Unicomp Ultra Classic 103-Key Mechanical Keyboard Discussions | Drop

Unicomp Ultra Classic 103-Key Mechanical Keyboard

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Dec 15, 2016

The quality on this thing looks worse than a 1980's Sega Genesis I have back at home.

Annndy

Dec 16, 2016

illiI have one and the quality is very high. It is definitely old-school. I think the clunkiness of this is part of what makes it awesome. They are really good for "heavy typers." If you like to get your frustrations out by banging hard on the keys of your computer, this is the keyboard for you!

craneomotor

Dec 17, 2016

AnnndyYeah, the case design is idiosyncratic, but IMO very charming considering the history and technology of the board. And the build quality is excellent. Really, the only drawbacks of this board is that they have a loud, distinct sound and that the switches are heavy and so challenging for people used to lighter modern switches. But for the price it's an amazing board, even just to have as part of a collection.

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Akidan

Dec 17, 2016

illiI have used a Unicomp as my primary keyboard for 5+ years now. Don't let the look fool you - these things are built like friggin tanks.

Dec 19, 2016

illiUnicomp is high quality. Higher than most, and PBT keycaps. They're a great company.

Dec 20, 2016

rggbOkay.. you see the discoloration and distortions as well as the jagged edges on the keys.. right? I'm not just hallucinating? If you think that's high quality, you need to reevaluate your standards.

Dec 20, 2016

illiSo finishing defects? big deal. The overall quality is top-notch--the parts, materials, longevity, design. If you'd have ever handled a Unicomp keyboard, you'd realize that they're better made than almost anything else on the market that you can buy new. Certainly the best quality for the money.

Dec 20, 2016

craneomotorFunny, that "loud, distinct sound" is also a benefit, rather than a drawback, for many users (myself included...it's so satisfying compared to MX Blues).

Dec 20, 2016

rggbYou're the one who said "high quality". Finishing defects obviously fall into that category, which in this case, falls out of the category. And the word "overall" refers to the finish/look of the product, and clearly this product does not meet up to the standards (that you think is "high quality").

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MagicSmoke

388

Dec 20, 2016

illiThey are using slioghtly modified original molds. So wear to the molds can be an issue. Other than that, for environmental issuees they use styrene butadiene (ABS without the deadly acrylonitrile) rather than vinyl chloride for the case. This results in a slightly cheaper hollow sound. They still are great keyboards.

Annndy

Dec 20, 2016

illiThe quality that people usually think of with these is durability. These are rugged, not refined. They are mostly loved for their weight, feel and general repairability (you can send broken ones back to the factory for complete refurbishment for a fee). It is true that the finish of these is not impeccable. I am a real stickler for details and I was a bit surprised that the case and key molding isn't exemplary, but there are no functional problems whatsoever and that has it's own appeal - a product focused on function, putting a lower priority on appearance. While the finish may not be exquisite, they are quite precise in their function. I'd be willing to bet that IBM put way more time and money into the testing and design of the buckling spring switch mechanism for optimal durability and practical usability than Cherry did into its admittedly excellent MX switch design. Like old Volvos, which were known for their function, not their looks, these do the job very well but without frills - appearance in this case. Still, you have a point there. The finish on these is not jewlery-grade. These are tanks! Tank - operative word - tank. Buy this if you want a tank-like keyboard! They are not refined in appearance, but they work very well and they have a distinct feel and sound that nothing else even approximates.
Incidentally, these are designed for typists, not gamers. If you are a typist, or a programmer, this is what IBM came up with for you in the 80s. It's the best they had to offer. If you are a gamer, this is probably just the wrong keyboard for you. I am not a big gamer, so anyone who has something to add or correct on the subject of gaming, please do!

Dec 20, 2016

illiYou are off your rocker, buddy. The word "overall" does not refer to the "finish/look" of a product; where did you come up with that? Some people think shiny plastic looks like chrome, doesn't make it quality. And some rough edges on the super-duper PBT keycaps will never affect your use of the product, and the rest of the high quality components/buckling-spring switches will last your for ages.
If you have an argument, make it. Otherwise you should try a Unicomp...you'll find yourself eating crow, I promise you.

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Dec 20, 2016

rggb"Overall quality" does in fact mean "finish/look". That's how you judge a product with your eyes first; rightfully so since eyes are the first things that register any sense of reality.
If you can't comprehend that, I don't know what to say. You are the one who mentioned "high quality". This is on you.

jjnist

131

Dec 21, 2016

illiOverall means the whole package or taking everything in as one. It does not refer to one specific characteristic of an object.

Elrick

2105

Dec 21, 2016

rggbAgreed, for the money these keyboards are great value.
You still can't convince hard core CherryMX users to switch sides here because the Model-M has it's user base that wants and needs this type of keyboard.
You don't need to convince us here, we will always buy a few Unicomp's for future usage ; )

Jan 13, 2017

illiSo I see the most beautiful woman I've ever seen on the street, I go up to her, turns out she's a model, and for some reason she agrees to go on a date with me. The date goes well, one leads to another, and after awhile we're going steady. Then I find out that she is a psychopath and has been luring me in to sell my organs on the black market (as she has countless times before to countless other men). I woke up in a tub of ice and now I have only one kidney.
But you know, I think overall she was a pretty great girlfriend. She was very pretty after all.

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Jan 13, 2017

rggbcool story bro but shitty, and unnecessary analogy

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Annndy

Jan 13, 2017

rggbI think you have a point there. Don't you hate it when you wake up in a bathtub full of ice, 2.4 lbs lighter and one kidney missing? Ugh - women.
Seriously though, I think the problem here is more like, "then you find out she likes to eat sardines for breakfast on cold winter mornings." as opposed to, "she steals one of your organs." There is nothing terribly wrong with it. Obviously it isn't aesthetically what everyone wants, but it has its own charm and it is truly quite functional. I think the biggest problem with these is what seems to be increasingly proven, that they have regular defects out of the factory. I have already seen about 4 complaints about this and I myself experienced it. I will say that I am particularly happy with mine, sardine breath and all.

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