Are there such things as Topre key testers?

[calvinhousecat]

I am really curious to try out a Topre board(and in love with the sound of them) and was wondering if there were any Switch testers I could buy. I tried googling but got no results so maybe I'd thought GH would know some hidden links I probably am not aware about.

Thanks

[epzy]

Unfortunately not. :/

[Flyersfan1]

Unfortunately not, there's only 3 topre switch weights(30, 45,55).  The only thing I could suggest is that if you live in the Southern California area, you could schedule a tour of Elitekeyboards' showroom where you'd be able to try out all the different variants.  Topre keyboards hold their value very well, so worst case scenario is if you do buy one you're not satisfied with, you could sell it for a slight loss and purchase another that might be closer to your preference.

[tp4tissue]

You don't NEEEED a topre tester..

BECAUSE

Topre feels almost exactly like regular Rubber dome keys.

The typical rigid older rubber domes are ~ 60g

The newer thinner cheapo rubber domes are anywhere from 30g to 45g


Topre will FEEL exactly like rubber dome..  so there's no reason to build a topre tester..



The typing transition timing will feel different on the Topre, and the board itself more responsive due to this..  but that is a product of the 2mm actuation point.. NOT the mechanical nature of the action..

the mechanical nature of topre switches are identical to the keys already in front of you.

[calvinhousecat]

Ah gosh darn, thanks for the fast responses guys I appreciate that.

Unfortunately not, there's only 3 topre switch weights(30, 45,55).  The only thing I could suggest is that if you live in the Southern California area, you could schedule a tour of Elitekeyboards' showroom where you'd be able to try out all the different variants.  Topre keyboards hold their value very well, so worst case scenario is if you do buy one you're not satisfied with, you could sell it for a slight loss and purchase another that might be closer to your preference.

Hmm I searched up their address on Google Maps and it seems that they are located 1hr and 30mins away from me. Hmmmm maybe I will schedule a mini road trip to see whats up. Thanks for the info, I didn't even know they were located in SoCal  )

[epzy]

Then you should definitely go visit them! You'll get to try a lot of other keyboards aside from Topre as well, if you want to.

[saint_james]

Ah gosh darn, thanks for the fast responses guys I appreciate that.

Unfortunately not, there's only 3 topre switch weights(30, 45,55).  The only thing I could suggest is that if you live in the Southern California area, you could schedule a tour of Elitekeyboards' showroom where you'd be able to try out all the different variants.  Topre keyboards hold their value very well, so worst case scenario is if you do buy one you're not satisfied with, you could sell it for a slight loss and purchase another that might be closer to your preference.

Hmm I searched up their address on Google Maps and it seems that they are located 1hr and 30mins away from me. Hmmmm maybe I will schedule a mini road trip to see whats up. Thanks for the info, I didn't even know they were located in SoCal  )

I drove three hours to visit the EK storefront and it was totally worth it (for me at least) to actually try the different keyboards and switches.  Brian was very nice and I highly recommend you make the trip if you can.

[SpAmRaY]

There have been topre key testers over on deskthority forums.

[tp4tissue]

There have been topre key testers over on deskthority forums.

GHers are smarter, and know that a Topre tester is completely redundant and pointless. 

[saint_james]

You don't NEEEED a topre tester..

BECAUSE

Topre feels almost exactly like regular Rubber dome keys.

The typical rigid older rubber domes are ~ 60g

The newer thinner cheapo rubber domes are anywhere from 30g to 45g


Topre will FEEL exactly like rubber dome..  so there's no reason to build a topre tester..



The typing transition timing will feel different on the Topre, and the board itself more responsive due to this..  but that is a product of the 2mm actuation point.. NOT the mechanical nature of the action..

the mechanical nature of topre switches are identical to the keys already in front of you.

Agree with TP4 that Topre are, in kinesthetic terms, rubber dome switches. Their electrical actuation (capacitive) is different from most common RD, but that is another discussion.

Nevertheless, my perception is that Topre switches feel significantly different (and better) than common rubber dome over membrane keyboards (i.e. the Dell keyboards at work, my cheapo Logitech keyboards plugged I use with my Raspberry Pis, my Microsoft Natural ergo keyboards, etc.).  For me, it was worth the extra effort an $ to get a Topre keyboard. 

Others feel differently, perceptions vary, YMMV and all that.  Ultimately it comes down to each individual's personal preference and their willingness to part with money to get what they want. 

[wes1099]

Unfortunately not, there's only 3 topre switch weights(30, 45,55).  The only thing I could suggest is that if you live in the Southern California area, you could schedule a tour of Elitekeyboards' showroom where you'd be able to try out all the different variants.  Topre keyboards hold their value very well, so worst case scenario is if you do buy one you're not satisfied with, you could sell it for a slight loss and purchase another that might be closer to your preference.

Why do I feel like there are 35g topre switches? Maybe I am just making things up...

[dorkvader]

I thought 35g was in the variable weight ones, but I could be wrong.

anyway, there's a topre keychain but I wouldn't call it a tester. Just go find a guy with a topre board near you and borrow his.

[Vizir]

I'm not sure if this would qualify as a topre switch tester, but RealForce gives away keychains with a topre switch at some events (from what I've heard). Here are some photos

[0100010]

Anyone know of a source for Topre keychains?

[SpAmRaY]

Anyone know of a source for Topre keychains?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Realforce-Keycain-w-Blue-PBT-Dyesub-Keycap-/330896362942

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Realforce-Keycain-w-Red-PBT-Dyesub-Keycap-/331222530845

[Vizir]

Anyone know of a source for Topre keychains?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Realforce-Keycain-w-Blue-PBT-Dyesub-Keycap-/330896362942

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Realforce-Keycain-w-Red-PBT-Dyesub-Keycap-/331222530845

this is where I bought mine from.


edit: I would be up for selling the one I have, if someone is interested.

[Flyersfan1]

Unfortunately not, there's only 3 topre switch weights(30, 45,55).  The only thing I could suggest is that if you live in the Southern California area, you could schedule a tour of Elitekeyboards' showroom where you'd be able to try out all the different variants.  Topre keyboards hold their value very well, so worst case scenario is if you do buy one you're not satisfied with, you could sell it for a slight loss and purchase another that might be closer to your preference.

Why do I feel like there are 35g topre switches? Maybe I am just making things up...

I thought 35g was in the variable weight ones, but I could be wrong.

anyway, there's a topre keychain but I wouldn't call it a tester. Just go find a guy with a topre board near you and borrow his.

You guys are right, my mistake.  I think the 30g switches are only found on uniform keyboards, and the 35g switches are located on pinky finger keys on variable weighted models.

[Touch_It]

Hmm, I kinda want a keychain.  I'll likely never get a chance to purchase a topre keyboard or use one in person, so I think it would be neat to get to feel a switch on the keychain.

[Hyde]

Anyone know of a source for Topre keychains?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Realforce-Keycain-w-Blue-PBT-Dyesub-Keycap-/330896362942

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Realforce-Keycain-w-Red-PBT-Dyesub-Keycap-/331222530845

this is where I bought mine from.


edit: I would be up for selling the one I have, if someone is interested.

I wanted one before but I could never justify paying $60 for 1 key switch lol.

[dustinhxc]

I was going to say theyre on ebay. I have 2 of them. A Type Heaven and Realforce Keychain. Only difference is the keycap. The Domes are the same weight, 35 I think?

[hwood34]

What ever happened with those CTRL ALT keychains? Was that just like a giveaway thing?

[TacticalCoder]

Nevertheless, my perception is that Topre switches feel significantly different (and better) than common rubber dome over membrane keyboards

YMMV but I think Topre have nothing to do with typical rubber dome switches. There's a spring inside the topre switch and you definitely notice that "springgy" feeling. The feeling is so different than a typical rubber dome that I attribute the feeling of the topre switch mostly to the spring, not to the rubber dome.

Here's a picture from my Topre switch tester (I got it from a "bag" full of switches, I think from someone on Deskthority) :



Now I'm not sure a single switch "tester" like that is enough to determine if you're going to like Topre or not but you can already definitely notice it is "springgy".

P.S: Cool double-shot "CODE" key compatible with Topre switches coming from a Brother AX-20 or AX-26 printer 

[whentheclouds]

^ pretty cool. i'd love to try out the exotic switches like buckling springs and Alps but there are no meets in Europe, and it's not feasible to purchase a full board just to test out a switch type

[a_ak57]

Honestly, I don't think it'd be a bad idea to just grab a keyboard anyway.  They have really good resell value, so you wouldn't lose much and if you get a good deal on something used via ebay auction you might not lose anything or even make a little (I just saw an 87U sell for $143 + shipping).  Better than getting one of those keychains IMO.

[Kisuaca]

I agree. Just go for It. It's totally worthed.

[calvinhousecat]

Thanks guys!