Unicomp Mini-M Model F Keyboard Review

The Unicomp Mini M mechanical keyboard boasts a design aesthetic that fantastically blends nostalgia with modernity. It pays homage to the beloved IBM Model M SSK (Space Saving Keyboard). It exudes a timeless allure that may captivate keyboard fans accustomed to the unique. In some methods, this was the unique “TKL” keyboard.

If you might be unfamiliar with Unicomp (official web site), the corporate was created when IBM discontinued its Model M keyboard manufacturing. The workers of that particular keyboard enterprise and manufacturing plant bought the license and instruments to proceed constructing these great keyboards beneath the Unicomp model. (extra information)

Crafted with meticulous consideration to element, this keyboard has excellent construct high quality. From its strong plastic casing with a modern matte black end to its strong body, each side of its building exudes sturdiness.

You can really feel the durability as you kind, making certain a steady and dependable expertise even throughout intense gaming or work classes. The keycaps are thick and well-made, promising longevity and a satisfying tactile really feel if you’re into closely clicky keyboards.

Unicomp has flawlessly merged retro design with barely up to date manufacturing strategies (together with native USB-A help), leading to a keyboard that matches fashion and sturdiness expectations. Get able to elevate your typing expertise with the Unicomp mini-M!

IBM Buckling Springs

The Unicomp mini-M mechanical keyboard makes use of buckling spring switches, identified for his or her legendary typing expertise. These switches supply a pleasant tactile really feel and a satisfying audible click on, making each keystroke a pleasure.

Compared to different common mechanical switches varieties like Cherry MX or Gateron, buckling spring switches present a novel and retro typing expertise. While they could require a considerably larger actuation drive, the particular suggestions and the sheer nostalgia they evoke make the Unicomp mini-M a standout alternative for these looking for the typing really feel of the IBM Model M.

Typing Experience

The typing expertise jogs my memory of my earlier IBM Model M keyboard. I owned two, and each had been manufactured within the early 90s (that are objectively cheaper to make than the 80s fashions).

New buckling switches do require lots of drive to actuate. Eventually, that decreases a bit, however I’m unsure how lengthy it takes for the switches to turn into a bit much less “stiff.” No Cherry MX change I’ve examined can evaluate, not even the Kailh Box Navy or Black – not even shut.

Whether or not you’ll just like the keyboard’s tactile suggestions or sound is a matter of private desire, so I can’t know. However, I can predict that individuals who take pleasure in “silent” keyboards or switches with a “light touch” ought to in all probability keep away from these buckling spring switches.

Despite being a fan of the older IBM Model M, I additionally wish to spotlight some nuances. I like utilizing this keyboard for coding, which I do loads. However, there are extra agreeable keyboards for heavy textual content typing, like scripting this evaluation.

For instance, I personal a Keychron V1 with Khail Box White (clicky) switches, and now we have a Logitech MX Mechanical mini on the workplace. Both are considerably lighter to kind with, and it’s honest to say that the heavy typing fashion required by the Model M is usually a bit tiring when you’re a journalist (for me, coding tends to be “bursts of typing” relatively than “continuous typing”).

Layout and Keycaps

The Unicomp mini-M is an 87-key keyboard, and I’ve the ANSI US model. Compared to the unique IBM, the Windows and Menu buttons have been added, however the whole lot else is just about because it was.

From the skin, the keycaps are the identical design as IBM used again within the day. The keyboard keys are 1-piece dye sublimated PBT keycaps, however Unicomp sells some 2-piece keycaps as “parts.”

This keycap design is incompatible with Cherry MX and different extra broadly adopted requirements, so the keycap customization choices are nearly nil. Also, there’s no backlight, which could appear odd today, however Unicomp’s aim right here was to maintain the unique design.

Noise Level

Be warned, this keyboard is NOT office-friendly and noisier than any MX-switches keyboard I’ve seen or used previously couple of many years. The excellent news is that it doesn’t produce high-pitch noise, in order that’s one thing optimistic. That stated, I’m optimistic that colleagues inside a 15+ ft radius will almost certainly hate the noise and

Connectivity & Compatibility

Despite being a clone of a 36-years outdated keyboard, this Unicomp mini-M comes with USB connectivity and works similar to another USB keyboard. It has a USB-A port on the keyboard and expects to be linked to a different USB-A on the pc.

The USB-A connector on the keyboard aspect might sound odd, however it’s sturdier than USB-C connectors, and that’s in all probability why it was chosen. The location of the connector mimics the unique keyboards, however I’d have most popular to have it to the left of the chassis.

From time to time, I expertise a small challenge the place the keyboard is “frozen” (not energetic), and all three LEDs (Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock) are ON. To repair it, I’ve to disconnect/reconnect the keyboard. It appears like I’m not the one one to expertise this. It’s not a giant deal, however this could not occur.

Customization and Programmability

As I beforehand hinted, don’t anticipate a lot by way of customization, as it’s practically not possible to seek out customized keycaps and different customized {hardware}. Thanks to Unicomp, you received’t lack spare elements for repairs/replacements if wanted. However, I couldn’t discover any attention-grabbing and reasonably priced enjoyable keycaps.

That stated, I did order a Navy Blue ANSI Color Key Set from Unicomp to offer this keyboard a glance paying homage to the attractive authentic IBM “industrial” SSK keyboard with the blue keys. It appears like the unique IBM Blue is just not accessible, maybe for copyright causes (?).

I even discovered a metallic IBM emblem sticker on Aliexpress, which added a enjoyable little bit of nostalgia to the keyboard.

As far as I do know, the keyboard has no explicit programmability. For avid gamers, you need to be aware that though key ghosting has been lowered through the use of a extra fashionable controller, there’s no N key rollover, so though you may recreation with it – this isn’t a super “gaming keyboard.”

Conclusion, Price, and Value

Just a few years in the past, Unicomp keyboards had been promoting for simply above $105, however now, this Unicomp Mini M sells for $149 earlier than transport and taxes. Is it well worth the value? Well, “it depends.”

For somebody like me who actually loved the sooner Model M, it’s not possible to re-create this expertise utilizing MX-based customized keyboard {hardware}, irrespective of the worth, so I believe it’s value it (for me). I’ve even ordered some additional to make the keyboard extra enjoyable.

For somebody who doesn’t significantly search the Model M expertise, you would wish to attempt one and see how a lot you prefer it. You could also be tempted!

From a construct high quality viewpoint, I think about this keyboard’s high quality to be far superior to a $99 keyboard like my Keychron V1, so even from a pure “build quality” viewpoint, this keyboard’s value appears cheap, and the help staff solutions comparatively rapidly by way of electronic mail or Facebook.

Filed in Computers >Reviews. Read extra about Keyboards.