Unicomp's "New" Model M Keyboard

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Enthusiasts weigh the appeal of Unicomp’s “New” Model M buckling-spring keyboard against modern mechanical and ergonomic alternatives. Many praise its distinctive feel, durability, and updated USB/QMK-compatible internals, while criticizing its extreme noise, past quality-control issues, and non-ergonomic layout that can aggravate RSI. The thread branches into broader comparisons—Topre, Cherry MX, split and tented designs—highlighting how personal comfort, nostalgia, and reliability now matter more than any single “perfect” switch or form factor.

New Model M: Updates & Positioning

  • Unicomp has produced Model M–style boards for years; the “New” Model M mainly introduces new plastic molds (old ones were worn) and modern features like USB and OS/meta keys.
  • Recent batches reportedly use an RP2040/Pico-based controller, enabling QMK/Vial-style custom firmware. Older “New Model M” runs a different MCU with some USB quirks (missed detection at boot, occasional key issues).
  • Some see it as “not quite” original IBM quality but close enough, especially compared to 30–40‑year‑old Model Ms plus flaky PS/2→USB adapters.

Feel, Sound, and Switch Comparisons

  • Many praise buckling springs for clear actuation feedback and unique “crunch”; others find them too heavy, fatiguing, or even RSI‑inducing.
  • Noise is extreme: people compare it unfavorably to modern mechanicals and say it requires a private room; spouses, coworkers, and babies complain.
  • Several prefer Topre, Alps, or modern MX/BOX switches (often lighter, quieter, more consistent). Some feel pre‑Topre mechanicals are “obsolete,” others are strongly attached to the M/F feel and nostalgia.

Ergonomics, RSI, and Alternatives

  • Multiple posters moved from Model M/Unicomp to ergonomic or split keyboards (Kinesis Advantage/360, ErgoDox, Moonlander, Lily58, Glove80, Matias Ergo Pro, Mistel splits, etc.) due to wrist/finger pain.
  • Some report dramatic RSI relief after switching; others say they can’t go back to standard layouts. A few found particular ergo boards (e.g. ErgoDox) worsened RSI.
  • Buckling‑spring ergonomic options are rare; one ortholinear split Model F exists but is expensive, slow to ship, and uses two USB cables, causing OS issues with modifiers.

Build Quality, Longevity, and Maintenance

  • Experiences split:
    • Positive: newer Unicomp runs for years with minimal maintenance; older IBM Ms still going strong after decades; some see one Model M as a “lifetime supply.”
    • Negative: earlier Unicomps had rough finishing, stuck spacebars, rapid failures, rivets breaking (requiring screw mods), and at least one board dying soon after warranty.
  • Mechanical keyboards generally should need little more than periodic cleaning; some users report 5–10+ years from other brands (Cooler Master, Filco, Das, etc.) with no switch failures.

Layout, Features, and Ecosystem Gaps

  • Users value traditional full‑size layouts with the six‑key nav cluster, dislike missing audio/media keys, and complain about lack of modern French AZERTY+ options.
  • CapsLock placement and absence of “Super/Command” keys on vintage boards are pain points; many remap CapsLock to Super or Ctrl.
  • Custom keycap and mod ecosystems for buckling springs are very limited compared to MX‑compatible boards, pushing some enthusiasts toward non‑spring switches despite loving the feel.