Product Review: Unicomp Customizer keyboard, or, the IBM Model M reborn
A rash of e-mails regarding and hits to my negative review of the Matias Tactile Pro 2 leads me to write this positive review the Unicomp Customizer, a modern version of the Model M that IBM used to produce. Dan’s Data explains why these “buckling spring” keyboards are so nice:
The big deal about these old keyboards is their lovely, positive key-click. When you use a keyboard that doesn’t have a good positive click, it’s hard to tell when you’ve depressed a key properly. You have to watch the screen to make sure you don’t leave letters out, or you have to really hammer the keyboard, which is not good for your hands.
Most of the mid-priced keyboards [...] use some variant of the “rubber dome” switch technology, which gives a definite little popping sensation when the dome buckles, but doesn’t necessarily give you an actual letter at the exact same moment, thanks to uncertain contacts. The old buckling spring tech absolutely positively does give you the letter when you feel the click. These keyboards feel very much like an old IBM Selectric typewriter – there are plenty of these ironclad behemoths still in service, and they may herniate anyone that has to move them but they’re darn nice to type on.
Today, buckling spring keyboards are never or almost never shipped with computers. Fortunately, Unicomp has accomplished what Matias couldn’t and produced an excellent keyboard in the Customizer, which is based on the actual IBM Model M design. Keystrokes are crisp and precise. The “shadow key” problem that bedeviled the Tactile Pro is absent, and the Customizer itself is solid, recalling a slab of stone (see the picture below), unlike the fragile, mushy keyboards most PCs ship with. It’s also been durable, and in the months I’ve pounded on it the only problem has been a backspace key that became slightly squeaky. I sent an e-mail to Unicomp and someone called me to recommend that I pop off the offending key with a butter knife to reseat it. If you know anything about modern tech support, reread that sentence and let the shock set in. An actual phone call? From a guy involved with the actual manufacturing of the product? Indeed, and I’ve now experienced my miracle. The squeak seemed to go away and I’m back to my normal pattern. Furthermore, the company is based in Kentucky and makes the Customizers there.
The main drawback for me is that I use an iMac and the keyboard is set up for Windows. The ability to change key bindings was important to me, and OS X allows it to be accomplished easily by going to System Preferences -> keyboard and mouse -> keyboard -> modifier keys:
As the picture above shows, I’ve disabled the caps lock key—which is not specific to this keyboard, but just a preference—and changed the “option” key to command and the command key to option, which makes the alignment of the Customizer match any other Mac keyboard. Windows and Linux users will probably want to leave the alt and control keys where they are. The Customizer is thus a viable Mac keyboard, which delights me after the Matias Tactile Pro 2 problems. Although I haven’t conducted any tests to demonstrate whether I actually type faster with the Customizer, I feel like I do, and even if I don’t, I like typing on it far more than I do other keyboards.
The Customizer’s minor downsides are fivefold: 1) as described above, the command, alt, and option physical keys don’t match what the computer will actually do; 2) although the Customizer feels far better than other modern keyboards, it’s not quite the same as real Model Ms, which were metal, and it’s also subtly different than Apple’s Extended II keyboard, and as a result people who want the exact experience as the older models might be disappointed; 3) the keyboard has no built-in USB ports, which is a problem with Macs because even the 24″ iMac comes with only three on the back, which is too few; 4) the price, at $69, is somewhat high, but I think the productivity improvement worth the extra cost, and 5) the Customizer probably can’t be used in a work or living situation in which you have to share space with someone else, as the clacking will anger the other person. But that last drawback is to me part of the advantage—I like the clack, and to me the noise is part of its fun.
My only wish is that Unicomp would make keys with “command” on them, so Mac users could pop the Windows keys off and replace them with a Mac-centric layout. These are minor issues, and the necessary trade-offs weigh heavily in the Customizer’s favor for those who care about their typing experience.
EDIT: Clarified relationship of the Customizer to the Model M. In addition, you can see the Customizer in my post about new workspace. This post discusses computers, tools, and meaning.
EDIT 2: I did buy Mac-friendly keycaps from Unicomp and wrote about them in this post, which also has pictures of the new keys.
[...] Update 2008-05-08: Jake Seliger just posted a review of the Unicomp (Model M-type) Customizer [...]
Keyboards, Keyboards :: dirtystylus
May 8, 2008 at 8:39 am
I emailed the folks at Unicomp about a year ago asking about a mac-specific version of the customizer, and got a reply that said that they were looking into it, but without any specifics as to a release date. I get the impression that they’re a very small operation.
Doctor Memory
May 8, 2008 at 10:32 am
My father works for Unicomp and I worked there for about a year doing some sysadmin work. I’d like to point out that Unicomp hasn’t “accomplished what Matias couldn’t and produced an excellent modern version”. The Unicomp keyboards are the real deal and not a copy.
A while back when Lexmark moved into the old IBM plant in Lexington, KY they bought IBM’s printer and keyboard business. At some point after that Unicomp purchased the keyboard business from Lexmark. I’m sure there are plenty of details to all of that but basically Unicomp has all the old IBM keyboard patents etc.
I switched to a Mac over 3 years ago but have been content with using the keyboards that came with them. I may have to see if I can’t get someone over at Unicomp to make me some Mac keys for one since they pop on and off easily. If I do I’ll try to convince them to make enough for other Mac users as well!
Scott Cropper
May 8, 2008 at 11:58 am
Hi Scott,
I just left another comment praising Unicomp, but I just noticed your comment and ref to your dad. I looked up the details and I realised that it was your dad Chuck who helped me out a few months back.
He’s a great guy, and really helped me out. Please send him my regards, and show him all of the positive feedback in these comments.
Cheers,
Tom.
Tom HB
October 2, 2009 at 7:18 am
Thanks for your comment, Scott. I reworded the paragraph under the blockquote to clarify the lineage of the Customizer. I based my original comments on what Unicomp itself says: “Customizer is the marketing name we’ve given to our classic IBM style keyboards.”
Thanks very much for your offer to see if you can have Mac keys made — judging from the e-mails and comments I’ve received, there’s at least some demand for them out there.
jseliger
May 8, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Thank for this review, not only for mentioning this company but for confirming my preference for buckling spring keyboards by showing other people like them too. I have a 3270 keyboard from Unicomp that is excellent. On my Mac I use my original 1987 Model M through a PS2-USB converter. I have several in storage in case this one fails. Which I know it won’t ever. I cannot for the life of me understand why people choose to throw these keyboards out and use trash five dollar keyboard for there expensive computers.
I would like to second the request for Mac keycaps. Scott- have a word with dad please!
rvjansen
May 29, 2008 at 10:28 am
[...] Today, buckling spring keyboards are never or almost never shipped with computers. Fortunately, Unicomp has accomplished what Matias couldn’t and produced an excellent keyboard in the Customizer, which is based on the actual IBM Model M design. Keystrokes are crisp and precise. The “shadow key” problem that bedeviled the Tactile Pro is absent, and the Customizer itself is solid, recalling a slab of stone (see the picture below), unlike the fragile, mushy keyboards most PCs ship with. It’s also been durable, and in the months I’ve pounded on it.. Product Review: Unicomp Customizer keyboard [...]
Stephen’s Personal Blog » Blog Archive » TSS: Unicomp Customizer keyboard
May 29, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I use Keyclick (http://www.sustworks.com/site/prod_keyclick_overview.html) with my Apple iMac keyboard. This program, which installs as a preference pane in OS X, adds audio feedback to each keyclick. I use the typewiter sound. The volume and pitch can be adjusted to emulate a real typewriter sound.
I have an old IBM model M and a similar Dell AT101W, both of which I prefer to the keyboard that came with my iMac , but do not use the older keyboards because they are beige and have Windows keyboards not Apple keyboards.
Keyclick costs $5 and there is a 21 day trial period. I would not give it up.
egelb
May 30, 2008 at 7:58 am
I have fond memories of time spent with
my M2 which I used from ‘93 to ‘03.
Got it with a PS/1. Both still work great!
I’ve never found a keyboard to match the M2.
I’ve spent at least EUR120 per year trying.
The standard M is wonderful however it uses far
too much desk space to be practical for me.
Anyone know of any plans to resurrect the M2?
cros13
May 30, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I just got one of these in the mail today. It’s fantastic :)
Rickasaurus
June 6, 2008 at 10:38 am
I have one of these and they were able to customize it to use a Unix layout like the Sun keyboards (control in place of caps lock, backspace above the enter key, escape in place of tilde, etc.). My only real gripe with it is that my control key (which replaced the caps lock key) still has the indentation in it, which means that my pinky has to reach a little farther when pressing control. It’s not as bad as standard PC layout positioning, but still a bit annoying. I asked if they could use a standard key there instead, but they replied that this is the only way they can set it up unfortunately. Oh, I also wouldn’t mind chopping off the whole keypayd part of the keyboard to bring my mouse a little closer, since I don’t use my computer as a calculator, but not as big of a deal.
But otherwise, I love this keyboard. =)
Damien
June 6, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Bought this based on your review; it arrived today. So far I like it, though the keys seems a little cheap (some look loose, but feel OK). Should have more to say after putting a few miles on it.
Sandy
June 6, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I bought a couple of the space saver models for home and work Linux desktops and I *love* them. I used to have an old Model M keyboard but stupidly gave it away when I decided I wanted something more modern looking.
James
June 10, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Definitely love the buckling springs. As another commenter mentioned, the Unicomp boards ARE Model M’s…
And to clarify, both the old and the new Unicomp-Model M’s have a metal backplate.
For those of you who are interested in ongoing keyboard discussion, feel free to swing by geekhack.org . We are an online community dedicated to the discussion (and obsession) of keyboards. ;)
iMav
June 10, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Thanks for the review – I was despairing that finally moving to a unified Mac platform would either leave me without my beloved model M, or a whole raft of broken keyboard shortcuts as I tried to make do with my old 101 key models.
It’s not _exactly_ the same as a Model M (integrated keycaps instead of IBM’s two part design, so it feels a bit different while typing) and boy is it _new_, compared to all of my decade+ old Model M’s that have been worn into submission. But now I can use all the keyboard shortcuts the OS expects, and still have a very close approximation of my ~’95 Lexmark Model M. And it sill certainly be less of a daily shock going between the Customizer and the Model M at my office.
I don’t know if they’re noticing an uptick in Mac sales, or if this was because I commented on the intended use on the order form, but they included 4 blank control-row keycaps in my box, so I popped off the windows and menu keys and scrawled command and option designs on the front of the appropriate keys, so now it’s really a Mac keyboard. ;)
Thanks again for the review, though – I was afraid I’d have to buy a tactile pro even though the reviews weren’t favorable, and hope that I didn’t experience the same problems.
Patrick
June 16, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Thank you for the review, I wish you could try out Das Keyboard as well. I wonder what that would compare with the other keyboards you have tried so far.
Chris Chua
June 23, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I type for a living and love these keyboards and also happen to use a Mac… I am also quite interested in a Mac specific layout. P.S. Although it’s in Japanese, just look at this YouTube video of a guy typing away on a Unicomp keyboard. The clicks are music to my ears!
Robert
July 11, 2008 at 6:11 am
I read the review and was very excited. I immediately ordered one of these. It arrived two weeks ago, I unpacked it, everything looked fine. I picked it up the next morning, tucked it under my arm, and headed towards the car so I could bring the shiny new keyboard to work. On the way to the car I bent over to pick up something from the kitchen floor. All of the number keys along the top fell off. Try as I might I couldn’t get them reseated correctly. I called their warranty line and tried things with them — no luck. So we RMA’d the keyboard and now I have another shiny new keyboard. I tried to plug it into the KVM I have to use for work and nothing happened. The keyboard won’t make an electrical connection! Admittedly the work-supplied KVM is crappy, but on the other hand all of the other USB keyboards I’ve plugged into it work without issue. So now I’m trying to get them to RMA the second keyboard … we’ll see how that goes. I’m about ready to give up on my dream of a 104 key buckling spring keyboard. :(
Mike Post
July 11, 2008 at 10:49 am
[...] Unicomp Customizer (based on the old IBM Model M) (review) [...]
How Important is Your Keyboard? « loop label
July 20, 2008 at 1:51 pm
In response to Mike Post. Sorry to hear about your issues with Unicomp. I have 2 of them myself and love them. You mention issues with a KVM. I would suggest plugging the keyboard in directly to the PC and see if it behaves better.
The Model M’s draw more current then modern keyboards do. I think by a factor of 10. It is quite possible your KVM can not supply enough current to drive it.
Hope this helps. And yes, buckling spring keyboards are the best.
anthony
August 8, 2008 at 7:12 pm
In response to Mike Post too:
BS. Seriously. You “unpacked it, everything looked fine” and then “the number keys along the top fell off”… sure. Why didn’t they fall off during shipping? If they were loose enough to fall off, they had to be broken. If you tried to reseat them and couldn’t tell they were broken, you are making this up! Also, if they were so loose they would fall off, just putting the board under your arm would have let at least one of “all of the number keys” fall out. I own multiple Unicomp keyboards. They have been nothing but excellent, and this story smells fishy to me. At least you claim they RMA’d the board.
As for the KVM “not making an electrical connection”, it’s probably the fact that… you’re making this up!
(I was going to say the same thing as anthony, but since it’s already been covered, I figured the first answer that came to mind would do.)
I could be wrong, but I just KNOW I’m not.
– a
A. G.
August 18, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I’m experienceing a similar problem with my KVM.
When plugged into the keyboard port on my KVM, none of the LEDs light up nor do the keys work.
To solve the problem, I’ve got my keyboard and mouse plugged into the KVM’s ‘mouse port’ via a USB hub. I’ve got a crappy Dell keyboard plugged into the keyboard port to allow me to use the key sequence to swap between computers.
I love the feel of the keyboard, I’m tempted to get hold of an Endurapro!
Lawrence B
August 24, 2008 at 1:56 am
One error in your review – real model M’s aren’t metal, or at least mine (that I got w/ an IBM ps/2 in like 1990) is plastic and very heavy. there may be a lot of metal inside, but the exterior is all plastic. I still use mine and am very happy someone still makes them.
Mark P
September 9, 2008 at 11:13 pm
IBM/Lexmark/Unicomp buckling-spring keyboards — KVM & OTHER NO-SEE-’EM PROBLEMS:
For a relentlessly thorough explanation and tested solutions to the problem of some contemporary computers not ’seeing’ the buckling-spring keyboards when plugged in, go to: http://www.geocities.com/jszybowski/keyboard/index.htm.
On a whim, age 11, I took an hour out each morning from baseball and youth adventuring to do touch typing in summer school. Now, 60 years later, I’ve begun to wear the paint off the space bar on my 17-year-old, Lexmark-branded, 13-inch (no numpad), buckling-spring keyboard plugged into (PS1?) a SCSI Win95, Word 6 desktop on which I’ve churned out thousands of reports, letters, messages, etc. Yes, I have a hotrod ThinkPad for number-crunching, latest Office software, graphics, DVD R/W, etc., but most my time is spent on that old Lexmark and I’m baffled why there isn’t one on every desk in the world. It can only be because hunt-&-peckers type with their biceps instead of their fingers.
Thank God at least somebody at Unicomp had the inspiration not to let these boards die. Some years ago I was on the phone with Lexmark chasing more 13-inch keyboards for the office and expressed my view that they should never have got out of the keyboard business. The guy on the phone said, ‘Yes, I completely agree with you!’
Ken Weller
Ken Weller
October 4, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I live in the UK and Unicomp delivered my lovely Customizer 102 model within about 4 days.
It IS so much like the old model M I used way back that I can’t tell the difference (Apart from the UK layout). It even says model M on the label.
My son who like me is a programinator tried it and now I have had to order one for him.
Now that will be nearly £150 I will have paid for two keyboards and they really are so good that I would have easily paid that for just one.
In fact if it ever looks like Unicomp are going to shut down I will have to order a few more just in case.
Don’t mess about with silly modern crap. Just buy one.
Scott Williams
Scott Williams
October 17, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I have a model M at work that I’ve been using for years. It’s from an IBM 286 machine, and definitely has a big slab of metal on the back. I’ve tossed it, dropped it, and done everything short of won a bar-fight with it and it keeps on ticking. It’s built like a tank, and I can’t wait to acquire spares from Unicomp. The IT guys at work have been making fun of me for using it (going through 2 adapters). They don’t grasp the layout, because the layout style is older than they are. But I swear by that keyboard. And I desperately want a USB one to use on my Mac at home. Unicomp, hear my plea. Make us some replacement mac-labeled keys! And while we’re at it, is there a model keyboard that lacks the extra keypad so my mouse doesn’t have to be so far to the right of the keyboard? 3 cheers for buckling-spring keyboards. Accept no substitutes!
Tom Levesque
January 7, 2009 at 1:13 am
So far, so good. I just got mine. It types accurately, but noisily, but that’s no problem because I type noisily on any keyboard. I like the noise.
It’s heavy enough to actually beat someone to death with. Something I’ve always wanted to do while using lesser keyboards. Possibly the flimsiness of other keyboards is a design feature come up with by keyboard manufacturers conscious of the danger of keyboard-cide being practiced against themselves.
Unicomp was nice and sent me some key blanks because I asked. Replacing the abhorrent Windoze logo keys was easy. I could pry them back off and draw ‘Tux’ on them, but I’m not that motivated.
Dave
January 16, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I just got one of these Godzillas in the mail. First impressions:
* Feel: heavy! Compared to my IBM (not model M) keyboard, this thing weighs a ton. That’s OK, I will use it instead of dumbells or in altercations with the wife.
* Typing impressions: wow, what a difference a keyboard makes. The simple fact that I am out here, merrily writing a review, tells a story. After typing for a few hours on the thing, I plugged in my old keyboard to compare. Well, the old one feels so mushy…
* Look: ugly, but in an affectionate way, say like Hellboy.
* My only gripe: the edge of the space bar could have been made a bit more rounded. I tend to hit the space bar right on the edge, and after a few hours a definitely can feel it on my thumbs. I guess I could learn to hit it on top? Neeehh….
Anyway, the more I type, the more I am convinced that these are 70 bucks well spent.
Pietro
January 27, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Just got spacesaver and customizer 101 keyboards – absolutely awesome. I use Macs, so addition of a dedicated Apple versions will be welcome.
Dima
February 2, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Is anybody interested in getting together and making a big order of Mac keyboards? I want a mac version without a numeric pad, like the new iMac keyboard layout. That way the mouse is now way out to the right. I feel it will be better for my hands.
Winston
March 14, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I’ve just received my black Customizer 104, German version, and additional Mac keys.
The keybaord action is super. That’s just how I remember these things from the 80’s. How could I ever live without a REAL keyboard? I’ve written five books on filmy rubber-dome ‘boards. The sixth one will be completed on the Customizer!
But there’s something I’d like to add: The additional Mac Keys are just five caps, two labelleled Command, two Option, one is blank. The other keys that are different between Mac and PC (about 20 or so more) are not being replaced. Still, Unicomp charges an extra 10 Dollar for these five keys. I think that is a somewhat exaggerated price tag. The Customizer itself, OTOH, is well worth the money.
Also, to Germans ordering a customizer: You will have to pay an additional €27 import tax upon delivery. All in all (Keyboard, Mac keys, DHL and tax) I paid €112 (which is about 156 USD).
Anyway — I am still happy to have this thing here right now. Typing is so much better now!
Helge
Helge
May 25, 2009 at 6:13 am
No USB ports built it? I was about to order one until I read that. I have to have that in a keyboard due to my desk set up (keyboard is in a surface below the desk, with my mouse)—just sick about this, this keyboard sounded perfect for me. And my Matias is giving out after four years of heavy use.
Jeff Abbott
August 8, 2009 at 8:37 am
@ Jeff Abbott—
Sorry to hear about the USB problem—have you thought about mounting or taping a USB hub like this one or this one below your desk? You might’ve already considered and rejected this idea, but I thought I’d throw it out there anyway.
Jake Seliger
August 9, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I ordered one of these for work as I used Model M keyboards in the late eighties with PS/2 and AS/400 and remember how robust and tactile they were. No problems obtaining one from the factory in the US (I live in the UK) and the sales guy couldn’t be more helpful. When it arrived the space bar was broken but after a quick call to the very pleasant Sales Manager two new spacebars arrived in the post within days. Now THATS service. Having used Microsoft and Keytronics keyboards for the past 20 years, the Customizer keyboard feels great and I’m very pleased with my purchase. The only downside is that when ordering from the UK the shipping costs as much as the keyboard. I would be great if someone in the UK would stock these. I think they would sell like hotcakes with a bit of smart marketing.
Calum Tait
August 31, 2009 at 3:49 am
The team at Unicomp are simply fantastic.
I’m not even a customer (yet), but when my spacebar broke on my 1391401 (‘88) Model M, I looked up the time zones and called them first thing on their Monday morning. I spoke to a guy for about 2 minutes, he got my address and then insisted on sending me the new parts completely free of charge. I tried to tell him it was a 21 year old IBM and that I must pay him for the parts and postage, but he laughed it off. A new spacebar assembly arrived 5 days later. All up cost was AU$1 for the telephone call.
My current Model M will probably outlast the PS/2 and USB I/O standards, but I feel obliged to buy a couple of Customizers to show my gratitude and support of Unicomp, even if I never have to use them.
Tom HB
October 2, 2009 at 7:13 am