What next (keyboard)

Nup · March 30, 2021

Hi LTT,

The time has come again, the urge to explore the world of keyboards is coming again, stronger than ever.

This is where the LTT hive-mind comes in; what next?

Currently I have two boards: an apple MO116 (alps salmon) which was cleaned up and given some lube - absolutley love this board, Great typing feel.

The second is more modern; novekl keys creams on a bent steel plate board. Really nice too, i find it harder to type on, but still enjoy it very much. and what great sound.

Its been very much fun having these two polar opposites to try out. I am thinking of other unique switches to try out, maybe box jades on a sounthpaws numerical pad board, or a readily accesible vintage board, but im not very familiar with the vintage market? Any suggestion as to where to look around or what to look out for is grealty apprecitated!

Happy typing.

kelvinhall05 · March 30, 2021

2 minutes ago, Nup said:

an apple MO116

Fuck yeah, off to a great start.

3 minutes ago, Nup said:

a readily accesible vintage board,

A model M or F immediately comes to mind. If you want to stick with Alps, get a Zenith of some sort for linear and a Focus or Omnikey for clicky. Get another Apple board if you want a common tactile one.

6 minutes ago, Nup said:

maybe box jades

I'm a massive fan of BOX Navies, highly recommend those (or Jades).

Nup · March 31, 2021

8 hours ago, kelvinhall05 said:

Fuck yeah, off to a great start.

A model M or F immediately comes to mind. If you want to stick with Alps, get a Zenith of some sort for linear and a Focus or Omnikey for clicky. Get another Apple board if you want a common tactile one.

I'm a massive fan of BOX Navies, highly recommend those (or Jades).

Great, yeah model M is always a name that garners attention! Seems theres a lot out there just looking on ebay quickly. What do you think of the modern remakes, by Unicomp?

Zenith seem nice, just saw a chyrosan video on one. But seems they are mostly in the US, though the prices seems reasonable, so shipping might be much more palatable.

Good to hear for the BOX switches! Really want to get to try them eventually.

kelvinhall05 · March 31, 2021

2 hours ago, Nup said:

Great, yeah model M is always a name that garners attention! Seems theres a lot out there just looking on ebay quickly. What do you think of the modern remakes, by Unicomp?

Zenith seem nice, just saw a chyrosan video on one. But seems they are mostly in the US, though the prices seems reasonable, so shipping might be much more palatable.

Good to hear for the BOX switches! Really want to get to try them eventually.

Yeah shipping from the US is just a part of vint keyboards you'll have to get used to. You could probably find someone outside there to sell you one, maybe make a WTB post on deskthority.

As for an M, I summon @SharktasticA

mTopy · March 31, 2021

6 hours ago, Nup said:

Great, yeah model M is always a name that garners attention! Seems theres a lot out there just looking on ebay quickly. What do you think of the modern remakes, by Unicomp?

One of my friends just got the Mini M remake (https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/MINI_M) and says it is one of the best feeling boards he's ever had. The vintage people I've talked to say it feels really similar to old boards but would need some work to sound better as it has a very large amount of ping stock.

Admiral Shark · March 31, 2021

4 hours ago, kelvinhall05 said:

As for an M, I summon @SharktasticA

I have been SUMMONED.

7 hours ago, Nup said:

Great, yeah model M is always a name that garners attention! Seems theres a lot out there just looking on ebay quickly. What do you think of the modern remakes, by Unicomp?

Zenith seem nice, just saw a chyrosan video on one. But seems they are mostly in the US, though the prices seems reasonable, so shipping might be much more palatable.

Good to hear for the BOX switches! Really want to get to try them eventually.

Experience with Unicomps vary, but it's usually positive. I regard them very well, all things considered. Hopefully, I can give you a well-rounded picture.

Most of their product line are in fact not remakes of Model Ms, they are real Model Ms just on a bit of a diet since the '80s and '90s. Plus, the company was formed and still has former IBM and Lexmark employees working for them. Anyway, namely the Unicomp Classic, Ultra Classic (SpaceSaver M for the Mac version), EnduraPro and PC-122 are all made with the same old moulds that were used to make various IBM and Lexmark Model M variants. This means they can look authentic (especially if you get a beige one*), but due to the age of the moulds, they're can have dimples and blemishes across the outer case. They're very hard to notice if you're buying beige, but you will notice them if you're buying black (I have several black Unicomps, so feel free to check out my website to find some photos of them. Just bare in mind that a lot of them may have custom keycaps on). However, they are functionally sound, and feel like Model Ms should. Just, they're lighter and a bit more flexible than IBM vintage. Both of which can be a positive or negative depending on your perspective.

The Unicomp New Model M and Mini Model M** are both made with entirely new moulds. As such, they are virtually spotless from the front. They're still lighter than classic Model Ms, but they are more rigid that Unicomps of the past and regain some of the classic tankiness. I've reviewed both on my website (see below) and can vouch that they're excellent keyboards. Although, they are only available in black.

Another consideration with Unicomp is keycap quality. Unicomp used to be in a rough spot for this, but as the reviews above explain, they've been working towards improving it. For the most part, they've nailed the quality with the Mini M. But if you're buying Unicomp second hand, this will definitely be a factor.

Conclusion: I would recommend a Unicomp over a lot of classic Model Ms for first-time buyers. The price hick of vintage is one factor, but with Unicomps you're going to get a brand new keyboard with a warranty. For someone not wanting any hassle, the choice is obvious. That said, there's still value to be had with vintage (ie, the logo, case material, weight, and sheer quality) and can elaborate further if you wish.

*Unicomp has discontinued a lot of its older range in an effort to extend the life of those old moulds. Which means beige options are now more limited. But you can find second hand ones.
**My Mini M is actually a preproduction prototype of the final product. For the most part, it can show you what the final one is like. I've also made sure I've highlighted anything that was unique to this prototype (ie, teethting issues) that will not be present on the final version. You can see many photos of the final Mini M on r/ModelM though.

Nup · April 1, 2021

18 hours ago, kelvinhall05 said:

Yeah shipping from the US is just a part of vint keyboards you'll have to get used to. You could probably find someone outside there to sell you one, maybe make a WTB post on deskthority.

As for an M, I summon @SharktasticA

A worthwhile cost

Cheers!

15 hours ago, mTopy said:

One of my friends just got the Mini M remake (https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/MINI_M) and says it is one of the best feeling boards he's ever had. The vintage people I've talked to say it feels really similar to old boards but would need some work to sound better as it has a very large amount of ping stock.

I think ping is part of the deal for buckling spring, no? Good to hear tho.

14 hours ago, SharktasticA said:

I have been SUMMONED.

Experience with Unicomps vary, but it's usually positive. I regard them very well, all things considered. Hopefully, I can give you a well-rounded picture.

Most of their product line are in fact not remakes of Model Ms, they are real Model Ms just on a bit of a diet since the '80s and '90s. Plus, the company was formed and still has former IBM and Lexmark employees working for them. Anyway, namely the Unicomp Classic, Ultra Classic (SpaceSaver M for the Mac version), EnduraPro and PC-122 are all made with the same old moulds that were used to make various IBM and Lexmark Model M variants. This means they can look authentic (especially if you get a beige one*), but due to the age of the moulds, they're can have dimples and blemishes across the outer case. They're very hard to notice if you're buying beige, but you will notice them if you're buying black (I have several black Unicomps, so feel free to check out my website to find some photos of them. Just bare in mind that a lot of them may have custom keycaps on). However, they are functionally sound, and feel like Model Ms should. Just, they're lighter and a bit more flexible than IBM vintage. Both of which can be a positive or negative depending on your perspective.

The Unicomp New Model M and Mini Model M** are both made with entirely new moulds. As such, they are virtually spotless from the front. They're still lighter than classic Model Ms, but they are more rigid that Unicomps of the past and regain some of the classic tankiness. I've reviewed both on my website (see below) and can vouch that they're excellent keyboards. Although, they are only available in black.

https://sharktastica.co.uk/articles/newm_review.php

https://sharktastica.co.uk/articles/minim_prototype.php

Another consideration with Unicomp is keycap quality. Unicomp used to be in a rough spot for this, but as the reviews above explain, they've been working towards improving it. For the most part, they've nailed the quality with the Mini M. But if you're buying Unicomp second hand, this will definitely be a factor.

Conclusion: I would recommend a Unicomp over a lot of classic Model Ms for first-time buyers. The price hick of vintage is one factor, but with Unicomps you're going to get a brand new keyboard with a warranty. For someone not wanting any hassle, the choice is obvious. That said, there's still value to be had with vintage (ie, the logo, case material, weight, and sheer quality) and can elaborate further if you wish.

*Unicomp has discontinued a lot of its older range in an effort to extend the life of those old moulds. Which means beige options are now more limited. But you can find second hand ones.
**My Mini M is actually a preproduction prototype of the final product. For the most part, it can show you what the final one is like. I've also made sure I've highlighted anything that was unique to this prototype (ie, teethting issues) that will not be present on the final version. You can see many photos of the final Mini M on r/ModelM though.

Thank you for the guide! Very much appreciated!

Seems like the company has really kept things loyal to the older designs alright. nice too that they can be bought new.

Overall really sounds like nicer option than tracking down an older model M in good condition - for the layman anyway. And damn they look good in black. Really great website too, fair play, ill be reading through it in the coming days.