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zstandig OP t1_ivqmnjs wrote

It's served me well so far and shows no sign of slowing down.

For those who don't know, Unicomp sells modern versions of IBM's Model M keyboard.

While I know that 11 years isn't a long time in the big picture, however for a computer peripheral to last that long and considering it's made in the USA I consider it noteworthy

(Function Keys are red because I saw some old Acorn computer keyboards colored like that and I like the look.)

18

j-random t1_ivqnuwx wrote

I should take a picture of my 30yo Avant Stellar. Kinda like the Unicomp, it was a rebranded Northgate Omnikey, another legendary keyboard. Unfortunately it's got a PS/2 connector and I haven't found a USB converter that does n-key rollover, so it's relegated to server duty.

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whatnow990 t1_ivqul2p wrote

"The fundamental motivation for buying a Model M hasn’t changed since 1985 though – the buckling spring switches. On a basic level, the press of a key causes a spring underneath the keycap to buckle, with the sideways movement tilting the metal contacts together. This offers an arguably truer mechanical typing experience (compared with a typewriter, say) than the typical switches found in usual mechanical keyboards."

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charkett t1_ivr1llr wrote

A classic for a reason, function keys look great. I wish I could take a buckling spring keyboard to the office but my co-workers would kill me.

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BeardedZorro t1_ivr2spm wrote

Only 11 years old? Looks straight from 1992.

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nthensome t1_ivr3765 wrote

11 years old is not exactly life

6

AnnualVolume0 t1_ivr3fre wrote

Yes! I have the black version of this exact model!

2

anvilsp t1_ivr3lf0 wrote

Replying to j-random (#487,691)

I have an Avant Stellar as well! I think they only started showing up around the late 90s or early 2000s, as there's late era OmniKeys that had Windows keys and simplified Alps just like all Avant keyboards (Prime/Stellar) had.

I have one of the later black models (late 2000s-early 2010s?) that had an XP/Vista era Windows key. Replaced the caps though because the stock ones were awfully printed and breaking.

4

AnyNameAvailable t1_ivr4wpx wrote

Now you just need the Word Perfect keyboard shortcut template to put over the function keys and you're ready for 1985.

I loved the feel and key travel on these. And they could take massive abuse and food spills.

74

tylerbrainerd t1_ivr6274 wrote

Replying to nthensome (#488,467)

These are based on a design that's been in use since 1985.

The point of this sub is not "here are things that are exactly one lifetime old". it's for items that are well made, durable, and will last, instead of being disposable and replaced.

11 years for this EXACT model m may or may not feel notable for you, but the design is something that has been in continuous use for 37 years and show no particular sign in slowing down and are halfway decently repairable for someone with no experience. That's BIFL.

In any case I prefer something that's been in use for 11 years over pictures of brand new lodge cast iron and darn tough socks.

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FIJIWaterGuy t1_ivra243 wrote

I finally managed to wear out the switches on mine after coding with it for 12 years or so. Still have it somewhere though.

2

Quenya3 t1_ivrcrdh wrote

click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click click......

6

jroddie4 t1_ivrdc78 wrote

still waiting for the Mini Mini M. I want the 60% M keyboard.

2

SnowblindAlbino t1_ivrde7r wrote

Funny, my Unicomp from the same era died after about 18 months. They refused any support after the 12 month warranty. It's still sitting in a closet somewhere at work. Most disappointing KB purchase I can recall in the last 40 years.

12

jessethewrench t1_ivrensj wrote

I've got the black model that I also bought maybe ten or twelve years ago. Swear by it.

I think the Model M was one of those things that we all thought was going to be around forever, until they weren't.. Thank God for Unicomp!

3

plazman30 t1_ivrkhzu wrote

I have a 1986 IBM Model M that works great. And an Apple chicklet USB keyboard that I had to throw out after about 3 years.

Now I use this:

https://i.imgur.com/82KgeEC.jpg

40 years old and still works great.

5

INJECTHEROININTODICK t1_ivrm0bn wrote

I want a model m so badly. Is there any way to get the buckling spring feel without the whip crack noise? People already give me shit at work for my cherry reds

2

hellycopterinjuneer t1_ivrof29 wrote

I've got one of those Unicomps with more keys than a pipe organ, and love it.

2

sploittastic t1_ivrppvk wrote

I've had one of these for about 3 years and it's so awesome. It's really loud though just like the OG IBM ones.

2

Vairman t1_ivrrbms wrote

Replying to plazman30 (#489,456)

oh jeez, remember when apple used actual keyboards instead of touch buttons or little chiclets. But, form over function - that's the apple way... right?

3

RokieVetran t1_ivrrwa9 wrote

Keyboards last pretty long if you don't abuse them, 11y isnt so impressive

2

plazman30 t1_ivrte2n wrote

Replying to Vairman (#489,840)

Since Jonny Ive left, it has gotten better. I have the new 16" MacBook Pro, and it undid a lot of Jonny Ive's sins. I held off on buying a new MacBook Pro until Apple got rid of that horrible butterfly keyboard.

I actually went into the Apple store a half dozen times ready to buy a new MacBook Pro and sat down in front of a MacBook Pro and would type on one and nope out of the store because the idea of typing on that God-awful keyboard for the next 5 years was just unthinkable.

Took Apple till 2021 to do it. But they finally did it.

2

Timecounts t1_ivrtmro wrote

How is it? I've been tempted to buy a unicomp but haven't been able to pull the trigger

3

calittle t1_ivrtru5 wrote

I still have an IBM model M from 88. When I worked in the office, my cube neighbors hated it when I was on a typing streak. Loud af.

4

smashey t1_ivru9fv wrote

I got a very nice Leopold keyboard when I started working from home. Seemed expensive at the time but it's such a joy to use. Nice clicky keys, heavy as heck, looks beautiful.

I wish someone made a mouse as good as this keyboard.

3

Vairman t1_ivru9nd wrote

Replying to plazman30 (#489,971)

my wife, who is a writer, has a macbook pro with that crappy keyboard - and she loves it. it takes all kinds. other than that oddity, she's pretty awesome.

3

slackmandu t1_ivrvn2f wrote

I have the IBM model like this with the PS2 connector (I think that's what it's called).

Can't get it to work on a computer that only accepts a USB connection

2

bluGill t1_ivrxqh3 wrote

Replying to slackmandu (#490,074)

They make adaptors, costs about $5. Not all will work though so make sure you buy someplace with an easy return policy.

The model m needs more power than USB supplies, so you might be best plugging into a powered hub.

3

dsawchak t1_ivry0dy wrote

Replying to BeardedZorro (#488,451)

My IBM Model M in one room is from 1992 (requires a funky USB adapter to power it, and drops out sometimes, but still works well). My Unicomp Classic in the other room is from 2017.

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VashMM t1_ivs3n6w wrote

I found an actual IBM Model M in a storage room caked in dust at my old job, got myself a serial to USB adapter, and now my wife gets to enjoy all the loud noise when I play games.

I will not confirm or deny pulling a Ron Swanson when I first got it and typing every word I know.

2

richTING13 t1_ivs4sg3 wrote

Can someone link me this particular keyboard? Can’t find color way

1

alhamdu1i11a t1_ivsia9g wrote

I have one and I love it. So satisfying to type on.

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_skank_hunt42 t1_ivsirlj wrote

I LOVE these keyboards. The tactile feedback is so satisfying and helpful. I always type more accurately on these.

2

Scottybt50 t1_ivsnnmp wrote

Solid as a rock these keyboards.

2

TomDuhamel t1_ivsq7xl wrote

  1. It's 31 years old. I know, shocking, but 1991 was not just 11 years ago.
1

gargravarr2112 t1_ivsrg2a wrote

Bought myself a brand new USB one in 2020 to WFH. I fully understand why people love these keyboards cos I do as well. It's so nice to type on. Unmistakable clacky action and very nicely weighted keys that are easy to press. I make far fewer mistakes on it than any other keyboard I've used.

They do need a lot of power to operate though - mine doesn't like being plugged straight into my laptop, it would occasionally stop responding and need replugging. It plugs into a dock instead.

2

blunderduffin t1_ivsv6tr wrote

Replying to j-random (#487,691)

I use a cheap one from China, that does have n-key rollover, you can probably look up on the web somewhere which ones will definitely work.

Mine looks like this:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/312708601103?epid=1219753984

P:S: According to this post you cannot get true n-key-rollover via usb connection no matter if you use an adapter or not. You will only be able to press 6-8 keys at the same time. It seems to be good enough for me so I never noticed. If you are a purist, your best bet would be installing a pci card with ps2 connector I think.

https://tl.net/forum/tech-support/170648-ps-2-usb-adapter-nkey-rollover-q

https://www.daskeyboard.com/blog/das-keyboards-ps2-pci-card-recommendation-for-n-key-rollover/

2

j-random t1_ivszczr wrote

Replying to AnyNameAvailable (#488,580)

Word Perfect was so much easier to use when the function keys were on the left. I know secretaries in law firms who refused to upgrade their computers if it meant a new keyboard.

10

dmo99 t1_ivt0vw4 wrote

I have a few compaq ones from 1995. They are cherry

1

rafalmio t1_ivt4xw4 wrote

Are UNICOMP Boards still available to buy? What's the price range?

2

joesii t1_ivta26s wrote

I was considering one of these, but the idea of buckling spring resistance and noise seemed unoptimal. I'm sure I could handle it, but it's really not ideal for anyone in my opinion (certainly people may like the feeling, but only in the same sense that people like drinking soda or smoking cigarettes)

I ended up getting a black mechanical-switch (Cherry MX Brown) Point Of Sale Cherry keyboard with double-shot keycaps off eBay for only about 15$ about 12 years ago. Main thing that has bothered me is that it's surprisingly very flimsy, especially considering that it's 300 USD retail value. Also it's kind of large/bulky, since it also has a mag stripe card reader and 12 more F-keys.

A while ago I found an old vintage mechanical keyboard that I didn't know my dad had (from the 80s). I think it's worth about 150$ now; I don't remember the model. Since it uses a DIN connector I guess some modding/adapter would be needed to use it, aside from a retro system I suppose.

1

pjabrony t1_ivthvty wrote

It's an assault keyboard.

2

SnowblindAlbino t1_ivtlm81 wrote

Replying to integrate_2xdx_10_13 (#491,504)

Similar-- about a half-dozen keys just became intermittent. I was so pissed off about their casual "screw you" lack of support I just tossed it aside. Have had many other, better, keyboards since. They are overhyped and won't back up their claim to quality.

1

logjames t1_ivtlp7f wrote

One keyboard to rule them all

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Neutrinoh t1_ivtmwex wrote

But what MB has a DIN-5 port anymore?

1

stahlWolf t1_ivtom59 wrote

Reminds me i have an original IBM keyboard in a box somewhere in the basement... I should find it and see if there's an adapter to connect it somehow to a modern PC.

1

Kirkwood1994 t1_ivu311d wrote

Until you have to bolt mod it when the rivets fall out. Source- bolt model dozens of Model Ms for people

1

zstandig OP t1_ivu36m5 wrote

Replying to Neutrinoh (#492,971)

Most Model M's use PS/2 and lots of main boards still have one of those. Unicomp sells PS/2 and USB keyboards and even if you have a vintage PS/2 model you can always get a powered adapter

3

markswam t1_ivu391u wrote

Replying to dsawchak (#490,190)

Good to know I'm not the only one with weird dropping out issues on a Model M. Mine's from 89. I eventually got annoyed with the USB adapter drop-out issue and relegated it to my file server, which has a PS/2 port.

6

sprashoo t1_ivu3w08 wrote

Replying to N0t_Just1n (#489,366)

They didn’t exactly spin it off - they sold what they considered to be an obsolete keyboard design and tooling to a small company, Unicomp.

I’m simultaneously grateful Unicomp has continued to plug away making the best keyboard you can buy for under $400, and a bit frustrated they have so little actual interest in the keyboard community. Their changes have all made the keyboards uglier and cheaper looking.

An actual nice looking modern (or tastefully retro) buckling spring board at an attainable price would be a huge hit

21

dsawchak t1_ivu5ke0 wrote

Replying to markswam (#493,826)

One thing that helped was attaching it to a powered USB hub, because the old Model Ms required more power than a typical USB port provides, I think.

4

Jesusgonza342 t1_ivu5s63 wrote

Replying to charkett (#488,399)

If you haven’t before you should look into building a mechanical keyboard, specifically with Kalih Box switches. If you look up reviews for the switches online you’ll see that they have a similar snap to them that buckling springs do, definitely the closest you’ll get to that in the modern age that’s still acceptable in the office. I have them in my current keyboard and I couldn’t live without them.

2

Rarrum t1_ivu83jy wrote

I've used mine (they sell them in DVORAK layout too!) for 12+ years now, 0 issues... love them!

3

floofcatfuzz t1_ivu86hy wrote

Replying to markswam (#493,957)

It’s not that USB can’t supply enough power, it’s that cheap USB-PS/2 adapters aren’t built to pass enough power through to the PS/2 side. The famous blue cube adapter was awesome, but it seems to no longer be made. You can still pay a lot for one here, however.

5

markswam t1_ivudoch wrote

Replying to floofcatfuzz (#494,065)

I had been using one of the Monoprice converters when I was trying to use it over USB, which supposedly has the same functionality as the blue cubes, but it seemed to struggle.

2

blunderduffin t1_ivup281 wrote

Replying to integrate_2xdx_10_13 (#491,504)

Just buy the original IBM one then, those will probably outlive us, they are steel plated 1,5 kg monsters ;) There are differences between the models, so read up on that before you buy, I don't remember what to look out for, I think mine is from the late 80ies. (There are differences between the US and international versions as well)

I think I paid around 50 Euros or so on the German used marked for mine. And I love it!

3

jsmith_92 t1_ivusvu8 wrote

“clack…clack..clack…clack”

1

pc_g33k t1_ivutuhj wrote

Replying to sprashoo (#493,855)

Does it have to be a keyboard with buckling springs? I still have the 1994 IBM Model M with buckling spring switches as well as some older Cherry keyboards with mechanical switches such as the Cherry G80-9009. But nowadays I mostly use my RealForce keyboard with capacitive switches.

1

sprashoo t1_ivuu67j wrote

Replying to pc_g33k (#495,218)

Never “got” Topre myself, just felt like rubber domes to me, but objectively Unicomps are generally cheaper than Topre boards. Subjectively I think they’re better too, but that’s just me.

2

pc_g33k t1_ivuw5hj wrote

Replying to sprashoo (#495,235)

I see, I certainly see where you are coming from. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any tastefully designed retro buckling springs keyboards at the moment. What about modern mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX switches? Actually, I'm not against membrane keyboards, either. It's just that most membrane keyboards on the market are low quality and all membrane keyboards got a bad name as a result. Also, the tactile feedback of the rubber domes degrade a lot after just 3 months of use. That said, the Fujitsu Libertouch is one of the best membrane keyboards I've tried.

2

sardaukar022 t1_ivuw5zv wrote

I'm going to make this comment since it's the bifl sub: I bought a unicomp and I loved it but it died after about 18 months. They may have the feel of the old model m's but they do not have the sturdiness or reliability.

1

tjernobyl t1_ivuxdts wrote

Replying to bluGill (#490,172)

Note that there are two types of PS/2->USB adapters. One is a purely electrical adapter for newer keyboards that already support USB internally, and the other is a true adapter that both electrically and logically converts the PS/2 signal to a USB signal.

1

dan1101 t1_ivv22vg wrote

Am typing this on a 1986 Model M, 36 years old. #clicky4life

1

dan1101 t1_ivv2qxi wrote

Replying to SnowblindAlbino (#489,064)

They are in Kentucky so it probably depends on how you come at them. If you ask for parts or suggestions they might be more responsive and try to help. If you come at them all aggressive they will clam up. Yeah I know it ain't right but that's how it is in the south.

FWIW I suggest my friend buy one and he's had it 5+ years and it's going great, very comparable to my Model M.

1

suppaboy228 t1_ivv6346 wrote

Replying to blunderduffin (#491,576)

None of the browns that I've tried were even remotely comparable in tactility to the springs.

And I would much prefer the linear switches anyway (speaking of cherry-style switches), so I wouldn't bother with them at all.

YMMV but yeah, it was very underwhelming but seemed like a good idea at first.

1

sprashoo t1_ivvcmay wrote

Replying to pc_g33k (#495,349)

It’s all a matter of taste. I do dislike most ‘clicky’ cherry style switches (eg cherry blue) because the click feels sort of fake compared to buckling springs. There are a ton of new options out there most of which I haven’t tried though.

2

sprashoo t1_ivvcvt7 wrote

Replying to onowahoo (#495,944)

Ehh, one person is recreating a complex mechanical/electronic product from scratch. I would not say quality has issues (the quality of the parts is fantastic) but sometimes some work is required to get everything working smoothly. Like re-seating springs etc. There’s a reason rubber domes took over - they just work, not maintenance or setup required.

It’s not a mass produced product.

2

SignificantSmotherer t1_ivvf7hi wrote

Replying to sprashoo (#494,932)

I always preferred the Model F, but they don’t always work well with adapters, the delete key gets confused.

Logitech tends to make good commodity product designs that feel pretty good, but longevity, not always.

If you like it, buy a spare. Or two.

1

pc_g33k t1_ivvglpo wrote

Replying to sprashoo (#496,152)

> It’s all a matter of taste. I do dislike most ‘clicky’ cherry style switches (eg cherry blue) because the click feels sort of fake compared to buckling springs. There are a ton of new options out there most of which I haven’t tried though.

Yep! It's just personal preference. Same here! The clicky Cherry MX switches feel less solid than buckling springs. It even feels like I'm clicking a pen sometimes. 😂The only Cherry MX switch I like is the linear black switch. But I like both buckling springs (when I want feedback) and capacitive switches (when I want a laid-back cushiony feel) more than Cherry MX switches. BTW, plate mounted and PCB mounted switches also feel different.

1

sprashoo t1_ivvjmsl wrote

Replying to pc_g33k (#496,334)

Yeah. Definitely construction makes a big difference. Actually, a keyboard I quite like using is an old CoolerMaster TKL with Cherry Brown switches... which I filled almost entirely with silicone caulking (the GE Silicone II type that doesn't destroy electronics as it cures). Like, you can't see it from the outside but the whole case is filled up. It makes the whole thing super heavy and solid, with a very satisfying (almost Topre-like?) sound. With that mod the browns are quite enjoyable to type on, even though nothing has changed about the switches.

2

SnowblindAlbino t1_ivvkf0a wrote

Replying to dan1101 (#495,671)

Screw them. Mine died in less than two years. I emailed to ask about support, and if they would back their product. They basically told me tough shit.

People should know their products aren't nearly as good as their reputation seems to suggest and that they don't back them up. If that's because they're somehow southern? Screw them just the same.

There are other companies that make better keyboards that back them up. And that don't expect customers to play games with them to get support a month after the warranty expires.

2

joesii t1_ivw2j54 wrote

Replying to zstandig (#493,789)

Naw, I think they are even a bit louder than blues.

Browns are nearly silent. You're maybe comparing to the noise of bottoming-out the keys (and popping back up), which is still fair, because that's still keyboard noise, just not really the switch itself.

Also I'd say that the higher force requirement is more of an issue than the noise (unless someone living with them dislikes the noise). I'm not saying that the higher force is a significant problem either, I'm sure some people prefer it, I just think it's unoptimal (could add to fatigue or RSI, or be 1% worse for gaming)

1

zorbleton t1_iwp45b1 wrote

literally had 30 of these that i tossed out to ewaste this semester. i always wondered if reddit would've wanted them...

1