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Unicomp is a manufacturer of
Unicomp's product line consists largely of modified designs based on late Model M keyboards produced by Lexmark.
The Classic 101 (formerly called the Customizer) is similar to one of IBM's late Model M variants and is built on the same tooling. The only changes to the Classic 101 compared to an original Model M are the logo, Windows keys, optional USB connectivity (as an alternative to PS/2), and the option for a black case with light gray or white keys (as an alternative to the classic "pearl" beige).
The Ultra Classic (formerly called the SpaceSaver) is a lighter, more compact version of the Classic. A variant of the Ultra Classic, still sold under its former name of SpaceSaver M, is designed for
File:IBM and Unicomp Model M keyboards.jpg, From top to bottom: IBM Model M Square Logo 1390131 (1986), Unicomp Spacesaver M UNIZPHA (2011), IBM Model M Space Saving 1392934 (1991)
File:UnicompCustomizer-Classic104Key.jpg, Unicomp Classic 104 (UNI044A) keyboard, manufactured April 23, 2012.
File:unicomp-spacesaver-104.jpg, Unicomp SpaceSaver (now Ultra Classic) 104 (UNI0P4A) keyboard, manufactured March 10, 2010.
File:Unicomp space saver model m. with removed key 3864555240 9a2c6b95da o.jpg, Unicomp Model M with removed z key. Visible: the exposed buckling spring.
File:Ruben Schade unicomp with apple keys 3764313378 f6b2b6e8e7 o.jpg, Unicomp Model M exchange key caps for an Apple keyboard layout: Option and
Review that includes company informationUnicomp featured on NPR
Companies established in 1996 Computer peripheral companies Companies based in Lexington, Kentucky Computer keyboard companies
computer keyboard
A computer keyboard is a peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. Replacing early punched cards and paper tape technolog ...
s and keyboard accessories, based in Lexington, Kentucky
Kentucky ( , ), officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States and one of the states of the Upper South. It borders Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north; West Virginia and Virginia ...
, United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...
.
History
In 1996, Lexmark International was prepared to shut their Lexington keyboard factory where they producedModel M
Model M designates a group of computer keyboards designed and manufactured by IBM starting in 1985, and later by Lexmark International, Maxi Switch, and Unicomp. The keyboard's many variations have their own distinct characteristics, with ...
buckling-spring keyboards. IBM, their principal customer and the Model M's original designer and patent holder, had decided to remove the Model M from its product line in favor of cost-saving rubber-dome keyboards.
Rather than seeing its production come to an end, a group of former Lexmark and IBM employees purchased the license, tooling and design rights for buckling-spring technology, and, in April 1996, reestablished the business as Unicomp.
Since 1996, the tooling and molds that Unicomp had inherited from Lexmark began to wear out, leading to a gradual decline in build quality and finish. However, in 2020 Unicomp replaced its tooling leading to quality improvements. The company also began shipping new designs at this time.
Products
Unicomp's product line consists largely of modified designs based on late Model M keyboards produced by Lexmark.
The Classic 101 (formerly called the Customizer) is similar to one of IBM's late Model M variants and is built on the same tooling. The only changes to the Classic 101 compared to an original Model M are the logo, Windows keys, optional USB connectivity (as an alternative to PS/2), and the option for a black case with light gray or white keys (as an alternative to the classic "pearl" beige).
The Ultra Classic (formerly called the SpaceSaver) is a lighter, more compact version of the Classic. A variant of the Ultra Classic, still sold under its former name of SpaceSaver M, is designed for Macintosh
The Mac (known as Macintosh until 1999) is a family of personal computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. Macs are known for their ease of use and minimalist designs, and are popular among students, creative professionals, and software en ...
computers.
The New Model M, a full-sized keyboard resembling an up-sized version of the Lexmark Space Saver design.
The Mini-M, a tenkeyless version with the lock lights moved from their traditional location above the now-absent numeric keypad to the top edge of the board above the F9-F12 keys.
The EnduraPro, is an Ultra Classic, except with a TrackPoint
A pointing stick (or trackpoint, also referred to generically as a nub or nipple) is a small analog stick used as a pointing device typically mounted centrally in a computer keyboard. Like other pointing devices such as mice, touchpads or trac ...
nub and 2 mouse buttons at the bottom inspired by the TrackPoints from ThinkPads.
The Classic Trackball, a Classic with a trackball
A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes—like an upside-down ball mouse with an exposed protruding ball. Users roll the ball to position the o ...
and 2 mouse buttons right above the indicator lights. However, it is not currently being produced due to low demand.
The PC 122, a 122 key keyboard similar to the Classic, however with a rearranged layout and an extra set of function keys, and many keys moved to the left side of the keyboard, and the home key moved in the middle of the arrow keys.
Unicomp also offers a repair service along with replacement and custom parts for virtually all Model M and similar keyboards made by IBM, Lexmark, Maxi Switch, and Unicomp.
Gallery
Command key
The Command key (sometimes abbreviated as Cmd key), , formerly also known as the Apple key or open Apple key, is a modifier key present on Apple keyboards. The Command key's purpose is to allow the user to enter keyboard commands in applicati ...
.
File:Unicomp backside 4935466733 4c5e97aae8 o.jpg, Backside of a Unicomp UNI0P46 built 2005, repaired 2009.
See also
*Keyboard technology
The technology of computer keyboards includes many elements. Among the more important of these is the switch technology that they use. Computer alphanumeric keyboards typically have 80 to 110 durable switches, generally one for each key. The ch ...
* List of mechanical keyboards
Mechanical keyboards (or mechanical-switch keyboards) are computer keyboards which have an individual switch for each key.
The following table is a compilation list of mechanical keyboard models, brands, and series:
Mechanical keyboards
Ref ...
References
External links
* {{Official website, https://www.pckeyboard.comReview that includes company information
Companies established in 1996 Computer peripheral companies Companies based in Lexington, Kentucky Computer keyboard companies