Realforce 87u 55g Review!

[tehsprayer]

This is my review on the Realforce 87u with uniform 55g keys!

Before I ordered this keyboard I was very hesitant on getting one because of the high price point on a keyboard, especially one that is only available from buying online. I have never had a chance to try any topre switches before and the closest I had to it was cherry mx browns (next to that mx blues). This is going to great a small review on the keyboard about the pros and cons and whether or not you should buy one!

Pros
- The sound of these switches are amazing not loud like blues, not quiet likes reds. In between and still very satisfying
- The key weighting is not heavy. I was worried about getting the 55g switches because people say that they are heavy. I have only used this keyboard for a few days and haven't broken them in yet and the keys are not heavy and not too light either.
- The keyboard comes with a red escape key, 4 purple WASD key caps and extra control and caps lock keys for the dip switch setting.
- Dye-sublimation key caps. These key caps are not engraved so you wont feel them but they are not printed on either so they wont rub off.
- DIP switches. Great way to disable the windows keys and swap the control and caps lock
- Quality. This board looks and feels very sturdy, does not move on the desk, no creaking. Couldn't ask for anything better.
- Size. The TKL layout is perfect! I do not use the numpad (even if I did there is numlock on this board) but it is nice to have dedicated arrow keys, del, page up/down and function keys.

Cons
- If you are not a touch typist the black version is not for you, the keys are nearly impossible to see with the lights off. Instead get the white!
- ABS spacebar. I haven't seen very much shine on my spacebar but it would be nice if these boards included pbt spacebars as all the other keys on the keyboard are pbt.
- Price. If the price is hard to come around, keep saving! This keyboard is worth every penny and also has a very high resale value.

Overall
This is a fantastic board! I love the tactile feedback this keyboard gives, it is very hard to explain but it feels like you put the most force at the beginning of the key press and it gets lighter as you follow through. Unfortunately, I haven't tried 45g topre switches to compare but I am in love with the 55g switches this keyboard has right now. Truth is, I wrote this review just because I enjoy typing on this keyboard.

If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM and I will try and answer them. I am no ripster opening the keyboard up and doing a whole bunch of tests, lubing keyboards but I know basic stuff.

[AKIMbO]

Ah yes...another convert.

[Michael]

Ah yes...another convert.

[SpAmRaY]

I really want to try a 55g topre board now

[daerid]

IMO, everybody should try the 55g Topre. It's the greatest switch ever made.

[jameslr]

I agree with this review. I, admittedly, have only used blue MX switches, so I have no strong base for comparison. I am thoroughly enjoying my Topre Realforce 87U 55g board. It took me about a day to get used to it. Now when I go back to blue MX switches I feel like they're just cheap and insubstantial compared to the Topre. I do miss the audible click. The "thock" isn't as satisfying as the click sound to me for some reason.

The best comparison of Topre vs MX switch I can think of is:
Topre = weighted piano key
MX = non-weighted keyboard key

It's a significantly different feel.

[listokei]

I like realforce!
I have 86U one

[MJ45]

I agree with this review. I, admittedly, have only used blue MX switches, so I have no strong base for comparison. I am thoroughly enjoying my Topre Realforce 87U 55g board. It took me about a day to get used to it. Now when I go back to blue MX switches I feel like they're just cheap and insubstantial compared to the Topre. I do miss the audible click. The "thock" isn't as satisfying as the click sound to me for some reason.

The best comparison of Topre vs MX switch I can think of is:
Topre = weighted piano key
MX = non-weighted keyboard key

It's a significantly different feel.

"THOCK" is better than "click" but I'm Topre biased.

[TimIsABat]

I agree with this review. I, admittedly, have only used blue MX switches, so I have no strong base for comparison. I am thoroughly enjoying my Topre Realforce 87U 55g board. It took me about a day to get used to it. Now when I go back to blue MX switches I feel like they're just cheap and insubstantial compared to the Topre. I do miss the audible click. The "thock" isn't as satisfying as the click sound to me for some reason.

The best comparison of Topre vs MX switch I can think of is:
Topre = weighted piano key
MX = non-weighted keyboard key

It's a significantly different feel.

This really makes me want to try the 55g keyboard...I love weighted piano keys...

[kenmai9]

I think I might buy a 55g White Realforce next..

[jameslr]

I agree with this review. I, admittedly, have only used blue MX switches, so I have no strong base for comparison. I am thoroughly enjoying my Topre Realforce 87U 55g board. It took me about a day to get used to it. Now when I go back to blue MX switches I feel like they're just cheap and insubstantial compared to the Topre. I do miss the audible click. The "thock" isn't as satisfying as the click sound to me for some reason.

The best comparison of Topre vs MX switch I can think of is:
Topre = weighted piano key
MX = non-weighted keyboard key

It's a significantly different feel.

This really makes me want to try the 55g keyboard...I love weighted piano keys...

Yup, me too. It's seriously what it feels like to me.

[TimIsABat]

I think I might buy a 55g White Realforce next..

from EK? That is the one I am looking to get (seems to be the lowest retail price)

[kenmai9]

I think I might buy a 55g White Realforce next..

from EK? That is the one I am looking to get (seems to be the lowest retail price)

Yeah. But I'm brokeskies right now. Will probably wait until I'm steady in a couple months. But its in my sights..

[TimIsABat]

I think I might buy a 55g White Realforce next..

from EK? That is the one I am looking to get (seems to be the lowest retail price)

Yeah. But I'm brokeskies right now. Will probably wait until I'm steady in a couple months. But its in my sights..

Same here. That college struggle.

[oTurtlez]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

[SpAmRaY]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

Just let me 'borrow' yours

[oTurtlez]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

Just let me 'borrow' yours

Which one? )

[SpAmRaY]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

Just let me 'borrow' yours

Which one? )

something topre 55g 

[oTurtlez]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

Just let me 'borrow' yours

Which one? )

something topre 55g 

I only own two 45g's and a variable silent Sorry Ray!

[GeeGee]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

I'm on the fence about buying a topre keyboard. Do you prefer your HHKB or Realforce?
And what is it that makes you prefer it?
Thanks

[oTurtlez]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

I'm on the fence about buying a topre keyboard. Do you prefer your HHKB or Realforce?
And what is it that makes you prefer it?
Thanks

They're both almost worlds apart. The HHKB feels and sounds different from the FC660C which uses the exact same setup, 45g uniform, but plate mounted. I think I still prefer the plate mounted switches over case for now just because that's what I've started on, but that's just me. I think any Topre board you pick up will be enjoyable. I gotta say though, I've fallen head over heels for my 87u Type S.

[GeeGee]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

I'm on the fence about buying a topre keyboard. Do you prefer your HHKB or Realforce?
And what is it that makes you prefer it?
Thanks

They're both almost worlds apart. The HHKB feels and sounds different from the FC660C which uses the exact same setup, 45g uniform, but plate mounted. I think I still prefer the plate mounted switches over case for now just because that's what I've started on, but that's just me. I think any Topre board you pick up will be enjoyable. I gotta say though, I've fallen head over heels for my 87u Type S.

Thank you for your advice .

[kenmai9]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

I'm on the fence about buying a topre keyboard. Do you prefer your HHKB or Realforce?
And what is it that makes you prefer it?
Thanks

They're both almost worlds apart. The HHKB feels and sounds different from the FC660C which uses the exact same setup, 45g uniform, but plate mounted. I think I still prefer the plate mounted switches over case for now just because that's what I've started on, but that's just me. I think any Topre board you pick up will be enjoyable. I gotta say though, I've fallen head over heels for my 87u Type S.

Type S means silenced? How does silenced feel vs non silenced? Does it feel any different? I like the tactile feel.. not sure. There's a realforce silent on ebay i might try to win

[oTurtlez]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

I'm on the fence about buying a topre keyboard. Do you prefer your HHKB or Realforce?
And what is it that makes you prefer it?
Thanks

They're both almost worlds apart. The HHKB feels and sounds different from the FC660C which uses the exact same setup, 45g uniform, but plate mounted. I think I still prefer the plate mounted switches over case for now just because that's what I've started on, but that's just me. I think any Topre board you pick up will be enjoyable. I gotta say though, I've fallen head over heels for my 87u Type S.

Type S means silenced? How does silenced feel vs non silenced? Does it feel any different? I like the tactile feel.. not sure. There's a realforce silent on ebay i might try to win

In terms of feel, it doesn't feel much different compared to the 103u I used to own. Though, compared to any uniform boards it feels a bit lighter. Sound wise is where they're completely different. Non-silenced boards are loud and chattery at high speeds, while the silent boards are quiet at any typing speed and utterly silent at slow speeds. I absolutely adore it.

On the other hand, some people say the Type S HHKB's are a bit more refined and feel better compared to the non silent ones. I can't vouch for that as I only have a non-silenced HHKB and it feels pretty darn good as well. Crisp is the word I'd use to describe it.

[SpAmRaY]

I really want to try a 55g topre board now

So now that I have one of these I do think I prefer the 55g vs the 45g.

The only thing I'm not crazy about is the embeded numberpad. I'd rather have a setup where you press the bottom row menu key or perhaps the left windows key and they would act like an 'fn' key for the embedded number pad. Maybe this possible and I'm too noob to realize it.

[Travellerr]

Show Image

This is my review on the Realforce 87u with uniform 55g keys!

Before I ordered this keyboard I was very hesitant on getting one because of the high price point on a keyboard, especially one that is only available from buying online. I have never had a chance to try any topre switches before and the closest I had to it was cherry mx browns (next to that mx blues). This is going to great a small review on the keyboard about the pros and cons and whether or not you should buy one!

Pros
- The sound of these switches are amazing not loud like blues, not quiet likes reds. In between and still very satisfying
- The key weighting is not heavy. I was worried about getting the 55g switches because people say that they are heavy. I have only used this keyboard for a few days and haven't broken them in yet and the keys are not heavy and not too light either.
- The keyboard comes with a red escape key, 4 purple WASD key caps and extra control and caps lock keys for the dip switch setting.
- Dye-sublimation key caps. These key caps are not engraved so you wont feel them but they are not printed on either so they wont rub off.
- DIP switches. Great way to disable the windows keys and swap the control and caps lock
- Quality. This board looks and feels very sturdy, does not move on the desk, no creaking. Couldn't ask for anything better.
- Size. The TKL layout is perfect! I do not use the numpad (even if I did there is numlock on this board) but it is nice to have dedicated arrow keys, del, page up/down and function keys.

Cons
- If you are not a touch typist the black version is not for you, the keys are nearly impossible to see with the lights off. Instead get the white!
- ABS spacebar. I haven't seen very much shine on my spacebar but it would be nice if these boards included pbt spacebars as all the other keys on the keyboard are pbt.
- Price. If the price is hard to come around, keep saving! This keyboard is worth every penny and also has a very high resale value.

Overall
This is a fantastic board! I love the tactile feedback this keyboard gives, it is very hard to explain but it feels like you put the most force at the beginning of the key press and it gets lighter as you follow through. Unfortunately, I haven't tried 45g topre switches to compare but I am in love with the 55g switches this keyboard has right now. Truth is, I wrote this review just because I enjoy typing on this keyboard.

If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM and I will try and answer them. I am no ripster opening the keyboard up and doing a whole bunch of tests, lubing keyboards but I know basic stuff.

The more I read about this keyboard the more I know that I am doing right in the world by saving for it. I own the Leopold fc660c and I absolutely love it, but I wanted a more standard tenkeyless for home settings, and the 60% for when I go back to school. I believe I will love the 55g weighting, and from what everyone has told me when on this topic I cannot wait...may is too long of a wait but my wife's gaming pc is needed because the one she is using now is just plain outdated. Thanks for the review it was helpful in convincing me that this is the right choice. lol

[quickcrx702]

Anyone whom is on the fence about trying a Topre board, I suggest you just take the plunge. You'll most likely fall in love like everyone else, but in the case you don't, you can easily offload it in the classifieds

I'm on the fence about buying a topre keyboard. Do you prefer your HHKB or Realforce?
And what is it that makes you prefer it?
Thanks

Get the Realforce.  HHKB doesn't come in 55g as far as I know.  55g gives the best feel out of the Topre switches.  I started with the 55g, and ended up buying a 45g to try because I was so happy with 55g.  If I started with the 45g, I would have been disappointed, and would have joined the Topre hater club.  I still have the 45g, and it is a good keyboard, but not good enough to justify the cost.

[daerid]

Pro Tip: Put some cellophane tape on the space bar. Doesn't really affect the feel or the look that much, and prevents shine, which keeps the resale value high.

[Elrick]

If I started with the 45g, I would have been disappointed, and would have joined the Topre hater club.

I still think the Realforce 104UG is the bomb  .  Perfect for typing even though it is an all 45g layout (you noticed they never drop the price on this baby).  Besides if they decide to ever release a 55g version I'll be all over that like stink-piss.

Not all 45g's suck in the world of Thorpe......

[deSheol]

True, 45g does feels pretty good.

If I started with the 45g, I would have been disappointed, and would have joined the Topre hater club.

I still think the Realforce 104UG is the bomb  .  Perfect for typing even though it is an all 45g layout (you noticed they never drop the price on this baby).  Besides if they decide to ever release a 55g version I'll be all over that like stink-piss.

Not all 45g's suck in the world of Thorpe......

[quickcrx702]

True, 45g does feels pretty good.

If I started with the 45g, I would have been disappointed, and would have joined the Topre hater club.

I still think the Realforce 104UG is the bomb  .  Perfect for typing even though it is an all 45g layout (you noticed they never drop the price on this baby).  Besides if they decide to ever release a 55g version I'll be all over that like stink-piss.

Not all 45g's suck in the world of Thorpe......

Type on a 55g and tell me that.  It feels okay, but compared to its 55g bigger brother it feels like poop.  I don't hate my 45g, otherwise I would have sold it already, I just don't like it in comparison to the 55g, if that makes any sense.  It's like the v6 vs v8 model in a muscle car, once you drive the v8 you'll hate the v6, but it's certainly better than walking or driving a four banger Hyundai.  Much like MX reds vs any other MX switch with a heavier weight.  Obviously, not everyone is the same, so you might not share that opinion.  I just feel like the lower weighted Topre switches are overrated, much like MX reds.  Of course they feel superb when compared to rubber domes, but there are better choices to be had.

[Emospence]

55g is where it's at

[aref]

55g is where it's at

For me, the 55-gram 87U is the best keyboard I've used in 4+ decades of owning/using computer keyboards.
It's replaced my SSK as my preferred keyboard.

[robertsig]

I bought both and sold the 55g.  I do like my uniform 45g slightly better, but I can see how people like the 55g thock more.  It distinguishes itself more as a Topre switch.  Neither is perfect though.  I do wish they made a 49.75g switch.  )

[Polymer]

I bought both and sold the 55g.  I do like my uniform 45g slightly better, but I can see how people like the 55g thock more.  It distinguishes itself more as a Topre switch.  Neither is perfect though.  I do with they made a 49.75g switch.  )

Get a HHKB .  Feels slightly stiffer than RF 45g for whatever reason...Or buy an older Topre keyboard since the rubber supposedly gets stiffer? 

[Shikarikato]

I bought both and sold the 55g.  I do like my uniform 45g slightly better, but I can see how people like the 55g thock more.  It distinguishes itself more as a Topre switch.  Neither is perfect though.  I do with they made a 49.75g switch.  )

Get a HHKB .  Feels slightly stiffer than RF 45g for whatever reason...Or buy an older Topre keyboard since the rubber supposedly gets stiffer?

It seems to be a general consensus that HHKB is in between 45g and 55g Realforce. Maybe it is a 49.75g switch? haha

[Belfong]

Is the cable detachable?

[Fragil1ty]

So first off, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to write a review of the RF87u I'm currently in the process of deciding whether I want to buy one myself or not, so this helped a little bit.

Little disappointed though, there's an extreme lack of pictures, would of been nice to see a few fresh out of the box so to speak and furthermore, you don't really go into detail, I know the saying 'short but sweet' could be applicable here, but it would of been nice to see you expand on some of the areas a little more.

But regardless, thank you.

Hope you enjoy your lovely Topre.

[avtar]

Little disappointed though, there's an extreme lack of pictures, would of been nice to see a few fresh out of the box so to speak

There are some not so great pics here http://imgur.com/a/WWF5t And the obligatory what-this-keyboard-sounds-like video

[Travellerr]

Show Image

This is my review on the Realforce 87u with uniform 55g keys!

Before I ordered this keyboard I was very hesitant on getting one because of the high price point on a keyboard, especially one that is only available from buying online. I have never had a chance to try any topre switches before and the closest I had to it was cherry mx browns (next to that mx blues). This is going to great a small review on the keyboard about the pros and cons and whether or not you should buy one!

Pros
- The sound of these switches are amazing not loud like blues, not quiet likes reds. In between and still very satisfying
- The key weighting is not heavy. I was worried about getting the 55g switches because people say that they are heavy. I have only used this keyboard for a few days and haven't broken them in yet and the keys are not heavy and not too light either.
- The keyboard comes with a red escape key, 4 purple WASD key caps and extra control and caps lock keys for the dip switch setting.
- Dye-sublimation key caps. These key caps are not engraved so you wont feel them but they are not printed on either so they wont rub off.
- DIP switches. Great way to disable the windows keys and swap the control and caps lock
- Quality. This board looks and feels very sturdy, does not move on the desk, no creaking. Couldn't ask for anything better.
- Size. The TKL layout is perfect! I do not use the numpad (even if I did there is numlock on this board) but it is nice to have dedicated arrow keys, del, page up/down and function keys.

Cons
- If you are not a touch typist the black version is not for you, the keys are nearly impossible to see with the lights off. Instead get the white!
- ABS spacebar. I haven't seen very much shine on my spacebar but it would be nice if these boards included pbt spacebars as all the other keys on the keyboard are pbt.
- Price. If the price is hard to come around, keep saving! This keyboard is worth every penny and also has a very high resale value.

Overall
This is a fantastic board! I love the tactile feedback this keyboard gives, it is very hard to explain but it feels like you put the most force at the beginning of the key press and it gets lighter as you follow through. Unfortunately, I haven't tried 45g topre switches to compare but I am in love with the 55g switches this keyboard has right now. Truth is, I wrote this review just because I enjoy typing on this keyboard.

If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM and I will try and answer them. I am no ripster opening the keyboard up and doing a whole bunch of tests, lubing keyboards but I know basic stuff.

This keyboard looks fantastic, and I am an owner of a 45g uniform weighted Leopold fc 660c keyboard. I am looking forward to receiving my Realforce 87u 55g, which I just ordered early yesterday afternoon and is being processed as I write this. I Hope it I end up loving this keyboard at least as much as I love my Leo, because then the purchase of this keyboard for 213, after shipping, would totally make this worth it.

[Smasher816]

I'm really considering putting down the money for a topre board. The silent variants are music to my ear.

[Belfong]

I just received the 55g RF a day ago and I am only like 2 hours using it but I find that the mesmerizing THOCK sound of the HHKB is sorely missing in this keyboard except from the BACKSPACE key. Is this normal? I mean, to me, the beauty of Topre is the THOCK sound and this is not as prominent as the HHKB.

[AKIMbO]

I just received the 55g RF a day ago and I am only like 2 hours using it but I find that the mesmerizing THOCK sound of the HHKB is sorely missing in this keyboard except from the BACKSPACE key. Is this normal? I mean, to me, the beauty of Topre is the THOCK sound and this is not as prominent as the HHKB.

Yes, it's perfectly normal.  The HHKB thocks so hard because of it's case mounting.  The RF is plate mounted, which kills the sound. 

[aref]

I just received the 55g RF a day ago and I am only like 2 hours using it but I find that the mesmerizing THOCK sound of the HHKB is sorely missing in this keyboard except from the BACKSPACE key. Is this normal? I mean, to me, the beauty of Topre is the THOCK sound and this is not as prominent as the HHKB.

Yes, it's perfectly normal.  The HHKB thocks so hard because of it's case mounting.  The RF is plate mounted, which kills the sound.

A 'thockie' 55-gram 87U might be a nice addition Realforce's lineup--to mine too.

[Belfong]

Oh ya. I forgot it's plate mounted. But the Backspace key thocks.

[avtar]

I got my RF 55g yesterday and it's definitely my favourite keyboard now. I was apprehensive about ordering it after reading the warnings on EK's site about the switches being stiff and the extra strength required to use them (although I don't have arthritis or a similar condition) but these feel great! The switches are smooth and not heavy at all. I also appreciate the fact that it's not as loud as the HHKB; I wouldn't be able to take the latter to work or somewhere crowded whereas the RF sounds fine even without any silencing mods.

Now I can safely confirm: Realforce 55g > HHKB > Leopold FC660C.

Two happy thumbs up.

[terrpn]

i've read in a few places that the board itself feels pretty light...............no t much heft?

just curious

[SpAmRaY]

i've read in a few places that the board itself feels pretty light...............no t much heft?

just curious

If I can remember I'll weigh mine later, I don't remember it being light, the HHKB yes, the TKL RF not so much.

[Belfong]

It's about 1.2kg (half a pound?) Much lighter than typical TKL.

[tbc]

^   1kg = 2.2lb