Keyboard trends @ CES

Well, one thing that is for sure, the gamer's keyboard market seems to be getting more and more crowded with no signs of slowing down.  So, perhaps this boom is here to stay for a while.  I don't think one can easily escape from any mechanical keyboard vendors without spoting a RGB keyboard.  Even Matias is putting out backlit keyboard (with scissor switches however, I think).  The latest innovation in that area is to store the lighting program in the onboard memory, some comes with 8MB of that.  So, look out for some very fancy color effects to either excite the player or to drive the competition crazy with brilliance.....

The second trend seems to be retro styling.  There are quite a few keyboards trying to emulate that old-school typewriter look and feel.  Now, I am waiting for some clever vendor to use 400g load springs for the key switches to complete the effect.  Nothing wrong with that, just that fashionable things seem to come and go and then come back again.  At this rate, we will have a psychedelic RGB lighting retro typewriter style caps with 400g weighted keys mechanical keyboard.  Maybe Unicomp could put out a RGB lighted buckling spring Model M keyboard?  Welcome to a blast to the past.

Yeah, Topre wins this round…. for now....

As much as I hate to admit it, I have come to love Topre switch based keyboard.  That means a lot of money sunk into a keyboard that’s close to a rubber dome, rather than a true mechanical switch keyboard such as the Cherry MX.  I really enjoy using Cherry MX based keyboard as well.  I love both the MX Brown and MX blue.  I most certainly enjoy my time with the buckling spring.  It’s so much fun to drive a few people nuts with that board.  Sometimes….  So, I am not that picky to be honest.  Then again, please no variable force keyboards please.  I simply cannot abide by that.  It was an interesting experiment and somewhat tainted my views of Topre switch for quite some time.

The one thing I truly value in a Topre switch is the smoothness.  It’s something that Topre has perfected and hard to put a finger on it.  Pun intended.  However, I am beginning to hear good things about Gateron.  Yes, Gateron is one of the many Cherry MX cloners, but it seems to begin to claim a certain personality of its own: smoothness.  Perhaps it was choices of plastic and/or slight different position of actuation and hysteresis make it appear to do so.  I don’t know.  However, I am now quite eager to evaluate a Gateron based switch keyboard and see what happens.  If it does have that prized smoothness that I found Topre to be so endearing, then it would be an excellent and economical choice.  Stay tuned.

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 long term use review

Ahhhh… Buckling spring switches keyboard certainly turns nostalgia up a notch or two.  The keyboard switches remind me much of my youth.  I always thought it was funny to having a PC with a buckling spring keyboard in a library.  Echoes could be heard around the library when someone busy typing up a book report.  Fun times…..  Anyhow, as much as I want to be objective, the tinted rose color memory of teenage years simply get in the way, but I will try anyway.

Since IBM no longer manufactures Model M keyboard and sold the rights to Unicomp, it’s up to Unicomp now to maintain the mantle.  Given that Unicomp is vastly smaller than IBM or Lexmark, it’s hard to have the same market presence.  Also, the Model M keyboards are close to indestructible.  So, one can still find one within reasonable price in the used keyboard market.  Despite these negative factors, Unicomp soldiers on with this important keyboard legacy.  The world is just a little better place because of it.

Now, the buckling spring switches work, sound, feel overall just as I remembered it.  The classic PBT key cap feel right at home with this keyboard and boy is it loud!  The melodies of the buckling spring keyboard is a divisive force.  One might enjoy it while others will give you a dirty look as soon as your hand get near the keyboard.  Folks who passed by also commented that the keyboard sound reminded them of college and high school computer labs.

Indeed, Unicomp priced these keyboards to move.  The price is competitive with the Cherry MX clones and are within shouting distance of a mainstream genuine Cherry MX board.  Perhaps because of cost or even acoustic factors, Unicomp ditched the all metal clad shell and opted for a plastic case that could easily manufactured, provided that it has a good mold and plastic injection machine.  I bring this up because it clear that the keyboard’s looks are secondary design goals.  Upon first glance, someone might mistake this board for a run of the mill cheap board.  OK, it does look cheap, run of the mill cheap keyboard.  However, one push on the key and all perception change.  So, the production value is on the low side.

Quality control is another thing.  Little things here and there don’t quite align perfectly; nothing a little trim here and polish there won’t solve, but it simple pales in comparison to higher machining prowess of other larger keyboard makers.  For example, putting it next Ducky Legend with its all metallic top covering and it is clear as day and night.  Unicomp spent all the budget on the key feels and not really the looks and it shows.  However, this keyboard will hold up to years of use without much missing a beat because all the attention is on the important bits.  I have been using this keyboard for a while now and I have gotten quite used to the key weights and it still looks new.  So, I have reasonable confidence in its durability.  I have not encountered any issues regarding to the keys thus far.

I enjoy typing on this keyboard quite a bit, but it is most certainly an acquired taste.  The keys march in precision with authoritative affirmation, a traditional typist’s dream, but touch typist need not apply.  Also, this keyboard will not be welcomed at a library these days, I am pretty sure about that.  The only minor thing I have noticed is that the key caps seem a little slippery to me, probably because it doesn't have as deep of a scoop like the Realforce 104UG.  On the other hand, fingers easily glide off from one to another if needed.  Thus, it does facilitate higher typing rate if one learns to take advantage of that.  I, however, don't have such graceful typing style.  So, that's probably their goal rather than a design slip up, no pun intended.

Overall:  This is a specialist keyboard, but it excels at its primary directive at the expanse of its looks.  So, this one will not attract attention, unless it’s the A-10 Warthog type attention you are looking for.  Indeed, the Ultra Classic is not going to win any design awards, but boy, does it shine at what it does while holding up well after much use.

Grade: B

One interesting question

There is a supposition that better designed keyboard makes someone a better typist.  Of course, what is a better designed keyboard is up for debate.  However, I am wondering about this question myself.  My primary motivation initially was simply to get a keyboard that’s better for my hands.  I was having some rough spots using an old keyboard that is getting too stiff for me type within reason.  So, it’s more of an ergonomic reason than anything else.  However, I do want to look into the theory that some keyboards can make someone a better typist, pending on the style of course.  Let’ suppose that a touch typist will likely dread the buckling spring keyboard made by Unicomp.  But who knows, by building up the finger muscles with the buckling spring switches, these “trained” touch typists would go to their favorite keyboards and just dance because everything is suddenly so light.

I don’t know how to put this idea to the test, but it is definitely appealing.  However, without properly thought out experiments and controls, it’s tough to draw any reasonable conclusion or even to demonstrate a solid correlation.  I am sure keyboard makers are also trying to come up new ways to justify the superiority of their wares.  What better way to make a sale than to demonstrate that keyboard X will make you a better typist, or better yet, a better person.  For now, I believe the focus is on reaction time to make someone a better gamer rather than making someone a better typist.  Perhaps someday that will come.  We will see….

Roswill RK-9000 V2 versus Unicomp Ultra Classic 104

As promised, this is a more reasonable match up then having Unicomp going up against Ducky Legend, which is more of a premium product that is in a different price bracket.  This is an interesting comparison because not only the switches are different, but whole keyboard package feels different as well.  So, let’s break down a bit.

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 is a full sized keyboard with an extra shoulder above the function keys as in tradition with the IBM model M.  So, someone can park some little items such as pens or paper clips or post-it even there.  It’s rather convenient.  However, it does take a lot of space.  Rosewill elected for space saving by eliminating that extra margin.  The outer shell for Unicomp is likely ABS plastic while Rosewill opted for some metallic material for the top cover and plastic on the bottom.  So, in turns of style, Rosewill has flairs to spare while Unicomp is ultimately one of the most utilitarian keyboard I have encountered thus far.  The key legends on Unicomp is dye sub while the Rosewill is supposed to be laser etched with ink filled in.  Ultra Classic’s key caps seems smaller, which demands more precision while Rosewill appears to be roomier, tolerating more sloppy strikes.

So, when one breaks down to the bottom of it, The Ultra Classic really should viewed as a workhorse, capable of doing its tasks day in and day out without missing a beat, while the Rosewill has a bit of a showy tendency and personality but not far enough to distract its purpose.  These external factor differences are not likely to take over the switch choice discussion.  So, in this case, the switch choice will dominate the decision if I have to pick one or the other.  I think most people would agree that this is almost like comparing apple to oranges.  Thoughts?

Ducky Legend versus Unicomp Ultra Classic 104

The Ducky Legend is certainly a keyboard that I like using.  It is well made, has a great style and a little bit of bling here and there just to keep things interesting.  The Unicomp on the other hand, is the ultimate utilitarian design.  There really isn't much that is devoted for aesthetics.  Side by side, they are like Arnold and Denny in the movie Twins.

The heart of the matter is the key switch.  Both of them are the clicky type that generate fine tactile feedback and well as auditory sensations that some equates to assault.  Each has its own personality and flair.  I won't repeat my characterization of the two type of keys switches, but I want to compare and contrast the keyboards as whole package.  As I learned early on, the whole thing viewed together is a better assessment since no one just use the switches by themselves.  The best switch could be placed on a mediocre platform and the whole experience would be mediocre at best.

I kind of feel that the comparison is a bit unfair, since Ducky Legend obviously has a higher production value.  A more fair comparison perhaps would be the Rosewill RK-9000 V2 against Unicomp's Ultra Classic 104.  They are more closely priced.  Since I just wrote all these, I am not going to toss it.  So, stay tuned for a more fair fight.  :P

In any case, if you are a fan of the buckling spring keyboard, there really is no other choice besides Unicomp or an used Model M keyboard.  However, if someone is more open to try different switches, then Ducky Legend is certainly worth considering regardless of which Cherry MX switches type.

Cherry MX Brown switch revisited….

After exploring the Topre switches, it’s kind of nice to come back to a switch that’s familiar and comfortable to use.  I have grown to appreciate the Topre switch, but also time for me to reflect on some of the other types that I have liked thus far and help me reexamine why I like them more than others that are around.  Brown is simply the champion right now.  However, the Topre and Matias quiet click have given me sufficient reasons to take another look.

The Matias quiet is really complex tactile switch that reached back to the heydays of ALPS switch.  The ALPS switches were really popular with Mac crowd.  I didn’t have the privilege of using the Apple Extended Keyboard as much as I should have, just like the Model M, but I have heard they are great.  Different from the classic Model M, but shined in its own way.

So, how does the MX brown stand up to those challengers.  I think it stood up pretty well.  For one thing, there’s really not much I dislike about the switch and lot for me to like.  Topre’s smoothness is legendary and Brown’s a little scratchy tactile feedback is just fine for someone like me.  It doesn’t bother me at all.  It’s not too loud, but has enough auditory cue for me to know what’s going on with the switch operation.  It doesn’t have the melodic songs ringing out from Model M.  Instead it’s kind of chirpy rather than out right songs.  It doesn’t have a complex tactile sensation like the Matias, but enough to let me know what’s going on.  I do appreciate these little things.  It’s one of the most popular switches, and Cherry is definitely doing something right.  Yes, it’s not for everyone, but it’s a generalist that’s good enough for most use cases.  Topre, Model M and Matias are specialists that cater to certain groups.  I would like to examine that concept a bit more closely later on.  For now, the Das Keyboard with Cherry MX brown switches is here to stay because it really does offer a really good overall package.

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 keyboard image gallery

Here's the image gallery for Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 keyboard.  Enjoy!

Front side view 

Left side view

Right side view

Key caps and switch view, Unicomp uses double key caps design, the inner cap closes up the spring

Key caps and switch view, the legends are on the outer key cap

Buckling spring switch, see the spring exposed above and next to it, the spring capped

Inner cap and outer cap view, legends are dye subbed

Backside view of the caps

Key lock indicators and Unicomp logo

Backside view, noticed the Model M label imprinted in plastic

Keyboard foot retracted

Keyboard foot extended

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 impression, part3

The buckling spring keyboard switch is an interesting beast.  As I chronicled before, the switch is definitely for enthusiasts who really like certain keyboard switch characteristics.  I was trained on a mechanical typewriter and I found that typing was work.  Really.  So, I went the other way to a soft touch typist friendly BTC keyboard, which was in some way a precursor to the today's rubber dome keyboard using foam pads.  Anyhow, now that I have been using the real deal for a while, I still have the same reaction as I had many years ago.  This thing is hard to press and quite loud….

One of the major selling points for a higher key switch activation resistance is that the fingers won’t bottom out as much.  Although I have my doubts about the theory applies to all as different people type differently, never the less, I think that may be true for a sizable user population.  So, I did do a brief test of the theory and perhaps I do bottom out a bit less because my fingers are already tired by time it goes to the bottom.  So, it is inconclusive right now.  I will need some major high grade instrumentation tools to prove this and I don’t have access to such facility.  Not yet, at least.  So, I am willing to accept that such phenomenon might exist, but further research may be required.  Anyway, that’s beside the point.  Anyhow, the Unicomp keyboard does invoke the classic IBM Model M experience and replicated quite well, as far as I remember.  However, this is indeed a specialist keyboard and hence quite limited to a niche market for those who really enjoy the buckling spring mechanism.  Do I like it? Yup as I am still a fan of the tactile clicky switch based keyboard and there’s nothing like buckling springs.

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 impression, round 2

Yup, it’s old school all right.  The key caps feel like it, sounds like it and certainly the typing action is just like it.  Some will argue that a real IBM model M is the only real game in town, but I think this one can lay claim to the vacated throne room for the classic keyboard feel.  However, I am not evaluating based on nostalgia alone, as that will only get the keyboard so far in the tryout.  So, against a more modern design such as Cherry MX, Matias or Topre, how does it stack up?

The key action is crisp, clean.  I really do know when I activated the switch.  There’s both a bright, clear auditory and tactile cue, similar to the Cherry MX blue.  In fact, the MX blue is likely trying to leverage this memory to its advantage.  No doubt that it worked on me.  So, now the real McCoy is in town, what’s the difference?  For one thing, the buckling spring has a very steep force-distance drop off curve when it is activated after a fairly linear start.  Once the switch is activated, the force drop off like a cliff as the spring has just buckled and releasing its energy as sound and spring moment.  Like the blue switch, it has a long hysteresis (or reset distance) section where the switch can’t be activated again till it returns to rest position.  The blue switch’s curve is a lot gentler when compare to the buckling spring sudden drop.  So, that accounts for the super clean, snappy key action.  It also takes a lot of force to activate the switch, around 75g or so.  So, it’s more deliberate and methodological than the speedier MX blue.  Of course, there’s nothing like the MX blue shriek, but the buckling spring has its own choir too.  The sound is a bit like snap or slap and then ringing till it fades and it’s quite loud too.

So, this is definitely not a keyboard for touch typists.  This is a keyboard that demands deliberate, forceful action to function properly.  It does so with loud confirmation in a very drill sergeant like manner and not shy about it every step of the way.  Against the MX blue, the buckling spring is what MX blue aspire to be when it grows up.  Right now, MX blue is still got that squeaky voice…..

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 impression

Time to test out the good ol-buckling spring keyboard from Unicomp.  Yes, the key chatter during the course of normal typing brings back memories, but I think I am a little unprepared as to how I will respond to this.  The keys are still pretty hard to press.  There’s a lot of chatter going on when I start to type fast due to the fingers gliding on the keycaps.  Like the Topre keyboard, I think this one will take some more time for me to get used to in order to have a meaningful impression.  I have been wrong a few times about first impression with the keyboards.  So, I am a little hesitant to jump into conclusions.  It’s as tough as I remembered.  So, I can definitely see what this would not be a popular switch among touch typists or those who prefer the golden silence over cacophony.  Now, what’s music and cacophony is a matter of personal taste.  I think the sound of the spring is somewhat musical, but this is not exactly Mozart’s symphony either.  I like the sound coming from the brown or the Matias tactile (or clicky) the most thus far.

Anyway, this is a really interesting experience because phantom typing and actually seeing the words appear on the screen are two different experiences.  I was able to type rather quickly just putting it on top of boxes and go.  Now, when I am actually doing input, I am not able to go as fast because now, mistakes are obvious.  It’s not that the keys are not responsive, but my fingers are getting tired.  Time to build up the finger muscles.  Wow, this is wearing me out.  I wonder if I can do this day in and day out.  However, I do need to work out some more in order to put this keyboard through a real test.  So, I will have another impression soon.

Unicomp to the rescue

According to their company history, Unicomp is classified as a small business in Lexington, Kentucky.  Around 1996, Unicomp purchased the license, the tools and the machines to make buckling spring keyboards from IBM/Lexmark.  From the sound of it, they got the assembly line and the rights to make these famous keyboards.  I suppose they probably retained most of the people as well.

Since IBM no longer make Model Ms anymore, there is no USB version.  The only way to get those to work on a PC without PS/2 ports is to use a PS/2 to USB adapter.  Because buckling spring mechanism uses more electric current, thus a converter that only provide little bit of power will not work. Most rubber dome keyboards don't require the extra juice, so many converter makers didn't have a good business reason to provide more power than necessary.  So, choose carefully!  Anyhow, Unicomp does make them with USB interface for modern PCs and Macs.  And, if someone wants to go old school, they do sell the PS/2 version.  I don't know if they have boards with the good-ol' AT interface tho....  Ultra Classic line is Unicomp's best offering right now.  I have heard that they are working on a ten-key-less (TKL) version, but I don't think it's on the market as of yet.

So, I am hoping to get one of those classics and test them out for the Mechanical KB tryout.  I really want another chance to get to know this classic design and see how it compares to modern Cherry MX switches and Matias ones as well.  Stay tuned!

Remembering the old classic Model M keyboard, 1391401

Wow, that brings back memories.  The IBM Model M 1391401 keyboard is considered the grand-pupa of modern mechanical keyboards.  The famous buckling spring mechanism is quite an ergonomic engineering feat.  So far, it's unique feel has not been replicated.  I haven't had too many opportunities to interact with genuine IBM keyboards back in the 20th century.  The first time I touched an IBM made keyboard was my aunt's IBM PC (yes, the original).  It was a Model F, with 83 keys instead of the more modern 101 keys setup.  All I remember was the key was super hard to push.  Remember, I was just a little shrimp back then.  I never understood why the keys are so hard to push.  I felt like I was about to launch the Space Shuttle every time when I press a key.  Yeah, I was just a kid, what did I know.  Besides, the PC was for playing games with the cousins right?

Anyhow, later, on I did get a chance to use the IBM Model M keyboard for school work on the huge PS/2 Model 80.  The keyboard was a massive block of metal and super loud keys.  It was as hard to press as I remembered as a child.  I mostly used softer type keyboards made by BTC back then.  The BTC keyboards were really different from today's rubber dome as well.  It used spring, foam and foil pairing as key switch.  Therefore, the keys are very light and not very tactile.  Later, I learned typing on a traditional type writer and thus I pounded those poor keyboards out of habit.  The space bar was rather crooked from much abuse if I recall.  Still, I most certainly didn't appreciate Model M's finer quality then.  In the early 1990s, IBM stopped making the Model M keyboards and contracted it out to Lexmark (IBM's spin-off).   After a while, Lexmark stopped make them as well.  So, I missed a chance to truly experience and appreciate its greatness back in its heyday.

The good thing is that those keyboards were so well built that most of them still work today.  Thus, there's a thriving used market for them.  Just check eBay and see.  :)  There are even specialty stores such as clickykeyboards.com dedicated to restoring the model Ms and reselling them.  No one made new ones anymore and then, there's Unicomp....