geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: IBMPCDOS5 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 16:24:54

Title: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: IBMPCDOS5 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 16:24:54
Hey everyone!

I recently had the opportunity to try out a typewriter that just so happened to have a Model M keyboard embedded inside of it. I pressed a few keys and just loved it! I wanted a Model M but a few problems arised:

1. PS/2

2. $$$(?)

I'm well aware $120 isn't bad for a high quality keyboard but I'm a cheapskate. So, I checked my good friend Google for a better alternative, and there I saw a result; Unicomp, Inc. Turns out they make brand new Model M's and for an $80 price tag, I had to learn more. So, I beg the question: To buy, or not to buy, that is the question.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: Mynameislol on Wed, 19 October 2016, 16:38:14
You are in luck, i just recieved my new unicomp keyboard after having used a regular Model M for 4 years!

The built quality is worse, but not that noticable, but i do love the feel of the unicomp keys alot more! They feel alot more clean, prehaps a bit lighter even?
I have also tried a typewriter with buckling springs in it (i have it here at home), and the typewriter feels alot heavier, and more sticky (though it has been gathering dust for 30 years) than a regular IBM Model M.

If i were you, i would get the unicomp! Just be sure never to plug it into a USB Hub that is overvolted (my previous unicomp died because of that :( )

Heres a picture of it

(http://i.imgur.com/uljzqlu.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: IBMPCDOS5 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 16:51:33
Thanks! Here's a question; should I get the beige case or the black case? I've heard the beige cases are terrible quality, but maybe that's just the 101/104 versions.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 19 October 2016, 17:02:20
Thanks! Here's a question; should I get the beige case or the black case? I've heard the beige cases are terrible quality, but maybe that's just the 101/104 versions.

People love to complain about Unicomp. Their quality control is not as demanding as IBM's was "back in the day" but the products are still perfectly good, and with warranty, choices, etc, it is the way to go.

Black cases look more modern although I personally dislike the blue-gray color of the keys. I would recommend USB, just because.

Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: IBMPCDOS5 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 17:17:07
I've heard about the lack of metal plates for price reduction but I don't care; and I also know that the black calling uses the EnduraPro casing which is I believe an M 13, but I love the style nonetheless. My main selling point is the USB without modification and switch better than MX Greens. Thanks for the suggestions!
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: fatpolomanjr on Wed, 19 October 2016, 17:55:48
They would get so much instant money if they ever released a TKL keyboard.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: IBMPCDOS5 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 17:58:04
They would get so much instant money if they ever released a TKL keyboard.
I would get that. And it'd be a bit cheaper too...
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 18:22:51
Thanks! Here's a question; should I get the beige case or the black case? I've heard the beige cases are terrible quality, but maybe that's just the 101/104 versions.

It's likely the same quality as the black case. In my opinion, the black case is likely going to show the cosmetic imperfections on the case surface a bit more. At the end of the day, case color is a subjective, personal choice. I mean, I prefer the beige case, but that's me.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 19 October 2016, 18:55:36

I've heard about the lack of metal plates for price reduction


A Unicomp has the same components as an IBM Model M. The back plate is probably about half the thickness and weight of the original 1986 one, but even IBM thinned it down incrementally through the years.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: IBMPCDOS5 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:00:10

I've heard about the lack of metal plates for price reduction


A Unicomp has the same components as an IBM Model M. The back plate is probably about half the thickness and weight of the original 1986 one, but even IBM thinned it down incrementally through the years.
Oh, I did not know that. Even so, I'm hoping to get this soon. I hope none of the keys glitch; I've heard that has happened often.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:26:08

I hope none of the keys glitch; I've heard that has happened often.

I have only owned a couple of Unicomps but they have been great.

Customer service is exemplary, send it back if there's a problem - that's what warranties are for.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: kalrand on Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:31:09

I've heard about the lack of metal plates for price reduction


A Unicomp has the same components as an IBM Model M. The back plate is probably about half the thickness and weight of the original 1986 one, but even IBM thinned it down incrementally through the years.

Along those lines, how does the flex on a 122-key Unicomp compare to one of the old IBMs. At one point I had a silver-badge IBM 122, and the typing was really solid. Then later, I had one of those super-discounted Unicomp M-122's that were floating around here about two years ago. The flex kind of sucked.

Is it that bad on their new keyboards? Does anyone know if they can do something like "build a new keyboard on an old plate"?
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:32:52
I hope none of the keys glitch

Very, very little chance of that.

Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 19:36:07
Is it that bad on their new keyboards? Does anyone know if they can do something like "build a new keyboard on an old plate"?

I think the reason for the case flex has everything to do with the composition of the clamshell cover material, which was changed in 1999.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: IBMPCDOS5 on Wed, 19 October 2016, 21:13:56
So, to recap: The Unicomp keyboards seem to be a good alternative to the classic IBM Model M, and cheaper as well. Thanks for all the help, everyone! I'll be posting a review of the Unicomp Ultra-Classic in about two months, it'll be my Christmas gift to myself.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: iLLucionist on Thu, 20 October 2016, 18:55:28
You are in luck, i just recieved my new unicomp keyboard after having used a regular Model M for 4 years!

The built quality is worse, but not that noticable, but i do love the feel of the unicomp keys alot more! They feel alot more clean, prehaps a bit lighter even?
I have also tried a typewriter with buckling springs in it (i have it here at home), and the typewriter feels alot heavier, and more sticky (though it has been gathering dust for 30 years) than a regular IBM Model M.

If i were you, i would get the unicomp! Just be sure never to plug it into a USB Hub that is overvolted (my previous unicomp died because of that :( )

Heres a picture of it

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/uljzqlu.jpg)


Dude, seriously, those caps and that color scheme look so sexy. You must be lucky, I'm not aware of many buckling spring aftermarket cap sets.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 20 October 2016, 20:10:12

I'm not aware of many buckling spring aftermarket cap sets.

Unicomp will sell you any 1u key that you want, but they get very pricey when bought piecemeal.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: MKB on Fri, 21 October 2016, 02:14:05
They would get so much instant money if they ever released a TKL keyboard.

I would purchase several of them...
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: MKB on Fri, 21 October 2016, 02:15:51
So, to recap: The Unicomp keyboards seem to be a good alternative to the classic IBM Model M, and cheaper as well. Thanks for all the help, everyone! I'll be posting a review of the Unicomp Ultra-Classic in about two months, it'll be my Christmas gift to myself.

Great choice.  This is my favorite unicomp.  I always get black and USB.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: y11971alex on Fri, 21 October 2016, 10:00:50
A side question — does Unicomp use the little legs as shown here to support the top part of the keyboard?
(https://i.imgur.com/pLzIjpJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 21 October 2016, 10:51:54

A side question — does Unicomp use the little legs as shown here to support the top part of the keyboard?


Model F and Model M are nothing alike whatsoever. Model M internals sit on plastic tabs and brackets molded into the bottom case shell.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: y11971alex on Fri, 21 October 2016, 11:00:58

A side question — does Unicomp use the little legs as shown here to support the top part of the keyboard?


Model F and Model M are nothing alike whatsoever. Model M internals sit on plastic tabs and brackets molded into the bottom case shell.
Ah, thanks.  Externally they look deceptively similar though.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 21 October 2016, 11:03:52

Externally they look deceptively similar


They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: y11971alex on Fri, 21 October 2016, 11:07:58

Externally they look deceptively similar


They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.
Externally.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: 1391406 on Fri, 21 October 2016, 11:13:14

Externally they look deceptively similar


They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.
Externally.

Externally, the 122-key variants look similar.

Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 21 October 2016, 12:21:26

They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.

Externally.

And internally, nothing whatsoever.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: Bucake on Fri, 21 October 2016, 15:11:57
the biggest downside is trading a cool logo for a non-cool one :D
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: y11971alex on Fri, 21 October 2016, 16:15:16

They literally have nothing in common except for key caps.

Externally.

And internally, nothing whatsoever.
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: Minnie2 on Wed, 26 October 2016, 00:12:17
just buy
Title: Re: Unicomp - to buy, or not to buy?
Post by: Crapbag on Wed, 26 October 2016, 08:53:20