Question about Unicomps quality

[iBro]

Hello all. After suffering from mechanical switch turmoil for a couple of weeks now, I think I have finally decided that my next keyboard will be a buckling spring keyboard. I have a fairly small desk so I would need some type of space saving keyboard, which kind of eliminates the IBM model M, especially since the spacesaver models are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. So this basically leaves me with a Unicomp spacesaver keyboard.

But the only thing holding me back is some rumors of Unicomps not having the best build quality. Now I'm not really expecting IBM quality, but the spacesaver keyboard from Unicomp costs 80$, so I would definitely feel entitled to some pretty good quality for that kind of money.

So now I ask you all, to kindly send some feedback my way about the quality of the Unicomp keyboards, and more importantly if you think they are worth the 80$.

[fossala]

My unicomp spacesaving case is a little creaky but unless your going to twist and bend it you won't be able to tell. As for the keyboard, it feels better than an un-boltmoded model M but a bolt modded one wins out.
Bolt Modded Model M>Unicomp>Model M
The size isn't that much different between an Unicomp spacesaver and a regular model M though so if I was you unless you where really strapped for room I would get a Model M then bolt mod it.

[iBro]

I am interested on what a bolt modded Model M actually is. And how the size of the Unicomp compares to that of a regular full sized keyboard like say a WASD.

If the Unicomp is the size of a normal full sized keyboard then I should have plenty of desk room but if it is larger then I will be significantly torn on what to get. I love the size of my leopold TKL, but dislike the brown switches. I'm interested in red, black, and buckling spring but if the Unicomp is too big then I will have to go red or black. But I don't really want to get another Leopold TKL with red or black switches because I would rather not have two of the same keyboard. And I'm not really in love with many of the other brands.

EDIT: I will be trying out my room mates keyboard with blue switches so I'm keeping those in mind at this time also.

[shrap]

I have a Unicomp. I don't have a Model M to compare it to, but I have a Northgate which is from the same era (heavy, metal plate, can be used as a weapon).

The Unicomp is fine. The "quality" is only an issue if you spend your time looking at it and trying to twist or break it instead of actually typing on it. And I like typing on it, which is more important than how glossy it is or its key printing. Never had any functional problems.

[iBro]

I have a Unicomp. I don't have a Model M to compare it to, but I have a Northgate which is from the same era (heavy, metal plate, can be used as a weapon).

The Unicomp is fine. The "quality" is only an issue if you spend your time looking at it and trying to twist or break it instead of actually typing on it. And I like typing on it, which is more important than how glossy it is or its key printing. Never had any functional problems.

Can you comment to how large the Unicomp space saver is compared to other full sized keyboards. I also play some games, mainly fps, so can you also comment on how the Unicomp performs in that area as well. From what I can tell. it should be fine considering it has 6KRO from USB.

EDIT: The 6KRO is wrong. The Unicomp only has 2KRO.

I also don't really like extremely glossy keyboards, like the DAS. I wasn't under the impression that the Unicomp was glossy. If it is, please let me know.

[shrap]

I actually don't have any other normal keyboards, so I can't compare. Dimensions should be something that Unicomp can easily provide though.

The Unicomp is not glossy. My point is that it shouldn't matter, since you don't have other options that are buckling spring.

[iBro]

I appreciate all the comments that you all have given me so far. Can anyone comment on what the max #KRO is for the Unicomp. I don't game very much but I would love for this keyboard to be used for limited FPS gaming as well.

[hashbaz]

I think new Unicomps, like vintage Model M's, are actually 2KRO (not counting modifiers).  Check the wikis to verify.

I've owned a Unicomp SpaceSaver and a Model M, and they look and feel identical to me aside from the logo, the Windows key, and the cable.  Those more expert than I will be able to describe the subtle differences, but a Unicomp keyboard really is a Model M.  Same design, same molds, same production machinery even.  They are large, loud, and heavy, and yeah they creak.  It's all part of the charm.

I enjoy playing Starcraft on my M, but I can't speak to FPS games.  The low KRO might be an issue there.

[BiNiaRiS]

a unicomp spacesaver isn't gonna save you much room. maybe 1 inch or so? they are fullsize keyboards with a little less bevel on the sides.

[False_Dmitry_II]

Yeah, it's just that they have pretty thick edges. The unicomp spacesaver just removes some of that.

I don't think KRO is a real issue for gaming. If you never had a problem with whatever terrible rubber dome you were using before, I don't see how you'd have one now.

[iBro]

It is confirmed by the wiki that the Unicomp is 2KRO.

So far there are only two things stopping me from buying this board. The 2KRO and the size.

Basically I have a Leopold TLK (brown) and I am looking for a board with either blue or BS switches. But if I bought a blue switch board then I would almost positively purchase ANOTHER leopold TKL because I simply love the layout and the price. Since I don't want two of the exact same keyboard, I'm choosing to go with the Unicomp. I believe that the 2KRO really won't be that much of an issue with the few games I play. And although this board is definitely smaller than the original IBM's (20% smaller) it is still comparable to other full sized mechanical keyboards. But I think I can even look over the size in this case, because my heart is now really set on buckling springs!

So basically the final decision has been made, I will be choosing the Unicomp Space Saver. Thanks for all the input that helped me in making this decision.

I only ask one more question from you all. How does interchanging the keys work on a Unicomp? Obviously cherry switches won't fit, but are the Unicomp keys the ones that are basically two pieces? Or does the whole key come off like a cherry key.

[czarek]

I've got multiple Unicomps and multiple Model Ms (all bolt modded now) and I use Unicomp as my daily driver now, mostly because they have native USB connection and Windows/Command keys without any remapping. As for quality, casing seems to be more squeaky than original Model M (which also squeaks and has some moulding tracks), it also seems to be made of different plastic (Ripster says it's composition of ABS + PBT instead of full ABS of IBM). As it goes for typing feel they're almost identical, but here too I like Unicomps more as they just feel more crispy. They're not lighter than Model M, in fact if you get Unicomp with single piece keys (they're silver and black ones) they are a bit heavier than old Model M. Also with IBM you never know what you're getting. If the keyboard is not bolt modded it will surely have lost rivets and shortly after purchasing you may need to do the bolt mod yourself. It may also have long hard use history and some mushy springs which will need to bolt mod and spring swap (to the ones from Unicomp). Also badly done bolt mod will need to inconsistent sound and feel across the board and it's very hard to fix it (not impossible though, just takes time and patience).
2KRO is ok, I'm fine playing unreal tournament and starcraft 2 with Model Ms, size of Spacesaver model is not an issue - it's just a tiny bit bigger than the IBM SSK. See the pic:
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 36056[/ATTACH]

[iBro]

I've got multiple Unicomps and multiple Model Ms (all bolt modded now) and I use Unicomp as my daily driver now, mostly because they have native USB connection and Windows/Command keys without any remapping. As for quality, casing seems to be more squeaky than original Model M (which also squeaks and has some moulding tracks), it also seems to be made of different plastic (Ripster says it's composition of ABS + PBT instead of full ABS of IBM). As it goes for typing feel they're almost identical, but here too I like Unicomps more as they just feel more crispy. They're not lighter than Model M, in fact if you get Unicomp with single piece keys (they're silver and black ones) they are a bit heavier than old Model M. Also with IBM you never know what you're getting. If the keyboard is not bolt modded it will surely have lost rivets and shortly after purchasing you may need to do the bolt mod yourself. It may also have long hard use history and some mushy springs which will need to bolt mod and spring swap (to the ones from Unicomp). Also badly done bolt mod will need to inconsistent sound and feel across the board and it's very hard to fix it (not impossible though, just takes time and patience).
2KRO is ok, I'm fine playing unreal tournament and starcraft 2 with Model Ms, size of Spacesaver model is not an issue - it's just a tiny bit bigger than the IBM SSK. See the pic:
(Attachment Link) 36056[/ATTACH]

Thank you very much for your input. I want to clarify though, if I buy the black board with silver keys then the keys are a single piece? And if they are, can they be replaced with replacement keys from Unicomp with the same ease as changing cherry keys?

[czarek]

Thank you very much for your input. I want to clarify though, if I buy the black board with silver keys then the keys are a single piece? And if they are, can they be replaced with replacement keys from Unicomp with the same ease as changing cherry keys?

Probably even easier. You don't need key puller and there is no risk of breaking a switch while pulling a key.

[czarek]

F3 my sig for "Did Model M Quality Decline"

Nice to see an update on this one. Thanks for that Ripster!