Unicomp

The community holds Unicomp in high regard as the living heir to the legendary IBM Model M, praising its buckling spring switches and Made-in-USA manufacturing. Most users consider it a genuine BIFL keyboard, though some note it doesn't quite match the build quality of original IBM-era boards. Overall, it's seen as the most accessible way to get an authentic buckling spring typing experience at a reasonable price.

Unicomp keyboards are broadly considered excellent, long-lasting purchases with authentic buckling spring action and US manufacturing, but occasional quality control inconsistencies and the inherited Lexmark-era tooling mean they fall just short of the original IBM standard.

Users consistently praise Unicomp's buckling spring switches as a class apart from modern keyboards, and appreciate that the company continues making these keyboards in the USA using IBM's original design and tooling. The keyboards are widely regarded as extremely durable and worth the price.

• Buckling spring switches widely considered best-in-class for typing feel
• Made in the USA using IBM's original design and tooling
• Modern USB versions available, no adapter required
• Priced competitively compared to other premium mechanical keyboards
• Spare parts, repairs, and support available from Unicomp
• Multiple layouts available including tenkeyless Mini M and trackpoint Endurapro

Some users feel Unicomp keyboards don't fully replicate the build quality of original IBM Model Ms, partly because they inherited tooling that Lexmark had already cost-reduced. A minority reported inconsistent quality control, and at least one user experienced a premature failure with poor warranty support.

• Build quality slightly inferior to original IBM Model M keyboards
• Inherited cost-reduced Lexmark tooling leads to cheaper-feeling plastics
• Extremely loud, potentially disruptive in shared spaces
• One user reported unit dying at 18 months with no support after warranty
• 2-key rollover limitation on older models, firmware issues on newer matrices

One commenter noted that while Unicomp's boards may feel slightly cheaper in the case compared to original IBMs, the switches themselves are where it counts — and those remain excellent.

A user who's been in the keyboard hobby for decades described Unicomp as the best keyboard available for under $400, while expressing mild frustration that the company hasn't invested more in aesthetics or community engagement.

Someone who bought a Unicomp SpaceSaver in 2008 reported it still going strong, citing it as proof that these are genuinely buy-it-for-life peripherals.

A commenter with deep IBM keyboard history noted that Unicomp sells spare parts, offers repairs, and still manufactures in the US — calling it probably the closest thing to a true BIFL keyboard you can get.