New Keyboard Time. Model M getting messy. Too lazy to clean.

[schild]

So I emailed unicomp, got bounced back. Anyone know how to contact those guys?

Also, is there any other buckling spring keyboard companies out there?

Has anyone actually ordered the Das Keyboard and can they compare it to the Model M?

Thanks!

Edit: plz to not be linking to the optimus.

[MisterNoisy]

These guys claim to sell vintage units, but I haven't had any experience with them.

[Salamok]

You literally missed out on my collection of 9 year old dell server class keyboards.  I just chucked 5 of these big loud mofos in the trash last week, after the g15 there simply isn't any going back.  Kind of a shame as it took me a year or so to "acquire" what I thought would be a lifetime supply of the keyboard I would never want to be without.

[schild]

.....

Don't say things like that.

G15 does Not Compare.

[MisterNoisy]

Out of curiosity, is the one you have actually damaged, or just gunked up?  If the latter, why not just open it up and clean with some rubbing alcohol in lieu of dropping $60-100 on a new board?  It's not that labor-intensive.

[Salamok]

.....

Don't say things like that.

G15 does Not Compare.

the macroing is a great assistant to my photochop induced carpal no more ctr+alt+shift+whatever combos.  Also, the wife really really hated the spring loaded masterpiece of noise that I was using as a keyboard.  I do kind of miss a keyboard that I could really pound the fucking shit out of though, it almost got me through that time in my life when the pk's were abusing the doll.

[Salamok]

Out of curiosity, is the one you have actually damaged, or just gunked up?  If the latter, why not just open it up and clean with some rubbing alcohol in lieu of dropping $60-100 on a new board?  It's not that labor-intensive.

The achilles heal of that near indestructible keyboard is it is a major pain in the ass to thoroughly clean.  Each key is it's own little independent unit, I think I'd rather clean 50 regular keyboards than 1 of those monsters.

[Yegolev]

Sitting on my desk right this minute is an IBM keyboard that is somewhat clicky.  The keys don't sound like a gun going off when you tap them, like Ye Olde Keyboardes did.  It doesn't have a model designation on it, but I have numbers.  P/N 42H1292, S/N 2040328, Date 24-03-97.  It has a PS2 connector.  I only use it for decoration.

[Salamok]

I may have saved one of my relics I'll check when I get home, if so schild can have it if he takes care of the shipping from tx to his locale.

[schild]

Is yours the Dell Buckling Spring type or the cherry switch?

[Salamok]

pretty sure it is a cherry switch but I am not familiar with a buckling spring.  Each key is soldered straight on to the pcb as it's own lil self contained switch, looks like old school behind the iron curtain technology at it's best.

[Murgos]

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/cu104ps2.html

USB buckling spring keyboard.  $69.

I haven't ordered from them though so buyer beware.

edit: NM, I didn't realize that was the same manufacturer that Schild was already having issues with.

[Kageru]

I bought a unicomp-101 buckling spring keyboard... which cost a ridiculous amount to get mailed to Australia, partly because they put about 50 airbags in the large box it came in. I believe they own the patent on buckling spring keyboards after buying it from IBM and they're the only manufacturer. They have a website (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/keyboards.html) so you can order online and the order went through without any issues. I'd used, and been impressed by some of the older keyboards but was remind of the difference by this http://www.dansdata.com/clickykeyboards.htm review.

Of course then I go to visit the folks across the country and find my Dad has an original 1990 Model-M... quick clean up and the unicomp goes into storage. Oh well.

[schild]

Since you've used a Unicomp Kageru, is there noticeable difference between them and original model Ms?

[Kageru]

They're significantly lighter in overall weight and the plastic feels a bit less sturdy compared to the original. As Dan said in the review they are reproductions of the lexmark keyboards rather than the originals, so they're modelled on very late edition keyboards. They don't have the detachable cord, do have a drainage channel, have a much less cool logo and I didn't think the mechanism was quite as pleasant feeling. Then again the unicomp is effectively new while the model-M I am typing on has probably had a fair amount of use which may explain why it feels a little "softer" to type on. Hard to tell if the springs just need to be worn in a little. They're definitely a real buckling spring keyboard though, and both are far superior to the one they replaced.

And no windows keys on the 101's which pleases my linux grognard side.

[schild]

Screw that, not having a windows key in windows is a blessing.

[Yegolev]

Stop Windows keys dead.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,03,00,00,00,00,00,5B,E0,00,00,5C,E0,00,00,00,00

[Salamok]

Stop Windows keys dead.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,03,00,00,00,00,00,5B,E0,00,00,5C,E0,00,00,00,00

or if you have a decent keyboard like the g15 just flip the switch to disable em.

[schild]

The only decent keyboard out there has buckling spring keys. The G15 does not have buckling spring keys. Therefore it is not a decent keyboard.

[Salamok]

The only decent keyboard out there has buckling spring keys. The G15 does not have buckling spring keys. Therefore it is not a decent keyboard.

your right it isn't a decent keyboard, it is an AMAZING keyboard ;P

[Sky]

Stop Windows keys dead.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,03,00,00,00,00,00,5B,E0,00,00,5C,E0,00,00,00,00

I prefer a screwdriver.

[Signe]

My keyboard and mouse decided to start dying at the same time.  I would have hung on longer because I suck at getting used to new thingies but it was making me cranky and I felt sorry for Gordon.  Now I have a matching set!  They glow blue, too.  I LIKE THEM! 

[Yegolev]

My mouse glows blue, and it actually tries to blind me whenever I pass my face over a certain region.  I could do without it, really.