Bolt Modded Model M 1391401 vs Unicomp SpaceSaver?

[Reason]

I'm trying to decide between the two
I've read ripster's article on Wiki and stuff but I still can't really decide
which one to buy...

I wanted to hear from you guys
which one feels better/ has a better build quality and such
between
Bolt modded and clean condition IBM Model M 1391401
and
Unicomp SpaceSaver

help me out guys!!

[HighNoon]

I just created a thread asking a very similar question the other day. The consensus was to go for the Unicomp.

Here is a link to the thread: http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?19588-Buying-First-Buckling-Spring-Keyboard

[theferenc]

At the possibility of sounding self serving, here are my thoughts.

My first buckling spring keyboard was a Unicomp Customizer. All told, I've had about 2 dozen since then. All IBM. There was nothing wrong with the Unicomp, it was and is a great keyboard. And while I like to support a company like Unicomp, I do so by buying parts from them, rather than whole keyboards.

I just prefer the old IBMs. Especially once I figured out how to modify their layout. And especially over the SpaceSaver.

So, if it will be your first and/or only buckling spring keyboard, go with the Unicomp. USB, windows keys (if that's your thing), a warranty.

If you want to muck around with layout options, swap the controller, whatever, a bolt modded keyboard is better. If nothing else, you don't lose anything -- like a warranty -- when you open it up again.

It's just in what you want, in the end. While I actually dislike the SpaceSaver, some people love them. I don't know why, it just isn't what I want in a buckling spring keyboard. Personally, I want the more robust construction, the lack of windows keys, and the stabilizer method on the late 80s 1391401s. While there aren't that many differences between the 1391401s and the Customizers, the SpaceSaver is an entirely different beast.

[iMav]

I really like the Model Fs.  

What about bolt moding a Unicomp Spacesaver?  (or a Unicomp Customizer and have, basically, the same thing but new?)

[jpc]

Go with the bolt mod if it has new springs, or if it came from an originally low-mileage board.

Otherwise the Unicomp will type better. Spring condition matters a lot.

[theferenc]

Not sure how others feel about this, but I really don't like bolt modding the newer Ms and Unicomps. The controller is just attached in a way that it always worries me. Or maybe not attached is the better way to say it.

Ripster has a pic of it somewhere, that he taped to hold it in place, if I remember correctly.

[jpc]

Good point. I bolt modded a 42H1292 from 1996 that had the controller snap into place under the LEDs. That was NOT easy to put together.  Modern Unicomp stuff is similar.

Want to field strip and reassemble your bolt modded M quickly? You want Big Blue's controller design.

[HighNoon]

What are the differences between the Unicomp Customizer and SpaceSaver? From looking at the pics on Unicomp's website, the SpaceSaver just looks like a Customizer with some fat trimmed off.

[jpc]

Right. The SpaceSaver is the same mechanism as the Customizer in a slimmer, trimmer case.

Some people have criticized the SpaceSaver/Endurapro case for having visible PBT dimples, molding artifacts, and not feeling particularly solid.

My Endurapro didn't have visible defects; it was white and that may have helped. It made some funny noises if you twisted the case. For typing it was just grand.

[theferenc]

Are you sure about that? I was under the (possibly mistaken) impression that the space saver was based on the M2, but with the M2's flaws fixed.

Then again, maybe it's just a size and weight thing. I like my BS keyboards to be big, heavy, and hard to move around on my desk. It just makes them feel more satisfying, not to mention a deeper tone to the springs.

[jpc]

The SpaceSaver / Endurapro twins are Model Ms. Not just "based on", they are the real thing. The Endurapro's curved metal backplate, plastic barrel plate, membranes, and keys are nearly identical to every other full size Model M built all the way back to 1985. It's the same barrel geometry, same key geometry, same matrix pattern, same rivet pattern. The biggest difference over the years is the location of the controller.

The M2 shares no parts with the Model M, except the springs and hammers. I've been playing with an M2 this week. It doesn't have a metal plate. The keys sit in a flat plane with no curvature. The barrels are shorter; the springs extend 1-2mm further above the barrel tops than on an M. The key caps are lower profile and appear to be made of VERY thick plastic.

[theferenc]

Well, there you go. I was mistaken. It still felt weird when I tried one, though.