So ... it's close to being 2015 - and no SSK from Unicomp...

[dante]

[nubbinator]

Would you really buy a Unicomp SSK though?

[E TwentyNine]

They said a while back it's more likely to be available mid-2015, under $200.

[Snowdog993]

I would in a heartbeat!

[hwood34]

I'm feeling the same about this as I was for GTA V for PC. I knew it was gonna be a while, and after a certain amount of time I just don't really care anymore. If they release it eventually, great. But I won't let it bother me in the meantime.

[dante]

Would you really buy a Unicomp SSK though?

Yes I would.  And given how often they replace their molding I definitely want some of the first batch.

They said a while back it's more likely to be available mid-2015, under $200.

Source?

[hwood34]

They said a while back it's more likely to be available mid-2015, under $200.

Source?

[E TwentyNine]

Would you really buy a Unicomp SSK though?

Yes I would.  And given how often they replace their molding I definitely want some of the first batch.

They said a while back it's more likely to be available mid-2015, under $200.

Source?

People had emailed them back in the Sep/Oct timeframe, it was on here somewhere, including screenshots of support emails stating such.

[Xonar]

Would you really buy a Unicomp SSK though?

Yes I would.  And given how often they replace their molding I definitely want some of the first batch.

I second this. Getting a first batch Unicomp from new molding is an extremely rare opportunity. I plan to get one the same day they become available, because everyone is gonna want to do the same.

[MGH]

I'd buy one just because full size keyboards are huge

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I thought all the SSK talk was an April Fools joke...?

[E TwentyNine]

I thought all the SSK talk was an April Fools joke...?

I had posted a joke release about a new SSK on April 1st: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56591

Unicomp released a real announcement the next day, but it was dated April 1st also: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56668

[tp4tissue]

They're not gonna NEW MOLD everything..  just the shell..  we're still gonna get the crummy keycaps I bet.. 

[Xonar]

They're not gonna NEW MOLD everything..  just the shell..  we're still gonna get the crummy keycaps I bet.. 

Show Image

You could always replace them with two piece caps off a donor Model M. I'm most likely going to do that when I get mine.

The Unicomp caps aren't THAT bad, though. A little "rough around the edges", yes, but they're still acceptable IMO.
t

[Snowdog993]

Honestly please let me tell you what I actually do know after talking to Jeanne at Unicomp....

Date:    2014-12-10 16:03:01
Name:    Jeanne Deters
   Printer friendly version

Message:

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 interest.

You can follow us on FaceBook: FaceBook.com/pckeyboard

Regards,

Customer Service

Everyone can speculate, but I believe they are just going to stick with the classic SSK layout.  This is what the community wants!  I am sure they will have everything better than before too!  I believe in them.

[dante]

For those who seem to be in the know ... and I know we should be extremely lucky if these even surfaces ...

Any talk / communication on whether they are going to attempt basic 6KRO?  Or this a difficult request with buckling springs?

[Xonar]

For those who seem to be in the know ... and I know we should be extremely lucky if these even surfaces ...

Any talk / communication on whether they are going to attempt basic 6KRO?  Or this a difficult request with buckling springs?

Not a difficult request with buckling springs, since all Model F's have native NKRO and are BS, but the Model M's membrane BS design isn't conducive to more than 2KRO.

[Hypersphere]

Not really interested in a Unicomp SSK anymore. I have an IBM SSK, which suits me just fine.

Now, if they were to come up with a Model F SSK with capacitive buckling spring switches, that could be interesting.

[nubbinator]

Not really interested in a Unicomp SSK anymore. I have an IBM SSK, which suits me just fine.

Now, if they were to come up with a Model F SSK with capacitive buckling spring switches, that could be interesting.

This to infinity.

[dante]

For those who seem to be in the know ... and I know we should be extremely lucky if these even surfaces ...

Any talk / communication on whether they are going to attempt basic 6KRO?  Or this a difficult request with buckling springs?

Not a difficult request with buckling springs, since all Model F's have native NKRO and are BS, but the Model M's membrane BS design isn't conducive to more than 2KRO.

All F's are NKRO? Wow ... Hmm ...

[rowdy]

What can they be working on for so long?

Design is already there thanks to IBM.

Presumably they have machinery that can produce the cases, barrel plates and whatever else is required.

BS mechanism and keycaps - check.

Controller - check!

What else is there?

[0100010]

Not really interested in a Unicomp SSK anymore. I have an IBM SSK, which suits me just fine.

Now, if they were to come up with a Model F SSK with capacitive buckling spring switches, that could be interesting.

This to infinity.

Yall should take a look at this : http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/ibm-model-f-62-and-f-107-mod-ideas-t9324.html

[Khers]

.

[Snowdog993]

What can they be working on for so long?

Design is already there thanks to IBM.

Presumably they have machinery that can produce the cases, barrel plates and whatever else is required.

BS mechanism and keycaps - check.

Controller - check!

What else is there?

New equipment for a process of having black keys with white lettering.  Wireless capability (bluetooth).  The actual bezel in a variety of colors (including industrial).  New membrane design.  Tooling for new equipment to replace older equipment for a new line of keyboards (not just SSK).  Need I go on?

[Huxley2500]

I want!

[Snowdog993]

One thing I would like to see is when they release that "Tenkeyless" keyboard, they should have an actual "Tenkey" numpad to go with it.
Picture this: Your SSK on a desk, your mousepad to the right (or left) and the separate *matching* "Tenkey" on the other side of that.
If you are going to go SSK, at least offer the "Tenkey" as an option for it for the future.  That does make sense to me.
Better than having some "generic" numpad there.  It's a thought.

[Touch_It]

One thing I would like to see is if they have that "Tenkeyless" keyboard, they should have an actual "Tenkey" numpad to go with it.
Picture this: Your SSK on a desk, your mousepad to the right (or left) and the separate *matching* "Tenkey" on the other side of that.
If you are going to go SSK, at least offer the "Tenkey" as an option for it for the future.  That does make sense to me.
Better than having some "generic" numpad there.  It's a thought.

SO MUCH YES

[Sygaldry]

I emailed them earlier this month and they said to check back in swveral months.

 

[Snowdog993]

I have the feeling this is going to be something worth waiting for!  We will all see what happens in the future.  It's all up to them now.

[Puddsy]

Ah yes, the annual "where is the unicomp SSK?" thread

I think we'll get something tangible this year, but i doubt it'll be retail

just as i said in my predictions thread

[supamesican]

Would you really buy a Unicomp SSK though?

While I am more than happy with my full sized unicomp, I may get one for work or just to try out. Maybe for a friend too.

[rowdy]

What can they be working on for so long?

Design is already there thanks to IBM.

Presumably they have machinery that can produce the cases, barrel plates and whatever else is required.

BS mechanism and keycaps - check.

Controller - check!

What else is there?

New equipment for a process of having black keys with white lettering.  Wireless capability (bluetooth).  The actual bezel in a variety of colors (including industrial).  New membrane design.  Tooling for new equipment to replace older equipment for a new line of keyboards (not just SSK).  Need I go on?

New equipment for a process of having black keys with white lettering - Do we need this?  Black on pearl is fine by me.

Wireless capability (bluetooth) - There are few enough Bluetooth keyboards out there, do they imagine this will be a major selling point for an admittedly niche keyboard?

The actual bezel in a variety of colors (including industrial) - Black or beige is fine, industrial would be a bonus, but that is just a case of getting different colour plastic beads or whatever raw material they use.  Actually there is no reason why they can't have ANY case colour.

New membrane design - Fair enough, although aren't there tales of people cutting the side of a full-sized Model M membrane to make a SSK?

Tooling for new equipment to replace older equipment for a new line of keyboards (not just SSK) - Don't they have SSK tooling already?  It hasn't had much (if any) use over the past couple of decades!

[Snowdog993]

I will point out that since the new 105 barrels, yes.  They have to redesign some components.  The new bezels as well.  The wireless aspect is a nice idea, but probably won't happen soon.  The reason why I said that is for connectivity to devices that will only work with bluetooth and not OBD.
They really do have to move forward to attract a new generation of users if they want a future.
I'm sorry I can't be politically correct, and please everyone all the time.  I am new here, yes. 
I don't want them to fail.
I think about the future, and how many kids these days have to have the cheap overpriced junk that's available now.
Is that what it's going to be?
Maybe giving Unicomp ideas to push them into the 21st century isn't such a bad idea.

Edit: My last sentence was wrong.  I had to correct that.

[tbc]

What can they be working on for so long?

Design is already there thanks to IBM.

Presumably they have machinery that can produce the cases, barrel plates and whatever else is required.

BS mechanism and keycaps - check.

Controller - check!

What else is there?

New equipment for a process of having black keys with white lettering.  Wireless capability (bluetooth).  The actual bezel in a variety of colors (including industrial).  New membrane design.  Tooling for new equipment to replace older equipment for a new line of keyboards (not just SSK).  Need I go on?

New equipment for a process of having black keys with white lettering - Do we need this?  Black on pearl is fine by me.

Wireless capability (bluetooth) - There are few enough Bluetooth keyboards out there, do they imagine this will be a major selling point for an admittedly niche keyboard?

The actual bezel in a variety of colors (including industrial) - Black or beige is fine, industrial would be a bonus, but that is just a case of getting different colour plastic beads or whatever raw material they use.  Actually there is no reason why they can't have ANY case colour.

New membrane design - Fair enough, although aren't there tales of people cutting the side of a full-sized Model M membrane to make a SSK?

Tooling for new equipment to replace older equipment for a new line of keyboards (not just SSK) - Don't they have SSK tooling already?  It hasn't had much (if any) use over the past couple of decades!

logically, they would see that mx gets alot of attention for keycap customization.  i'm not talking about gh.  just look at how many different styles vortex makes.  this would just be a feature checklist match.  is that the best strategy? maybe not, but it happens in literally almost every industry.

filco thought bluetooth was important enough to remake the filco minila. a niche within a super niche, yet ir happened.

[rowdy]

I will point out that since the new 105 barrels, yes.  They have to redesign some components.  The new bezels as well.  The wireless aspect is a nice idea, but probably won't happen soon.  The reason why I said that is for connectivity to devices that will only work with bluetooth and not OBD.
They really do have to move forward to attract a new generation of users if they want a future.
I'm sorry I can't be politically correct, and please everyone all the time.  I am new here, yes. 
I don't want them to fail.
I think about the future, and how many kids these days have to have the cheap overpriced junk that's available now.
Is that what it's going to be?
Maybe giving Unicomp ideas to push them into the 21st century isn't such a bad idea.

Edit: My last sentence was wrong.  I had to correct that.

They have the original 101 barrel plate making machines, and the newer 105 barrel plate making machine - for an SSK in either layout they'd just have to just not make, or cut off, the numpad part.

Or do they have the original SSK barrel plate making machine?  That would make things even easier!  Although to cater for today's market they might have to add the extra winkeys.

logically, they would see that mx gets alot of attention for keycap customization.  i'm not talking about gh.  just look at how many different styles vortex makes.  this would just be a feature checklist match.  is that the best strategy? maybe not, but it happens in literally almost every industry.

filco thought bluetooth was important enough to remake the filco minila. a niche within a super niche, yet ir happened.

Unicomp do make a range of standard and custom legend keycaps for the Model M in a range of colours.  There are a few odd gaps in their offerings though, like a complete set without space bar?

But yeah, there is probably a market for someone like a GMK or SP to make BS keycap sets!

[jacobolus]

Everyone can speculate, but I believe they are just going to stick with the classic SSK layout.  This is what the community wants!  I am sure they will have everything better than before too!  I believe in them.

LOL. Good luck. I would be amazed to see a Unicomp SSK anytime in the next 2 years. They’ve been making totally empty promises about this for years.

Here’s what they teased last April:


So no, probably not the usual IBM SSK layout, even if they do eventually release something.

One thing I would like to see is when they release that "Tenkeyless" keyboard, they should have an actual "Tenkey" numpad to go with it.

Never going to happen. Not even worth dreaming about. If you want this, you’ll have to build it yourself.

(By the way, building it yourself is a totally possible project: you just need to cut the numpad part out of a Model M, bolt mod it, and wire up all the cut off traces to a new controller, and then hack up a case. It’s a non-trivial project, but several people have already made Franken-SSKs out of cut-down 101-key Model Ms.)

[Lunatique]

Here’s what they teased last April:

Show Image

I really like that they're making it more compact than the original SSK, since these keyboards have unnecessarily wide/thick borders that take up precious space on the desk. Anyone know why their keyboards have such wide/thick borders? Is it necessary for the structural integrity of the design, or they're just too lazy to change things up and modernize (or simply want to retain that retro/classic look)?

[Rainman]

I would love to get my hands on this keyboard. I love model M but they are to big to sit on my desk without me having to take things off my desk.

[awts]

Here’s what they teased last April:

Show Image

I really like that they're making it more compact than the original SSK, since these keyboards have unnecessarily wide/thick borders that take up precious space on the desk. Anyone know why their keyboards have such wide/thick borders. Is it necessary for the structural integrity of the design, or they're just too lazy to change things up and modernize (or simply want to retain that retro/classic look)?

Just like how Topre RFs have this thick tops... But it's reminiscent of the past though...  :p

[Snowdog993]

I'll just let you folks discuss it.  It's all good.

[dante]

New equipment for a process of having black keys with white lettering.  Wireless capability (bluetooth).  The actual bezel in a variety of colors (including industrial).  New membrane design.  Tooling for new equipment to replace older equipment for a new line of keyboards (not just SSK).  Need I go on?

You can keep going on but I think you are dreaming.

[Rainman]

New equipment for a process of having black keys with white lettering.  Wireless capability (bluetooth).  The actual bezel in a variety of colors (including industrial).  New membrane design.  Tooling for new equipment to replace older equipment for a new line of keyboards (not just SSK).  Need I go on?

You can keep going on but I think you are dreaming.

I don't see why not. I mean, it would be in utter most interest for Unicomp to produce an tenkeyless model with all the latest bells and whistles. It's not like the current technologies (Wireless capability etc) is out of this world so they need to invent "hot water" again and again. It would only send their sales sky-high.

[jacobolus]

I don't see why not. I mean, it would be in utter most interest for Unicomp to produce an tenkeyless model with all the latest bells and whistles. It's not like the current technologies (Wireless capability etc) is out of this world so they need to invent "hot water" again and again. It would only send their sales sky-high.

If you go raise the tens of thousands of dollars for new injection molding tooling, I’m sure they’ll be glad to use it.

[Rainman]

I don't see why not. I mean, it would be in utter most interest for Unicomp to produce an tenkeyless model with all the latest bells and whistles. It's not like the current technologies (Wireless capability etc) is out of this world so they need to invent "hot water" again and again. It would only send their sales sky-high.

If you go raise the tens of thousands of dollars for new injection molding tooling, I’m sure they’ll be glad to use it.

If you can find perfectly replicated Chinese copies of Iphones a month after they were released I'm sure they can come with something like this. Besides, in order to gain something you have to invest too. Imagine, if they are able to pull this off, I'm sure every third geekhack member would want to own an SSK Model M... When there is a will, there is a way. I'm more worried about the first thing.

[hwood34]

I don't see why not. I mean, it would be in utter most interest for Unicomp to produce an tenkeyless model with all the latest bells and whistles. It's not like the current technologies (Wireless capability etc) is out of this world so they need to invent "hot water" again and again. It would only send their sales sky-high.

If you go raise the tens of thousands of dollars for new injection molding tooling, I’m sure they’ll be glad to use it.

If you can find perfectly replicated Chinese copies of Iphones a month after they were released I'm sure they can come with something like this. Besides, in order to gain something you have to invest too. Imagine, if they are able to pull this off, I'm sure every third geekhack member would want to own an SSK Model M... When there is a will, there is a way. I'm more worried about the first thing.

But remember that there's a huge market for counterfeit Iphones, significantly less so for buckling spring keyboards. While it may be worth it if every single GH and DT member bought one, that number in reality is much smaller when you eliminate those who don't like BS, have an SSK already, or need a numpad

[Rainman]

I don't see why not. I mean, it would be in utter most interest for Unicomp to produce an tenkeyless model with all the latest bells and whistles. It's not like the current technologies (Wireless capability etc) is out of this world so they need to invent "hot water" again and again. It would only send their sales sky-high.

If you go raise the tens of thousands of dollars for new injection molding tooling, I’m sure they’ll be glad to use it.

If you can find perfectly replicated Chinese copies of Iphones a month after they were released I'm sure they can come with something like this.
Besides, in order to gain something you have to invest too. Imagine, if they are able to pull this off, I'm sure every third geekhack member would want to own an SSK Model M... When there is a will, there is a way. I'm more worried about the first thing.

But remember that there's a huge market for counterfeit Iphones, significantly less so for buckling spring keyboards. While it may be worth it if every single GH and DT member bought one, that number in reality is much smaller when you eliminate those who don't like BS, have an SSK already, or need a numpad

I agree with you to some extent. I think that Unicomp has to realize that they can't go on forever making profit of full Model M's and these mech last like a lifetime. Let's say 100 BS fans buy 100 Unicomp Model M's , I think they will be golden for the next few years. Long story short, if Unicomp doesn't want to go ahead and expand their offers fine with me, but in reality, in the long run, it's a missed opportunity.

[Lunatique]

I agree with you to some extent. I think that Unicomp has to realize that they can't go on forever making profit of full Model M's and these mech last like a lifetime. Let's say 100 BS fans buy 100 Unicomp Model M's , I think they will be golden for the next few years. Long story short, if Unicomp doesn't want to go ahead and expand their offers fine with me, but in reality, in the long run, it's a missed opportunity.

Selling 100 keyboards generate very little revenue. The cost of parts, production, factory facility expenses, employee salary, insurance, and various other business-related expenses (office operation, website, etc)--they would have to sell FAR more than 100 keyboards to just break even.

[rowdy]

I agree with you to some extent. I think that Unicomp has to realize that they can't go on forever making profit of full Model M's and these mech last like a lifetime. Let's say 100 BS fans buy 100 Unicomp Model M's , I think they will be golden for the next few years. Long story short, if Unicomp doesn't want to go ahead and expand their offers fine with me, but in reality, in the long run, it's a missed opportunity.

Selling 100 keyboards generate very little revenue. The cost of parts, production, factory facility expenses, employee salary, insurance, and various other business-related expenses (office operation, website, etc)--they would have to sell FAR more than 100 keyboards to just break even.

They have their parts and repair services too.

[Rainman]

I agree with you to some extent. I think that Unicomp has to realize that they can't go on forever making profit of full Model M's and these mech last like a lifetime. Let's say 100 BS fans buy 100 Unicomp Model M's , I think they will be golden for the next few years. Long story short, if Unicomp doesn't want to go ahead and expand their offers fine with me, but in reality, in the long run, it's a missed opportunity.

Selling 100 keyboards generate very little revenue. The cost of parts, production, factory facility expenses, employee salary, insurance, and various other business-related expenses (office operation, website, etc)--they would have to sell FAR more than 100 keyboards to just break even.

You do realize that the number I mentioned was only hypothetical to make an example.

[hwood34]

I agree with you to some extent. I think that Unicomp has to realize that they can't go on forever making profit of full Model M's and these mech last like a lifetime. Let's say 100 BS fans buy 100 Unicomp Model M's , I think they will be golden for the next few years. Long story short, if Unicomp doesn't want to go ahead and expand their offers fine with me, but in reality, in the long run, it's a missed opportunity.

Selling 100 keyboards generate very little revenue. The cost of parts, production, factory facility expenses, employee salary, insurance, and various other business-related expenses (office operation, website, etc)--they would have to sell FAR more than 100 keyboards to just break even.

You do realize that the number I mentioned was only hypothetical to make an example.

took me a while to understand the example you were making. So you're just saying that as long as most BS users buy unicomp boards, they'll be fine? The only problem there is that people using unicomps are the minority by a pretty large margin.