For real this time: Unicomp Issues Statement on a BS keyboard smaller than SSK

[1avid_collector]

It's not about the money, it's about not having to send any messages - Unicomp

Huh?

[JaccoW]

A buckling spring Leopold FC660x/Matias Mini Tactile Pro? Not bad. I have come to like this layout.

[tjcaustin]

It's not about the money, it's about not having to send any messages - Unicomp

Did you just quote Dark Knight, sifo?

Because if so...

[1avid_collector]

I believe your interpretation to be correct. The diodes would be on the controller board, but there would be many more connections to be made between membrane and controller. I'm not sure of the ability to add diodes to the existing Model M membrane without being crushed by the barrel frame in the sandwiched construction. Not to mention that attempts to solder diodes to mylar would melt it instantly.

This is why I said "thin film diodes".  I'm no EE, but from my understanding they would fit the bill (I'll be no-so-gladly corrected on this point by someone more knowledgeable though).

Traditionally, thin-film semiconductors (including diodes) are comprised of vacuum-deposited inorganic layers on an inorganic substrate such as silicon. There may be some newer organic technologies for diodes wherein the layers could be somehow printed onto a mylar substrate, but dimensions are microscopically small for the p-n junction. This would require some very exotic printing method IMO. Capsense could be done with relative ease and probably lower cost, since all the basic elements of the technology to make it work have been known and readily available since the Model F.

[SpAmRaY]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56683.0

official forum post

[dorkvader]

I believe your interpretation to be correct. The diodes would be on the controller board, but there would be many more connections to be made between membrane and controller. I'm not sure of the ability to add diodes to the existing Model M membrane without being crushed by the barrel frame in the sandwiched construction. Not to mention that attempts to solder diodes to mylar would melt it instantly.

I agree that it'd be infeasable, but you could hide them under the channels where the hammers sit, there is enough room. As far as soldering it goes, it could be done ultrasonically, but there are better solutions, such as the above.

---
Now, TFT tech could be implemented here, it's already common in OLED displays which have been made flexible. The technology is not quite there to produce it in this way, though.

[rowdy]

Not quite the SSK I was hoping for.

[Kliee]

Actually, I'd buy this day one, even with this layout and case.

1st because I don't really hate the layout. The only real problem I have with it is the position of Home and End that I'd love to see swapped with Delete and Insert.
2nd because you always need a BS board to go 
And 3rd to support UNICOMP

So for me, if it's true, it's good news and I'll fit a place in my winter budget for it.

[BucklingSpring]

Actually, I'd buy this day one, even with this layout and case.

1st because I don't really hate the layout. The only real problem I have with it is the position of Home and End that I'd love to see swapped with Delete and Insert.
2nd because you always need a BS board to go 
And 3rd to support UNICOMP

So for me, if it's true, it's good news and I'll fit a place in my winter budget for it.

^THIS 

I'll press [buy] on the first legit pre-order button for this thing.

[wcass]

I got the email too and was so sure this was an April Fools Day thing that i completely ignored it.

If it is real, I'll buy one too. If not, I'll remind the prankster that the 2^nd is a day to remember good jokes, not perpetuate them.

#1 on my wish list is for the controller to be "end-user programmable" so that i could move keys around to where i want them to go. It would add very little to cost.

The layout is OK, but i think they could do better. I would prefer the "standard" TKL layout or 60%. Even the Mighty Mouse layout would be better IMHO. If i were doing the design, i would put breaks in the function row to make it easier to find the key i want by touch. I would also use standard "caps lock" stepped key left of the arrow cluster for the same reason. Prefer your Control key in the Caps Lock position? Just switch the caps (they are the same size) and program the controller. The graphic below illustrates the suggestion above using existing caps.

[davorb]

I never thought this day would come.

[wcass]

i just realized that the Unicomp design is missing Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause. I never use Pause, but know that some people do. Scroll Lock is still used for spreadsheet navigation and KVM. But of real significance for me is no Print Screen. I use that a lot.

[do_Og@n]

I do hope they fix the design but I am very excited about this.

[johndavis33]

I know that the TKL design would sell more, but I think this 60% idea could also sell well. Because of the rarity of green and white MX switches, if you wanted to buy a 60% clicky, stiff tactile board, this would be your best chance.

[berserkfan]

judging from the fact they're just using rendering done by other people, it isn't within 3-5 years from completion.

[tbc]

WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

75% BS.  i still prefer the 'sea of keys' version, but this will do.

just make an all-black version with one fullsize usb port at either end and detachable cable

[CommonCurt]

One thing many companies seem to forget:
It doesn't pay to make only what the company wants to make; it only pays to make what their customers want to buy.
Therefore, 2 new product introductions are in order here -- a classic-layout SSK, and a 60% variant. Completely separate and distinct products for completely separate and distinct preferences.

I couldn't have said it better

[morpheus]

One thing many companies seem to forget:
It doesn't pay to make only what the company wants to make; it only pays to make what their customers want to buy.
Therefore, 2 new product introductions are in order here -- a classic-layout SSK, and a 60% variant. Completely separate and distinct products for completely separate and distinct preferences.

I couldn't have said it better

Ebay proves that there's a market for SSK, with people shelling out big bucks. It's a no-brainer if you want to make money and maybe even revive the BS market for a wider audience who want the TKL form factor.

[daerid]

I'm pretty sure I'm buying this when it comes out.

I'd also buy a FC660 layout one if they made it so fast my wallet would probably explode.

[Techno Trousers]

I definitely think starting off with the pictured layout would be a mistake. They should start with a traditional TKL layout, and assuming that sells well, then move on to offering 75% or 60% layouts.

Yes, there's a lot of love among enthusiasts for tiny, nonstandard layout boards, but I don't believe that love is shared by the mainstream keyboard buyer.

[ideus]

Another option, since Unicomp is soliciting comments and suggestions at this point:

I really like this render. The proposed layout is very nice. I just hope they dont sell for an arm and a leg.

[tbc]

I definitely think starting off with the pictured layout would be a mistake. They should start with a traditional TKL layout, and assuming that sells well, then move on to offering 75% or 60% layouts.

Yes, there's a lot of love among enthusiasts for tiny, nonstandard layout boards, but I don't believe that love is shared by the mainstream keyboard buyer.

mainstream shopper HATES anything except fullsize.

they feel ripped off because they're getting fewer keys for a board that's more expensive than a hp keyboard.

[morpheus]

I'm pretty sure I'm buying this when it comes out.

I'd also buy a FC660 layout one if they made it so fast my wallet would probably explode.

[bitslasher]

I definitely think starting off with the pictured layout would be a mistake. They should start with a traditional TKL layout, and assuming that sells well, then move on to offering 75% or 60% layouts.

Yes, there's a lot of love among enthusiasts for tiny, nonstandard layout boards, but I don't believe that love is shared by the mainstream keyboard buyer.

These were exactly my thoughts as well.  That layout is hideous.

[rowdy]

I hate when manufacturers frack around with the 6key and arrow layout.  That's one thing I have a lot of muscle memory for (and my biggest hurdle to using the HHKB under Windows).  Waaay too much time spent navigating GUIs with standard layout keyboards.

And the lack of gap between groups of 4 functions keys - bleah.  I use those gaps to feel where the debugging function keys are when I'm concentrating on code on the screen.  I don't want to look at the keyboard t find out where the function keys are.

[n0rvig]

If only.

[Lu_e]

I like the announcement but not the layout shown. The lack of gap between the F row and numbers, and also no gaps between sets of F key clusters like rowdy said... and then having a gap on the right side looks weird.

STANDARD TKL layout (w/ at least 6kro, [preferably unlimited-kro on ps2]) I would buy, FOR SURE. This isn't the time to be fancy... I would even rather NOT have windows keys, but thats probably not gonna happen.

[rowdy]

Its almost a copy of the Leopold FC660x layout.

I see FC660x layout as a compromise between true 60% and TKL.

[dante]

I'm LOL'ing hard here.  It's been 2 years since they promised a red alert set and now they're "working" on a new keyboard?

You've got better chances at retiring early with Iraqi Dinars!

Hate to be a pessimist but it sounds like they want a cheap way to get people talking about them again.

[mougrim]

Another option, since Unicomp is soliciting comments and suggestions at this point:

I'd order it right now It's beautiful.

[ideus]

Its almost a copy of the Leopold FC660x layout.

I see FC660x layout as a compromise between true 60% and TKL.

Not really. This layout has the function row, and some extra caps of the six pack.

[kod]

I hope they ignore the haters and go with the layout as shown.  It's perfect.

[Belfong]

Well Dante, they answered a post in their vendor forum here in GeekHack. I'll have faith.

[ideus]

I hope they ignore the haters and go with the layout as shown.  It's perfect.

I consider it as a very solution for an small footprint layout. I'd buy it without a second thought.

[esoomenona]

Its almost a copy of the Leopold FC660x layout.

I see FC660x layout as a compromise between true 60% and TKL.

Not really. This layout has the function row, and some extra caps of the six pack.

I wish they would go that way. I wonder what function will be performed by the Fn key? It seems they've left most keys intact. Home/End/Pg Up/Pg Dn on Fn+arrows seems to be a perfect setup to me. And splitting the backspace (at the very least, I hope they have contacts under the second barrel there, so it's a possibility to do it ourselves) to have delete there and backspace under it would be perfect. Then they could drop the F row onto Fn+num row. But I'm guessing they might have some media controls there, so maybe that's not possible.

I hope they read this thread and take some new ideas. If someone is messaging them, point them here and let them read.

[ideus]

Its almost a copy of the Leopold FC660x layout.

I see FC660x layout as a compromise between true 60% and TKL.

Not really. This layout has the function row, and some extra caps of the six pack.

I wish they would go that way. I wonder what function will be performed by the Fn key? It seems they've left most keys intact. Home/End/Pg Up/Pg Dn on Fn+arrows seems to be a perfect setup to me. And splitting the backspace (at the very least, I hope they have contacts under the second barrel there, so it's a possibility to do it ourselves) to have delete there and backspace under it would be perfect. Then they could drop the F row onto Fn+num row. But I'm guessing they might have some media controls there, so maybe that's not possible.

I hope they read this thread and take some new ideas. If someone is messaging them, point them here and let them read.

Agreed. I like the FC660x layout better. But some people need the function row, and I think I can live with it.

[berserkfan]

Another option, since Unicomp is soliciting comments and suggestions at this point:

I'd order it right now It's beautiful.

Do order a couple. It'll probably be ready in 5-8 years. In the meantime the hryvnia will probably drop 99% in value so you will be able to sell them for valuable hard currency when you need to buy your potatoes. 

[vivalarevolución]

Interesting, layout, although it certainly use some modification.  I recommend these things:

1.  spacing between the f keys. 
2.  Put the home/end on the FN layer of the Page Up/Page Down, if they will have a function layer. 
3.  Get rid of Menu key, put the FN key there.
4.  Perhaps put that Print Screen Cluster where the Home/End is now.

I know that many folks would prefer the SSK layout, but as compact layouts go, I find it to take up too much space.  My favorite compact layout out of all of them has to be the Matias compact boards.  They are well thought out designs, as most Matias products are.  It take up more vertical space than most compact boards with those F-keys, but I have found the horizontal space on a desk to be more valuable than the vertical space.  And I do not have to spend time searching around for the right F-key, which is what I do with any keyboard that puts the F-keys on the function layer.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

What about an M4 type layout?



I feel like that'd be a good compromise between the full-out SSK and the mock-up on the official press release.

Maybe make a few changes, but overall I think it's a good layout.

[vivalarevolución]

What about an M4 type layout?

Show Image

I feel like that'd be a good compromise between the full-out SSK and the mock-up on the official press release.

Maybe make a few changes, but overall I think it's a good layout.

Yea, that could work.  The f-keys on that are smaller than the other keys, though.  Put the delete and insert above the navigation keys.  2.25 unit shift key on the right.  Clean up those modifiers.

But if there are two columns of keys to the right of the main keyboard section, might as well just add a third column and make it a tenkeyless, right?

[Hellmark]

I would be interested in it, but I do have to say I really don't like the lack of space for the arrow keys, and the odd layout for the home/end/pageup/page down keys. The TKL render of this design I think would be better.

[E TwentyNine]

What about an M4 type layout?

That's good, except make the top row full size, because adding a new key type is extra work for Unicomp.

In order to make that all fit and still get 1/2 key of spacing between the Fn key blocks, make Scroll Lock/Pause one key.

[Belfong]

You know, if Unicomp start to rethink they layout this keyboard will not see the light of the day in the next 2 years. I'd think that their mockup is close to production so why debate on the layout? I kinda like it as it is and can't wait to own a modern buckling spring keyboard for once.

[Belfong]

(Double post. I'll remove this later)

[E TwentyNine]

You know, if Unicomp start to rethink they layout this keyboard will not see the light of the day in the next 2 years. I'd think that their mockup is close to production so why debate on the layout? I kinda like it as it is and can't wait to own a modern buckling spring keyboard for once.

I don't think it's close to production.  Per their announcement it's a "concept we are working on." and "We welcome your thoughts and comments on this future product."

[Belfong]

You know, if Unicomp start to rethink they layout this keyboard will not see the light of the day in the next 2 years. I'd think that their mockup is close to production so why debate on the layout? I kinda like it as it is and can't wait to own a modern buckling spring keyboard for once.

I don't think it's close to production.  Per their announcement it's a "concept we are working on." and "We welcome your thoughts and comments on this future product."

Ah.. my bad. I didn't read the announcement completely. Um, I'll see myself out. You guys carry on..

[ideus]

What about an M4 type layout?

Show Image

I feel like that'd be a good compromise between the full-out SSK and the mock-up on the official press release.

Maybe make a few changes, but overall I think it's a good layout.

This is certainly a good Layout. This is not MX, is it?

[rowdy]

What about an M4 type layout?

Show Image

I feel like that'd be a good compromise between the full-out SSK and the mock-up on the official press release.

Maybe make a few changes, but overall I think it's a good layout.

This is certainly a good Layout. This is not MX, is it?

This would be buckling spring.

[ideus]

What about an M4 type layout?

Show Image

I feel like that'd be a good compromise between the full-out SSK and the mock-up on the official press release.

Maybe make a few changes, but overall I think it's a good layout.

This is certainly a good Layout. This is not MX, is it?

This would be buckling spring.

Really? Um...The height of the caps looks way too short for that, doesn't it? And I think track pads were installed in more modern boards, that BS predated them. Am I right?

[rowdy]

What about an M4 type layout?

Show Image

I feel like that'd be a good compromise between the full-out SSK and the mock-up on the official press release.

Maybe make a few changes, but overall I think it's a good layout.

This is certainly a good Layout. This is not MX, is it?

This would be buckling spring.

Really? Um...The height of the caps looks way too short for that, doesn't it? And I think track pads were installed in more modern boards, that BS predated them. Am I right?

Well, Unicomp makes buckling spring keyboards.  I can't really see why they would release a non-BS pseudo-SSK.