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

[fohat.digs]

Ask 10 people what they want and you will get at least 10 answers.

The "sure thing" is that (lots of) people want IBM SSKs in the $200 price range.

Beyond that, it is speculation.

If I owned the factory, I would re-create the original SSK with the original bottom row, adding 1x size Windows keys into the existing place-holders (what is that weird not-Windows key on the right side on most modern keyboards, anyway?), native USB, and case color choice: beige, industrial, or black - with pearl/pebble keycaps.

And, for $10 extra, caps in: red, blue, or green legends on pearl/pebble or bright white.

But that is just how I would do it.

[intelli78]

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."

http://i.imgur.com/cDZmEQz.gifv

[Snowdog993]

What is that weird not-Windows key on the right side on most modern keyboards, anyway?

The menu key.  It's like a right click on the mouse to get the drop down menu.  Same thing.

[SpaceGhost]

What is that weird not-Windows key on the right side on most modern keyboards, anyway?

The menu key.  It's like a right click on the mouse to get the drop down menu.  Same thing.

And IMHO the two keys should bear the legends "Win" and "Menu" respectively, like this :


instead of those silly graphics that appear on so many boards.

[Touch_It]

Perfect layout imo (for a tkl)

[daerid]

And IMHO the two keys should bear the legends "Win" and "Menu" respectively, like this :
(Attachment Link)

instead of those silly graphics that appear on so many boards.

omg this is perfect

[Snowdog993]

I get this strange Deja-Vu feeling when I see those pictures.

[rowdy]

If that abomination pictures on Facebook is what is being produced - no sale here.

A more traditional layout would be great!  As long as they don't fsck around with the bottom row.

[Oobly]

What is that weird not-Windows key on the right side on most modern keyboards, anyway?

The menu key.  It's like a right click on the mouse to get the drop down menu.  Same thing.

And IMHO the two keys should bear the legends "Win" and "Menu" respectively, like this :
(Attachment Link)

instead of those silly graphics that appear on so many boards.

^^This.. I'd buy this. Like the original, but modernised where it makes sense.

[brimborion]

Their pictured keyboard doesn't look that much different from the Matias Tactile Mini Pro, which hasn't bothered me. I don't see what's so heinous about it.

[hashbaz]

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:

Show Image

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.

This is fugly, but I'll still buy it.

[SpaceGhost]

This is fugly, but I'll still buy it.

Just curious:

Would you be much more inclined to buy the other one shown if Unicomp produced it?

Would a $349 price tag be an obstacle if:

1.) The keyboard features Model F-style internals with capsense switching;

2.) The keyboard has intrinsic NKRO limited only by the interface -- which I understand may be increased under USB protocol in increments of  six keys by configuring the physical keyboard as multiple keyboards;

3.) The housing is die-cast aluminum;

4.) The quality of all molded parts and legend imprinting (if they cannot be D/S molded -- see list item #14) is of extremely high quality and consistency;

5.) There are extra USB input ports to accommodate additional input devices;

6.) The controller is programmable;

7.) The keyboard is built in such a way as to facilitate both initial assembly and subsequent disassembly for repairs or mods;

8.) The keyboard has dual outputs, one PS/2 and one USB;

9.) The internal steel plates are thick and heavy like the original Model M;

10.) The front plate is interchangeable with a variety of other plates having different key layout and number of keys;

11.) The capsense PCB is interchangeable with a variety of other capsense PCB's to accommodate the different front plate layouts;

12.) The sound and feel of the keystrokes is very much like a Model F but with no pinging;

13.) The overall quality of the keyboard and the packaging of it with 2-piece molded foam inside the box are at least up to original IBM standards; and

14.) The key caps and 1-piece keys (where used) are all double-shot molded, with a decent selection of color combinations.

An impossible-wish list to be sure, but just think of how much some keyboard enthusiasts spend buying multiple keyboards, custom key caps, etc. in their search for the one true ultimate keyboard.

I have much more to post regarding this new-SSK concept, but will wait to see how the above material is received. Who knows, maybe some billionaire keyboard fanatic will read this and decide to help Unicomp achieve the ultimate keyboard.

OK, time to get up!

[CPTBadAss]

Does that already exist? Xtant. And I bet it'll cost less than $350. Only thing that Xtant doesn't cover on your list is PS/2 and USB.

[SpaceGhost]

Does that already exist? Xtant. And I bet it'll cost less than $350. Only thing that Xtant doesn't cover on your list is PS/2 and USB.

Sorry, I should have added:
15.) Built to the highest production standards, i.e., not (no offense intended here) built as a home-brew project.

And try to remember that commercial enterprises need to turn a healthy profit to stay in business, after all, when considering the price point suggested vs. the extremely high cost of tooling up for something like this.

[SpaceGhost]

Does that already exist? Xtant. And I bet it'll cost less than $350. Only thing that Xtant doesn't cover on your list is PS/2 and USB.

BTW, there are several more items on that list that are not present in the Xtant.

[mougrim]

Does that already exist? Xtant. And I bet it'll cost less than $350. Only thing that Xtant doesn't cover on your list is PS/2 and USB.

Main issue with Xtant is that you mus have an XT board to beginning with. And then you have to order some custom caps from Unicomp. But if he'd collaborated on this with an Unicomp, that'd be perfect. SSK with capacitive F internals...

[CPTBadAss]

Sorry, I should have added:
15.) Built to the highest production standards, i.e., not (no offense intended here) built as a home-brew project. Remember that commercial enterprises need to turn a healthy profit to stay in business, after all.

I am of the opinion that Unicomp doesn't have the highest production standards. Here's an example. I've seen what wcass has made. They are high quality products and I think you discount the DIY/home-brew/Making Stuff Together movement here.

BTW, there are several more items on that list that are not present in the Xtant.

The added USB ports I missed. What else? 'Cause I can make an SSK layout with the XTant.

[SpaceGhost]

Sorry, I should have added:
15.) Built to the highest production standards, i.e., not (no offense intended here) built as a home-brew project. Remember that commercial enterprises need to turn a healthy profit to stay in business, after all.

I am of the opinion that Unicomp doesn't have the highest production standards. Here's an example.

BTW, there are several more items on that list that are not present in the Xtant.

The added USB ports I missed. What else? 'Cause I can make an SSK layout with the XTant.

7 (arguably -- with details to be posted later), 13, 14

I was implying that to justify the high price, Unicomp would need to improve their quality standards, website, packaging, etc. etc. etc.

[fohat.digs]

What are you guys doing about the actual plate for the XTant?

I was all excited until I realized that it was just a PCB.

[hashbaz]

This is fugly, but I'll still buy it.

Just curious:

Would you be much more inclined to buy the other one shown if Unicomp produced it?

Would a $349 price tag be an obstacle if:

1.) The keyboard features Model F-style internals with capsense switching;

2.) The keyboard has intrinsic NKRO limited only by the interface -- which I understand may be increased under USB protocol in increments of  six keys by configuring the physical keyboard as multiple keyboards;

3.) The housing is die-cast aluminum;

4.) The quality of all molded parts and legend imprinting (if they cannot be D/S molded -- see list item #14) is of extremely high quality and consistency;

5.) There are extra USB input ports to accommodate additional input devices;

6.) The controller is programmable;

7.) The keyboard is built in such a way as to facilitate both initial assembly and subsequent disassembly for repairs or mods;

8.) The keyboard has dual outputs, one PS/2 and one USB;

9.) The internal steel plates are thick and heavy like the original Model M;

10.) The front plate is interchangeable with a variety of other plates having different key layout and number of keys;

11.) The capsense PCB is interchangeable with a variety of other capsense PCB's to accommodate the different front plate layouts;

12.) The sound and feel of the keystrokes is very much like a Model F but with no pinging;

13.) The overall quality of the keyboard and the packaging of it with 2-piece molded foam inside the box are at least up to original IBM standards; and

14.) The key caps and 1-piece keys (where used) are all double-shot molded, with a decent selection of color combinations.

An impossible-wish list to be sure, but just think of how much some keyboard enthusiasts spend buying multiple keyboards, custom key caps, etc. in their search for the one true ultimate keyboard.

I have much more to post regarding this new-SSK concept, but will wait to see how the above material is received. Who knows, maybe some billionaire keyboard fanatic will read this and decide to help Unicomp achieve the ultimate keyboard.

OK, time to get up!

I would happily pay $350 for this, yeah.  Or any modern high-quality model-F-alike.

Probably won't pay $350 for what Unicomp is brewing up.  Is that what it's going to cost??

[E TwentyNine]

Probably won't pay $350 for what Unicomp is brewing up.  Is that what it's going to cost??

Unicomp has stated the new SSK(-ish) will be under $200.

[Melvang]

This is fugly, but I'll still buy it.

Just curious:

Would you be much more inclined to buy the other one shown if Unicomp produced it?

Would a $349 price tag be an obstacle if:

1.) The keyboard features Model F-style internals with capsense switching;

2.) The keyboard has intrinsic NKRO limited only by the interface -- which I understand may be increased under USB protocol in increments of  six keys by configuring the physical keyboard as multiple keyboards;

3.) The housing is die-cast aluminum;

4.) The quality of all molded parts and legend imprinting (if they cannot be D/S molded -- see list item #14) is of extremely high quality and consistency;

5.) There are extra USB input ports to accommodate additional input devices;

6.) The controller is programmable;

7.) The keyboard is built in such a way as to facilitate both initial assembly and subsequent disassembly for repairs or mods;

8.) The keyboard has dual outputs, one PS/2 and one USB;

9.) The internal steel plates are thick and heavy like the original Model M;

10.) The front plate is interchangeable with a variety of other plates having different key layout and number of keys;

11.) The capsense PCB is interchangeable with a variety of other capsense PCB's to accommodate the different front plate layouts;

12.) The sound and feel of the keystrokes is very much like a Model F but with no pinging;

13.) The overall quality of the keyboard and the packaging of it with 2-piece molded foam inside the box are at least up to original IBM standards; and

14.) The key caps and 1-piece keys (where used) are all double-shot molded, with a decent selection of color combinations.

An impossible-wish list to be sure, but just think of how much some keyboard enthusiasts spend buying multiple keyboards, custom key caps, etc. in their search for the one true ultimate keyboard.

I have much more to post regarding this new-SSK concept, but will wait to see how the above material is received. Who knows, maybe some billionaire keyboard fanatic will read this and decide to help Unicomp achieve the ultimate keyboard.

OK, time to get up!

I would happily pay $350 for this, yeah.  Or any modern high-quality model-F-alike.

Probably won't pay $350 for what Unicomp is brewing up.  Is that what it's going to cost??

I would pay $350+ in a heart beat for this.  Though I have to say the plates in the F are just as thick if not thicker than an M.  I can throw a dial caliper at mine tonight. 

Also, with number 10, how do you propose to kill the ping?  Factory floss mod?

[SpaceGhost]

This is fugly, but I'll still buy it.

Just curious:

Would you be much more inclined to buy the other one shown if Unicomp produced it?

Would a $349 price tag be an obstacle if:

1.) The keyboard features Model F-style internals with capsense switching;

2.) The keyboard has intrinsic NKRO limited only by the interface -- which I understand may be increased under USB protocol in increments of  six keys by configuring the physical keyboard as multiple keyboards;

3.) The housing is die-cast aluminum;

4.) The quality of all molded parts and legend imprinting (if they cannot be D/S molded -- see list item #14) is of extremely high quality and consistency;

5.) There are extra USB input ports to accommodate additional input devices;

6.) The controller is programmable;

7.) The keyboard is built in such a way as to facilitate both initial assembly and subsequent disassembly for repairs or mods;

8.) The keyboard has dual outputs, one PS/2 and one USB;

9.) The internal steel plates are thick and heavy like the original Model M;

10.) The front plate is interchangeable with a variety of other plates having different key layout and number of keys;

11.) The capsense PCB is interchangeable with a variety of other capsense PCB's to accommodate the different front plate layouts;

12.) The sound and feel of the keystrokes is very much like a Model F but with no pinging;

13.) The overall quality of the keyboard and the packaging of it with 2-piece molded foam inside the box are at least up to original IBM standards; and

14.) The key caps and 1-piece keys (where used) are all double-shot molded, with a decent selection of color combinations.

An impossible-wish list to be sure, but just think of how much some keyboard enthusiasts spend buying multiple keyboards, custom key caps, etc. in their search for the one true ultimate keyboard.

I have much more to post regarding this new-SSK concept, but will wait to see how the above material is received. Who knows, maybe some billionaire keyboard fanatic will read this and decide to help Unicomp achieve the ultimate keyboard.

OK, time to get up!

I would happily pay $350 for this, yeah.  Or any modern high-quality model-F-alike.

Probably won't pay $350 for what Unicomp is brewing up.  Is that what it's going to cost??

I have no idea what price point Unicomp has in mind, but I firmly believe that the keyboard I described could be built to sell for around $350. This would be especially true if tooling, and/or parts, and/or assembly were done in Asia to keep cost down. It would certainly take a very substantial initial investment, and the sales prospects would need to be quite large, in order to justify the expenditure.

Furthermore, I think they would need to build an alternate version at the same time that would have mass appeal in the commercial/industrial/government markets. The alternate would be a quiet version with suppressed clicks, no pinging, but still possessing an obvious tactile "breakover" point upon actuation. This version could provide the high sales figures that would subsidize the cost of the enthusiast-oriented clicky version, as well as the cost of tooling up for those components and parts that could be shared by both versions.

[SpaceGhost]

The ping could be suppressed in a manner similar to floss-modding, but using a durable wick-like material that is made in a larger diameter than the round floss others have recommended. I've tried the round floss but was disappointed with the results -- not enough suppression of the pings. I concluded this is because the floss only makes partial contact all around the inside of the spring coils. I think better contact would help, but the material must be carefully chosen and sized so as not to impede the click. It would need to be machine-cut to length and inserted robotically to minimize labor cost.

[SpaceGhost]

Speaking of ping-suppression, I have a Unicomp board, the Classic 101-key Model M clone, that has absolutely no pinging at all but has very sharp clicks. It was made about 3 years ago, and its springs have an odd dark-grey, almost black appearance -- unlike the springs in many much older IBM Model M's, which have a perfectly shiny, silvery appearance and a fair amount of pinging. I wondered whether some kind of oxide treatment had been applied to the Unicomp springs that had the result of damping out the pinging. I asked Zach about this, and he said he had no idea about any of this. I wonder if anyone there does...

[fohat.digs]

and the sales prospects would need to be quite large, in order to justify the expenditure.

they would need to build an alternate version at the same time that would have mass appeal

I think that hundreds of these would sell quickly, but that it would take thousands to make a realistic go of it.

As always, we are just diddling around re-inventing the wheel that IBM perfected decades ago.

Obviously, there should be a quiet, mostly plastic Model M version, and a bad-ass mostly metal Model F version at twice (triple?) the price. The cases, keys, cables, all the ancillary and/or decorative stuff could all interchange and it would only be the different internal assemblies to make the distinction.

And I don't even thing that the Model F buyers would really care all that much whether theirs looked "almost the same" because all the insiders would "just know" but add a subtle classy emblem on the front or something, or make a special case color (dark green anodized?).

PS - and there is no comparison between a Model M floss-mod which is a minor "meh" thing that is hardly worth the waste of time, and the Model F floss-mod which makes a world of difference.

I have never used a "grease-modded" Model M but people who have seem to think that it is really the best way to go.

[SpaceGhost]

and the sales prospects would need to be quite large, in order to justify the expenditure.

they would need to build an alternate version at the same time that would have mass appeal

PS - and there is no comparison between a Model M floss-mod which is a minor "meh" thing that is hardly worth the waste of time, and the Model F floss-mod which makes a world of difference.

That's good to know; I wondered if my unsatisfactory result with a Model M floss mod was also experienced by others. Has a better type of floss or equivalent material been found that works well for Model M's? I'm thinking of doing an experiment involving a blanket mod on an M that has exceptional clickiness but objectionable pinging. The idea is to maximize the clickiness to the point that it's more than enough, then reduce it to more normal levels and eliminate the pinging at the same time using something like a very soft wick that makes better contact to the spring than does the round dental floss.

[fohat.digs]

Has a better type of floss or equivalent material been found that works well for Model M's?

For the 1,000th time, I will give off with my own personal not-humble opinion:

The Model M is inherently dead. The feel can never be better than a new one from the early days with fresh springs and heavy plate. The single metal back plate, rubber blanket, and plastic 1-piece front barrel plate simply do not provide the tension and stress to really bring it to life.

My end-game, uber-specimen, top-shelf, Model M is a 1986 1390131 that I bolt-modded with a new white latex Unicomp blanket, fresh 2010 Unicomp springs, and mostly F XT 1-piece keys and no floss-mod (and using an Orihalcon SDL-to-USB cable).

The Model F, on the other hand (aside from the far more rigid case), has 3 rigid plates forced together in a concave curve that creates an extremely heavy and solid assembly with multiple unresolved stresses in both tension and compression throughout. I absolutely believe that it is the stresses in these plates that make the Model F so "alive" and that springs, barrels, floss, none of that other stuff makes a bit of difference.
 
But that is just my opinion, of course.

Based on a considerable amount of hands-on experience.

[0100010]

There is a thread on DT where we are talking about building a custom 62 key Model F.  But it falls under the 'home brew' mode for sure.

[brimborion]

That's good to know; I wondered if my unsatisfactory result with a Model M floss mod was also experienced by others. Has a better type of floss or equivalent material been found that works well for Model M's?

Melvang mentioned the internal part of paracord:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69153.msg1655491#msg1655491

[hashbaz]

There is a thread on DT where we are talking about building a custom 62 key Model F.  But it falls under the 'home brew' mode for sure.

Show Image

Ooh, linky?

[Melvang]

That's good to know; I wondered if my unsatisfactory result with a Model M floss mod was also experienced by others. Has a better type of floss or equivalent material been found that works well for Model M's?

Melvang mentioned the internal part of paracord:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69153.msg1655491#msg1655491

I have gotten my XT back together after cleaning the top plate and painting with two decently thick coats of spray can plastidip.  I have also replaced the mat.  These two factors alone seem to reduce the ping to acceptable levels.  But the other F I have is my AT which is not mounted in a case.  That one does have a new mat but I haven't cleaned up that plate yet.  That project will be getting started soon.

Tonight I will do a typing test with audio, do a floss mod with said internal strands of paracord and do another typing test. 

[SpaceGhost]

Has a better type of floss or equivalent material been found that works well for Model M's?

The Model M is inherently dead. The feel can never be better than a new one from the early days with fresh springs and heavy plate. The single metal back plate, rubber blanket, and plastic 1-piece front barrel plate simply do not provide the tension and stress to really bring it to life.

My end-game, uber-specimen, top-shelf, Model M is a 1986 1390131 that I bolt-modded with a new white latex Unicomp blanket, fresh 2010 Unicomp springs, and mostly F XT 1-piece keys and no floss-mod (and using an Orihalcon SDL-to-USB cable).

The Model F, on the other hand (aside from the far more rigid case), has 3 rigid plates forced together in a concave curve that creates an extremely heavy and solid assembly with multiple unresolved stresses in both tension and compression throughout. I absolutely believe that it is the stresses in these plates that make the Model F so "alive" and that springs, barrels, floss, none of that other stuff makes a bit of difference.
 
But that is just my opinion, of course.

Based on a considerable amount of hands-on experience.

Does your uber 0131 sound and feel dead after the mods compared to an F? I know exactly how an F sounds and feels, as I have several of them NIB and have checked out each one. I also have a large number of M's new and used and have checked out most of them. I've only used Model M's, but have done so for 21+ years, so I have a pretty good understanding of what they are like at their best. All I can say is that a Model M at its best is plenty good enough for me and many others.

That being said, it should be noted that when I said Model F-style internals, I meant individual switch modules, same multiple plate structure concept, die-cast aluminum housing -- in other words, virtually identical to a Model F. The only difference being a better way to hold it all together in the correct tension and compression.

I do have to ask about the 3 plates in an F. While I own several, I really don't want to take any of them apart at this time. They're new and pristine and I don't want to risk screwing any of them up. I understand there's a front plate with foam clad on the back, a rear plate with the capsense PCB attached to it, thereby bending it into a matching curvature. But where is the third plate? I know I could go and rummage through a bunch of posts on the subject, but if someone could just describe it and its function they'd save me some time. Thanks!

[fohat.digs]

I really don't want to take any of them apart

You have answered your own question.

I am loosely referring to the fiberglass PCB bent into the inside curve of the sandwich as the 3rd plate.

[SpaceGhost]

I really don't want to take any of them apart

You have answered your own question.

I am loosely referring to the fiberglass PCB bent into the inside curve of the sandwich as the 3rd plate.

Oh. In any event there's no magic about the construction of the F that could not be duplicated closely enough to satisfy enthusiasts IMHO. The two plates in an F are clamped together with the switch modules and PCB sandwiched between the foam-backed front plate and the PCB-lined back plate by a series of bend-over tabs. I think those could be replaced with screws around the perimeter (as a general concept) so even with repeated disassembly there's no tabs to fatigue and break off.

I have an idea wherein the top half of the die-cast housing serves as a rigid frame upon the back of which are mounted the plates with the switches and PCB sandwiched inside.

[0100010]

There is a thread on DT where we are talking about building a custom 62 key Model F.  But it falls under the 'home brew' mode for sure.

Show Image

Ooh, linky?

http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/ibm-model-f-62-and-f-107-mod-ideas-t9324.html

[Melvang]

There is a thread on DT where we are talking about building a custom 62 key Model F.  But it falls under the 'home brew' mode for sure.

Show Image

Ooh, linky?

http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/ibm-model-f-62-and-f-107-mod-ideas-t9324.html

I think I just fell in love with that thread.

[Melvang]

This is before the floss mod.  There is a link in that description for the video after said floss mod.

[__red__]

Also, with number 10, how do you propose to kill the ping?  Factory floss mod?

Some of us really like the ping!

[livingspeedbump]

the ultimate april fools would be actually releasing this after everyone thinks its a joke.

same goes for half life 3.....

[slaction]

No new news on this?

[Touch_It]

April fools, all the updates from the last year were fake!

[ideus]

This thread is not adding anything so far; thus, maybe the OP wants to lock it.

[SpaceGhost]

This thread is not adding anything so far; thus, maybe the OP wants to lock it.

By that standard, perhaps 1/3 of all GH threads should be locked for the same reason.

[ideus]

This thread is not adding anything so far; thus, maybe the OP wants to lock it.

By that standard, perhaps 1/3 of all GH threads should be locked for the same reason.

It seems that is approximately right; however, this particular one is nagging.

[Dihedral]

This thread is not adding anything so far; thus, maybe the OP wants to lock it.

By that standard, perhaps 1/3 of all GH threads should be locked for the same reason.

It seems that is approximately right; however, this particular one is nagging.

I would concur, this is a JOKE from LAST YEAR which should be reason enough to consign it to the archives.

[SpaceGhost]

This thread is not adding anything so far; thus, maybe the OP wants to lock it.

By that standard, perhaps 1/3 of all GH threads should be locked for the same reason.

It seems that is approximately right; however, this particular one is nagging.

I would concur, this is a JOKE from LAST YEAR which should be reason enough to consign it to the archives.

Neither the thread nor its subject are jokes. Unicomp is actually developing a new compact keyboard. We must all remember that Unicomp is a very small company at this point, having lost their major customer (IBM) years ago. I believe they are really trying to get this done, and that their credibility would benefit from giving us a sneak peek at actual prototypes they've built. That is, if they look presentable enough to post here, where they would be subject to intense scrutiny.

[Dihedral]

This thread is not adding anything so far; thus, maybe the OP wants to lock it.

By that standard, perhaps 1/3 of all GH threads should be locked for the same reason.

It seems that is approximately right; however, this particular one is nagging.

I would concur, this is a JOKE from LAST YEAR which should be reason enough to consign it to the archives.

Neither the thread nor its subject are jokes. Unicomp is actually developing a new compact keyboard. We must all remember that Unicomp is a very small company at this point, having lost their major customer (IBM) years ago. I believe they are really trying to get this done, and that their credibility would benefit from giving us a sneak peek at actual prototypes they've built. That is, if they look presentable enough to post here, where they would be subject to intense scrutiny.

I was under the impression it was an april fools joke. It certainly seemed like it - nothing has followed it up anyhow.

[SpaceGhost]

Unicomp's announcement was taken by some here as a joke because it came out right around (or on, not sure) April 1. Unfortunate timing to be sure, but I have an email from their CEO, affirming they are indeed developing this product; but that unlike the rendering they originally published, they have decided it will be more like a traditional TKL layout.

[E TwentyNine]

This thread is not adding anything so far; thus, maybe the OP wants to lock it.

Nah, the OP is still chuckling from the joke a year ago...