The Unicomp Mini M mechanical keyboard boasts a design aesthetic that superbly blends nostalgia with modernity. It pays homage to the beloved IBM Mannequin M SSK (House Saving Keyboard). It exudes a timeless appeal that may captivate keyboard fans aware of the unique. In some methods, this was the unique “TKL” keyboard.

In case you are unfamiliar with Unicomp (official web site), the corporate was created when IBM discontinued its Mannequin M keyboard manufacturing. The staff of that particular keyboard enterprise and manufacturing plant bought the license and instruments to proceed constructing these fantastic keyboards below the Unicomp model. (extra data)

Crafted with meticulous consideration to element, this keyboard has excellent construct high quality. From its strong plastic casing with a modern matte black end to its strong body, each side of its building exudes sturdiness.

You’ll be able to really feel the durability as you kind, guaranteeing a secure and dependable expertise even throughout intense gaming or work classes. The keycaps are thick and well-made, promising longevity and a satisfying tactile really feel in case you are into closely clicky keyboards.

Unicomp has flawlessly merged retro design with barely up to date manufacturing methods (together with native USB-A assist), leading to a keyboard that matches fashion 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, recognized 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 fashionable 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 power, the particular suggestions and the sheer nostalgia they evoke make the Unicomp mini-M a standout selection for these in search of the typing really feel of the IBM Mannequin M.

Typing Expertise

The typing expertise jogs my memory of my earlier IBM Mannequin M keyboard. I owned two, and each have been manufactured within the early 90s (that are objectively cheaper to make than the 80s fashions).

New buckling switches do require a whole lot of power to actuate. Finally, that decreases a bit, however I’m undecided how lengthy it takes for the switches to turn into a bit much less “stiff.” No Cherry MX swap I’ve examined can examine, not even the Kailh Field 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. Nonetheless, I can predict that individuals who take pleasure in “silent” keyboards or switches with a “mild contact” ought to in all probability keep away from these buckling spring switches.

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

For instance, I personal a Keychron V1 with Khail Field 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 truthful to say that the heavy typing fashion required by the Mannequin M could be a bit tiring in the event you’re a journalist (for me, coding tends to be “bursts of typing” relatively 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 every thing else is just about because it was.

From the surface, 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 nowadays, however Unicomp’s purpose right here was to maintain the unique design.

Noise Stage

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 optimistic. That mentioned, I’m optimistic that colleagues inside a 15+ ft radius will most certainly hate the noise and

Connectivity & Compatibility

Regardless of being a clone of a 36-years previous keyboard, this Unicomp mini-M comes with USB connectivity and works identical 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 facet might sound odd, however it’s sturdier than USB-C connectors, and that’s in all probability why it was chosen. The situation of the connector mimics the unique keyboards, however I might have most well-liked to have it to the left of the chassis.

Now and again, I expertise a small situation the place the keyboard is “frozen” (not energetic), and all three LEDs (Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock) are ON. To repair it, I’ve to disconnect/reconnect the keyboard. It seems like I’m not the one one to expertise this. It’s not a giant deal, however this could not occur.

Customization and Programmability

As I beforehand hinted, don’t anticipate a lot when it comes to customization, as it’s almost unattainable to seek out customized keycaps and different customized {hardware}. Due to Unicomp, you gained’t lack spare elements for repairs/replacements if wanted. Nonetheless, I couldn’t discover any fascinating and inexpensive enjoyable keycaps.

That mentioned, I did order a Navy Blue ANSI Coloration Key Set from Unicomp to present this keyboard a glance harking back to the gorgeous unique IBM “industrial” SSK keyboard with the blue keys. It seems like the unique IBM Blue is just not obtainable, maybe for copyright causes (?).

I even discovered a steel IBM brand sticker on Aliexpress, which added a enjoyable little bit of nostalgia to the keyboard.

So far as I do know, the keyboard has no explicit programmability. For players, it’s best to be aware that though key ghosting has been lowered by utilizing a extra fashionable controller, there’s no N key rollover, so though you may sport with it – this isn’t a super “gaming keyboard.”

Conclusion, Value, and Worth

Simply a few years in the past, Unicomp keyboards have been promoting for simply above $105, however now, this Unicomp Mini M sells for $149 earlier than transport and taxes. Is it well worth the value? Effectively, “it relies upon.”

For somebody like me who actually loved the sooner Mannequin M, it’s unattainable to re-create this expertise utilizing MX-based customized keyboard {hardware}, irrespective of the value, so I believe it’s price 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 strive one and see how a lot you prefer it. You could be tempted!

From a construct high quality perspective, 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” perspective, this keyboard’s value appears affordable, and the assist staff solutions comparatively rapidly by way of electronic mail or Fb.

Filed in Computer systems >Evaluations. Learn extra about Keyboards.