Unicomp New Model M - Unboxing and Review
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- čas přidán 18. 06. 2024
- #ibmmodelm#bucklingsprings#mechanicalkeyboard
In this video, I'll be reviewing the Unicomp New Model M. There are also some sound comparisons between the New Model M and conventional Cherry MX switches.
Chapters
00:00 Unboxing
03:02 Quality
05:38 Design & Features
08:32 Typing
10:30 Sound & Comparisons
12:27 Unicomp Service
13:46 Final Thoughts
16:12 Typing & Sound Demo
The audio in the sound demo segments in this video was unaltered post-recording. - Hry
Plastics industry engineer checking in:
That divet is called a gate. Its the point of entry in the injection mold where the plastic fills.
Sadly theres no way for unicomp to fix that without buying a brand new mold which costs anywhere between $20,000 and $400,000.
The spacebar warp is the sad truth of pbt plastic cooling too rapidly causing the longer sections to contract further than the rest of the peice.
The smudges are from bare hands handling the plastic while its still hot from the molding.
Thanks for the insights man, much appreciated!
@@kflight9772 No problem.
Apparently, they are actually using a new machine for molding on the new model m and model m mini. Don't quote me on it though
That's what they claim but if you look at the new keyboards, they have the same long-standing build quality problems.
@@RBLevin I don't think that's true. I've owned several older Unicomps and I think the difference in build quality is quite visible. The new ones aren't perfect but - for example - if I try to twist the case in my hands it no longer flexes and makes creaking noises. The seams where the case piece is join no longer have irregular gaps. The keycaps are more uniform and the legends are better centered.
Whew, $250! I knew that international shipping costs were going up here, but $250 is terrible! My condolences.
Like where on earth does this guy live? The arctic?
Even in Canada with the border fees it goes for around 250
@@thijsg717 it's South Africa
@@CoWinkKeyDinkInc ah that's a shame.
My dad has an old 80s IBM Model M that he refuses to give up and for good reason, that keyboard is amazing! He’s not even a keyboard enthusiast, it’s just his old keyboard that he has had for decades but he knows most modern keyboards are crap so he continues to use it to this day. I just ordered the Unicomp New Model M because I’m jealous of his, though I want the convenience of USB (without adapter) and the win-key so I really only had one choice. That being said, if it’s even 70% as good as his then I’ll be more than happy!
Subscribed, and sent this review to a friend! I think your lack of experience with the older M's is a strength for this review. Most of the ones I've seen are from collectors who know what the older ones feel like and draw comparisons to them. On the other hand, this is a pure assessment of the New M on its merits as a modern keyboard; for someone looking for a good and reasonably affordable keyboard, this is everything they would need to know.
One of the best reviews I have seen, not only regarding this particular product but as a youtube based review in general, detailed and answered all my questions about this, keep up the good work sir.
Thanks a lot man!
2 new things hardest to find: 1) Good cassette mechanism 2) IBM model M keyboard
You didn't search enough , these things were produced by the millions
Ebay bro. $300 - $400 for a new in box example though. :/ Clean 2nd hand ones go for around $100 to $150.
@@eatingsteakisfun keyword is NEW
New is nigh impossible; you can still find really clean used ones though.
@@eatingsteakisfun In Europe it's 300€ minimum for a 2nd hand Model M.
A new old stock in a box can go as high as 1k.
Very thoughtful, well-organized, and useful review! I hope you consider making more videos like this one!
Appreciate it and thanks for watching!
Hi KFlight! (And everyone else reading this comment, too!) This review is what prompted me to acquire this keyboard, and I just received it a few days ago. I wanted to contribute my own experience with this keyboard and alert you of some recent changes that they've made to the manufacturing of this keyboard, too!
1) The typing feel is the best tactile experience I've ever received from any piece of hardware. I type very fast (120 WPM sustained, 140-150 burst) and my fingers glide over it like ice. I was a little worried that the keys would feel stiff or provide some level of resistance, but they don't, at all. It is unbelievable, and frankly indescribable, how good this keyboard feels - and to echo your closing comments, I would never return to anything else!
2) THEY CHANGED THE LEDs!!! My keyboard has green LED indicators for the num lock, caps lock, and scroll lock lights. They're about as bright as any old keyboard's LEDs and they don't pierce your eyes at all. I had heard nothing about this in any follow-up review, so just to re-emphasize this point, the Unicomp Model M's current models do NOT use the bright-blue LEDs anymore, and instead use the green indicators that you'd find on any old membrane [or whatever] keyboard. The Unicomp logo is still there, but it's honestly far less distracting than I thought it would be.
3) My model *does* have light impressions where hands touched the frame. I really don't care, especially since I use my keyboard in low-light conditions in which I cannot see them, but I'm certain that others might on principle. My keys also contain the small holes on the back of them, but I likely would have never noticed them without your review.
4) The metallic-y hollow sound does actually take some getting used to, as it's *very* resonant/reverberating, but the deep clunking sounds of the springs balance out the reverb really nicely. The resonance is also easily blocked by headphones if you end up disliking it, but I've grown to enjoy it as a literal high note on which to end a cacophony of clacking. :)
Between the retiring of the blue LEDs and the unbeatable typing feel of this keyboard, I literally cannot recommend this keyboard enough. The volume of this keyboard is a joy, the sensation of typing on it is IMPECCABLE, and I cannot imagine typing on anything else for the rest of my life. Maybe one day I'll seek out an original Model M, but it's not a priority given how great this one feels. It even worked straight out of the box, no adapters required! Anyway, thank you for this upload: I cosign the previous comments in saying that you nailed the format and your presentation was perfect. I should end this comment now, but... here's another line of text so that I can continue to type on this thing. Heehee. :) Thanks again for the wonderful review!
Thanks for comment man! Great to hear you’re enjoying it and that they’ve made improvements!
My Unicomp Model M is from 2010 and it’s still going strong. Since last year I’m working from home and can finally use it all day. I would recommend it to everyone looking for a good mechanical keyboard. The only time I would buy another keyboard is when Unicomp releases a model with a coiled USB cord.
Great informational review! Just ordered my Mini-M yesterday. I'm excited for it!
Great video, thank you for sharing. I have been thinking about ordering a new model m for a couple of months now. Your video helped me decide to finally go ahead and place my order. I hope you are still enjoying your new model m! I'm excited to try it as well!
very soothing and relaxing video. thank you
Thank you for this video, really helped me out! I'm definitely going to nab myself one! :D
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
ALTOUGH I AM JUST 18 I LIKE TO SEE THINGS LIKE THIS,THANKS BRO
Good review. Thoughtful and balanced.
Great review. Intelligent, thoughtful and Informative. Thank you for your efforts.
Thanks bud, appreciate it
Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive review! After watching this, I had to order my own.
Thanks man, I’m sure you’re gonna like it
@@kflight9772 It arrived. You are correct, I am in love :)
Great review.
I have always felt the Model M is the best feeling and most comfortable keyboard ever built. I already have two 1996 Lexmark built Model Ms for my personal machines. I gave up a 1987 IBM version when I left my old job. :(
I currently own a business and I'm opening a new office in the spring. As a result, I built a new machine and I really need another Model M, as modern keyboards just don't cut it. Unfortunately my funding is limited and I didn't want to spend $200 on an older IBM, so I just ordered the 101-key Unicomp. Your review gives me hope that I will be satisfied with my purchase!
Thanks for the great video.
There aren't many reviews of this particular keyboard, and this one was nice and detailed. Good job!
I really like how these look, but the super expensive shipping that is preventing me from ordering one of these.
Thanks! Not sure where you’re based, but there is also a distributor in the UK (keyboardco.com). They didn’t have any stock when I was buying, but it might be worth keeping them in mind.
@@kflight9772 I did have a look at keyboardco, but I would be getting a French layout New Model M, which Unicomp does make but keyboardco don't sell - at least not yet. I'll keep an eye out for it, though!
Very good content. Excellent presentation.
I'd love to hear your opinion of some of the newer boutique switches that have been making the rounds in the enthusiast community, though I figure they would be hard to get ahold of in South Africa.
Great video - thank you.
Just a few comments:
1. Unicomp seems not to use that large outer box for local shipments.
2. I've found the I.B.M. Model Ms to "ping" more than the Unicomp renditions - of course, this might (read, likely does) vary widely from one specific device to another.
3. Every black-case model (not including the actual I.B.M. Model M-13) seems to bear the inescapable, unfortunate "scuffed" appearance in areas.
4. The key-feel across the Model M (at least, the Unicomp versions) is less consistent than over, say, a Cherry-MX-switch keyboard. Luckily, this does not much matter - unless/except-when a given few keys feel not quite right.
5. Those blue L.E.D.s are pretty much a deal-breaker - they make the keyboard simply unusable unless are covered up with something.
Not sure if it’s just my imagination, but I swear mine has been pinging a lot more recently haha. Thanks for the comment!
The gate on the back of the keycaps is also present on the original one piece keycaps from the Model F days
Thanks for your comments, I probably wait it out for next version.
I just repaired my 2017 Model M Unicomp using a bolt mod because I got water in the membrane. The repair process is difficult it took me 4 hours to reassemble and 3 hours to drill holes and insert bolts for the bolt mod. My repair worked but 7, 2, and z were not that clicky because I got my bolts to close to the lever on the bottom of the springs. I will probably remove those bolts because there are 50 bolts holding it together losing a few would not hurt it.
i like your review, given that this is your first and the last reviewing video on youtube, its surprisingly calmly, informative, clean.
but with that shipping fee, you surely not doing any other review, isn't it?
I may review some other stuff in the future, but yeah it's difficult since most cool/popular tech stuff requires insanely expensive shipping here. Even the items that are stocked locally have become wildly priced over the last few months...
I bought the Unicomp Classic 101 March 2021 and now September 2023. Used a few times and was put into storage. Recently rediscovered and noticed "P" key was acting erratic requiring two or three taps to make contact. Contacted Unicomp and was given RMA but would cost $48.00 plus $16 shipping. After doing my own disassembly I found all but 6 plastic rivet heads were broken off. Unicomp claims this issue was resolved before I purchased in 2021. I would not advise purchasing from Unicomp based on my experience.
I just stumbled onto this channel and I must say great video! Yikes, I am so sorry to hear you paid so much in international shipping costs! Unicomp is a small business of former IBM & Lexmark employees who bought the tooling, design rights and license for the Model M keyboard from IBM & Lexmark when they closed the keyboard factory in 1996. The entire company only employs 50 people in a small industrial building in Lexington, KY. So you are still technically buying an authentic IBM Model M keyboard. It's just they changed the plastic and also the tooling was getting worn to the point it was becoming unusable hence the rather inconsistent quality (and creaking). Hence the reason why they came out with the New Model M with new tooling. I think they're still using the same molding for the case and keys, and also they're still a small business so that's why it looks weird. They're still a very small business and don't make as many compared to large keyboard manufacturers like Cool Master & Corsair.
They also use UPS for their domestic shipping which is still rather high compared to the US Postal Service, which many small businesses also use. I bought my New Model M back in August 2020 when they just reopened and began operations again, and by God I love it! Typing is so much better on this keyboard and it's simply a dream! Although, I bought it right before they released the 103-key version which kind of annoyed me. I was also surprised on them using Blue LEDs, and unfortunately they're actually integrated with the keyboard membrane which makes it impossible to mod. However, I heard of ways of mitigating the brightness and even changing the LEDs color indirectly like using Kapton tape or theater light gels and slipping them under the label.
They just released their tenkeyless version which is a modeled after the Model M SSK (which is SUPER rare to find a fully working condition). It looks great, still is kind of odd in spots, but functions amazingly just like the New Model M.
I really like the fact that a company like Unicomp is around. Making the same keyboards in the same place in the USA for something like 30 years if I remember correctly - that makes these boards special in their own right and well worth supporting. Thanks for watching!
I have almost exactly the same New Model M as you (I went with the 103-key version without the right Windows key), and yes, I find the loud metallic ping can take getting used to from a modern-day keyboard. I consider myself pretty noise-sensitive, too, but it's not "oh my God, I have to cover my ears" loud. It's not too bad, and most certainly I want to keep it as a typing and coding keyboard, but I agree it's not the best gaming keyboard unless you're specifically shooting for retrogaming (pre-Windows 95 or so).
Yeah, typing on the New Model M is extremely good. I would probably get the 103-key version if I were buying it again, since I really don’t need the extra Windows key. Thanks for watching!
Try the floss mod to help the pinging.
I would never be able to tolerate the small high pitch horrible sound of the blue switch. But buckling springs are music to my hears
I recently purchased the 122 key Model M, and I can tell you that I have no regret getting it. It's just as loud and clunky as a battleship keyboard should be. My keycaps wobbles very little, and just works straight out of the box. Wanted the side function keys to be re-mapped as media keys, and with some tweaking with an older 3RVX program, works just fine with it's hotkey functions. The only thing that I find annoying with the latest/new Model M is their choice of LED for the Lock Lights. Way too much eye piecing blue that somehow laser beams into my eyes. I opened my keyboard to add some filters over the LEDs to tone down the brightness. Other than that, OMG, how much I love typing on this thing. Cliché, I know to say, but I am typing on it right now. Mine does have some of the imperfections that you mentioned. The molding of the keyboard case, and the keycaps as mentioned, but that doesn't bother me. It just types and sounds as what a Model M should be. I'm sure, even with just a little care, this will last just as long as what a 30 yr old Model M would last. Love that Unicomp offers some customizations and additions. Ordered media keycaps for the fore-mentioned side function keys, and a protective skin so that I can keep dust, and the occasional coffee spill over my lovely keyboard. As much as I love the 122, I am considering also getting the regular Model M, just so I would have a normal Model M as my office keyboard, and the 122 as my personal keyboard.
If my desk was a bit bigger, I would love to get a 122. I'm sure you're enjoying it, the quality issues here and there really fade away once you experience typing on these things! I'm probably going to do the same as you and try to tone down those LED's a bit, maybe I'll even try soldering some "traditional" green ones in. I agree - these will likely last a very long time, no reason to think otherwise.
Thanks for watching!
@@kflight9772 I ordered a New Model M on 2/18/2021. Ordered with gray and white keys, 103 option, and PS2 cord connection. Sticker says manufactured 2/19/2021, part number is "CUSTOM20", serial number is 0098816. It arrived 2/23/2021. I was so elated and geeked up with it and the typing experience. It wasn't for several days until I noticed the LEDs on mine are GREEN! Did I receive an anomaly, a one-off special? Or did Unicomp make a change to the manufacturing?
Now that’s interesting. Mine was manufactured 2/2/2021. Perhaps they decided to change it, since every review I saw criticized those blue lights. Either way, you definitely scored!
@@kflight9772 I had to return to the office building for work after WFH for greater than a year so I ordered another New Model M to take with me (didn't want to take the one from my home office). This time I ordered it with all grey keys (to make it easily distinguishable from my other keyboard), 103 key option, and USB cord connection. Sticker says it was manufactured 5/18/21. I like it just as well as the other one but this one has the blue LEDs.
The new Windows Powertoys has a great key remapping feature.
I had a PC-122. Liked it but the cursor key cluster drove me nuts.
I took delivery of one of their New Model Ms about three weeks ago and the blue LEDs seem fine to me. I don't really notice them.
Idk if its a copyright issue or something but I think that they should go back to the IBM style of lock indicator. They can also put the unicomp logo where the IBM logo would have been
I dont think it would be too hard to create a bucking spring keyboard with LED backlight. Might even look better than with something like cherry switches because every key sits in a "barrel" so you wouldnt have to have the backlighting show up in the gaps between the keys
The interesting thing is that you actually can buy an IBM style lock indicator from Unicomp directly, and hot-swap the crap Unicomp indicator out of there (although they only offer it in Pebble which might clash with the black case). As for why they changed the indicator, it's because they're symbols and not words. They were thinking of the international market when they decided to make the switch.
Can you expand on the key roll over, is it only any 2 keys you can press and no more? I already have one of these on the way with fedex aswell :) i am mostly thinking about WASD in combination with Ctrl and or Shift, i believe i read some where else it was claimed as more than 2 key roll over dependimg on what keys ? :)
Sure, 2 keys is just the minimum guaranteed number of keys that will register at the same time. Personally, I’ve found that it will often register around 3, even 4, depending on which keys you’re pressing. Oh and “2 keys” doesn’t include the function keys (Ctrl, Shift and so on), only alpha numeric. For your case, you’ll have no problem at all using WASD plus Ctrl, Shift etc.
I would like to chime in here and point out that the matrix was indeed expanded from 8x16 to 12x16 which means that, in the best case scenario, you could concurrently press up to 10 keys all at once. And get this, the WASD keys are traced *SEPARATELY* meaning that this keyboard is optimal for gaming.
@@SergeantExtreme that explains why I havent got any problems gaming with mine
I love my Unicomp but I could never bring myself to get one that isn't an original-sized beige/grey and white. Such an act would be sacriligious to me. LOL
Please God never let me scrutinize a keyboard I buy this closely!
That warning paper seems overkill. The keyboard is wrapped so heavily and the keys are really strongly stuck in there. The warning about the key flipping accross the room is deserved though
Yo man, I was just wondering, how did you manage to ship it to Jhb without paying an absolute fortune? Im looking to get one but the price to ship it here is more than the keeb itself!
Howsit, unfortunately shipping was already about the price of the keyboard (actually might have been a little more) back when I bought mine. I shipped via FedEx straight from Unicomps website. I’m sure by now the shipping cost must be insane. Maybe look into options like Aramex Global Shopper and MyUS?
Even my 80s Model Ms have the same issues as yours. So it isn't a Unicomp thing, but an IBM design thing.
For a few buck more they also now (finally!) make a 10keyless model.
At last! I see the Mini M has been added to their site. I’m sure it’ll attract a lot of new customers.
They’ve got to fix that broken layout. Windows key to the right of the space bar is wrong. The “divots” on the back of the keys is called “flashing” and is a byproduct of the injection molding process. This flashing is actually present on original IBM Model F and Model M keyboards way back in the 1980s, which is probably why they continue to justify leaving it in place today.
you can get it in a 103 key config which will eliminate the right windows key and make the space bar as wide as an original ibm model m
I had wondered about the LEDs, good to know. Ordered a sticker without the logo so good time to slip a darkening sticker underneath when I replace the original.
I paid $70 for shipping, not as bad but still sucks. On the upside the Dollar is slumping so ended up saving some monies there.
The case seems cheaper compared with my filco majestouch. Unfortunately, shipping and exchange rate in Canada is a deal breaker for me... and the real thing is probably the New Model F. My actual keyboard (I use cherry mx blue switches) is probably good enough for my needs (and work well for games AND typing). I think I will change my keycaps (after 5 years they look used and shinny) for now (it's a much cheaper option, probably 50$CAD tx and shipping included for a good set of pbt keycaps).
Anaway, I used a model M in the past, my father had an IBM XT in the late 80s early 90s, both (bucking springs and cherry mx) are light years away compared with a cheap membrane keyboard.
Yeah the Model F sure looks good, well out of my budget though! Would really like to have one though. There’s no going back to “normal” boards once you’ve tried a mechanical switch/buckling spring board.
@@kflight9772 Finally 6 months later I purchased this New Model M. Now I have two excellent keyboard. The build quality is not bad on this model. Their new design is just perfect. It's just a SSK extended. Industrial Grey would be really great too.
u can mod these to giver it a nice thock sound but fuck if i know how to do it :(
mine started going out at almost exactly the 1 year mark. paid a 1/3rd of the original price to get it repaired and it went 4 more months. its a membrane and its early membrane tech, so its basically the worst of the worst. now as we speak im testing out my 'actual' ibm-m (pre lexmark) that i literally just pulled out of the box and i realize i never should have wasted money on the unicomp. its nice feedback, but the thing is garbage. heck i even broke one of the actual keys removing them and it was under very little pressure...this is not an ibm-m.
Do they make the M13?
Consider checking out the Endura Pro?
I wish they had black keys with white printing on them
Seems like an obvious option they should offer. That would look great.
There are only four methods for adding legends to plastic keycaps: 1) Dye sublimation. 2) Pad printing. 3) laser etching. 4) 'Double shot' molding. Dye sublimation works fine for printing dark legends on a lighter colored plastic, but doesn't work so well with black plastic and white dye. Pad printing is just that, it's printing directly on the surface of the part. Since it's just paint or ink, the printed legends wear off very rapidly. Laser etching creates an etched surface that is then filled in with a paint. Since the paint is below the surface it lasts for much longer than pad printing before it wears off. Double shot molding utilizes two different colored plastics in the mold. Double shot is how IBM made the keys for many of its terminal keyboards back in the day. Double shot legends will last as long as the keyboard without wearing away or fading. Problem is that Unicomp is a small operation that can only afford pad printing on black keycaps and you really don't want pad printed keycaps. Unicomp can not justify setting up to make double shot or laser etched caps in house. The companies that can make laser etched or double shot keycaps are all in Asia and those companies don't take on nickle and dime jobs. Unicomp does make unprinted black keys if that's what you can live with.
Up the typing, down no keyboard lighting. Cherry browns for me. Blues are to clicky.
"No clicking to be heard"
*doubt*
Not even the same color, shape, size, or weight....
So I want to say.. not even close to being a Model M
If you had ever been to Memphis or Kentucky, you would know Memphis is a gangsta thunderdome and Kentucky is a hillbilly backwater state.. one of the poorest in the nation.
I've got 10 Model M's I got for free and have been to both places. I can tell you back in the 90's, people were throwing them away as junk... along with everything else they considered obsolete. Oddly, I have about 20 other buckling keyboards from thesame era with AT connectors.
Also, you don't need a dedicated WIndows key shortening your space bar, you just remap the right CNTRL or ALT with Sharpkeys and it works out great.
mx blue sounds like really cheap plastic compared to the almighty model m
Yeah the Blues are okay for short stints, but they get annoying really fast
@@kflight9772 too bad that most people don't know any better
@@kflight9772‘a-comment/post “Yeah the Blues are okay for short stints, but they get annoying really fast”:
are you referring to the sound or to the physical-feel of the keyboard-keys when you type (when you said the cherry-MX-blues get annoying really fast) ?
I ask because I’m still-debating between a Das-Keyboard-4 with Cherry-MX-Blue switches or a Unicomp “New Model M” keyboard (but the quality-&-quality-control issues CZcams-videos as recent as even within-6-months-ago are making me hesitant to get one when I could just-pay 3 $20-bills more for a Das-Keyboard;
Also, I used the 2nd-generation IBM Model M and I’m disappointed that these Unicomp Model-M’s are based on the LAST version produced by Lexmark (which was infinitely-inferior to the 2nd-generation IBM Model M manufactured-&-produced by IBM (I know because I tried all the “Model M”s after the 2nd-generation one, and they were ALL 🤢/🤮))).
The quality is poor compared to the originals
Yet another reviewer that expects a Ferrari at Ford prices.
I'd be willing to pay more for a bit better quality. They're 80% of the way there.
@@RBLevin They're getting there, and these new Model M versions have got really good reviews.
Each product successively keeps getting better which makes me excited for the coming 5 years.
Like people who go into Subway and expect it to be. a 5 star restaurant.
Disappointing quality for that price
yep this keyboard is so cheap and sucks