Unicomp Model M: Heavier/Lighter/same compared to mx blacks?

[macguy80]

I'm looking at getting a Spacesaver M, but I am curious about the weighting. It's been years since I've typed on a model M, and I understand that there is some difference when comparing modern Unicomps to an actual IBM model M.

So, I'd like to know how a Unicomp model M compares in weighting to cherry blacks for my own point of reference. Thanks!

[fohat.digs]

The "official measured" weight may be almost as high as MX black, but to me they feel lighter.

For one thing, you can strike them with whatever force you want and they feel the same and don't care.

If you are angry or frustrated, just hit them with triple the normal force and you will feel better.

[macguy80]

You know, that seems to mesh with my memory quite well. LOL, yeah, they're great for letting off steam!

[Snowdog993]

I'm looking at getting a Spacesaver M, but I am curious about the weighting. It's been years since I've typed on a model M, and I understand that there is some difference when comparing modern Unicomps to an actual IBM model M.

So, I'd like to know how a Unicomp model M compares in weighting to cherry blacks for my own point of reference. Thanks!

I won't compare a Model M to Cherry blacks.  But I will compare the Model M to a Unicomp Model M.  They feel nearly identical.  There really isn't a difference in the way the keyboard "feels" to type on.  I do like the new 103 Model M.
Take a look at my Imgur albums in my signature.  As far as feel is concerned, it's still a Model M.
If you prefer a Model M, get one!  If you want a Cherry MX Black to compare it to, go for it!

[macguy80]

Hi Snowdog993,

Thank you! I really appreciate your post. Actually, I should probably say this for others' benefit, but the reason I was even comparing BS with mx black in the first place is that I read a review somewhere online where the reviewer found the Unicomp Model M he was reviewing to be about as heavy as cherry mx blacks.

This gave me pause, as personally, I do find mx blacks too heavy for my own liking. Yet, I don't remember Model M's being anywhere *near* that in terms of fatigue.

But I wanted to post and see if my memory was off, in which case I may find myself unhappy with a unicomp. Thanks to both replies thus far, I am confident there will be no buyer's remorse this time around.

[Snowdog993]

Hi Snowdog993,

Thank you! I really appreciate your post. Actually, I should probably say this for others' benefit, but the reason I was even comparing BS with mx black in the first place is that I read a review somewhere online where the reviewer found the Unicomp Model M he was reviewing to be about as heavy as cherry mx blacks.

This gave me pause, as personally, I do find mx blacks too heavy for my own liking. Yet, I don't remember Model M's being anywhere *near* that in terms of fatigue.

But I wanted to post and see if my memory was off, in which case I may find myself unhappy with a unicomp. Thanks to both replies thus far, I am confident there will be no buyer's remorse this time around.

I never said anything about Cherry MX Black.  I don't know because I don't have any.

All my keyboards are Model M.  I did say that the Unicomp Model M is very comparable to the IBM Model M.  (As far as feel.)

To be honest I can type for hours on a Model M and not be fatigued whatsoever.  But that's me.  I'm not you and I don't know what your experience is with any Model M keyboard.  I don't think they are "heavy".  The keys respond beautifully when I type.

I guess you actually have to experience one for yourself.  And you said you had experienced typing on one....  So I don't know how much experience it was or is.

Edit: That is what confuses me more than ever.

[fohat.digs]

I have a couple of MX black boards, which I dislike. I have a G80-11900 which I keep around for the touchpad and just "on general principles" although it is in a box in the basement.

It is just uncomfortably heavy to type on - I depend on the tactile reinforcement to let me know that I have registered a keystroke - so I end up striking them very hard and still wondering whether it worked.

My son, 15, plays games and loves the Filco TKL with blacks that I got for him. He also uses O-rings on his primary keys (WASD, arrows, etc). I understand that stiff linears is the way to go if you game, but I don't game.
 

[chyros]

I game a lot, and still find MX Blacks uncomfortably heavy. I've played lots of games happily on a Model M, though. The heaviness just doesn't suit linear switches, IMO.

Blacks also have a ridiculously strong return spring force, I've found. Press a key and then release it sideways and it feels like the key is launched into orbit. Typing as little as an email actively annoyed me on them.

[Venatorious]

Typing on a USB converted WY-85 right now. Love the keys and look of the board, and wyse vintage blacks are okay to type on because they are so smooth.  These switches very are heavy however and the way they actuate makes it hard sometimes to get the shift register right and the spacebar.

I say this coming from a F122, and let me tell you, you really can't compare them. First off, blacks are linear and buckling spring is clicky/tactile. Model F will always be the best typing experience of me because cherry switches in my opinion can't beat these beloved springs. 

I would say that the cherry blacks are about as heavy as model M switches and a little heavier than model f switches.

[rowdy]

I switched back to MX black at work due to complaints and criticism from one faction, and linear switches feel kinda weird after using BS and Topre for so long.

I don't know that they are any heavier or lighter than BS, especially with SA keycaps on.

[mpigg]

I'm looking at getting a Spacesaver M, but I am curious about the weighting. It's been years since I've typed on a model M, and I understand that there is some difference when comparing modern Unicomps to an actual IBM model M.

So, I'd like to know how a Unicomp model M compares in weighting to cherry blacks for my own point of reference. Thanks!

I can't compare to Cherry blacks, but I do have a Spacesaver M and a couple of Model Ms. I'd say there's no substantial difference between them. If you like buckling springs I wouldn't hesitate to get the Spacesaver.