Cherry G80-3000 vs Unicomp New Model M

The Cherry G80-3000 and the Unicomp New Model M are close alternatives. The main differences: the Cherry G80-3000 is the cheaper of the two at $95 versus $119; stock, the Cherry G80-3000 sounds a firm, slightly hollow sound typical of a stock cherry mx switch in a simple, unfoamed plastic case with no dampening. and the Unicomp New Model M clicky buckling spring.

Cherry G80-3000 full · $95
Unicomp New Model M full · $119

Choose the Cherry G80-3000 if

  • you mainly want it for enthusiast.
  • you want to spend less ($95).

Choose the Unicomp New Model M if

  • its overall balance fits you: the unicomp new model m modernises the heritage full-size with a slimmer trimmed case and usb, while retaining the authentic buckling-spring key mechanism and thick pbt keycaps that made the original ibm board legendary among typists.

Cherry G80-3000 vs Unicomp New Model M, spec by spec

Cherry G80-3000Unicomp New Model M
Layout full full
Height Standard Standard
Connectivity Wired Wired
Hot-swap No No
Keycaps POM Dye-sublimated PBT
Case n/a ABS plastic
Mount n/a Other
Backlight White / none White / none
QMK / VIA No No
Battery n/a n/a
Typical price $95 (stronger spec) $119
Sound (stock) A firm, slightly hollow sound typical of a stock Cherry MX switch in a simple, unfoamed plastic case with no dampening. clicky buckling spring
Released 1988 n/a

Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.

Where they sit among all 509 boards we track

Price cheapest priciest
Cherry G80-3000 $95
Unicomp New Model M $119

29% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Cherry G80-3000; 45% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Unicomp New Model M.

Where to buy the Cherry G80-3000

Where to buy the Unicomp New Model M

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