Unicomp SpaceSaver Mobel M Keyboard Review with clicky buckling springs

[constantgamer247]

how well does it work with usb? as far as nkey roll?

[gaijinblow]

I have a keyboard with blue switches but I definitely miss the feel of buckling spring keyboards.

[Diseree]

I love UNICOMP keyboard. Feeling of Customizer 104 (switched to "Classic" series now) is slightly heavier than origina Model-M. SpaceSaver 104PC (switched to "Ultra Classic" series) is resembled to Model-M. The body construction is very cheap. I have original IBM Model-M, but I need Windows key....

[nightsdreamparadox]

I was seriously thinking of buying this keyboard, but:

- From the site, looks like they don't ship to where I live.

- Emailed them to clarify, they didn't even reply.

So I said "fuck this shit" and ordered a Solidtek 6600 off eBay. Nothing too fancy, but it's mechanical (Alps white switches), not too expensive ($80 with international shipping), and the seller answered my questions quickly.

[walter0bz]

i have an increasing appetite for a real keyboard again. been using laptop style things for too long. but i want a multitouch trackpad in place of the numeric block

[AtariFTW]

Since when did the allow porn on youtube?

[bood3e]

Gotta get myself one of those.

[WigglesThePirate]

I HATE IT when keyboards have a sleep button next to the escape button, it takes a computer 3 minutes to recover from sleep

[bood3e]

@WigglesThePirate I suggest you get a new computer then.

[phillisthegreat]

I'm currently using a keyboard with cherry blues, should I go ahead and get a unicomp or blue label IBM keyboard?

[phototristan]

@phillisthegreat That's going to be up to you but I can tell you I tried a Cherry Blue Filco keyboard and it felt pretty cheapy to me compared to buckiing springs.

[MistaMaddog247]

Thanks for the review... I'm using a IBM Model M which lasted for many years and is great for gaming. But it's not only contrasting my new HDTV but missing the Windows key which is actually useful in Ubuntu (believe it or not). Hadn't heard about Unicomp till now...

[hobosapiensapien2]

Sorry about the probable mac vs. pc argument I'm about to create, but... Ew he has a mac

[thunderhayes]

If you can image a floppy drive and a "preeowww" after hearing that clicking, you know that you're a nerd.

This type of technology was in use back when computers were loud and we knew they were...we just didn't care cause we knew the essentials would last forever (unlike the crappy keyboards that come with new PCs)...

I'm only 22, but my keyboard has to have a certain feel or it's just "wrong." I'm decent at typing and have problems with some "stock" PC keyboards...

[scatman0707]

I still need to ask my 7th grade keyboarding teacher if she still has a few model Ms still sitting somewhere. XD I'd use them all, and only after they went out (god if they ever go out) I'd get one of these.

[alanlovedog]

have one of these - and the space key has suddenly stopped working :(

had to get a real model m out of the cupboard that i was saving - wonder if i can fix it....

[phototristan]

@alanlovedog It might just need to be re-seated.

[Somethingproductable]

It's like an M series but with a shitty windows button to close everything your doing.

[EdT586]

The cord looks pretty cheap compared to the genuine IBM Model M.

At least clicky aficionado can now get it new even though its not as good as the genuine Model M !

The pre 1995 Model M weighs 7.2lbs.

Typing from a blue label1992 Model M :)

[phototristan]

@EdT586 I actually like the flat cord versus the original coiled one of the Model M. The coiled one is more of a pain to deal with/un-tangle, etc.

[danblaney1]

@EdT586 I have an 87. Great keyboard.

[bassplayer2011ify]

i said this when my friend showed my this board how can you call it a space saver all they did was cut the border off

[Laserchicken88]

Best new keyboard available to date? possibly! I'm just wondering how this would be for gaming (genres: RTS, Shooters, MMORPG if that matters) anyone uses this for gaming aswell? I'm a programmer student and a competitive gamer, my current keyboards lack the ability for comfort typing, if that makes sense..

[bassplayer2011ify]

@Laserchicken88 i wouldnt use a buckling spring board for gaming i would either get a cherry board of some type if you like a heavy key stroke get black cherries if you like a light key stroke get brown or if you have the money reds and finally if you like a medium key stroke and clicky sound get cherry blues

[ImDino]

aaand then I'm gonna watch some porn which is pretty nice, and'um then I'm gonna go to the gym to get some steam off... aaand then I'm gonna go to sleep.. :P

[adfgfds]

Whats its dimensions?

[wooterz]

The only spacesaver they have on their website uses a mac layout. Do they still make ones with the windows layout?

[wooterz]

@wooterz whoops was looking at the wrong one, welp.

[bassplayer2011ify]

@wooterz yeah when unicomp makes a mac keyboard you tell sales are down

[mtmatrix3]

I'm debating between the original Customizer 104 or the SpaceSaver version...What do you guys think?

[bassplayer2011ify]

@mtmatrix3 no real difference except for the space saver has no border and that is they only difference between the two so basically it boils down to do you want the border on your keyboard or not

[Spartan043]

I've got a Model M 1391401 and a Unicomp Customizer 104. Their defining characteristics? They both have the ability to wake the dead. That, and I can type really, really fast on them. Around 90wpm. I can type even faster on the vintage Model M, though. The keys on the Unicomp feel really, really stiff. I've considered trying out something with Cherry MX keyswitches that don't require as much force and allow for more comfortable - and quieter - extended typing sessions.

[felixduhcat89]

Which do you think is better the Spacesaver 104 or the Das Keyboard?

[phototristan]

@felixduhcat89 Spacesaver for sure.

[felixduhcat89]

@phototristan I must agree. Even though I have not tried the Das Keyboard. I don't think I'll be buying another keyboard for a long time :D

[phototristan]

@felixduhcat89 The only negative with the buckling spring keyboards is how loud they are. So if someone is sleeping near you, or you share an office with someone, you may have to switch to a different keyboard when they are there.

[felixduhcat89]

@phototristan Yeah, that's a problem in the night for me. Since I type around 90 wpm it tends to get loud. I tend to switch to the Logitech K320 when that happens. I hate rubber dome keyboards now :-(

[phototristan]

@felixduhcat89 Ya, I switch to the Apple aluminum keyboard that came with my Mac at night if someone is sleeping here and I wanna use the computer. Or, I just use my Macbook Pro laptop.

[darksaiyan2006]

We have the same mouse!

[shrumpkin]

more vids of the customizer!

[TheCrazyOne1100]

I have both an original IBM Model M and this Unicomp spacesaver. Both feel excellent although i have to say that the keys on the unicomp are alot crisper and fresher. It might be due to the years of use and abuse it's been through but both keyboards are excellent. I would advise getting this over an original Model M though because it is newer and equally nice/sturdy/comfortable.

[0O00OO0O00OO0O00OO]

I had one of these in black-gray but my little brother barfed on it (making it into keyboard soup) and it broke because of it. So I got a gray one as a replacement. These are great, I wouldn't have been able to write as much as I have if I didn't have the clacky springs to help me along

[yaafm8]

Thanks for posting this! I bought one in August and love it. I've been wanting a Model M since the 80s, and I consider this one even better since it's USB.

[lynx48k]

I bought the UK version of this keyboard (importing from the US) in summer. It really is as nice as the video makes out. Highly recommended. Cost £100 with the shipping and import tax though! But well worth it.

[snuffsan]

omg I love that sound

[ripster5555]

Check out the Geekhack Mechanical Keyboard guide if you want to know how a buckling spring keyboard works.

[tourofheads]

Do you prefer this over the Model M?

[phototristan]

@tourofheads I prefer it over the Model M but not over the Model M Space Saver.

[factionxvt408x]

@phototristan

Why? Shouldn't be an exact copy? I'm looking into getting this or an IBM Model M Space Saver so I'd like to know why you would choose the original IBM made ones over unicomp's. Thanks!

[phototristan]

@factionxvt408x Unicomp doesn't make a tenkeyless one and that's what I prefer. Their 'space saver' is actually just like a normal Model M but in a smaller case.

[factionxvt408x]

@phototristan

Ah! Thanks. I've just been looking into the Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless board and I think I'm set on that. Thanks for your reviews!

[Numinous123]

@phototristan

Unicomp used to make a tenkeyless, but discontinued it recently. A shame, but it's true.

[homedogword1]

if u look up pictures of the compaq 5107 keyboard,it looks almost identical 2 this kb.

[nsakic]

I love that keyboard - I will get it for sure.

[nsakic]

great video, thank you. I'm using ABS mechanical keyboard model M1. The sound and key response is great. I will keep this one in mind for my next purchase.

[Spunkyowns]

that is a well deserved keyboard..

[PilotPrecise]

I've had this keyboard model for a couple of years and love it; I had the PS/2 variant before this. The best investment you will ever make in a computer component, hands down, will be in getting a high quality keyboard (whether this or another).

[yaafm8]

Thanks for posting this. I've been longing for the feeling of one of those IBM keyboards for years and had no idea they're actually still sort-of available. My favorite feel & noise is actually manual typewriters.

[erwinvb09]

So I just received my Customizer 104 and I really like it. The clicks are pretty loud and it's a huge keyboard. Typing on it is nice and you will make less mistakes.

I think i'll have to add some more rubber to the bottom of the keyboard because it slides on my desk too easy. Now I need something to replace my Apple Magic Mouse, which doesn't fit this keyboard and isn't "magic" with Windows XP. I think I'll go with the Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3 which is almost identical in color.

[phototristan]

@erwinvb09 Glad you like it! I added small rubber feet to the back of my Model M which did help quite a bit.

[shrumpkin]

I've read somewhere that because the spring touches a hammer that THEN touches a membrane, which finally makes the contact with the switch, that it shouldn't be considered a "true" mechanical keyboard like switches that touch metal to metal like ALPS and Cherry switches.

Have you heard of this? If so, what do you think? I tend to think that because of the mere spring that should be deemed mechanical, but the naysayers are claiming that it's more of a hybrid.

[phototristan]

@shrumpkin Wouldn't metal touching metal be capacitive resistance switches and not mechanical? Form what you say the bucking spring should be the true mechanical keyswitch because it's truly mechanical. That said, most then to lump them all together and call anything that is not a rubber dome keyboard a mechanical switch keyboard.

[shrumpkin]

@phototristan

I suppose so. I'm not sure if metal touching metal is the barometer for calling something mechanical or capacitive. I'm just passing along what I've read, i.e., that buckling springs are not truly mechanical because of the membrane switch at the bottom of the spring mechanism. I don't know. That's why I was asking you if you've heard of such a thing?

I like the buckling springs the best now. They limit typing errors because of the higher force they require. Thanks for the vids!

[shrumpkin]

Hey phototristan,

I just received my first ever Unicomp Customizer 104/105. I am so excited and I love typing on this thing. It certainly gives my fingers a workout. I'm used to soft-touching switches like the Cherry blues. I also received my Matias Tactile Pro 3.0, which is incredible with its genuine ALPS (not clones). They all have their own feel. I like the Unicomp and TP as my two faves.

Question: Have you heard anyone say that Buckling Springs are not truly mechanical switches?

[simon1234simon]

i think i would still take the beige version even if all my other stuff were other color

[phototristan]

@simon1234simon Yep, I now use a beige original IBM Model M Space Saver as my main keyboard.

[erwinvb09]

Thanks for this review, was looking for information on the Das Keyboard and then saw your video's. Based on this review I decided to order the Customizer 104, will probably receive it monday evening.

I really like the design of the Unicomp and hope the keys type and sound as good as expected.

Cheers!

[phototristan]

@erwinvb09 Great! Let us know how you like it. I'm typing this on my Model M Space Saver right now and couldn't be happier.

[sam113101]

I want to know the screen resolution please

[phototristan]

@sam113101 2560x1600 (30" monitor). 

[Froobtacular]

I've got that same mouse. NICE.

[wheely132]

i use my computer alot. i want a unicomp keyboard now! i have a cheap chinese mad imicro standard keyboard. i think it has membranes under the keys.

[shrumpkin]

It's also offered for a great price! Usually mechanicals in the same league cost over twice the price that Unicomp sells their keyboards for (probably because it's designed here in the U.S., not sure).

Ugh....don't know which way to go: the Matias 3 looks and sounds great with the ALPS. But I have a feeling that Buckling Springs require the most force, which I tend to lean towards. I type a lot. Everyday. So finding the perfect keyboard for me is so important. Thank you. :)

[shrumpkin]

Please keep making videos on keyboards. And if you could, make them longer...with footage of you typing for a while. I love the sound...so relaxing.

I'm so torn whether to get the Matias 3 (ALPS), or this one (Buckling Springs).

[blonde198821]

i love it

[CPUenthusiast]

Do you have a unicomp with the quiet touch, I would like to hear how it sounds,

[phototristan]

@CPUenthusiast I haven't tried one of those.

[brooklynlulu]

wow that sound brings back memories with my old IBM. I love that sound lol. It's amazing all the different types of keyboards that are available. Have you heard of the Happy Hacker keyboard? IT's a great little keyboard and the sound is pleasant as well. Very compact but no lettering on keys, but it's cool if your a touch typest.

[Tuxxy87]

Damn, I've grown up with all the crappy keyboards it seems. Bought a Das Keyboard from Thinkgeek, expensive, but completely worth it, and after getting a Thinkpad (T60), it will be hard using a different laptop.

It's amazingly difficult to find a proper keyboard that the retailers will ship to Norway.

Fucking 'chiclet' and membrane keyboards...

[Press1ToParty]

I may very well purchase a Unicomp Customizer 104. I've tried to find a decent Model M for cheap, but have been rather unsuccessful. Plus, I can already get it in USB (Dell was dumb to exclude a PS/2 port from my computer).

[wolfmasterOokami]

Hmm.. Das keyboard seems more stylish, I also like the sound of the typing bettter on the Das. The spacesaver just seems old-style and slower..

[phototristan]

@wolfmasterOokami I can actually type faster on the Unicomp/Model M than on the Das.

[mikeymikey0000]

@wolfmasterOokami - yes, "old-style" - it does the job, and it does it well! :p Keyboards were never meant to be fashion statements - they are input devices. The IBM model 'M' and its modern-day counterpart, the unicomp customizer, look just fine to me. But then I like computers to look like computers - not a piece of the furniture!

[marceloyanez111pt2]

@wolfmasterOokami look at the matias tactile 3 pro its like the apple extended keyboard 2 and looks very nice

[tolpacourt]

@wolfmasterOokami, who cares about stylish?

[shrumpkin]

@tolpacourt

Exactly! All of these creeps that are complaining about this keyboard looking "old school" or "like shit," they are so lost and I feel sorry for them.

These are KEYBOARDS. The importance is how they PERFORM and how they feel for the user.

For the record: I love the look of the Unicomp keyboards. I have a Filco, and I think this looks cool too. I actually don't like the way the Das looks.

[bicyclewreck]

@wolfmasterOokami

I actually have the Das Keyboard, and it is a bit over-rated and over-priced. For $70, the Unicomp is a good buy.

[HefferHefferHeffer]

That looks like it's from the 90's.

[evildwarf]

@HefferHefferHeffer The technology is actually from the 80s.

[nightsdreamparadox]

"It weights about three pounds, six ounces."

What's with those weird, primitive measurements? Metricate, damnit!

Say it: "It weights about 1.5 kilograms."

[fadedexile]

With DAS getting their firmware correct, and now offering multimedia keys, I have to choose the Daskeyboard. I got to have a keyboard with volume control/mute on it somewhere.

[and0r]

>iphone 3gs

FAG

(but ty for great review)

[slimjim8094]

Just received one of these in the mail. My WPM literally improved by 20WPM after using this for about 20 minutes - up to about 110.

Highly recommended. $70 seems a bit much for a simple keyboard with no frills, but if you do a lot of typing you can't do any better. And it'll last you at least until USB doesn't exist any more - just think, the original Model M's were AT interface, which is 2 interfaces behind.

Works fine on OS X - the Windows key is the Mac key (Win+Space opens spotlight).

[bigpookful]

nice. I have that and the customizer along with a bunch of IBM's. The Unicomp is a fine example of a buckling spring keyboard. Highly  recommended.

[Dingo1336]

i like the daskeyboard more

[rustedlunchbox]

yea this looks like shit... lolol

[phototristan]

@rustedlunchbox The Das looks like crap after a week or too. The shiny surface of it is a total dust magnet!

[mankyman6]

@phototristan

That's the main flaw when getting shiny things. They always get dusty.

[doctorqwerty]

@phototristan The Das does include a small, microfiber cloth for you to wipe is glossy surface every once in awhile.

[mikeymikey0000]

@rustedlunchbox - no, it doesn't look like shit, it looks like a keyboard! I hate to shatter the illusion, but you're using a computer, a MACHINE, not getting dressed for a soiree.

The latest generation seems obsessed with image - the corporations have done well! Perhaps that's why there are no decent music videos anymore - just bimbos strutting about in their high heels!

[andrewsund]

Nice, they shipped mine today... looking forward to it.

[orkie55]

rofl,! imagine raiding/playing in WoW on this keyboard.... spamming ability nr2,3,4,5,6 etc like spassmer.

i would go nuts on the clicky sound.

[Dingo1336]

thats what i tought like 5 minutes ago :D

[simon1234simon]

even though it would not match everthing i would still take it in beige :P

[phototristan]

@simon1234simon They do sell it in beige as well.

[Morahman7vnNo2]

Do you use QWERTY of Dvorak?

[phototristan]

I use QWERTY.

[mistachewey]

are the keys on these new keyboards dyed like the old model m?  or painted

[phototristan]

They are done the same way as the old Model M.

[blonde198821]

It's not too loud i don't mind if it's loud it's just like sticky that i can't stand i don't want a keyboard that is nice lookin of course but i just don't want one that's so loud that it wakes the person in the other room lol

[dsf3g]

Nice review. I love my IBM Model M, but would like a black one to match the rest of my setup. It's a shame that these keyboards don't come with black keys, tho. That would clinch it for me.

[Norcator]

As far a I can tell these keyboards are not available with Norwegian keys (æ, ø å). Do you know if there are Norwegian keyboards of this quality?

[egarrulo]

No, they aren't. However, keys are mapped to letters by the operating system, therefore if you know where those letters are, you are ok. Oh, and you could always swap keys with a used norwegian IBM Model M, of which these keyboard is a reissue with Windows keys.

[Toerme]

You can use a english keyboard, just a few of the markings on the keys that are different, if you have configured your computer to work with Norwegian it should work as usual.

[armonthereaper]

the one thing that keeps me from using a nice buckling spring keyboard like this is illumination. i have gotten really used to having a backlit keyboard, and its convenient for me when i type in the dark, which is when most of my computing goes on. It would be sweet if unicomp or someone would make a backlit buckling spring keyboard, maybe even with volume media/controls just for extra functionality. i would pay a lot for something like that

[phototristan]

To me that seems more like a gimmick than useful. You don't (and shouldn't) spend time looking down at the keyboard much when typing.

[armonthereaper]

maybe, i just ordered a model m from ebay, so ill probably get used to it

[rleahyATrleahyDOTca]

If you need a backlit keyboard to type in the dark then high-end keyboards like this aren't marketed to you because you are clearly a pathetic typist.

[armonthereaper]

I am by some standards. =)

but regardless i have been using a model m for the last few months and I love it.

I used to get about 40-50wpm, but now i can hit about 60-70 wpm

[AIM9XSW]

I could also be interpreting the feel of the two keyboards incorrectly. I also got my 1391401 new-in-box (02/05/1992) recently. Unicomp says they use the same pivot plate assembly and springs as the older keyboards. The slightly different feel could possibly be attributed the different external casing. Either way, this is a great keyboard.

[AIM9XSW]

I have a very similar keyboard, the Endurapro, which is the same keyboard except with a track point and mouse buttons, in the USB variant. This is a quality piece of hardware, though I find its springs somewhat stiffer than the orginal Model M. It would've been nice to have all-black keys, but, on the old IBM Model M13 (track point) keyboard it is designed to replace, the white key inscriptions often wore off, which is why I think Unicomp uses gray keys. Excellent review.

[phototristan]

Interesting. My Model M from '92 has stiffer keys than my Unicomp. Maybe it depends on how much usage it has had over the years as my Model M is nearly new.