Unicomp "New" Model M speed review

Learning and discussion
1

I recently picked up a fullsize Unicomp “New” Model M and will give some early impressions after a few days of use:

  • Typing feel is like their Ultra Classic which is to say fun.
  • The quality on the legends is probably Unicomps best effort to date.
  • The back of the keyboard has marks on it from what I presume is the new tooling which I don’t understand how this happens with new molds. The front of the keyboard is perfect though.
  • If you stayed away from Buckling Springs because of key weighting I think you will be pleased as I feel the weight is much more approachable and lighter than MX Clears.

I don’t know what else to add other than state I am pleased with what I received for the price I paid.

7 Likes
2

Unicomp’s making new stuff now? Awesome.

3

People have been giving Unicomp crap because of the delays on the Mini M tenkeyless.

I’ll make a bold prediction that we’ll see the Mini M long before we see a Matias 60% and it will be far more reliable.

3 Likes
4

Don’t make me remember the loss of my KBParadise board.

That being said… yeah, no freaking way Matias is coming out with one soon. They’re too busy making… RGB Apple-style scissor switches. Yuck.

1 Like
5

Are the springs heavier or lighter than a model F?

6

I’ll hard agree with you on that one, Matias 60% is straight vaporware. Also almost all reviews of Matias switches I’ve seen have mentioned bad chattering starting up with the switches within a few months of somewaht heavy usage. At this point harvesting some ALPs & doing a 60% build is with them easier & more reliable IME.

1 Like
7

I haven’t typed on a Model F in a very long time. This Unicomp is one of the lightest feeling Model M’s I’ve typed on - and is even lighter than some Unicomps I’ve owned in the past.

2 Likes
8

Quick update: Keyboard is still great. However I’ve noticed some kind of brief pulsing of the LEDs once every 18-20 seconds. Very weird. I’ll keep an eye on it but if it gets worse I’ll reach out to Unicomp.

3 Likes
9

How time flys :slightly_frowning_face:

When I was younger it was as if time stood still - now I blink and almost 2 years have gone by.

Anyway, the Unicomp is still holding up just fine as a daily driver. No problems what so ever.

I will be putting in a order for a SSK once they clear the European FCC license and also offer a 86 key option. From my understanding they are so backed up with orders right now they would probably appreciate me waiting.

I have to say the only disappointment I have so far with these new boards is not having a beige color option. I really do miss it.

1 Like