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New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

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Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#221

Post by voldacar »

jcrawfordor wrote: post #204
formerly_proven wrote: post #2

The IBM Model M hype is absurdly overblown. Anyone who has used decent mechanical keyboards should be able to pretty much immediately notice just how cost-reduced that keyboard is. It is quite literally the cheapest buckling spring keyboard IBM managed to make in '89, and it shows. Cherry boards are often bashed for their flexing and wobbly cases, but the IBM Model M is hardly better with the top and lower parts of t…

I feel that the modern Model Ms made by UNICOMP have noticeably worse "fit and finish" than some of the '80s/'90s (IBM or Lexmark) Model Ms that I own. I think it's quite simply their tool and die wearing; UNICOMP is a small company and I think they have a very limited budget to do things like produce new mold masters. This probably also hits R&D and leads to things like not having NKRO which would otherwise be expec…

I think early model F is far sturdier. Also the F can do NKRO which I don't think is physically possible with the M

Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#222

Post by rbanffy »

nbzso wrote: post #108
rbanffy wrote: post #102

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Kinesis also looks perfectly at home in a science-fiction set. It feels OK, the ergonomics are excellent and the looks are unbeatable.

Yep, after initial frustration 1/2 weeks adaptation exercises I am amazed how this thing is invisible when used. The option for modifying keys and macros is very handy, and saving all mods on the board is making it portable. The only thing that I have against is the low quality of the case. But in the context of comfort and health this is minor gripe to have:)

I used a Microsoft natural keyboard and, while less alien than the Kinesis, it took time to adjust. The best thing was forcing me to press the keys with the correct hand.

Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#224

Post by laumars »

executesorder66 wrote: post #45
skocznymroczny wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think a lot of the hype around mechanical keyboards in general is overblown. I had a period of transitioning to mechanical keyboards. I couldn't get used to the high-rise keys and long travel times which made my wrists hurt and made typing a chore. I kept convincing myself that I just had the wrong type of switch, so I changed keyboards every few months seeking that perfect feeling. The closest I got was low-profil…

So I'm not alone. I really can't understand the appeal of a mechanical keyboard. - They are loud - They are expensive - The keys are massive and ugly - Massive travel time (So slow to type on) Sure they are a bit more customizable, but is that really worth all the drawbacks? Especially the worse typing, which is the main point of a keyboard. If you are a mechanical keyboard fanatic, and my comment angered you, please…

It’s really just what you’re used to. I grew up using mechanical keyboards and find keyboards with shorter travel times annoying because I already have the muscle meme out of hitting the keys harder.

I also quite like the clacketty sound they make but I totally get why some people would find that off putting. For me it’s as soothing as the sound of gentle rain on an autumn evening. Maybe I’m weird there but I’d wager I’m not unique.

Mechanical keyboards don’t need to be expensive either. I will grant you some people fetishise over high end keyboards but you can pick up new mechanical keyboards for the fraction of the price of those limit run models if you’re happy for something a little more mass produced (and, frankly, they work just as well).

Keyboard typing speed is always going to be dependent on what you’re used it. I bet some typists on a 1970s typewriter could run circles around the average developer on a chiclet keyboard.

Ultimately the choice of keyboard really boils down to personal preference.

Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#225

Post by jagger27 »

war1025 wrote: post #182
ghostpepper wrote: post #160

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not too late! Thinkpads still come with a nub.

I tried to use the nub thing once since I have a Thinkpad through work. Really not to my taste.

It takes a while to get used to. The biggest value add for me with the nub is scrolling while holding the middle button. I love that.

Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#226

Post by deeg »

thereddaikon wrote: post #149
scaladev wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not to rain on your parade, but 10 years is nothing. I'm still using my cheap A4Tech KV-300H bought back in early 2011 for about $15. It works just as it did the day it was bought, except for some minor cosmetic wear. It had tea, coffee, and water poured on it about a dozen times, continuing working as before after a few hours in a warm place. I really don't get the usual "get one mechanical keyboard and it'll serve…

I have a 1989 marked Model M I still use. Its all original. I have to use a PS/2 to USB dongle but it still works great.

I've got you beat. :) I'm using a Model M from '86 and I have PC-AT -> PS/2 -> USB dongles. Still works great, though.

Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#227

Post by mzarate06 »

hocuspocus wrote: post #8

Unicomp had piqued my interest when the first rumors about a new SSK were brought up 10+ years ago. Today I'm a bit with other posters in this thread, regarding the design and build quality. When it finally comes out, I don't think I'll buy one. In 2021 you can buy much, much better keyboards. I really enjoy my Leopold with PBT keycaps and Cherry silent red switches, even more than my expensive Topre Realforce

I also use a Leopold with silent reds (750R).

I borrowed one a year ago and geez, it was nice! I had used Cherry blues, browns, and less common Kailh Box whites [1] prior to that. I enjoyed them, but the noise reduction silent reds brought was refreshing.

And apart from switches, that board introduced me to Leopold, who I think sets the standard for mass-produced mechanical keyboards. No odd shape or cheap-looking shiny plastic (DAS!), the keycaps are top-notch, and they come with lubed stabilizers. Heck, even the cable can be routed multiple directions to your liking.

Overall, Leopold's build quality is something I've not experienced with a handful of other mass-produced mechanical keyboards I own. I'm convinced I'll need to go custom if I want something better.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Z2G0aKl80

Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#228

Post by deeg »

Krisando wrote: post #63
znpy wrote: post #57

I own a real model m and an unicomp endura pro. The model m was cheap because I literally pulled it out of the dumpster. The endura pro was a complete waste of A LOT of money considering double shipping (usa to usa and usa to europe since they would not ship to europe, and that implies a re-shipping handling fee) and import duties on top of that. The keyboard is loud but doesn't add anything really to my typing. And…

> I own a real model m I have one made in 1986. > The endura pro was a complete waste of A LOT of money considering double shipping (usa to usa and usa to europe since they would not ship to europe, and that implies a re-shipping handling fee) and import duties on top of that. That's so strange, they delivered directly to Europe for me. I have an older unicomp and a newer unicomp since the retooling last year. > The…

> I have an older unicomp and a newer unicomp since the retooling last year.

How does the newer unicomp compare to the Model M's? I have three Model M's (work, home, and spare). I bought a Unicomp around 2010 because it has USB but had to give up on it because it required too much pressure and gave me mild CTS, something I've never experienced with the Model M's.

Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#229

Post by samatman »

rgoulter wrote: post #62
executesorder66 wrote: post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So I'm not alone. I really can't understand the appeal of a mechanical keyboard. - They are loud - They are expensive - The keys are massive and ugly - Massive travel time (So slow to type on) Sure they are a bit more customizable, but is that really worth all the drawbacks? Especially the worse typing, which is the main point of a keyboard. If you are a mechanical keyboard fanatic, and my comment angered you, please…

> Sure they are a bit more customizable, but is that really worth all the drawbacks? Yes. Or at least, "mechanical keyboards" is broad enough that it also includes ortholinear or column-staggered designs, as well as split keyboards. (i.e. I mean a more narrow "some mechanical keyboards are much better than non-mechanical" rather than arguing "mechanical keyboards are always better than non-mechanical"). Typical keybo…

Yeah, this.

My perfect keyboard would have an ErgoDox layout, QMX driver, scissor switches w. chiclet keys, and individually-addressable LEDS.

I can only get three of these four things, and I can live with that.

Re: New Model M Is an American-Made Keyboard That Puts a Spring Back in Your Typing

#230

Post by kstrauser »

Nition wrote: post #218
kstrauser wrote: post #191

Hey, watch this! I'm going to burn a few million dollars of productivity with a post! I wanted to buy a new mechanical keyboard with a home office budget that my employer gave us, and a friend recommended I check out WASD Keyboards. (Up front: I have zero relationship with them except as a customer.) Wanna talk about analysis paralysis? The following killed a week of evenings for me: - Go to https://www.wasdkeyboards…

As a bonus, if anyone ever asks you what it's like to discover Photoshop filters for the first time, you can just point to your keyboard.

I couldn't figure out how to undo the mosaic filter.
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