Unicomp Mini-M (IBM SSK repro) review (buckling springs)

Skip to 9:54 for a typing demonstration.
Today we look at a prototype of Unicomp's new "Mini-M", which is basically a buckling spring TKL inspired by the IBM "SSK" Space Saving Keyboard. Hope you enjoy the video! :)
Intro by Kyle Carter
Outro by Facundo Cabanne
My keyboard reviews: bit.ly/1TbOtft
My switch teardowns: bit.ly/2C1QGHz
My TOP X videos: bit.ly/2FmpZfd
My XL typing demos: bit.ly/2OoAW3w
My tutorials and featurettes: bit.ly/2OrkLUh
My unboxing videos: bit.ly/2TSrr0m
I'm Thomas and I do videos and reviews on mechanical keyboards ranging from the most sickening modern RGB gaming keyboards to vintage hardware relics, or sometimes keycaps or keyswitches ranging from Cherry MX to Alps SKCM to IBM buckling springs and anything in between.
Follow me on Twitter for updates on my keyboard videos! / chyrosran22
The practice sentence was: "He336 0y na0e 5s Th60as and '0 typ5ng 6n an5c60p 5n5 r5ght n6w. a306st th64ght they'd never 0a2e 5t, b4t here 5t f5na33y 5s! H6pe y64 en16yed the v5de6!"

[@nicole_local]

Sounds like Unicomp have really upped their game; good on them!

[@alpzepta]

I’m just glad that we still have a quality keyboard on the market today. No not Corsair, not even close.

[@Pedro76mchlkg]

But still, they need a designer, or at least someone with a minimum sense of design.

[@alpzepta]

@@Pedro76mchlkg I honestly want Japanese people to make and design a keyboard and switches again. Alps and Fujitsu switches are very great. Sony also make a robust BKE Keyboard as well. Japanese design are always unique.

[@Antares-dw9iv]

@@alpzepta I dunno they're not that bad, I'll definitely take unicomp's designs over the "Gamerz" RGB vomit that's made by most other companies.

[@alpzepta]

@@Antares-dw9iv people say Unicomp quality are bad but I think Unicomp are way better than Corsair Keyboards. Topre and Matias are not too far off either.

[@5udimax]

1:57 ""Underr da hood" in Imperial units" I'm dead.

[@CaveyMoth]

Myrtle, get The Bible.

[@masterbeat04]

That bit broke me.

[@Anon.G]

Why did he say that in a German accent?

[@caulkins69]

The joke is a massive fail because the U.S. does not and has never used "Imperial" units. That is a British system that was devised in 1824.

[@fiverZ]

@@caulkins69 silence burger

[@FinlayDaG33k]

1:38 When you know Chyrosran is taking a big tug of air, you just *know* what he's gonna say :^)

[@lettuce7378]

HHHHHHIIIIDDEEEOOUUSS

[@nicolaspinto2927]

The best thing about the new SSK is it's decent proof that Unicomp is still going strong which is better news than usual. I'm very happy to see these features because hopefully they'll trickle back to the standard M and 122 M models at some point. I have the 122 and the only complaints I have are the awful blue lock lamps/lock legends and that the cable gutter is uncomfortably tight with the USB cable. I'd be more than inclined to purchase another Unicomp (at least fullsize anyways, I too am part of the numpad tribe) with those changes plus the detachable cable from the SSK, and even would get another 122 if they do this and modernise the Ctrl row with Super and Fn keys. It's sad that keyboards keep getting smaller rather than bigger but we're fortunate that we can still snag new-pro 122s at least. Great video as always mate!

[@MoraFermi]

AMBER LEDs! These should be AMBER! Definitely an interesting keyboard.

[@Seatux]

White is ok too. Classy even.

[@feels5460]

White and amber would both be great. Blue actually isn't even that bad either. I was thinking maybe even a purplish blue? Pretty much any color other than green would be kickass on this board IMO.

[@ollirkb6863]

Would vote for amber too. Then red and green.

[@jb_lofi]

... I... I like the blue. :s

[@MangoTalksTech]

What if they were RGB programmable LEDs to appease all of our lighting preferences 😂

[@sharktastica]

To be fair with the SpaceSaver/Ultra Classic/EnduraPro, they too were an inherented design from IBM/Lexmark as it was previously used to manufacture the IBM 5576-C01 TrackPoint II keyboards. All in all, good video of course! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my Mini M prototype, and I hope this is the start of a new direction for the company!

[@squirlmy]

Did they have a multi-million dollar secret "skunkworks" where IBM developed this stuff? Personally, I suspect time travellers. I mean, even as the Original PCs gain value as collector's items, even "antiques", the Model M keyboards are worth more than the rest of the computer, including the CRTs, which have a limited lifespan. ?!?!?!?

[@jugostran]

Oh hey there, didn't expect to see your comment here :P

[@HudsonGTV]

@@squirlmy definitely not true. IBM PS/2 systems are worth slightly more than a Model M

[@JackOfHarts96]

Unicomp has massively improved in recent years, wow! Maybe they're actually trying to be relevant.

[@SheeplessNW6]

Now they just need a decent website!

[@Whitefang8128]

@@SheeplessNW6 Their website is perfect.

[@MangoTalksTech]

@@Whitefang8128 It’s quite unique, as it definitely has that vintage internet aesthetic. I do feel that for new customers (like myself) its a little clunky to navigate (potentially overwhelming for some? Who knows). Now I was able to order myself a keyboard, but the UI felt aged, if that makes sense :D

[@jacobhotaling8959]

Most of there business comes from oem stuff

[@KayvonJavid]

Oof lol

[@Cyortonic]

I personally think white LEDs would look the best on this specific color scheme. I think it would really make the whole thing look classy. The green looks best on the original beige color in my opinion

[@paper2946]

Had a rough morning, but this made my day. Thank you very much for this timely upload.

[@Doty6String]

I just got the “new model m”. Other than the front of the case being a little loose by design it’s a nice board! The keys look sharp like the ones in this vid. For typing feel the MX stuff doesn’t even compare. These are a dream to type on.

[@Breakfast_of_Champions]

Good to see Unicomp thriving. Looks like these keyboards are going to be legendary.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

I love my New Model M. Like an insane person I've spent nearly $200 customizing the keycaps just the way I like it. The thing that surprised me the most -- and I suppose it's also the thing I forgot about the old IBM keyboards -- is how well the sculpted layout works. All six rows feel very accessible. Modern keyboards tend to make the function key row closer to help compensate, but that just makes them less distinct. On the Model M and other Unicomp/Lexmark/IBM keyboards, the function row is a full unit's distance away, but the sculpting brings it all closer. A great design idea, and it works really well.

[@devackroyd]

Wow! This is probably the least amount of shots ive seen you take on unicomp in a video you have made about them! They must have really made a good one! Looks lovely!

[@OvaltineClassique]

Thanks for reviewing this. I am SO excited for this. Love the detachable USB cable and legends on the keycaps.

[@SwissArmyTin]

God, if they made this in the original beige colors with the Win95-style windows key I'd be in absolute heaven

[@45calibermedic]

Absolutely.

[@user-qk8rt9yf9v]

look at the leopold boards they have that colorway, their build quality in amazing especially tte keycaps

[@willianfnseaol136]

@@user-qk8rt9yf9v it's kinda expensive, and some of shops are out of stock

[@user-qk8rt9yf9v]

@@willianfnseaol136 the unicomp mini m is $121 and a leopold 750r is $120 all easily available on mechanicalkeyboards.com i dont see your point here.

[@willianfnseaol136]

@@user-qk8rt9yf9v I guess because I'm in Brazil. :/

[@jgvillan01]

Very nice review. With the recent Unicomp review that I had found on KZbin, I decided to get a PC122 keyboard. It's all the same what you had mentioned here. The crisp buckling springs, clear and almost even dye-sub 1 piece keycaps, and even the bright blue LEDs that I toned down with some filter tape. I might even go for this, or just go for the regular New Model M keyboard.

[@Rummeltobi]

Love Unicomp! 🥰 Great that they still make their keyboards in the western world (in the US to be specific). Love typing on my Unicomp Model M (made 11/25/2020)! 😊 Personally I like their logo and I specifically ordered my Model M with Windows 95 keys 😄 I'm 26 btw, in case you're wondering 🤣 The Mini-M sure looks beautiful and I think it will make a lot of people happy! Great review! I also noticed that they've changed the position of the right windows key.

[@peterboil4064]

Not sure the parts are made in the US. Probably Chinese, assembled in the U.S. for the most part.

[@rapterranger771]

The joke you made about flailing the mouse around and needing 3/4 of the desk is true for some* people. Friends of mine prefer using a dog slow cursor speed, and that’s how they play FPS games.

[@hiramabiff604]

This is the only way to play an fps game. Wrist movements are not only less precise but also far more likely to cause damage to your body than arm movements.

[@wrongviewer]

My god, they finally did it! Been waiting for them to create a ssk repro

[@pleaserespond3984]

Oh god do I hate blue LEDs. Yeah it looks flashy when you demo it at CES or whatever, but for normal daily use it's like being stabbed in the eyes all the time. Green would be preferable, though my personal pick would be amber.

[@SonicBoone56]

Kinda like how kitchen appliances all have blue LEDs nowadays

[@intjace]

Bought it as soon as I could! My first Unicomp purchase. I use an IBM SSK, and buying another at a reasonable price wasn't panning out, so this Unicomp will be my backup whenever it ships.

[@ItsCheetahTV]

Keyboard looks amazing, sounds amazing, is amazing. Definitely going to get one hopefully soon!

[@999caratofgold]

no one: still no one: Chyrosran: `inhale` H I D E O U S

[@pc-122]

I actually like the blue lock lights, it goes well with the blue sub-legends imo

[@ZILtoid1991]

"But there's no RGB" *Linus Sebastian starts to cry*

[@agrisimfarming]

I am not a fan of rgb or anything, but imagine an rgb model m? That would be sick!

[@peixeserra9116]

@@agrisimfarming if it was RGB in a style of something like the KBD75, the GMMK Pro or ABKO, it would look spot on. If they put standard Gamer Board RGB on the Model M tho, I don't think it'd really add much tbh, one of the beauties of the M's design is it's simple yet appealing shape.

[@agrisimfarming]

@@peixeserra9116 Definitely agree.

[@ryanjay6241]

@@agrisimfarming Oh God no. The entire reason behind the life of the Model M is business, what practical purpose does RGB serve? Plus, the refresh rate of almost all RGB keyboards bothers my eyes, they generally look hideous as well. What *would* be cool, is a soft white backlit Model M, a la T25 style original ThinkPad keyboard revision. Although IMO they got it wrong removing the ThinkLight, the keyboard still looks fabulous. There's definitely ample space to shine an LED through a Model M key well... you'd just need keycaps with transparent lettering. ....however, if they did add white backlighting, I'd be fully in support of the video suggestion of blacking out all the keys. Now THAT would look stunning.

[@mazdarx-8rotary.97]

@@ryanjay6241 maybe there should be a fun version of the model m, and i dont even like rgb.

[@macboards9778]

I’ve got one of their New Model M boards a few weeks ago, and I haven’t felt the urge to switch to anything else so far. Great workhorse keyboard, that.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Agreed. It's a very natural-feeling and satisfying typing experience. The combination of the sculpting, the keycaps and of course the switches is awesome.

[@Dioxol]

time for more deep relaxing voice talking about keyboards

[@taiphuun]

Until he says H I D E O U S

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Or Lemongrab "UNACCEPTABLE!"

[@ReGZ0089]

Delicious, just had a full custom 103 sent me a few days ago for use at work. So much happier in using that over my GMMK TMK, Box Kaihl White with RGB. Model Ms are still the ultimate productivity keyboards with the feedback to boot.

[@carterkelso8268]

i just purchased the same one! im super stoked for it, i like unicomp products. i love my m122 unicomp terminal board

[@hjalfi]

I believe the lock-light placement is so that it lines up neatly with the F9-F12 key block. Moving it to the right would either break the alignment or require them to redesign it to fit the PrintScr/ScrollLock/Pause three-key block, which I reckon woul look cramped. I rather like the look where they've put it, TBH, although blue is completely the wrong colour for lock lights. (Too bright and distracting.)

[@koyzumie]

Glad to see they’re making improvements

[@Recolation]

The dyesub's are definitely improved. Looks so good.

[@feels5460]

Yeah. I was hoping he would test the keycap wobble to see if that improved, the older models' keycaps would rotate and stay how you left them, it's weird.

[@Temunic]

@@feels5460 IBM buckling spring style keycaps in general will rotate in their barrels a bit and stay that way. This happened even with the original XT model F keycaps. In other words, the rotation of the keycaps isn't a manufacturing tolerance issue but a result of the original design, which is likely why he doesn't mention it. They would have to redesign the barrels and keycaps (and invest in very expensive tooling for them) to prevent this. And at the end of the day, the keycaps don't rotate enough to affect functionality; they just look odd when it happens.

[@feels5460]

@@Temunic The thing is that it was much more noticeable on the Unicomp models than the original IBM boards. My Model M's caps have such a minute amount of movement that you can't even tell it's occurring. Meanwhile, on the Unicomps, Chyros had to point out how bad the issue was. It was very noticeable, it make the boards look very strange and cheap. Hopefully it's fixed and that's why he didn't mention it, because in that case, I might have to pick up a new SSK.

[@magusperde365]

@@Temunic my "new model m" keycaps wobble way less than my cheap Ajazz keyboard. They do rotate a little bit but not enough for me to care. So they may have solved the issue since they retooled themselves.

[@fryfry377]

Thanks for saying "hideous" in the same way my grandma used to say "obscene!" brings back memories.

[@CidVeldoril]

I work with Excel a lot. The numpad is love, the numpad is life.

[@stepsistertrap5992]

There are no words to explain its functionality on spreadsheets, also the extra buttons can be traced to media keys. I love it.

[@SonicBoone56]

It's numpad or die for me.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Yeah, I couldn't work without a numpad for long.

[@45calibermedic]

Could you guys elaborate a little on how you use the numpad? I am not trained in typing and excel usage. What are your hands' positions while using numpad and what sorts of things are you doing? Thanks! Keyboards and typing are really cool. Might have to take an excel course some day myself. I've always liked the full-size layout for some reason but certainly haven't used it to its potential.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

@@45calibermedic I can touch type numbers with the numpad and do so quickly. That's about it. It's really about quick numeric data entry.

[@hotjuicysteak]

Love my Mini model M. Great job Unicomp.

[@sir0herrbatka]

This keyboard looks great. I really like contrasting color schemes on the keyboards.

[@MangoTalksTech]

3:03 I would literally nut if they made a white on black keycaps* [originally wrote black on black] for these boards, it looks so modern and timeless (I wish this was a thing)

[@MangoTalksTech]

@Pepperoni Secret TIL! It’s shame it’s such a nuanced process. It would be interesting if we could ever have double shot keycaps for beam spring switches (though firstly I’m pretty sure this is far too niche to ever come to existence, and secondly idek if that would be possible with the shape of the switches)

[@Chyrosran22]

@Pepperoni SecretYou can still do it, you just need to do it the other way around.

[@MangoTalksTech]

@@Chyrosran22 I wonder how much interest the community would have to show, in order to convince Unicomp to manufacture WOB or BOB keycaps. I do have an idea with taking black blanks keycaps and water press white legends on each key (it would be a tedious process though)

[@Chyrosran22]

@@MangoTalksTech It would probably be easier to do reverse dyesub in that case.

[@kerc]

@@MangoTalksTech I suggested to them on Facebook to start looking at Kickstarter for these kind of things. I'd love to have a dark slate gray key set!

[@Cactussii]

I remember having trouble getting it in before I knew what I was doing too. Cant comment on needing a screwdriver to get it out though, maybe consult a doctor.

[@squirlmy]

A proctologist might be more appropriate here. I realize that may not be what you were aiming for, but, it fits the... situation. 🤣

[@mhammadalloush5104]

I have an interesting suggestion since we're on the subject of restoring the numpad on a tkl. On my handwired tkl, I use a different method of restoring the numpad functionality. On the nav cluster, use the 1-9 the same way they're arranged on an actual numpad. Make right shift the numpad 0, then make right control the numpad ".". Use f11 for times and f12 for plus. And you can use the on keyboard "/" and "-" in their original position. And it is toggled by fn and left shift. I personally use it whenever I want to enter a long string of numbers as I've found it to be a better way to enter numbers than the number row and infinitely better than what unicomp did as you can still type an essay (until you need nav commands that aren't simple directions) with little more than a mild inconvenience every now and then if said essay contains a lot of numbers. I would be interested to see such a layout in a review, and it shouldn't be that hard to reuse a tkl plate from a dead keyboard as a donor for the handwiring process.

[@mt1104uk]

I have a UK ISO layout "New" Model M with the right windows key removed in favour of a larger space bar. Ticks all the boxes for me so far and haven't noticed any major build quality issues. Did cost me an arm and a leg to get it over into the UK though, but I figure it'll be with me for a decent number of years.

[@equalsd123ful]

Damn, I am excited now. Mine comes in 3 days

[@jy2592]

The perfect way to start Sunday morning

[@pauldunecat]

So I'm a year into my first Mini M and ended up getting a 2nd for the office. My original one had a problem with the Q not responding so that was fixed via RMA (they paid shipping both ways from Chicago to Kentucky). Second one is newer than the RMA and has been fine. I use my older one on a Mac Mini, just the command and option keys are swapped when using a Windows layout which I'm used to now (remapping caused me trouble when remote controlling windows machines so I don't remap on the Mac side) Very happy with them. And I game on them, FFXIV, SWTOR and formerly WoW. Works fine. :-)

[@apb.]

Great video as always. What do you think about the layout of the bottom row? I, for one, find it abhorrent. Are the caps thinner than the two part ones?

[@Cereal.Fidgeter]

Pretty awesome to see a tkl from unicomp. I would love to see an all Black version like you outfitted.

[@zu_1455]

Next keeb, for sure. Love my Alps SM-101 and have alway been curious about IBM (or in this case, Unicomp) buckling springs.

[@michaelclements4664]

09:27 - totally agree! I've been pestering Unicomp for years to make this. Finally! It's the best keyboard I've used since I retired my full size Unicomp 20 years ago due to shoulder strain from the mouse being so far away. The typing feel, and resulting accuracy and speed puts Cherry switches to shame.

[@NightlifeSux]

just got mine in after ordering 2 months ago, took a while to get here but it's pretty good. definitely sounds different than the 2012 full size unicomp m i used to use

[@nadiaholmquist]

That looks great! I really hope they are eventually going to make fullsize keyboards with these same improvements as this new SSK (and pleeeeease with the altgr/window placement actually correct as it is on this new one). I'd definitely swap out my older Unicomp if that becomes a thing.

[@01001000010101000100]

The best review of Unicomp I've ever seen. I consider buying full sized Unicomp, I want the numeric block. However - I've heard the old Unicomp had some quality issues. Like the keycaps being blurry and uneven, today I've heard they had rollover issues. So nope. I have SPC keyboard still in mint condition. It uses cheap knockoff of Cherry MX blues. The keys are surely worse than the real MX blues, but not that bad either. Considering it was dirt cheap - the cheap version of SPC is remarkably good. (They also offer it with MX-es, but I was broke at the time I bought it). If you say the buckling springs are MUCH BETTER than MXes - that's something nobody else dared to say before. They used to say "it's a matter of personal preference". I'm not spending money for something like this. I'd rather pay for something MUCH BETTER than what I have. So - now I will hunt for full-sized Unicomp but a kind of NEW revision. I mean, without HIDEOUS logo and icons, with better keycaps (I really love the white / gray theme here), and without rollover issues. And available in Europe, because the shipping from US costs more than the keyboard itself.

[@naveenswami4037]

I’m glad that they are still making buckling spring keyboards. Someone ought to develop a cherry stem compatible buckling spring. I would call it a “chuckling spring”. Offer it in 60/65/TKL/Full-size keyboards, etc. Make an old school thick bezel that you can put on a PCB and bottom plate too. I don’t see why it’s not doable unless patent/copyright issues??

[@neriflst]

Hi, offtop question, can you tell me about the actuation point of the BTC foam and foil swithces? Is it at the middle or at the bottom of a keystroke?

[@kennytheamazing]

So what is the function key used for? I didn't see another layer on the keyboard. Only for extra software bindings?

[@oobie2142]

Any updates/comments on the firmware issue? Looking to get one, but not sure.

[@FrontSideBus]

An SSK with a trackpoint would be sweeet!

[@wutzitrone4522]

Ahh another Trackpoint lover... Good to see you

[@wutzitrone4522]

What I'd like tho is a modern ThinkPad style mousekey arrangement with a middle click to scroll... That would be sexy as fuck of them

[@FrontSideBus]

@@wutzitrone4522 Still using my T60!

[@bobweiram6321]

Nah, a Model F version would be so sugary sweet, we'd all have cavities! They missed a great opportunity here.

[@FrontSideBus]

@@bobweiram6321 Would perfection be an M with the capacitive switches from an F?

[@besss3980]

So I'm confused, can you use this keyboard for gaming, since you said it has 2 n key rollover.

[@pauldunecat]

I just got my production model, and the manufacturer date was two days before delivery. So these are coming out made to order. Thats a little extra that is a rare feeling with electronics vs fast food. The ALT keys and NumLK being different colors, subtle call back to the original. First full work day today with it replacing a Razer Blackwidow Lite. Fingers are going to get a work out with the change in resistance. :-D

[@joshbritton3268]

Will we get a new model m review or even comparison to the old unicomp classic

[@pip5528]

I have a 2018 Unicomp Ultra Classic US Linux 104-key and still love it to this day. Due to the worn-out tooling, the case can flex and creak a bit and the key feel is slightly inconsistent but still better than modern switches I would say. Good to hear the tooling has been updated since then. Occasionally I use my Razer 2016 Blackwidow Ultimate for NKRO. I also have a new 104-key Model F on the way which I'm very excited about.

[@natevirtual]

Hi Chyrosran, awesome channel you have!! Would you happen to know where I can purchase a PBT backlit keycap set with Japanese layout? I have a Japanese RGB gaming keyboard (Cherry MX stem) but the keycaps are ABS.

[@jamminjanet421]

I'm actually not certain they do black caps anymore, not even black ones. I emailed them about them about a week ago, and was told that they don't currently offer them.

[@OtnerNaut]

They have black caps, but not in all sizes, so you can't buy a complete set.

[@CommodoreFan64]

I think the gray caps still look really nice though.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Those white caps hurt my eyes. I mean seriously, it's like AAAHH MY EYES!!!

[@bsadewitz]

@@OtnerNaut As of now, I *think* the only thing that's missing is the spacebar.

[@chubeviewer]

Would ps/2 have less lag than usb for gaming? I’m assuming the polling rate is probably like 125hz over usb so ps/2 would be faster?

[@zid2714]

Hi do you know when UK layout will be available?

[@pepperbean243]

love that outro man

[@Boyetto-san]

Are both keycap colors one-piece now? I bought a set of pearl/pebble caps from Unicomp last year and the pebble colored ones were two-piece, while the pearl ones were one-piece. Makes em sound different, but I think it's cool XD

[@marcusrauch4223]

Do the keys have that metallic ping sound though?

[@json868]

Any plans to review some NeXT boards, since black keyboards aren't beige? And therefore... better?

[@PuReDeR]

Does it have media key functions though?

[@Saintbow]

I saw this board was for sale on their website a few days ago. I have been going back and forth if I wanted to buy it to go with my Unicomp Battleship and my Dell AT101. Your video came just at the right time! As for odd keyboards, have you ever played around with the TG3 KBA-BLTA "Police Keyboard" (A Constable for you Imperial measurement blokes), non-LED version? I nabbed a new one for $30 off of ebay. The thing is built like a tank. MX brown switches, with a rubber protective membrane on the switches to prevent water/Doughnut dipping coffee spilled over it, track pad with two mouse buttons. The membrane they have over the switches, makes for a odd feeling typing experience.

[@45calibermedic]

I really, really wish the New Model M and/or the Mini would come in the classic beige configuration, but it looks like that isn't happening any time soon. I waited a touch too long and they aren't offering the Ultra Classic in white/beige anymore...is it at all possible to get classic windows start keys?

[@chucksteak6619]

Is it’s any good for playing siege on?

[@wobbled5609]

How did you manage to get this delivered outside the US? Unicomp are being hella slow for international customers right now

[@pappalink7734]

Omg they are actually going to do it!

[@XanthinZarda]

And here I am, wondering what people think of me with my motionless trackball. I have one of the _very late_ Unicomp Classics, with no keylabels. It is _almost_ tempting to go and sidegrade to a smaller keyboard, but this one is working just fine.

[@TN-qr1cm]

when are you going to review the New Model F keyboard ? I have been waiting for that review for a while

[@jesuszamora6949]

Any plans to look at the full "New Model M" they've rolled out to replace the Classic?

[@timjamesvella]

Nice, will have to keep an eye out for one locally. Hopefully one day they make the m15 model.

[@Gorilla721]

can you get Mac keys for the bottom row??

[@mw2blackopsamazing]

wait why would you want green led's? What's the difference

[@francescog3959]

Where can I buy this?

[@MaxthonFan]

Hope the production sample fixes the USB issue. When it's available in German layout I'll definetly buy it.

[@WyvernDotRed]

That seems like a keyboard I would get for a coding-PC. I would add a separate numpad to the left side of it, like I have right now next to my cheap-o mechanical keyboard (MX red clones), on my mostly gaming PC. Though I am right-handed, my coordination with my left hand is good enough for this, and having the tab key next to the numpad and an enter key on the left side of the keyboard is nice to have.

[@AndyP126]

I'd love to see Unicomp find a way to make discreet buckling spring switches, instead of needing a membrane. it would make it far easier to create new form factors.

[@TheAkalito]

On the website it says that they have 10keyrollover not 2.

[@chopstantinople]

Did you get any update from Unicomp in regards to the scan code issue? Was that fixed in the production firmware?

[@45calibermedic]

I'd definitely be interested in finding out more about this issue

[@Apollo440]

Question: This one or the SteelSeries Apex Pro tkl, for typing, not gaming? I know this is like asking "would you like to get a haircut or get laid". But I really don't know what to get. And I would like to own them both.

[@ButteredTimbers]

What happened to the intro you used on your last vid? Also the conversion rate between bonnets and hoods (1:55) is not 1:1 but instead more like 1:1.6.

[@Chyrosran22]

You mean the Teardown intro? That's for the Teardown videos xD .

[@EX0DlSS]

Any thoughts on redragon?

[@plazasta]

8:41 huh, I have the exact same issue with my PC122, in like 1/3 boots I have to unplug and replug my keyboard for it to work

[@Daijyobanai]

I like that in-keeb number pad, I have it on a Thinkpad I use. Also I want one of these, but I have a feeling they'll be out of my price range!

[@chuuni6924]

Maybe it's time to get a new Unicomp again. I had a bit of a bad run a few years back when I got like three in a row that failed in short order. Sounds like they've improved lately.

[@DavidWonn]

The numeric keypad is a necessity for those of us who frequently use the Alt+Num keys for extended ASCII / ANSI characters, so it’s good to see they left the option intact, at least. Personally if I had to choose which keys to sacrifice on the right side of the keyboard, I’d rather go back to a variant of the Model F, though.

[@Chyrosran22]

Yeah, I don't understand what these space-saving peeps are up to either xD .

[@ph1losopher]

@@Chyrosran22 I have not used Alt+Num Key once in my life. Not required in the US?

[@t0biascze644]

Also people who use non English keyboards, since they often use the top row for special characters, and to write the number you need to hold shift

[@DavidWonn]

@@ph1losopher They’re quite handy to memorize even if you just use at a few of them often enough on a PC. For instance, Alt+155=¢, Alt+171=½, Alt+248=°, and so on…

[@kbhasi]

(0:55) Meanwhile, here I am, using the numpad on my PC keyboards after it took ages for me to figure out that they become arrow and page keys when NumLock is disengaged.

[@Red-in4fx]

This is going to my first keyboard purchase next year, and hopefully last. I'm done with mx style switches.

[@gourd3]

hey mate, do these keyboards use the original IBM design switches or are they unicomps own?

[@St0rmcrash]

same switch design as IBM

[@jasonlang6195]

looks like they started shipping this with a RP2040 based controller,, would love to hear your thoughts!

[@Smurfman256]

It appears as though they took your criticism to the blue LEDs because I bought a New Model M not long after this video went up and it uses green lock light LEDs.

[@itzelpretzel]

dang that sound is good. impressive!

[@WR3ND]

I do not like blue LEDs as they burn my eyes at night, but aesthetically here, I think they actually look pretty good with the color (in imperial colour units) of this keyboard. Might just be wishful thinking though, as their native eye-death burning rays can't make it through my display. Now to check if they make a PS/2 version.

[@soldiersvejk2053]

Please ask Unicomp to change the right windows key to a Fn key, and make its combination with some F7, F8, ..., F12 keys multimedia keys. Those multimedia keys, in my mind, are very frequently used.

[@alxelectronics9615]

Pretty sure you could set up autohotkey to register some combo of keys as the media buttons

[@jb_lofi]

Unicomp greatly impressed me back in 2019 when I got my M122 from them. No idea where the bad reputation they had at that time came from. This looks great, but gamers attracted to the shorter form factor should beware: the 2 key roll-over CAN be gamed with, it's possible, but it will occasionally cause issues (even if they hugely improved the matrix over the original), and my M122 drops certain keys if you type too fast (e.g., seriously becomes serously)

[@alejandrorivas4585]

While I'm certain that gamers can find away around the 2key roll over, Unicomp's boards are primarily a typists' keeb.

[@jb_lofi]

@@alejandrorivas4585 Definitely. I just put up with it while gaming. It's worth it.