Model M or unicomp customizer 104

[raffle]

Hey Deskthority,

Raffle here, I'm looking to purchase a new buckling spring keyboard as i have a English class this fall semester and will have to do a considerable amount of typing.

I am looking at two different keyboards:

1. IBM Model M 1987 (1391401)

2. Unicomp Customizer 104

I want to know which out of these two people prefer. Please note, i have heard great things about other tactile keyboards, however i have already made the choice to go with a buckling spring style keyboard. Also for those of you who have tried several different Model M keyboards and remember their model numbers i am interested to know what the best model M keyboard is. So far i have heard that the 1391301 or the 1391401 that are <= 1989 are good keyboards. Any opinion is welcome!

The unicomp customizer is also a maybe for two reasons: 104 key vs 101 key, guarenteed new/clean/good condition. I do not wish to spend more than USD 100 on a keyboard, so if i were to get a 87-89 IBM Model M keyboard i would have to get a used/refurbished one. And Windows Key!

Thanks for your help,
Ross Dimassimo (Raffle)

[Crazy9000]

I'd say Unicomp Customizer 104 in black/grey, mostly for aesthetics.

[ripster]

Although a Man Of Keyboard Wiki Science I would defer to a Higher Authority on difficult imponderable questions such as these.

The Keyboard Oracle.

[Gilgam]

Unicomp, but the shipping is expensive ...

[7bit]

Hey Deskthority, ...
1. IBM Model M 1987 (1391401)

2. Unicomp Customizer 104

Get the M from 1987.

[raffle]

Thanks all for your opinions!

I decided on the unicomp customizer 104 PS/2

Ross Dimassimo (Raffle)

[Gilgam]

PS2 ??

Why ?

[Matuka]

PS2 ??

Why ?

Doesn't PS/2 enable full NKRO support? Instead of reducing it down to something like 6KRO? idkfa ;Z

[Gilgam]

i'm not sure but the unicomp is not nkro.

[daedalus]

@Matuka: You only get NKRO with PS/2 if the keyboard is NKRO capable.

@OP: Get a Unicomp. You get the benefit of a brand new board with a warranty (old Model Ms can be a bit of a lottery). Plus, you're helping those guys stay in business.

[raffle]

I have two reasons for going with PS/2

1. I hear that most USB keyboards can be interrupted because they have cheap controllers
2. I have two PS/2 8 port kvm switches.
3. I can probably get some limited functionality on my laptop with a PS/2 to usb controller, although i hear they can have power problems

[ripster]

USB keyboards all have pretty generic controllers these days.

Notable exception is the Leopold with 18KRO over USB on Win7/Linux/OSX.

However 6KRO is good enough and I assume Elitekeyboards thinks so too since he never mentions that 18KRO detail.

[Peter]

If it wasn't for the 35 dollars customs-fee AND the 25% VAT I would be hacking on a Unicomp ..
Unless you happen to get lucky and find a nice used model M for next-to-nothing...
Go with the Unicomp unless you have some Old-Love relationship to the original model M's .
The price is really hard to beat !!!

[raffle]

Hey deskthority,

My customizer arrived today, and i love it! I think i actually prefer it to the IBM model M. the keys are a hair lighter. I can't use it as a defensive weapon like i could the model M. But as far as its main purpose i think it will do wonderfully.

Thanks again for all the advice/comments,
Ross Dimassimo (Raffle)