Unicomp Quiet Touch (Rubber dome)

[Kavik]

I can't find any reviews, videos, or forum posts about Unicomp's Model M Quiet Touch rubber dome keyboard. Does Unicomp actually sell any of these? Does anyone here have one or have any experience with them?

I know it's just an overpriced rubber dome in the shape of a Model M, but I'm mainly curious how it's constructed. Is it like every other rubber dome over membrane, or does it still have the sandwich metal backplate, membrane, and barrel plate with a rubber dome mat in place of the springs and flippers? Does it still have the stupid plastic rivets that break?

I'd buy one to rip it apart, but I don't have $85 worth of curiosity.

[E TwentyNine]

The IBM Model M rubber domes have the same construction as the buckling spring versions, with two exceptions: rubber dome layer instead of springs/plates, and keystems are "solid" with no gap for a spring to sit.

I would seriously doubt Unicomp's version is any different.

But clicky has some for a little cheaper:  http://clickykeyboards.com/product-category/1993-1995-ibm-model-m-rubber-dome/

I have typed on one long ago, and they are still rubber dome, but high quality rubber dome.

[Kavik]

Interesting. I didn't realize they use different keycaps. $60 for a vintage one is definitely a better deal than the $84 Unicomps.

[klennkellon]

It's not really a good deal imo. There are a lot of good rubber domes for much cheaper.

[Kavik]

It's not really a good deal imo. There are a lot of good rubber domes for much cheaper.

Lol, I didn't say good, just better (especially since Unicomps suck in my experience).

[chyros]

I handed out nine for free when I left the UK, and I kept one for myself. I plan to do a review of it in the future .

[Kavik]

I handed out nine for free when I left the UK, and I kept one for myself. I plan to do a review of it in the future .

Awesome! I always enjoy your in-depth reviews. Your analysis and demonstration will probably answer my questions and curiosity.

[losing_ctrl]

I used a Unicomp Quiet Touch Model M at my job for about 3 years - I still have it. After my BS Model M got vetoed by my office mates, I brought the 101-key Quiet Touch in and the noise it made was tolerated, as it was quieter than BS but still more noisy than any of the standard rubber domes in the office (Dell, HP cheapies).

Summary:
My all-time favorite layout is a 101-key ANSI model M, so I loved this keyboard's layout
It's makes more noise than most other rubber dome KBs, but it's still office compatible
Love the keycap profile - really great (subjectively)
The noise does however sound rattle-y, which makes it sound cheap
The feel of the rubber domes is not premium feeling, not even close
Overall, I was disappointed in how the domes felt so cheap, and I was also disappointed in how much noise the "quiet" touch put out. However I used it heavily for three years and it served it purpose - relatively inexpensive 101-key KB that I could use at work without driving my cubemates crazy.