Unicomp Mini-M Mannequin F Keyboard Overview

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

In case you are unfamiliar with Unicomp (official website), the corporate was created when IBM discontinued its Mannequin M keyboard manufacturing. The workers 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 sturdy plastic casing with a glossy matte black end to its strong body, each side of its development exudes sturdiness.

You may really feel the durability as you kind, making certain a steady 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 strategies (together with native USB-A help), leading to a keyboard that matches type 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 in style mechanical switches varieties like Cherry MX or Gateron, buckling spring switches present a singular and retro typing expertise. Whereas they could require a considerably greater actuation force, the particular suggestions and the sheer nostalgia they evoke make the Unicomp mini-M a standout selection for these looking for 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 had been manufactured within the early 90s (that are objectively cheaper to make than the 80s fashions).

New buckling switches do require numerous drive to actuate. Ultimately, that decreases somewhat, 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 non-public choice, so I can’t know. Nevertheless, I can predict that individuals who get pleasure from “silent” keyboards or switches with a “gentle contact” ought to most likely keep away from these buckling spring switches.

Regardless of being a fan of the older IBM Mannequin M, I additionally wish to spotlight some nuances. I like utilizing this keyboard for coding, which I do so much. Nevertheless, there are extra agreeable keyboards for heavy textual content typing, like scripting this assessment.

For instance, I personal a Keychron V1 with Khail Box White (clicky) switches, and we now have a Logitech MX Mechanical mini on the workplace. Each are considerably lighter to kind with, and it’s honest to say that the heavy typing type required by the Mannequin M generally is a bit tiring in the event you’re a journalist (for me, coding tends to be “bursts of typing” quite 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 skin, 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 “elements.”

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

Noise Degree

Be warned, this keyboard is NOT office-friendly and noisier than any MX-switches keyboard I’ve seen or used previously couple of many years. The excellent news is that it doesn’t produce high-pitch noise, in order that’s one thing constructive. That mentioned, I’m constructive that colleagues inside a 15+ ft radius will most probably hate the noise and

Connectivity & Compatibility

Regardless of being a clone of a 36-years outdated keyboard, this Unicomp mini-M comes with USB connectivity and works similar to some other 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 placement of the connector mimics the unique keyboards, however I’d have most well-liked to have it to the left of the chassis.

Sometimes, I expertise a small concern 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 seems to be like I’m not the one one to expertise this. It’s not an enormous 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 almost inconceivable to seek out customized keycaps and different customized {hardware}. Because of Unicomp, you received’t lack spare elements for repairs/replacements if wanted. Nevertheless, I couldn’t discover any fascinating and inexpensive enjoyable keycaps.

That mentioned, I did order a Navy Blue ANSI Color Key Set from Unicomp to offer this keyboard a glance harking back to the attractive unique IBM “industrial” SSK keyboard with the blue keys. It seems to be like the unique IBM Blue just isn’t accessible, 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 specific programmability. For players, you need to word that though key ghosting has been lowered through the use of a extra fashionable controller, there’s no N key rollover, so though you possibly can recreation with it – this isn’t a perfect “gaming keyboard.”

Conclusion, Worth, and Worth

Simply a few years in the past, Unicomp keyboards had 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 worth? Nicely, “it relies upon.”

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

For somebody who doesn’t significantly search the Mannequin M expertise, you would want to attempt 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 worth appears affordable, and the help crew solutions comparatively shortly through e mail or Fb.

Filed in Computers >Reviews. Learn extra about Keyboards.