Unicomp Spacesaver?

[killphrase]

So, after reading this this thread on Reddit (hi redditors):

I realized that the Model M is still being made by a company called Unicomp who acquired the old patent from Lexmark. So, I'm obviously no keyboard geek but I probably type the upwards of a college essay a day :laugh: and am looking to play competitively (though still for fun...don't get me wrong) in Starcraft 2. Understanding the necessity of having excellent input as it were, I've decided on the Unicomp Customizer as my first mechanical keyboard. Would you guys say this is a good choice?

Here's what I'm using currently.

I'd love to hear your input.

[paardvark]

So, after reading this thread on Reddit (hi redditors):

http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/d38tf/razer_first_mechanical_keyboard_blackwidow_coming/

I realized that the Model M is still being made by a company called Unicomp who acquired the old patent from Lexmark. So, I'm obviously no keyboard geek but I probably type the upwards of a college essay a day :laugh: and am looking to play competitively (though still for fun...don't get me wrong) in Starcraft 2. Understanding the necessity of having excellent input as it were, I've decided on the Unicomp Customizer as my first mechanical keyboard. Would you guys say this is a good choice?

I'd love to hear your input.

It was my first too. I love it.

However, since you are a gamer, it raises a few problems. You are probably not going to be mashing several keys at once in starcraft 2, but in fps games, being able to press multiple keys at once is almost essential. The unicomp boards are able of pressing two keys at once over both USB and PS2, which may not be enough for the competetive(spelling) player.

If you want a keyboard that you can mash without worries, I'd suggest taking a look at some of the more gaming oriented boards like the steelseries 6gv2 or the filco with Cherry MX black switches. Take a look at the wiki section of the forum for a more in depth look.

[microsoft windows]

If you want to mash all the keys on your keyboard, I'd recommend an IBM Model F.

[WhiteRice]

What ever you get, make sure the ctrl key is in the standard position. Essential for SCII. I love my minitouch but I use my M1 for SCII.

[wellington1869]

so why wont someone (unicomp?) bring back the F in a modern layout with usb?

[wellington1869]

I've decided on the Unicomp Customizer as my first mechanical keyboard. Would you guys say this is a good choice?

its a fantastic choice.  Look at it this way:  your first mechanical is going to be the BMW of mechanicals. ie, the board that is the standard by which all other boards are measured.

great choice, and if you acquire any other boards as you go forward, you yourself will measure their worth against your unicomp. Its going to be the rock, the anchor, in your keyboard life.

[iMav]

Welcome to geekhack killphrase!

We definitely have a love/hate relationship with Unicomp around here.  We love the fact that they continue to produce buckling spring keyboards (and aside from the nit picky nuances that some seem to detect in their buckling spring 'boards, I believe they are just as good as the originals)...we hate that they seem so stagnant in their marketing (WHAT marketing), design, and roadmap.  

I purchased a USB M5-1 (on-the-ball) from them not too long ago because I always wanted one around here and I love to give them my business.  I say, DEFINITELY go for it.  You won't regret it.

[ch_123]

so why wont someone (unicomp?) bring back the F in a modern layout with usb?

Too expensive relative to the advantages it provides. Same reason they won't re-make the "Space Saving Keyboard" that is only about an inch thinner than their Endurapro/Spacesaver model.

I've played plenty of FPSes on 2KRO keyboards, it isn't an issue. There supposedly some arcade-type games that really benefit from NKRO, but that's about it. I've played Starcraft 2 on my Model M mini, absolutely no issues.

[keyboardlover]

Welcome to geekhack killphrase!
I purchased a USB M5-1 (on-the-ball) from them not too long ago because I always wanted one around here and I love to give them my business.  I say, DEFINITELY go for it.  You won't regret it.

Plus, they tend to have a good resale value so if you don't like it more than likely someone will want to take it off your hands. In my personal opinion, I prefer cherry browns to buckling spring but I know a lot of folks on here have a different opinion. Unfortunately, you really do need to use a keyboard for a little while to determine whether or not it's for you. But I do agree that Unicomp makes a solid buckling spring keyboard.

[MissileMike]

I have 18 model m keyboards (edit: err make that 15) and 1 unicomp.  You have to be ridiculously picky to feel the difference between the unicomp and a real model m of good vintage.  Yes, there are slight differences, but they're negligible for anyone except the most hardcore of enthusiasts.

As to the resale, yep they hold their value because they're so damn hard to wear out.  I bought keyboardlover's for 50$+shipping.  That's only 20$ less than a new one, and it's 2 years old.

[ManjyomeThunder]

The only issue I have with my Customizer 104 is that it's enormous, and Unicomp doesn't produce a tenkeyless model. Spacesaver is a little smaller, but about the same size really.

Is it a good choice for your first mechanical keyboard? Absolutely. Amazing tactile feedback, built like a tank, and not too bland looking (provided you get the black one).

It might not be quite as fancy looking as some other "gaming keyboards", but you could probably dye the keys to pretty it up a bit. That's what I plan on trying with mine. Or you could buy a set of blank keycaps.

So, unless you'd rather spend quite a bit more and go for a tenkeyless Filco with MX Browns or Blues, the Unicomp SpaceSaver is a fine choice.

[EverythingIBM]

There may soon be a way to get terminal model F keyboards linked via USB, so that would be the ULTIMATE keyboard for gaming, typing, and everything else since it's capacitive.

If getting a Model M from unicomp is too expensive, try snagging a model M from ebay, or check out the local listings at geekhack, there's a lot of people around here selling model Ms.

[ThirdLap]

Reddit newcomers are probably wishing for a Geekhack Post Ranking system right now.

Upboated.

[ThirdLap]

check out the local listings at geekhack, there's a lot of people around here selling model Ms.

FWIW OP,  I have a fully refurbished (complete tear-down and thorough cleaning) IBM By Lexmark Model M that I'll part with for $25 plus shipping.  I've been using it as my daily keyboard for the last week without any issues.  Looks/works pretty much as new.

[nmatavka]

Model M's are great.  I'm 18 now, and I've been typing on model M's ever since I had my first computer.  Razer mouse and Model M/Customiser keyboard, that's the way to go.  Plus, as I work as a programmer, and we all use model M's, if someone comes by, it's very obvious that Serious Work Is Being Done Here.

[ch_123]

Unicomp Space Saving Keyboard available on their site for $59.

[Zen]

What's not to like about Unicomp ??
 69$ for a brand-spanking new M, with new caps
(no, not key-caps, those electronic components that dry out...)
can't be beaten ..
Seriously, how many units will Unicomp ever sell to you ?
They ain't making them because they want a new Ferrari every month :cheer2:  
It sure as #@£% beats paying US $387.87 for this :
NEW NIB IBM MODEL M *CLICKY* KEYBOARD Part #52G9658
(EDIT : It' a LEXMARK !! )
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-NIB-IBM-MODEL-M-CLICKY-KEYBOARD-Part-52G9658-/140441597147?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b2f8b4db

IMHumbleO, anybody who is serious about both typing and FPS-gaming needs
two keyboards : A clicky and a linear Cherry-switch board .

[ch_123]

(no, not key-caps, those electronic components that dry out...)

In fairness, with the exception of the Model M2, the capacitors on old Model M/Model Fs don't really die...