't require custom converters.
AT F don't require any custom converters too.
*built soarer's today anyway - wanted to remap some keys*
Post by: dwasifar on Mon, 02 February 2015, 14:22:00
My impression of the quality is that they don't watch the cosmetic details as closely as IBM or Lexmark did. I knew this going in because I'm not the only one on the internet to say so. But you have to be ready to put up with plastic flash around the edges of the keys, molding swirls in the plastic (more visible on the black, apparently) and occasional other rough-around-the-edges stuff. I'm typing on the black one now, and I can see a little lump in the case's "body line" right above the F12 key, and some sloppy moldmaking in the punchout area where the mouse buttons would be if this was a trackpoint version. The keys all have visible flash down around the bottom edges, the works are a little bit to the right of where they should be to be aligned with the cutouts in the case, and the logo is 1990s hideous.
And I don't care about any of that. What matters is how it feels and performs, and it shines in that area. Every key is fast, perfectly tactile, and consistent. It doesn't have the finish of a real Model M, but it works and sounds and feels just like one. I can't speak to its longevity, because I haven't had it long enough to see how it holds up. But it feels right.
Bottom line is, if you want something that looks slick and polished to show your friends, get a Das or something. The Unicomp is not very impressive to look at. But if you want something satisfyingly clicky and clacky and don't care if it's kind of a butterface, you could do worse for $80.
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 20:48:52
I have two Unicomps. One is a full-size Classic in Ivory, totally old-school, and the other is the smaller UltraClassic in black.
My impression of the quality is that they don't watch the cosmetic details as closely as IBM or Lexmark did. I knew this going in because I'm not the only one on the internet to say so. But you have to be ready to put up with plastic flash around the edges of the keys, molding swirls in the plastic (more visible on the black, apparently) and occasional other rough-around-the-edges stuff. I'm typing on the black one now, and I can see a little lump in the case's "body line" right above the F12 key, and some sloppy moldmaking in the punchout area where the mouse buttons would be if this was a trackpoint version. The keys all have visible flash down around the bottom edges, the works are a little bit to the right of where they should be to be aligned with the cutouts in the case, and the logo is 1990s hideous.
And I don't care about any of that. What matters is how it feels and performs, and it shines in that area. Every key is fast, perfectly tactile, and consistent. It doesn't have the finish of a real Model M, but it works and sounds and feels just like one. I can't speak to its longevity, because I haven't had it long enough to see how it holds up. But it feels right.
Bottom line is, if you want something that looks slick and polished to show your friends, get a Das or something. The Unicomp is not very impressive to look at. But if you want something satisfyingly clicky and clacky and don't care if it's kind of a butterface, you could do worse for $80.
I guess my thinking is, for $80 you could just buy an IBM manufactured Model M and an active PS/2 converter. To each their own of course. I bought a Unicomp because I was curious and liked the Black case with gray keys.
Post by: Touch_It on Mon, 02 February 2015, 21:27:40
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 22:38:13
I got a 103key a couple months ago. Cosmetically flawed and case had intended than a ibm or Lexmark m but feels fantastic to type on. I love it. My biggest gripe is the num lock light doesn't line up with the indicator hole quite right. Probably easily fixable but I dont care enough to open it up to look. I have no doubts I will own this keyboard the majority of my life. I can only hope Unicomp is around that long.
In the past I considered transplanting the innards of a Unicomp Model M into the case and keys of an IBM manufactured M, namely because I like the fact Unicomp variants don't emit the hollow metallic pinging / ringing subsequent every keystroke. I haven't pursued the idea because my primary interest is the Model F these days.
Post by: Touch_It on Mon, 02 February 2015, 22:43:30
I got a 103key a couple months ago. Cosmetically flawed and case had intended than a ibm or Lexmark m but feels fantastic to type on. I love it. My biggest gripe is the num lock light doesn't line up with the indicator hole quite right. Probably easily fixable but I dont care enough to open it up to look. I have no doubts I will own this keyboard the majority of my life. I can only hope Unicomp is around that long.
In the past I considered transplanting the innards of a Unicomp Model M into the case and keys of an IBM manufactured M, namely because I like the fact Unicomp variants don't emit the hollow metallic pinging / ringing subsequent every keystroke. I haven't pursued the idea because my primary interest is the Model F these days.
Huh. Never really gave it much thought. I only have a terminal m case that I messed up using the melted pen trick on. Now it will be a hot mess to open. One of these days I need to find a cheap m and try this out. I use my Unicomp as my daily work keyboard. Donations welcome. :D
Post by: Snowdog993 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 23:38:52
In the past I considered transplanting the innards of a Unicomp Model M into the case and keys of an IBM manufactured M, namely because I like the fact Unicomp variants don't emit the hollow metallic pinging / ringing subsequent every keystroke. I haven't pursued the idea because my primary interest is the Model F these days.
You could as long as you obtain a 42H1292 (or equivalent) chassis. The reason is simple. The LED layout of the Unicomps have the LED's at the top, closer together, not at the bottom. Remember this before you attempt.
Post by: 1391406 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 00:21:12
In the past I considered transplanting the innards of a Unicomp Model M into the case and keys of an IBM manufactured M, namely because I like the fact Unicomp variants don't emit the hollow metallic pinging / ringing subsequent every keystroke. I haven't pursued the idea because my primary interest is the Model F these days.
You could as long as you obtain a 42H1292 (or equivalent) chassis. The reason is simple. The LED layout of the Unicomps have the LED's at the top, closer together, not at the bottom. Remember this before you attempt.
I'd think it's just a simple matter of changing the LED overlay.
Post by: Snowdog993 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 00:27:19
In the past I considered transplanting the innards of a Unicomp Model M into the case and keys of an IBM manufactured M, namely because I like the fact Unicomp variants don't emit the hollow metallic pinging / ringing subsequent every keystroke. I haven't pursued the idea because my primary interest is the Model F these days.
You could as long as you obtain a 42H1292 (or equivalent) chassis. The reason is simple. The LED layout of the Unicomps have the LED's at the top, closer together, not at the bottom. Remember this before you attempt.
I'd think it's just a simple matter of changing the LED overlay.
Not exactly unless you want to butcher the LED side. I will illustrate.
The difference is obvious. There isn't a big gaping hole there where the overlay goes. There are distinct square holes made in the design. I suppose you could tweak it, but I think for a more professional look, just get a 42H1292 chassis.
Post by: 1391406 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 00:45:19
In the past I considered transplanting the innards of a Unicomp Model M into the case and keys of an IBM manufactured M, namely because I like the fact Unicomp variants don't emit the hollow metallic pinging / ringing subsequent every keystroke. I haven't pursued the idea because my primary interest is the Model F these days.
You could as long as you obtain a 42H1292 (or equivalent) chassis. The reason is simple. The LED layout of the Unicomps have the LED's at the top, closer together, not at the bottom. Remember this before you attempt.
I'd think it's just a simple matter of changing the LED overlay.
Not exactly unless you want to butcher the LED side. I will illustrate.
The difference is obvious. There isn't a big gaping hole there where the overlay goes. There are distinct square holes made in the design. I suppose you could tweak it, but I think for a more professional look, just get a 42H1292 chassis.
Remove original overlay, drill holes, attach new overlay.
Post by: Snowdog993 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 00:47:28
In the past I considered transplanting the innards of a Unicomp Model M into the case and keys of an IBM manufactured M, namely because I like the fact Unicomp variants don't emit the hollow metallic pinging / ringing subsequent every keystroke. I haven't pursued the idea because my primary interest is the Model F these days.
You could as long as you obtain a 42H1292 (or equivalent) chassis. The reason is simple. The LED layout of the Unicomps have the LED's at the top, closer together, not at the bottom. Remember this before you attempt.
I'd think it's just a simple matter of changing the LED overlay.
Not exactly unless you want to butcher the LED side. I will illustrate.
The difference is obvious. There isn't a big gaping hole there where the overlay goes. There are distinct square holes made in the design. I suppose you could tweak it, but I think for a more professional look, just get a 42H1292 chassis.
Remove original overlay, drill holes, attach new overlay.
I suppose you could do that, but you have to make a custom overlay? Okay.
Post by: 1391406 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 00:48:44
In the past I considered transplanting the innards of a Unicomp Model M into the case and keys of an IBM manufactured M, namely because I like the fact Unicomp variants don't emit the hollow metallic pinging / ringing subsequent every keystroke. I haven't pursued the idea because my primary interest is the Model F these days.
You could as long as you obtain a 42H1292 (or equivalent) chassis. The reason is simple. The LED layout of the Unicomps have the LED's at the top, closer together, not at the bottom. Remember this before you attempt.
I'd think it's just a simple matter of changing the LED overlay.
Not exactly unless you want to butcher the LED side. I will illustrate.
The difference is obvious. There isn't a big gaping hole there where the overlay goes. There are distinct square holes made in the design. I suppose you could tweak it, but I think for a more professional look, just get a 42H1292 chassis.
Remove original overlay, drill holes, attach new overlay.
I suppose you could do that, but you have to make a custom overlay? Okay.
http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/LED (http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/LED)
Post by: Snowdog993 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 01:01:42
If you use the other chassis, you have to route the wiring to where the SDL cable goes, and have a custom grommet of some sort to make that look stock as well. I was just saying the other chassis would be easier.
Post by: 1391406 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 01:34:20
I didn't have an argument at all with you. I thought you were going to fabricate one from the existing overlay. That works fine too. Drilling the holes might be the hardest part of the project. I didn't say you couldn't or shouldn't do it. I just suggested if you wanted it to look "stock" with no modification, that is the way to go.
If you use the other chassis, you have to route the wiring to where the SDL cable goes, and have a custom grommet of some sort to make that look stock as well. I was just saying the other chassis would be easier.
I didn't take your comments as argumentative. You were just offering advice. Personally, I'm a purist to a point. In this case I'd be more concerned that the finished project had the outward appearance of looking polished and consistent. If I had a spare white label 42H1292 laying around I'd use that, but I'm not sure white label 42H1292's even exist(I prefer white labels). Incidentally, I'd have to buy one, and I'd prefer to use what's on hand, namely because it's a white label and I already have it in my possession. For anyone else who was planning such a swap, your idea might be just the thing.
Post by: aref on Tue, 03 February 2015, 17:50:48
Post by: Snowdog993 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 18:14:51
I had two Unicomps before getting into IBM Model M KBs. I found the feel to be different from the original Model Ms; molding of cases is inferior; Model M Lexmark-patent switches are much louder than and lack the solidity, feel is much different, of IBM manufactured BS switches. It's an okay-only keyboard; but it cannot compare favorably to IBM-made Model Ms.
If you say so. That is your opinion. I don't believe it at all. I have several. I would think I would feel a difference by now.
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 03 February 2015, 18:51:53
If you say so. That is your opinion.
I have a feeling that we would all be embarrassed after a blindfold+earplug comparison.
Post by: Xonar on Tue, 03 February 2015, 19:02:05
Any board made before 1989/90 is an exception, however. Those do feel better to me. More akin to the Model F than later models, in my opinion.
Post by: Snowdog993 on Tue, 03 February 2015, 23:23:04
If you say so. That is your opinion.
I have a feeling that we would all be embarrassed after a blindfold+earplug comparison.
Huh? Maybe I don't understand that post. I'm being honest about all my keyboards. They are all nice. They all feel the same in my opinion. I beg to differ that there is any "significant" difference in any of them. But then again, I have white label and blue label IBM's. All of the ones I use have SDL except the Unicomp, which is a 42H design. The build quality of the Unicomp is comparable, but not quite as polished as the others. However to give Unicomp credit, they do feel comparitively the same. In a blindfold/earplug test, I don't think I could tell my Lexmark from the IBM's or the Unicomp. Bolt-modded or not. And I know if you look around you can see what I have. Nothing spectacular or "collectible". Just workhorses I use all the time. I do have an affinity for the Lexmark logo keyboard, however. But does it feel any different? I would be lying if I said yes. It's special to me. That's all.
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 04 February 2015, 07:46:43
If you say so. That is your opinion.
I have a feeling that we would all be embarrassed after a blindfold+earplug comparison.
In a blindfold/earplug test, I don't think I could tell my Lexmark from the IBM's or the Unicomp.
Generally speaking, that's what he's inferring.
Post by: Snowdog993 on Wed, 04 February 2015, 13:10:26
If you say so. That is your opinion.
I have a feeling that we would all be embarrassed after a blindfold+earplug comparison.
In a blindfold/earplug test, I don't think I could tell my Lexmark from the IBM's or the Unicomp.
Generally speaking, that's what he's inferring.
Yeah I wasn't sure if he was agreeing or disagreeing with me. That's all.
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 04 February 2015, 14:07:12
I wasn't sure if he was agreeing or disagreeing with me.
Both