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

[Pacifist]

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.

The M4 is unicomp? It says ibm in the corner

[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.

The M4 is unicomp? It says ibm in the corner

Ah, I see what is happening, I didn't read enough of the historical posts.  Perhaps I shouldn't post during 30 second minute breaks at work :p

[E TwentyNine]

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

The question is referring to the M4, not the new keyboard.

The M4 is a rubber dome (buckling rubber collar actually) keyboard, not a buckling spring.

[ideus]

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

The question is referring to the M4, not the new keyboard.

The M4 is a rubber dome (buckling rubber collar actually) keyboard, not a buckling spring.

That was what I thought. I had an IBM SS II with track pad and it was rubber dome. I think that was made at the same time that the M4.

[smknjoe]

They should just keep the original design and start cranking them out. Then, work on their new concept.

Edit: It's pretty bad that they can't get their own company history right. The SSK I have in front of me was made in 1987 and probably designed before that date.

[Pacifist]

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.

The M4 is unicomp? It says ibm in the corner

Ah, I see what is happening, I didn't read enough of the historical posts.  Perhaps I shouldn't post during 30 second minute breaks at work :p

Just woundering, do you even read the entire quotes in your 30 secs?

[dustinhxc]

It's like a a Leo fc :0 it's gorgeous. Get rid of the 4 keys above the arrows though.. Or 2 of them..

[CommonCurt]

Just read this on DT

"M'er Forever wrote:A huge OOPS! may be due here...
Just now realized Unicomp put out 2 different announcements today, one concerning a new "traditional" SSK TKL, and also a new 60%-ish keyboard. The choice is not between the two , but rather both are being developed. Sorry I didn't figure this out until now; even I didn't know exactly what they were up to despite working directly with them."

[tbc]

wait what....

i thought the first one was made by one of us...

and i only see one announcement on their facebook.

[sth]

OP mockup is uglier than tactile-mini what is with that right column?!

[intelli78]

wait what....

i thought the first one was made by one of us...

and i only see one announcement on their facebook.

Yea. What is that guy talking about?

[E TwentyNine]

Just read this on DT

"M'er Forever wrote:A huge OOPS! may be due here...
Just now realized Unicomp put out 2 different announcements today, one concerning a new "traditional" SSK TKL, and also a new 60%-ish keyboard. The choice is not between the two , but rather both are being developed. Sorry I didn't figure this out until now; even I didn't know exactly what they were up to despite working directly with them."

And if you read two comments further in that thread, you'll see me telling him that the first announcement was my april fools joke.

[CommonCurt]

Just read this on DT

"M'er Forever wrote:A huge OOPS! may be due here...
Just now realized Unicomp put out 2 different announcements today, one concerning a new "traditional" SSK TKL, and also a new 60%-ish keyboard. The choice is not between the two , but rather both are being developed. Sorry I didn't figure this out until now; even I didn't know exactly what they were up to despite working directly with them."

And if you read two comments further in that thread, you'll see me telling him that the first announcement was my april fools joke.

Oops. Thought I did read the whole thing.

Got my hopes up for nothing.

[berserkfan]

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."

Concepts tend to get worked on for years, sometimes even hundreds of years. AKA vapourware

[ideus]

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."

Concepts tend to get worked on for years, sometimes even hundreds of years. AKA vapourware

I really hope you were wrong. I had never thought in getting a BS, but if this is for real, I really like to get one, just to tray one of the holy grails of keyboards.

[berserkfan]

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."

Concepts tend to get worked on for years, sometimes even hundreds of years. AKA vapourware

I really hope you were wrong. I had never thought in getting a BS, but if this is for real, I really like to get one, just to tray one of the holy grails of keyboards.

SSK is not a holy grain (typo left in on purpose). Model F in a modern format is a holy grail. It ain't happening, except by grace of the hard work of some enthusiasts working on the Model F revival project. Don't expect Unicomp to do anything that they have never done before.

[ideus]

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."

Concepts tend to get worked on for years, sometimes even hundreds of years. AKA vapourware

I really hope you were wrong. I had never thought in getting a BS, but if this is for real, I really like to get one, just to tray one of the holy grails of keyboards.

SSK is not a holy grain (typo left in on purpose). Model F in a modern format is a holy grail. It ain't happening, except by grace of the hard work of some enthusiasts working on the Model F revival project. Don't expect Unicomp to do anything that they have never done before.

It is a matter of points of view. What I was referring to when I called this a "holy grail" is that BS switches are considered by some to be better as current ones, like MX. Thus, any opportunity to try one keyboard with BSs at a reasonable price may be a good chance for many of us to actually experience this type of keyboard that is close to a "urban legend" between us keyboard afficionados.

[SpAmRaY]

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."

Concepts tend to get worked on for years, sometimes even hundreds of years. AKA vapourware

I really hope you were wrong. I had never thought in getting a BS, but if this is for real, I really like to get one, just to tray one of the holy grails of keyboards.

SSK is not a holy grain (typo left in on purpose). Model F in a modern format is a holy grail. It ain't happening, except by grace of the hard work of some enthusiasts working on the Model F revival project. Don't expect Unicomp to do anything that they have never done before.

It is a matter of points of view. What I was referring to when I called this a "holy grail" is that BS switches are considered by some to be better as current ones, like MX. Thus, any opportunity to try one keyboard with BSs at a reasonable price may be a good chance for many of us to actually experience this type of keyboard that is close to a "urban legend" between us keyboard afficionados.

If you just want to try buckling springs I've seen quite a few in great shape sell for $45-50 or less sometimes.

[ideus]

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."

Concepts tend to get worked on for years, sometimes even hundreds of years. AKA vapourware

I really hope you were wrong. I had never thought in getting a BS, but if this is for real, I really like to get one, just to tray one of the holy grails of keyboards.

SSK is not a holy grain (typo left in on purpose). Model F in a modern format is a holy grail. It ain't happening, except by grace of the hard work of some enthusiasts working on the Model F revival project. Don't expect Unicomp to do anything that they have never done before.

It is a matter of points of view. What I was referring to when I called this a "holy grail" is that BS switches are considered by some to be better as current ones, like MX. Thus, any opportunity to try one keyboard with BSs at a reasonable price may be a good chance for many of us to actually experience this type of keyboard that is close to a "urban legend" between us keyboard afficionados.

If you just want to try buckling springs I've seen quite a few in great shape sell for $45-50 or less sometimes.

Maybe I have had very bad luck, but all I have seen were priced in the hundreds.

[SpAmRaY]

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."

Concepts tend to get worked on for years, sometimes even hundreds of years. AKA vapourware

I really hope you were wrong. I had never thought in getting a BS, but if this is for real, I really like to get one, just to tray one of the holy grails of keyboards.

SSK is not a holy grain (typo left in on purpose). Model F in a modern format is a holy grail. It ain't happening, except by grace of the hard work of some enthusiasts working on the Model F revival project. Don't expect Unicomp to do anything that they have never done before.

It is a matter of points of view. What I was referring to when I called this a "holy grail" is that BS switches are considered by some to be better as current ones, like MX. Thus, any opportunity to try one keyboard with BSs at a reasonable price may be a good chance for many of us to actually experience this type of keyboard that is close to a "urban legend" between us keyboard afficionados.

If you just want to try buckling springs I've seen quite a few in great shape sell for $45-50 or less sometimes.

Maybe I have had very bad luck, but all I have seen were priced in the hundreds.

I just meant buckling spring keyboards, like a unicomp board or a model m...not an ssk

[ideus]

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."

Concepts tend to get worked on for years, sometimes even hundreds of years. AKA vapourware

I really hope you were wrong. I had never thought in getting a BS, but if this is for real, I really like to get one, just to tray one of the holy grails of keyboards.

SSK is not a holy grain (typo left in on purpose). Model F in a modern format is a holy grail. It ain't happening, except by grace of the hard work of some enthusiasts working on the Model F revival project. Don't expect Unicomp to do anything that they have never done before.

It is a matter of points of view. What I was referring to when I called this a "holy grail" is that BS switches are considered by some to be better as current ones, like MX. Thus, any opportunity to try one keyboard with BSs at a reasonable price may be a good chance for many of us to actually experience this type of keyboard that is close to a "urban legend" between us keyboard afficionados.

If you just want to try buckling springs I've seen quite a few in great shape sell for $45-50 or less sometimes.

Maybe I have had very bad luck, but all I have seen were priced in the hundreds.

I just meant buckling spring keyboards, like a unicomp board or a model m...not an ssk

Ah, well I am talking about SSKs, I do not really like full size keyboards, and I think I would not get one just to try a switch.

[fohat.digs]

"holy grail" is that BS switches are considered by some to be better

The term "holy grail" might be applied to a theoretical non-existent Model F in a clean modern configuration, but while Model Ms are available in many pleasing configurations and color choices, they are, in real life, simply dull and dead-feeling and -sounding in comparison to the Model F.

The difference is striking and easily comparable to the arguments over the feels of various flavors of Cherry switches.

In my opinion, the floss mod is essential on an F, and that mod is what pushes your keyboard to the pinnacle of exquisiteness.

[wcass]

the Holy Grail of keyboards has capacitive buckling spring switches, an all metal case, and 60% layout. It looks like this:

[dante]

^ and low profile like the M2

[Lu_e]

Nice crooked keycaps

[rowdy]

If you just want to try buckling springs I've seen quite a few in great shape sell for $45-50 or less sometimes.

Maybe I have had very bad luck, but all I have seen were priced in the hundreds.

I just meant buckling spring keyboards, like a unicomp board or a model m...not an ssk

Ah, well I am talking about SSKs, I do not really like full size keyboards, and I think I would not get one just to try a switch.

Could be a worthwhile investment (getting a full-sized BS keyboard to try).  I managed to grab two for $31 or so, both missing a few keycaps, both missing cables.  I made a cable for one, and bought a cable for the other.  A WTB thread here sourced a few extra keycaps for one of them.  I used it, and fell in love with it (while still allowing considerable affection for my HHKB).

Based on that experience, I would like to get an SSK to take in to work.  Ideally two, as my desk at home is cramped when I have anything other than the HHKB on there.

And a cheap throw-away full size board could act as a donor if you need keycaps for an SSK, and also a base for experimentation if you decide to open and clean, and maybe even bolt mod, an SSK.

[dgreekstallion]

"holy grail" is that BS switches are considered by some to be better

The term "holy grail" might be applied to a theoretical non-existent Model F in a clean modern configuration, but while Model Ms are available in many pleasing configurations and color choices, they are, in real life, simply dull and dead-feeling and -sounding in comparison to the Model F.

The difference is striking and easily comparable to the arguments over the feels of various flavors of Cherry switches.

In my opinion, the floss mod is essential on an F, and that mod is what pushes your keyboard to the pinnacle of exquisiteness.

You know, I still haven't floss-modded mine...

[E TwentyNine]

I'm going to necro this thread as the original topic is still on point.

Unicomp posted an update on Facebook today:

Link: "TenKeyLess Update: We are working on a tenkeyless keyboard, however, it is taking longer than anticipated. Look for more news on it in the next several months. Thanks for your patience!"

Unfortunately the picture is still this:


Personally I like the spaces between groups of Fn keys (which they have room to do unless they're hiding a controller in that top right corner) and some space around the cursor keys which even a keywidth shift to the right would accomplish.

[Warduke]

I want an SSK so bad but I still hate this design with a passion. Hopefully it's not the final one.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

considering they've posted this same design multiple times, i'd have to assume it's the one they're aiming to produce... which really sucks, IMO...

it looks like the bastard child of an SSK and an FC660...

[Jotokun]

The physical layout doesn't seem too bad to me, it's almost a standard 75%. The mappings seem really poor though if that's what they're going for. The column to the right should be Home/Page Up/Page Down/End seeing as the Choc Mini, Keycool, TG3/Deck and countless laptops follow that pattern.

Fixable with a teensy, sure, but it would be nicer to not need one.

[mougrim]

The physical layout doesn't seem too bad to me, it's almost a standard 75%. The mappings seem really poor though if that's what they're going for. The column to the right should be Home/Page Up/Page Down/End seeing as the Choc Mini, Keycool, TG3/Deck and countless laptops follow that pattern.

Fixable with a teensy, sure, but it would be nicer to not need one.

It'b be better with a fully programmable layout, based on teensy or arduino.

[Snowdog993]

 "TenKeyLess Update: We are working on a tenkeyless keyboard, however, it is taking longer than anticipated. Look for more news on it in the next several months. Thanks for your patience!"

I guess they are still having people ask about the TKL model, and the only thing they can dig up is that.  I'm still sure that the "new" SSK will look almost identical to the original SSK except for the fact that it will have windows and menu keys added.  (86-key).  The barrels they have can accommodate it right now.  It makes more sense if they just go at it that way.

The illustration resembles a laptop keyboard configuration.  (I can't remember which one, but I do recall one similar to it.)

I'm sure the next "few months" may be soon if they actually go with the 86 key model.

[ideus]

Unicomp = Unicorn!, for real? yeah, sure.

[fohat.digs]

Considering the ongoing deluge of requests that Unicomp has been getting for new SSKs, for years, it is inconceivable that they would want to "re-design" it beyond adding Windows keys and native USB.

[brimborion]

If they make it, I'll buy it.

If I am not bankrupt from buying other keyboards to fill my empty heart until it arrives.

[Zeal]

Would not be surprised if there's a press release on April 1 saying it's almost ready for sale.

[E TwentyNine]

Considering the ongoing deluge of requests that Unicomp has been getting for new SSKs, for years, it is inconceivable that they would want to "re-design" it beyond adding Windows keys and native USB.

[fohat.digs]

inconceivable that they would want to "re-design" it

Ha Ha Ha Ha

Also because the existing SSK layout would require only minor modifications to existing components
while anything else would require  A  LOT  MORE  WORK !

[E TwentyNine]

inconceivable that they would want to "re-design" it

Ha Ha Ha

Also because the existing SSK layout would require only minor modifications to existing components
while anything else would require  A  LOT  MORE  WORK !

Do you think so?  As far as I know, any parts they had that was SSK related was old stock and all the machinery involved in producing the barrel plate and case is long gone or degraded to a point of uselessness.

Regardless of the layout chosen, they want a new, slimmer case, and the backplate and controller would be the same (minus the firmware differences).

They need manufacturing/outsourcing for the membranes, which have to be redesigned either way.  The old SSK layout will not work due to the new smaller controller and new keys.

Same with the barrel plates.  Even with the traditional layout plus win keys it a different piece.  So the layout they choose there is irrelevant.

I don't see how bringing the original SSK back (in a new case) is any simpler than bringing their redesigned one is.

[fohat.digs]

I don't really care, personally.

From Cindy, a couple of months ago, I got a New-In-Box SSK and did a bolt-mod and latex blanket upgrade on it, so I am set.

If they make the case compatible with the original, and sell them empty in the "industrial" color, I would surely buy one, but otherwise, I don't really have a dog in the fight.

[hwood34]

so they still have that 68%ishsomewherearoundthere layout. bleh

[Daniel Beardsmore]

The physical layout doesn't seem too bad to me, it's almost a standard 75%. The mappings seem really poor though if that's what they're going for. The column to the right should be Home/Page Up/Page Down/End seeing as the Choc Mini, Keycool, TG3/Deck and countless laptops follow that pattern.

Why should Unicomp copy the mistakes of others? ;-)

I didn't realise that this design put Delete where it should be. Personally I'd put home and end where page up/down are, and use Fn to access page up/down. Involving Fn in already convoluted ctrl/shift combinations with home/end is a pain, whereas you're more likely to hit page up/down in isolation.

The advantage of BS though—if they're sticking with the traditional design with a curved backplate—is that you can reshuffle the keys without needing to worry about row profile, which you can't do with a Noppoo or Keycool, and if the legends are wrong, you'll drive yourself mad trying to remember what the assignments are if you're also using other machines with TKL or larger layouts. It's hard to even remember that I have a function row on my full-size keyboard — switching between Poker II (work) and 105-key Majestouch (home) is odd.

(I realise that the common right-hand column matches some laptops, but it doesn't match either my Dell or my Lenovo.)

[SpaceGhost]

so they still have that 68%ishsomewherearoundthere layout. bleh

A glimmer of hope:
I recently received an email from the CEO of Unicomp, and he said they had in fact decided to go with a more traditional layout instead. I think that means something very much like -- perhaps identical to -- the original IBM SSK. He also emphasized that they really are working on this project, but that it was simply taking longer than anticipated.

For those who like the Mopar Indy Gray SSK, here's what I'd like to see from them at least as an optional version; although I realize this is way too optimistic at this point:

[pr0ximity]

The real shame is that they keep focusing on producing Model M replicas instead of a new Model F or beamspring. I totally understand why they don't, but the faux Model M's just seem... ugh.

[Novus]

Indoctrinate me into this cult 

[SpaceGhost]

The real shame is that they keep focusing on producing Model M replicas instead of a new Model F or beamspring. I totally understand why they don't, but the faux Model M's just seem... ugh.

I have suggested to Neil at Unicomp that what real IBM-keyboard enthusiasts would love to see is a new SSK with Model F-style capsense internals, but with an improved method that would make assembly and disassembly much easier. And NKRO (capsense makes this possible) or at least capsense with USB 6KRO -- a significant improvement for gamers who like buckling-spring keyboards but need more than the 2KRO limit of Model M's. With several versions of the front plate and corresponding versions of the PCB, and a programmable controller, they could offer a variety of key layouts and customization.

FGS, make the darn thing in China if you have to, just get it done!

[fohat.digs]

but with an "improved" method that would make assembly and disassembly much easier.

This is what scares me.

Without multiple plates in tension and compression it will be as dead as a Model M.

And keep a full-size Backspace up where it belongs.

[SpaceGhost]

but with an "improved" method that would make assembly and disassembly much easier.

This is what scares me.

Without multiple plates in tension and compression it will be as dead as a Model M.

And keep a full-size Backspace up where it belongs.

When I said "Model F-style" I meant with the two plates in tension/compression like in a Model F -- just not held together with bend-over aluminum tabs. It would be screwed together all around the perimeter. If the steel is thick and stiff enough (and curved), this should provide proper compression.

The Backspace size and location shown is just my preference; it could be of the earlier conventional size and location if preferred. If a variety of front plates and corresponding PCB's were designed, and a programmable controller installed, then a variety of layouts would be easily possible.

[Paranoid Android]

I don't know if this has been said before but on Facebook today I saw an announcement from Unicomp saying that they are making a TKL keyboard but "it's taking longer than expected."