[vcf-midatlantic] OT: Modern keyboard question

[Chris Hendrickson]

I have a Unicomp Classic, and agree that the build quality is nothing
like my original IBM/Lexmark manufactured Model-M's. What I've heard is
that they're using many of the original tooling and so many of the parts
tolerance issues are the result of 35 years of wear on the molds.

My understanding is that the Ultra Classic, which is effectively their
version of the smaller M2, has a better build quality because it's using
newer molds.

Which makes me wonder how much better they might be if they made the
investment to retool the manufacturing line and used new molds with
better tolerances.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A-vRZth7SI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H70tkO1xUy8

I'm also a fan of the Cherry MX blues.

On 11/28/18 5:15 AM, Alexander Pierson wrote:
> I'm in the Unicomp crowd for my daily driver at work, and I've even given a few to family members who seem to enjoy them.  However, after owning a few of the 104 Classic USB variations, I've discovered that the tolerances of the tooling aren't nearly what they should be.  Compared to an authentic IBM, it's just not as well made.  They still make a fine keyboard, but it isn't for everyone.  
>
> I think I have a Cherry MX sampler somewhere, I'll see if I can find it before this weekend.
>
> -Alexander 'Z' Pierson
>  
>
>     On Tuesday, November 27, 2018, 11:33:59 PM EST, Mark Whittington via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:  
>  
>  There is at least a modern manufacturer of buckling spring keyboards a la
> IBM Model M. The Unicomp Ultra Classic Model M comes in a full size 104 key
> USB package for ~$100. Someone in my office has one.
>
> On Tue, Nov 27, 2018, 9:51 AM Jameel Akari via vcf-midatlantic <
> vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org wrote:
>
>> On 2018-11-27 09:19, Thomas Fuchs via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
>>> Wombat works great for me, using AEK II on a modern Mac.
>>>
>> Good to know, looking forward to it!
>>
>>
>> And yeah, I might get a second one later, to hook up USB keyboards and
>> mice to older Macs.  Both directions are useful.
>>
>> I've enjoyed at least the concept of using vintage keyboards on new
>> machines, in part because of the original topic here -- it's exhausting
>> reading through all the reviews around various keyswitches and keycaps
>> and LEDs and whatever.
>>
>> Might be time to bring my Type M to work again...
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jameel Akari
>>
>>
>>>> On Nov 27, 2018, at 12:34 AM, jakari via vcf-midatlantic
>>>> <vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On 2018-11-26 22:59, David Riley via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
>>>>> Interesting feedback. It’s been many years since I looked up the
>>>>> price
>>>>> of iMates... when I got mine, they were out of production but still
>>>>> only $20 on eBay. Sorry to see they’re so expensive now.
>>>> Yeah, I was shocked to see that as well.  At $oldjob^4 we threw out
>>>> probably a dozen of them. :(
>>>>
>>>>> On Nov 26, 2018, at 13:44, Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic
>>>>> <vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
>>>>>> "ADB to USB Connector Adapter" on that auction site, shows  Griffin
>>>>>> imate,  AlphaSmart as apparently old brands, resale price $70-$100+;
>>>>>> and maybe "Wombat" as some hobby class product at $59-$79.
>>>> Inspired by this thread, I just ordered one of the Wombats.  Made by
>>>> the same guy who does the Floppy Emu.  I'm ok with gambling $49+S&H on
>>>> something that'll probably work just fine.  I do want to "daily drive"
>>>> some of my old Apple keyboards like the AEK II and see what I really
>>>> think of them.  Assuming it'll fit on my keyboard tray side by side
>>>> with the modern Magic Trackpad.
>>>>
>>