Design
In short, this keyboard uses the design from some of Unicomp’s other keyboards, tracing its roots back to the 5576-C01 originally designed by IBM Japan. These are the Unicomp Endurapro, SpaceSaver, and this keyboard, the SpaceSaver M. It uses the same sturdy Model M buckling spring technology many keyboard enthusiasts around the world know and love.
Pros:
- Sturdy design using proven technology (unlike all of the modern Apple official keyboards, which use a scissor switch technology).
- Tactile, and a very loud, pronounced click.
- Support for all OS X features such as Expose and Dashboard, media keys (and on my MacBook Pro, the brightness and volume controls)
Cons:
- Old tooling, it definitely shows its age with various plastic defects.
- Inconsistent key height profile (particularly the smaller keys next to the control keys)
- Bright blue LEDs are distracting rather than a helpful aid to know when certain functions are enabled
Almost anyone who owns a Mac and has typed on an IBM Model M buckling spring keyboard will appreciate this keyboard, despite its flaws if I had a Mac desktop it would definitely be my daily driver.
And now, the awesome pictures I know all of you want to see (click to embiggen):
