Comments on: IBM Model M / Unicomp Customizer Keyboard update: Mac edition

By: David Bradshaw

David Bradshaw — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:33:02 +0000

Yes, but not with a UK Layout and why does the black version have beige keys? Could the make it look any less attractive? No doubt if you ask they will do it with the silver keys, however, my point is that they could out sell Das and Matias if they would only sort out their marketing.

By: Jake Seliger

Jake Seliger — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:09:12 +0000

They do make a Mac version now! See here for their Mac version.

By: David Bradshaw

David Bradshaw — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:32:40 +0000

Unicomp are a company with a great product and dreadful marketing, I really wanted one of their keyboards but gave up waiting for them to release a Mac version. Even now they don’t do the Mac version in a UK Layout and why don’t the advertise the Mac keys as an option on their site?

In the end I ended up with a Matias Tactile Pro V3, even though as an ex-IBMer I knew I wanted a new Model M keyboard.

I’m sure if UniComp where to product a website as good as Matias and then push out review samples to leading websites they could quickly double their sales.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:34:32 +0000

Whenever I press F2 (for example) from Aquamacs, I get ” is not defined”. In order to get F2, I must press Function and then F2.

I’ve tried the KeyRemap4MacBook utility, but it does not seem to be able to address this issue no matter what I do. I had managed somehow to tame the built-in MacBook keyboard Fn keys, but the Unicomp M keyboard is leaving me stumped.

But otherwise, the physical typing experience is superb. This is more of a Mac-related issue than a Unicomp issue, but since Apple claims to know me vastly better than I know myself, I’m commenting here.

By: retroboy

retroboy — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:09:27 +0000

Jake,
I can see that Unicomp Included the Command and option keys, But Did they include the Mac function keys and an eject key?

By: davin

davin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:07:16 +0000

Hi,

I am writing this on a Matias Tactile pro v2. (mac)
I find it very nice for writing. Though yes, i do get the notion that not every key is giving the right feedback now and then, and also you need some getting used to.

It’s like warming up the tires for a race …
The thing is on Alps, after a while they feel very well, and then are a dream to type on.

I have tried, also others, the IBM model M; I am still trying to get my head around, cause the feel is great, though still feel a bit too stiff. Maybe is should give it another go.

The Filco (blue mx switches) is great; i use it at work, and feel that when writing reports, mail etc, it is fine allover, and after long day don’t feel fatigued.

The Alps do have a strange lag maybe via usb, but overall the feel is great :)

Please give them a try, even at geekhacks; the alps are underrated, :P

Regards, Davin

By: Stan

Stan — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:11:25 +0000

Jay– just thought I’d give you a heads up on something you might be interested in: check out Unicomp’s new Spacesaver M http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/onthestick.html (NOTE:: their links seem to be misleading, but it’ll still direct you to the right page). From their website:

“The SpaceSaver M offers the touch and feel of the Model M buckling spring keyboard merged with some of the system and audio controls seen on Apple® and Mac® keyboards. SpaceSaver M allows for convenient control of iTunes®, Safari® and other applications running on Mac OS X® based systems. This USB connected keyboard, available in Pearl White or Raven Black covers, will provide years of trouble free service. Please call if you have questions or need additional information.”

By: Peter Thomas Ricci

Peter Thomas Ricci — Tue, 24 May 2011 22:36:26 +0000

Jay, I have a quick question for you.

First, this is an excellent post for an excellent product. I grew up with a Model M, and after years of laptop usage, I returned to the desktop world with a new Sandy Bridge iMac — and found myself totally ill-equipped for the rubber-dome keyboard that came with the otherwise beautiful computer.

I ordered the SpaceSaver M, which comes with the Apple buttons and commands, yet when the product arrived yesterday, I would not work! I tried plugging the keyboard into multiple Macs (and even a PC), yet the keyboard never registered (or seemed to even power on).

So my question: did you have to do anything more with your Unicomp keyboard other than plug in the USB cord? Unicomp is replacing the keyboard (I’ll get the new one in a couple days), but I am so curious as to why the rigorously tested product would not work.

Thank you for your time, and cheers to an excellent site.

By: Jake Seliger

Jake Seliger — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:32:29 +0000

1) This might be the funniest comment I've read. 2) Perhaps not surprisingly, I also use a Chemex. Make of that what you will.

By: Ball Spin

Ball Spin — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:12:46 +0000

From out of left field… Here’s what you’re missing young man. You’re soft and you don’t even know it. You grew up with soft food and can’t relate to the crunchy stuff that satisfied your dad back when people worked. I’m old school and I prefer crunchy. Keyboards included. Membrane keyboards are cheap and feel cheap. Membrane technology makes it cheap to add useless buttons. People have grown accustomed to cheap manufacturing and don’t realize how compromised their computing experience has become. Membrane keyboards, yes laptops too, are a modern marvel like drip coffee makers. Just because a drip coffee maker is cheap and turns the water brown doesn’t mean it makes good coffee. Yes, at times my coffee is a bit crunchy and I don’t mind so much.