What's wrong with the Unicomp Space-Saver?

[Hak Foo]

Part of me was considering getting a Customizer 104 (because I want a native-USB, with-Windows-Keys replacement for my 1391401), but I can definitely understand the common sentiment that in spite of how good it is, it does have a "your grandpa's keyboard" look to it.  My current 1391401 has been pimped with red paint, a fake-suede coating, and white LEDs.  But it still looks like an old keyboard.

The Spacesaver seems to remedy this problem effectively.  It seems to offer similar functionality to the Customizer (assuming you just want American English 104-key layout), and it costs the same, but it comes in an enclosure that looks like it was made this decade.

So why don't we hear more love for it?  Is something odd about it?  I'm assuming the guts inside are the same-- are they not?  Can it not be used to beat people to death like a real M?  Is that plate where the eraser-pointer buttons go if you order it as an EnduraPro instead annoying and loose?

[ozar]

My new Unicomp Spacesaver came in just a few days ago, and it's great.  In fact, I'll probably use it more than the two Customizer 104's that I already owned, due to the smaller footprint.  Typing on it feels exactly like the Customizers, but I've not opened it up yet to take a look at the internals.

[bhtooefr]

BTW, the basic design of the SpaceSaver and EnduraPro came out in 1993, with the Japanese PS/2E type 5538, as part number 5576-C01.

[MANISH7]

The reason I prefer the Customizer is (1) Don't care for the windows key, especially when I'm gaming. I guess this will change and I'll give Windows key shortcuts a try when the next time I buy a Topre. (2) I like that "traditional" look. That old-school, 1391401 look.

I'll admit that the Unicomps do have a somewhat "old look" but I wouldn't say the same for the 1391401. The other day I put the keyboard on the window sill as I prepared to ship it away. That keyboard glowed like the marble of the Taj Mahal! I know I'm in the minority but I consider the 1391401 to be a beautiful keyboard (especially love the Taj Mahal marble color and luster) and a classic, trendsetting design. I like the look so much that I ordered a sealed, NIB 1391401 just for the artwork as opposed to type on it. As much as I love the tactile feedback of buckling springs, I plan on moving away to lighter key switches like the Topre or Cherry.

I prefer Unicomp for the Customizer and will probably get the Topre tenkeyless as a Spacesaver. The Unicomp Spacesaver is considerably lighter than the Customizer. Yes, you will not be able to use it as a weapon. From a functional standpoint, it is pretty durable IMO and of very good quality.

[lowpoly]

My current 1391401 has been pimped with red paint, a fake-suede coating, and white LEDs.

Pics requested!

[Hak Foo]

Pics requested!

http://www.forumapex.com/project_worklogs/159736-competition_project_luxury_keyboard.html

[edited to fix URL -- there are so many different BBcodes to remember. ]

Saves reposting the entire project.

Yes, you will not be able to use it as a weapon.

Well, that's a letdown.  :ponders:  70 bucks plus postage, and it won't even be an accessory to a killing spree.

Maybe I should just hit the secondhand shops today and see if I find anything fun (haven't seen a nice keyboard there in a while )

[bhtooefr]

They're url tags, not link tags, BTW. And, you could've just pasted the link, and it would've made it a link automatically on this forum.

[FKSSR]

@HakFoo - Your idea makes me think that a faux leather covering with hems could look great.  However, I'm not sure if I'd actually follow through with it.

[itlnstln]

Steel.  All Steel.  Oh wait, I have a 'board that is all steel, and I am selling it (too noisy).  Nevermind.

[nerp]

I have both a Customizer 104 and a SpaceSaver. Both keyboards are awesome and I love each for a variety of reasons. The Customizer fits in with the decor of my computing area quite nicely. The SpaceSaver looks simple and fits on my work desk's sliding keyboard tray perfectly. Both have roughtly the same exact feel and a pleasure to type on. I guess the SpaceSaver gets less love because it's a little less popular than the Customizers, maybe? I wonder if some people are dissuaded from getting the SpaceSaver because they think it's inferior quality for some reason, thrown off perhaps by the different casing. This would be a mistake since the SpaceSaver is made with quality plastic and still weighs and is built like a tank.

[Hak Foo]

@HakFoo - Your idea makes me think that a faux leather covering with hems could look great.  However, I'm not sure if I'd actually follow through with it.

Honestly, I could see wood inlays, metallic trim-- basically every surface they use on luxury car interiors could go on a keyboard.

Also, nerp, since you have one-- how is that space where the buttons go on the eraser-pointer versions handled?  Is it a seperate piece of plastic or not?  It looks like it would fall out.

[remerson]

Am I missing something:  the pics of the Unicomp "SpaceSaver" on their site show it *with* a numeric keypad.  So, why is it called a "SpaceSaver"...?

[bhtooefr]

Compare it to the Customizer or a regular Model M.

Then you'll realize it saves space.

[xsphat]

I was thinking of doing one of my Model M minis up in carbon fiber, which would look just bad ass, but I think it's would be more work than it would be worth.

[Hak Foo]

They sell self-adhesive film with a carbon-fibre pattern for ricers.

[ozar]

Am I missing something:  the pics of the Unicomp "SpaceSaver" on their site show it *with* a numeric keypad.  So, why is it called a "SpaceSaver"...?

Yes, I do wish Unicomp would leave the number pad off their SpaceSaver, or create another BS keyboard without it.  I'd buy a couple of them in advance if they were to announce them for the near future.

[wheel83]

indeed.  indeed.

[wheel83]

do you want me to show you something magical ?

http://www.protechcomposites.com/

i built a couple thing out of carbon fiber.  they make EXCELLENT products.  right down to .5 - 1.2 mm.

[wheel83]

if i saw a carbon fiber mouse trap in someones house, i wouldn't know if i thought it was cool, or gross because they have mice.  so torn.  cf wins tho.

[DesktopJinx]

Seriously though, is this stuff essentially wearproof?   I wear out my plastic gaming mousepads pretty quickly.

- Ripster

The actual surface wouldn't be carbon fiber, it'd be something like epoxy. Is that wearproof?