Unicomp Mini-M Model F Keyboard Review

The Unicomp Mini M mechanical keyboard boasts a design aesthetic that superbly blends nostalgia with modernity. It pays homage to the beloved IBM Mannequin M SSK (Area Saving Keyboard). It exudes a timeless attraction that can captivate keyboard fanatics acquainted with the unique. In some methods, this was the unique “TKL” keyboard.

If you’re unfamiliar with Unicomp (official website), the corporate was created when IBM discontinued its Mannequin M keyboard manufacturing. The staff of that particular keyboard enterprise and manufacturing plant bought the license and instruments to proceed constructing these fantastic keyboards beneath the Unicomp model. (more info)

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

You may really feel the durability as you sort, guaranteeing a secure and dependable expertise even throughout intense gaming or work periods. 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 methods (together with native USB-A assist), 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 provide a pleasant tactile really feel and a satisfying audible click on, making each keystroke a pleasure.

In comparison with different standard mechanical switches varieties like Cherry MX or Gateron, buckling spring switches present a singular and retro typing expertise. Whereas they might require a considerably increased actuation force, the precise suggestions and the sheer nostalgia they evoke make the Unicomp mini-M a standout selection for these in search of the typing really feel of the IBM Mannequin M.

Typing Expertise

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

New buckling switches do require quite a lot of pressure to actuate. Ultimately, that decreases just a little, however I’m unsure how lengthy it takes for the switches to change into a bit much less “stiff.” No Cherry MX change I’ve examined can examine, not even the Kailh Box Navy or Black – not even shut.

Whether or not or not you’ll just like the keyboard’s tactile suggestions or sound is a matter of private choice, so I can’t know. Nonetheless, I can predict that individuals who get pleasure from “silent” keyboards or switches with a “gentle contact” ought to most likely steer clear of these buckling spring switches.

Regardless of being a fan of the older IBM Mannequin M, I additionally need to spotlight some nuances. I like utilizing this keyboard for coding, which I do rather a lot. Nonetheless, there are extra agreeable keyboards for heavy textual content typing, like penning this assessment.

For instance, I personal a Keychron V1 with Khail Box White (clicky) switches, and we have now a Logitech MX Mechanical mini on the workplace. Each are considerably lighter to sort with, and it’s truthful to say that the heavy typing fashion required by the Mannequin M is usually a bit tiring for those who’re a journalist (for me, coding tends to be “bursts of typing” slightly than “steady typing”).

Structure and Keycaps

The Unicomp mini-M is an 87-key keyboard, and I’ve the ANSI US model. In comparison with the unique IBM, the Home windows and Menu buttons have been added, however all the pieces else is just about because it was.

From the surface, 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 “components.”

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

Noise Stage

Be warned, this keyboard is NOT office-friendly and noisier than any MX-switches keyboard I’ve seen or used previously couple of a long time. 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 more than likely hate the noise and

Connectivity & Compatibility

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

The USB-A connector on the keyboard aspect may appear odd, however it’s sturdier than USB-C connectors, and that’s most likely why it was chosen. The situation of the connector mimics the unique keyboards, however I’d have most well-liked to have it to the left of the chassis.

Now and again, I expertise a small subject the place the keyboard is “frozen” (not lively), 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 unimaginable to seek out customized keycaps and different customized {hardware}. Because of Unicomp, you received’t lack spare components for repairs/replacements if wanted. Nonetheless, 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 provide this keyboard a glance harking back to the attractive authentic IBM “industrial” SSK keyboard with the blue keys. It appears like the unique IBM Blue just isn’t out there, maybe for copyright causes (?).

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

So far as I do know, the keyboard has no explicit programmability. For avid gamers, you need to notice 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 sport with it – this isn’t a super “gaming keyboard.”

Conclusion, Worth, and Worth

Simply a few years in the past, Unicomp keyboards have been promoting for simply above $105, however now, this Unicomp Mini M sells for $149 earlier than transport and taxes. Is it definitely worth the value? Properly, “it relies upon.”

For somebody like me who actually loved the sooner Mannequin M, it’s unimaginable to re-create this expertise utilizing MX-based customized keyboard {hardware}, irrespective of the worth, so I feel it’s value it (for me). I’ve even ordered some further to make the keyboard extra enjoyable.

For somebody who doesn’t significantly search the Mannequin M expertise, you would want to strive one and see how a lot you prefer it. It’s possible you’ll be tempted!

From a construct high quality standpoint, I take into account this keyboard’s high quality to be far superior to a $99 keyboard like my Keychron V1, so even from a pure “construct high quality” standpoint, this keyboard’s value appears cheap, and the assist crew solutions comparatively shortly by way of electronic mail or Fb.

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