Clicky keyboard with best build quality

ebonfortress · 05 Jun 2013, 22:58

I've recently got myself a Model M so there's no turning back. I have a couple problems with it though - absence of Windows key, it's size and it's age - it's 20 years old and it shows - some keys are a bit wobbly. So I've decided to buy a new clicky (MX Blue) keyboard. As far as I understand Unicomp's quality is pretty low (though I may buy it regardless before it deteriorates even worse) and Filco is out of my budget (around $100). What is the next best thing? I'm looking for preferrably tenkeyless board with rock-solid construction.

Muirium · 05 Jun 2013, 23:11

Ducky is pretty solid. More options than with Filco in a very similar form factor, especially if you want PBT caps or backlighting.

The new Poker II is said to be pretty well built, if you want to go way smaller than your Model M.

Daniel Beardsmore · 06 Jun 2013, 00:11

Cherry MX and buckling spring are radically different in terms of sound and feel — neither one can remotely replace the other. So far the only happy medium in terms of weight is Topre variable, but the down side is that it's still a rubber dome keyboard and still mushy.

I'm not aware of any manufacturing failings with Unicomp products, only that the fit and finish leaves something to be desired. The fact that the "metallic" grey keys were just grey plastic full of gold glitter wasn't a pleasant surprise either, although you don't really notice that much.

Having not knowingly used a Model M (I've used two PS/2 towers, so I don't know for sure) one thing I notice about Unicomp keyboards is that the switches not only actuate a long way down (near to bottoming out), but that the actuation point seems to vary by switch. You don't get the consistent mid-travel actuation of Cherry MX. This may be normal however. My main reason for avoiding the Model M is the same as yours: I want my Windows keys! (Regardless of legend and origin, it's two free modifiers ready for use.)

The other difference is that IBM Model M keyboards twang terribly. Unicomp have accidentally or intentionally removed the heavy twang, giving you a more typewriter-like solid thunk. Again, this is a matter of preference. And you have to compare it with the click of Cherry MX; clicky switches don't click and clack at the same time, and the deep bass clack and tinny, plasticky click in MX switches, occurring at separate timing intervals leads to a cheap, rattly and just overall weird sound. For some reason, no other switch has this problem.

I can't fault Unicomp boards that much (so long as you pay the extra $5 to get their ghastly logo removed), but the feel is too different from Cherry for alternating between work and home, and it's way too loud for work, so I've gone with Cherry MX at home and work. Nice switches, but wimpy.

webwit · 06 Jun 2013, 02:39

Face it. Cherry is like bootleg IBM. With their IBM keyboard clones and scruffy leaf key switches.

bhtooefr · 06 Jun 2013, 14:39

IBM buckling spring keys simply will have a slight amount of slop, it's inherent to the design.

The Model F is probably a bit higher quality, although the plastics are much more fragile than the M.

Unicomp has been known for dreadful fit and finish (especially finish), but their stuff is just as durable as a Model M. Basically, it looks bad (and I'm saying compared to a cheap rubber dome), but it works well, and 20 years later, it'll still be looking bad and working well, whereas that cheap rubber dome will have been recycled into part of a car dashboard 10-15 years prior.

Daniel Beardsmore · 07 Jun 2013, 00:02

Membrane buckling spring is a poor man's Topre … ;-)

Muirium · 07 Jun 2013, 01:25

Except for their sounding like night and day, I quite agree.

You know there's something very wrong indeed when a Topre sounds like that!

bhtooefr · 07 Jun 2013, 11:43

Daniel Beardsmore wrote:Membrane buckling spring is a poor man's Topre …

Gilgam · 07 Jun 2013, 13:25

ebonfortress wrote: As far as I understand Unicomp's quality is pretty low

Not so bad. I have one and a ssk and for a keyboard on your desk the overall qualkity is good, way better than any logitech/dell etc.

They make the best cost/quality ratio keyboards available...
The Cherry "german quality"

is not so good...

Muirium · 07 Jun 2013, 13:41

You're talking about a full size Unicomp, Gilgamesh? Because if they were to ever get a clue and start making SSKs I want to hear all about it!

Gilgam · 07 Jun 2013, 13:44

Oops too fast on typing

No i have a IBM SSK and a full size old scholl classic unicomp.
Adn the difference is not big.

pingbat · 08 Jun 2013, 07:28

Das Keyboard Model S boards are pretty rock solid and can be found for a song on ebay if you're willing to be patient. The normal price might be out of your range though.

1391401 · 08 Jun 2013, 12:53

Other than the overt case flex, creaking, shoddy finish, and poor key cap flashing, Unicomp's are decent quality boards. I have one in storage I'll probably never use so long as I have a Model F in my possession.

J888www · 17 Jun 2013, 20:38

Daniel Beardsmore wrote:Membrane buckling spring is a poor man's Topre …

I would rather say a Topre is a rich man's Buckling Spring................depending on the Manufacturer IBM or Unicomp as there are still some NIB IBMs floating around but they're not cheap

HaaTa · 02 Jul 2013, 15:32

This.

Sadly, unobtanium. But is a Model F, and has a solid cast metal case.
Puts boat anchors to shame

And compact to boot

*Trolling from Japan; will be posting obscure and exotic keyboards again in a couple months once my biking is finished

*

Muirium · 02 Jul 2013, 15:39

Remember to bring back a HiPro!

HaaTa · 02 Jul 2013, 15:56

Muirium wrote:Remember to bring back a HiPro!

Yup it's on the list

Already tried a HiPro, and very much like the feel. Different from a normal Topre, not just the spherical vs. cylindrical, but the keypress as well. I find it to have a sharper bottoming out.

Muirium · 02 Jul 2013, 16:17

Sounds like your fingers get extra leverage from the extra length on the caps. Tall profile isn't all about aesthetics!

If you get one of the stunning white bodied, cream capped HiPros I will be deeply jealous! In any case, take some sweet pictures.

Spotty1125 · 29 Nov 2013, 23:58

Gilgam wrote:
ebonfortress wrote: As far as I understand Unicomp's quality is pretty low
Not so bad. I have one and a ssk and for a keyboard on your desk the overall qualkity is good, way better than any logitech/dell etc.

They make the best cost/quality ratio keyboards available...
The Cherry "german quality" is not so good...

Agreed, Unicomp quality is really good I find.