The Unicomp Keyboard Unboxing

Unicomp is the company that ended up with the rights (and probably the tooling) to make IBM's legendary Model M keyboard. They produce several variants to this very day.

This one is the Customer 104 key model in a slate color with silver keys. In this video, I compare and contrast the two.

Want one? http://www.pckeyboard.com/

The Keykeeper and I both bought one. I'd wanted to have one for some time, because I don't know how long Unicomp will be around. (They've been in business for over a decade, though.)

For those who are thoughtful enough to read the descriptions, or check them again after a video has been uploaded :-) ... here are some links to further reading if you're still wondering why you might want an M:

http://www.dansdata.com/ibmkeyboard.htm

http://jseliger.com/2008/05/07/product-review-unicomp-customizer-keyboard/

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ibm
• model
• legendary
• keyboard
• battleboard
• unicomp
• customizer
• 104
• key

[vinycard]

I remember these from when I was a kid, and recently have gotten the urge to buy a used IBM Model M online to replace the lame excuse for a keyboard I have. I just miss the clicky action, you can type so much faster with a Model M. The fact that they're made here makes me feel pretty good about buying American, but I have a question for you: Do you think that the Unicomp version would last as long as a real Model M?

[uxwbill]

@vinycard Yes I do. Unicomp's keyboard isn't quite as heavy, but it's still well made and is everything the original Model M was.

[james42519]

yay something made in my state.

[gaijinblow]

I decided to finally splurge on a Unicomp Model M :) It'll be here tomorrow! I saw your UK keyboard video. I was thinking about getting one but didn't. I got the huge classic like yours and not the classic ultra.

[Lachlant1984]

That keyboard has the older style Windows 95/Windows 98 logo on the start menu key, not the more recent Windows XP logo or the Windows Vista bubble logo with the raised texture on it. 

[uxwbill]

@Snarfangel That's a new one on me! I've never heard of that idea before. I don't know that I'm dedicated enough to trying it. It's not a problem for my keyboards to be loud. :-)

[uxwbill]

@Snarfangel The price and uniqueness both attracted me to the Wildcats 'board. They've had them on clearance since before they got their new web site. I use a Model M at work (and have plans to get a Unicomp, since I need the 104 key layout for a Macintosh) and have never had complaints about the sound.

Admittedly, the Wildcats board does look a little goofy in spots. I don't care--it's still a very nice piece of equipment!

[Snarfangel]

@uxwbill On Geekhack.org, they talk about a way of making it quieter by sticking a piece of Oral B superfloss (?) -- apparently, a fluffy variety -- in the spring of each key.

And on the plus side, you don't have to worry about grease leaking through.

[Snarfangel]

@uxwbill I saw your note in the other video you posted. I'm glad you were able to get one. I can't imagine a deal like that (under $70 delivered) will last forever.

Mine should arrive Tuesday, and I am looking forward to clicking away with it at work, until my boss makes me put back the mushy (but silent) stock HP keyboard.

As a final note on the other video, though I'm not sure about spelling "Kentucky" with the function keys, the blue they used for the tab/capslock/etc looked quite striking.

[MultiSnoopDawg]

@uxwbill well, in that case, can you donate xD nah, big thank you, i would like to get a unicomp if IMB was the way.