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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Gurok on Thu, 11 August 2016, 22:28:03

Title: Compact 101-key?
Post by: Gurok on Thu, 11 August 2016, 22:28:03

Unicomp don't make anything smaller than the Classic in a 101-key layout. What are my options for a new, compact 101-key mechanical keyboard? Alternatively, is there a reasonably clean way to convert a 103-key Ultra Classic to a 101-key layout after the fact?

Title: Re: Compact 101-key?
Post by: klennkellon on Thu, 11 August 2016, 23:35:49

By compact do you mean something that doesn't have excessive bezel? Most modern keyboards will usually have a quite clean and low profile case so that's not a problem, but 99% of them will be 103 and none of them buckling springs like the Unicomp.

Title: Re: Compact 101-key?
Post by: Gurok on Fri, 12 August 2016, 01:58:15

Quote from: klennkellon on Thu, 11 August 2016, 23:35:49

By compact do you mean something that doesn't have excessive bezel? Most modern keyboards will usually have a quite clean and low profile case so that's not a problem, but 99% of them will be 103 and none of them buckling springs like the Unicomp.

Yes, something that doesn't have an excessive bezel. The Unicomp Ultra Classic fits the bill for me, but they only come in 103- and 104-key configurations. I was hoping it might be possible to cover up the windows and menu keys with either a custom plastic mould or maybe a spacer that kind of fits flush over the surface. I don't know if either of these things exist and are readily available.

Title: Re: Compact 101-key?
Post by: balotz on Fri, 12 August 2016, 02:25:06

While it doesn't fit your criteria of 'new', the IBM model M2 has a very compact 101 key layout. Check the model number though as some of them are rubber dome.

Title: Re: Compact 101-key?
Post by: vincentalpha on Fri, 12 August 2016, 02:35:21

Quote from: Gurok on Thu, 11 August 2016, 22:28:03

Unicomp don't make anything smaller than the Classic in a 101-key layout. What are my options for a new, compact 101-key mechanical keyboard? Alternatively, is there a reasonably clean way to convert a 103-key Ultra Classic to a 101-key layout after the fact?

I recommend you look into 96 layout. The potential is Red Scraf 96, Duck 96, ZZ96,etc. or winkeyles B.mini EX X2 PCB

Title: Re: Compact 101-key?
Post by: mike52787 on Sat, 13 August 2016, 10:45:13

if you are interested in going with a model M2 I will be getting rid of mine soon, it has been cleaned, recapped and works like new.

Title: Re: Compact 101-key?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 14 August 2016, 02:40:58

If you want buckling spring and can live without a numpad, the SSK has a smaller bezel.

Title: Re: Compact 101-key?
Post by: klennkellon on Sun, 14 August 2016, 02:44:53

Forgot about the M2, it might be a good choice.

It's built like crap but it still feels pretty good and the caps are still great.