Downsides
From my tone up to this point, you might get the impression that this is a perfect keyboard or that Unicomp has paid me off (not true I swear, I’ve had to pay full retail for two of these boards, one for me and one as a present). The truth of the matter is that it is perfect, for me. There are several considerations though, so it may not be for you. The biggest issue by far is that buckling spring switches are VERY loud by modern standards. We are talking potential relationship issue causing levels of clicking here if the signifigant other is stuck in the same room as your computer for long and they’ll be no discrete typing while on the phone thank you much. Some people (me, other obnoxious people) actually like the level of noise, it adds audible feedback to the great tactile feedback.
Other downsides? Well, it isn’t very portable. Check out the specifications page for the full break down, but at ~6 pounds with enough steel to stop a bullet, this is not a travel keyboard. And, as mentioned above, it comes in with either a PS/2 or AT style connector, no USB option.
Conclusion
If you haven’t been able to gather (or you skipped all my prose) from my highly unbiased review, I really enjoy my Customizer 101. If typing is part of your daily routine then you owe it to yourself to give a Unicomp keyboard a try. While normal user might be satisfied with whatever two dollar keyboard came with their system and gamers might insist on one that glows in a complementary color to their desktop, people who actually use a keyboard much will appreciate the feel, feedback and quality that the Customizer provides.
At $49.00 US for the keyboard and about 6 dollars for shipping, the Customizer 101 is a great investment. All their products have a 30 day money back guaranty and a warrantee. Though the Unicomp website looks a bit questionable, I've had great service and fast shipping both times I've ordered from them. Another option you have to find an old IBM or Lexmark keyboard on ebay or jammed in a closet somewhere. While there is no guaranty, you can sometimes find great old keyboards for next to nothing.
