Comments on: Product review: Matias Tactile Pro 2

By: James F.

James F. — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:45:43 +0000

[quote]
The Unicomp keyboards are not “New versions” of the Old IBM keyboards, they are the real McCoy.
[/quote]

Sort of.

While IBM did indeed hand off their keyboard division to Lexmark, anyone who has typed on both IBM grey logo and Lexmark blue logo keyboards (I own both) will tell you there is a tangible difference (albeit a very slight one). The Lexmark IBM logo’ed keyboards use somewhat lighter case plastics and the springs are not -quite- as stiff as the earlier, grey logo models.

Not to mention that Lexmark had some keyboard models with fixed (as opposed to swappable SDL-style) cables. These changes were made because Lexmark realized that the days of IBM charging whatever they felt like for keyboards were over and it was time to start shaving pennies (same as any other keyboard manufacturer circa 1993). It’s cheaper for a manufacturer to solder a cable to a keyboard rather than incur the expense of adding an SDL socket.

When Unicomp split off from Lexmark later on, even more design changes were introduced.

So, technically you are correct: the Unicomp keyboards are descended from the IBM models. However, take a look at the Unicomp model of Space Saver and then at a grey (or blue) IBM-logo’ed Spacesaver and you will see some visual differences; type on the different model keyboards and you will, very likely feel some more.

By: Juan Castellon

Juan Castellon — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:59:53 +0000

The Unicomp keyboards are not “New versions” of the Old IBM keyboards, they are the real McCoy. IBM handed their typewriter division off to Lexmark, and along with it, the beautiful buckling spring technology. Unicomp later split off from Lexmark after some restructuring, but the keyboard machining and tooling stayed with them.
I am actually debating between the Matias Tactile Pro 3 and the Unicomp SpaceSaver USB. I use a Mac and a PC with a KVM switch, so the PC version would be great, since MacOS X has a very nice remapping sytem built right into the OS.

By: Brian Stegner

Brian Stegner — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:45:09 +0000

Hi,

I enjoy your writing. I’ve used a couple of the earlier version of the Matias keyboard. I was very disappointed for a lot of reasons, most of which you mentioned.

I do a lot of writing (and reading) and the keyboard is the main interface to most of my World. And right now I am on one of the Apple Aluminum keyboards. This is probably the worst keyboard I have ever used. I use it with an Aluminum Powerbook all the time, at home. The spacebar omits triggered ‘spaces’ (Those comprise 95% of my after-the-fact corrections).

I saw your post on the Unicomp keyboard, which, I am guessing, is based on the old IBM Model M keyboard. I am in the process of getting it together to buy either the $130 or the $55 IBMs from the clickykeyboards.com site. BUT, after reading your review, I’m wondering if I should go for the Unicomp, instead. Decisions, decisions. If you by any chance post an update regarding your feelings about the keyboard you are now using, I would be very curious to see more of your real-world feedback on it.

Anyway, thanks for the two posts regarding the keyboard situation. They give a double-Virgo type, like me, hope.

By: whiteinge

whiteinge — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:50:40 +0000

I went through four Tactile Pro keyboards. Their spectacular five-year warranty baffled me since the product seemed to be of such un-spectacular quality. They do have excellent customer service, though, and were always happy to replace my broken keyboards. I’m happy to read your review since I had no idea why all four would have the same, aggravating, “shadow key” problem.

By: Keyboards Extended II :: dirtystylus

Keyboards Extended II :: dirtystylus — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:53:26 +0000

[...] the same tech as the IBM Model Ms) models from Unicomp. Jake Seliger also has a good review of the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0. I may order one of these Unicomp boards and see whether it’s an acceptable noise level for [...]