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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: calavera on Fri, 12 April 2013, 04:46:15

Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Fri, 12 April 2013, 04:46:15
Do you like this layout?

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/1_zpsb1960146.jpg:original) (http://s630.photobucket.com/user/calaveratf/media/keyboards/1_zpsb1960146.jpg.html)

If yes, scroll down. If no, hit back button. lol



















Leopold is getting ready to release a TOPRE version of their FC660C.

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/2_zpsdaaee846.jpg:original) (http://s630.photobucket.com/user/calaveratf/media/keyboards/2_zpsdaaee846.jpg.html)

-US ANSI layout
-45g uniform
-6+1KRO over USB
-dip switches with FN layer
-laser edged PBT key caps (ewwww wtf?)
-retail price $173 (195,000W)

For more info/pics go to:

http://leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1365736667 (http://leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1365736667)

Even if you don't speak Korean, you'll be able to understand most of it from the pictures.

This is perfect for people who can't get used to the HHKB layout but want something smaller than a Realforce TKL.
The key caps are a not dye sub but the price point reflects that I think.


My guess is if EK were to offer these... they would still be a sub $200 topre board. At least I hope so.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 08:57:08
I haven't tried anything Topre, even though I want to, but I think if this was around, I would buy it.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: llovro on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:05:56
this layout is confusing D:
If those two buttons aren't programmable then I would never ever buy this keyboard.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:11:06
Nice. Interesting layout. 55g and I am in for one of these :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:11:49
O_O

GOING TO ORDER NOW!!!!!!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:12:52
O_O

GOING TO ORDER NOW!!!!!!
From where?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: czarek on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:18:58
Would of course remap caps lock to control, windows to option, alt to command and right control to option and then it would be perfectly usable keyboard, something i can't say about most of other 60% keyboards, including minila and poker ;)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:19:11
I bet EK will carry these
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:22:56
I bet EK will carry these

Not so sure about that...  Brian has chosen to stick with the older Leopolds, and does a good business with HHKs.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: pexon on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:26:41
I AM GETTING ONE OF THESE BEAUTIES
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:28:21
Nice. Interesting layout. 55g and I am in for one of these :)
I believe these are 45g uniform
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:29:04
Nice. Interesting layout. 55g and I am in for one of these :)
I believe these are 45g uniform


Ya, that's why I said '55g and I am in.....' lol
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:35:02
I thought you liked the HHKB with 45g (maybe I'm thinking of someone else). Wouldn't this be similar to that?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:37:32
I thought you liked the HHKB with 45g (maybe I'm thinking of someone else). Wouldn't this be similar to that?


Type-S, yeah. But this board is plate mounted like RF's. And to me, plate mounted 45g feels mushy.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:38:40
I see!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:42:02
His fingers are too manly for 45g...I'm digging HHKB layout but the lack of dedicated arrow keys kill me. Looking forward to getting this!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:47:43
Totally getting one of these.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 09:49:07
His fingers are too manly for 45g...I'm digging HHKB layout but the lack of dedicated arrow keys kill me. Looking forward to getting this!
I like that it has the arrows, as well as a Delete key. I use that thing more than you would think, so having to press another key (Fn) to get to it becomes a hassle.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:00:50
Done| Ordered 4!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:01:31
Done| Ordered 4!
O_O
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:06:15
Wha??????

Here I am getting all jacked up for Realforce, and now this?

I am so conflicted right now.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:07:47
Wha??????

Here I am getting all jacked up for Realforce, and now this?

Just get it! It's like $165 :D

I am so conflicted right now.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Dgsbllx on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:09:19
Where can I buy one of these to get it posted to the UK?  :eek:
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: xor on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:10:36
Damn, I might just get this over a QF Stealth if availability becomes more accessible.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:15:25
Wha??????

Here I am getting all jacked up for Realforce, and now this?

Just get it! It's like $165 :D

I am so conflicted right now.

How can I get this? The website is all in Korean, I don't know how to get buy this through their website. Is there a 3rd party who can make this happen?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:18:55
either have someone in Korea proxy for you or wait and hope for EK to carry them which seems more than likely (realforce hipro for example.) ;)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:19:54
Can't wait to get this keyboard!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: o2dazone on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:22:29
I've been using a HHKB for about 3.5 years, and even being adjusted to the layout, I'd snag one of these up in a heartbeat. Great switch, cool layout. What's not to love?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: o2dazone on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:24:26
Not so sure about that...  Brian has chosen to stick with the older Leopolds, and does a good business with HHKs.

I wonder if people would still buy HHKB's at the current rate, when they know there's a $100 cheaper version, without the undedicated arrow cluster
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:25:38
I've been using a HHKB for about 3.5 years, and even being adjusted to the layout, I'd snag one of these up in a heartbeat. Great switch, cool layout. What's not to love?

The key caps.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:31:43
I've been using a HHKB for about 3.5 years, and even being adjusted to the layout, I'd snag one of these up in a heartbeat. Great switch, cool layout. What's not to love?

The key caps.

Yes, but it looks like they can be replaced easily with the Realforce keycaps from EK, am I correct?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:32:05
I don't think that shift key will be easily replaced.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:33:51
I don't think that shift key will be easily replaced.


Looks like yet another layout that RF needs to make a right shift for (that and HHKB) with their key cap sets. =/
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:54:21
I thought you liked the HHKB with 45g (maybe I'm thinking of someone else). Wouldn't this be similar to that?

That would be me. And HELL YES I'm getting at least one of these.

Done| Ordered 4!

Sonuva... WHERE? HOW? Did you contact leopold directly? Can I buy one of those off you?!?!?!


I might actually sacrifice a 55g board to mod one of these.. a 60% Topre board I can use with Visual Studio kinda gives me a stiffy
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 10:54:44
Well, by my measurements, it is a 2.25x, just like the left shift. The only thing is that means you'd have to buy a whole second set to get another one...
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:00:08
I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/21/Carnac.jpg)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:01:46

Ehhhh. no, I dont think so. People that love HHKB's love the layout, and have trained their muscle memory.


Also, Type-S > This leopold.

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Show Image
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/21/Carnac.jpg)

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: phetto on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:04:11
(http://www.troll.me/images/stifler-thumbs-up/nice.jpg)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:05:03
:shrug: to each their own.

I'm not selling mine, that's for damn sure. Not if this thing's plate mounted.

But at the very least this thing's going to sell remarkably well if there's decent distribution here in the US. Tons of people want to try out Topre but the price is prohibitive. A sub-$200 Topre would do nothing but increase sales of Topre boards all around.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:12:08
But being the 55g master, you should know 45g feels mushy on plate mount :P
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Yuuki on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:24:26
They provide a caps lock a ctrl key for switching the position between those 2 keys.
But the ctrl has the led hole ?! what the point ?
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:26:01
I think that led still lights up when caps lock is pressed, even if you map it to the bottom left key
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Glod on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:26:16
This is pretty awesome, not going back to topre but it's still awesome. if there was a 55g version it would be hard for me to resist because i've been wanting to try 55g
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Yuuki on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:28:07
I think that led still lights up when caps lock is pressed, even if you map it to the bottom left key

You mean that the led on the other switch light up ?
i see, so it's not the same as a 87 then
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:52:02
But being the 55g master, you should know 45g feels mushy on plate mount :P

Oh, most definitely. But until they make a 55g version of this (or 45g non-plate), I'll take what I can get :)

Does anybody have a proxy that we might be able to convince to buy a batch? Kind of a mini group buy? (*nudge*boost*nudge*)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: czarek on Fri, 12 April 2013, 11:53:03
I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

That would be cool :) i still like HHKB layout more than this one. At least I don't have to remap anything :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Fri, 12 April 2013, 12:10:51
This is pretty exciting news. If other vendors carry stuff with topre switches, it might be eventually possible to get/build an ergo keyboard with them.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 12 April 2013, 12:32:02
The tricky part of Topre switches is the capacitive switching circuitry. If a teensy(or whatever) version of that was developed, I'm sure we'd start seeing some DIY Topre boards, maybe even an ergo.

Personally, I'd murder to have a  Topre 55g ErgoDox.

Hmmmmmm.....
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Fri, 12 April 2013, 12:56:17
The parts are pretty hard to source too right? I'd love me some extra 55g rubber cups
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 12 April 2013, 13:10:07
Yeah, you pretty much just gotta sacrifice an existing board for the cause... makes for a fairly expensive proposition
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: metalliqaz on Fri, 12 April 2013, 13:23:05
Awwwww shiiiiiiii
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ktownhero on Fri, 12 April 2013, 13:29:04
Um... when and/or where can I buy one of these? 
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: dreamingftw on Fri, 12 April 2013, 13:31:15
musss... has.... nao!!!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: orlando on Fri, 12 April 2013, 15:41:38
I need to increase my keyboard addiction funds ... soo many things I want!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Moosecraft on Fri, 12 April 2013, 15:58:50
Wow this is awesome, but still think I would like an HHKB more. Gotta get me some topre :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Vintage on Fri, 12 April 2013, 16:00:46
Looks nice.

I want the keypad  :p
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Kmynis on Fri, 12 April 2013, 16:36:47
LF korean dude who could proxy this thing for me...What else can I say?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: The_Beast on Fri, 12 April 2013, 16:38:12
Look great and the price is just right!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 12 April 2013, 16:42:34
LF korean dude who could proxy this thing for me...What else can I say?

DITTO
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: 002 on Fri, 12 April 2013, 18:53:05
For Aussies, I have a feeling this board will be picked up by PC Case Gear. They said on their Facebook page they'd have new Topre keyboards in May :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: dante on Fri, 12 April 2013, 19:01:45
There is a special place in hell for manufacturers who dedicate room on their 60% board for an Insert key.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 12 April 2013, 19:10:36
Truly. We would be better off with a PrintScreen key in it's place!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Fri, 12 April 2013, 19:24:37
More info:

According to the manufacturer, they chose PBT over dye sub or ABS for balancing price and quality. If they did dye sub (as is the norm for Topres) the price would have gone up $25~35 on top of it's current retail price of $172, landing closer to $200 in the end. Pricing is key as this board will serve as an entry level Topre board.

All parts except key caps are manufactured and shipped from Japan, assembled in China, then shipped to Korea where final packaging is done. Topre has agreed to build this board under the condition that it will not be sold in Japan.

A white version may become available in May~June.

----

I understand the reason behind choosing PBT but damn, I would have preferred dye sub even if the price is close to $200. At least make it an option. :(
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Turbo Slaab on Fri, 12 April 2013, 19:32:04
Hmm. A reasonably priced topre board WITH dual CC holders in the corner??? I may have to jump on this!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Fri, 12 April 2013, 19:48:28
lol, I like the term "CC holders."
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: chel- on Fri, 12 April 2013, 23:00:58
I actually like the print color on the keycaps. Don't think I would like to use that layout though.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: 002 on Fri, 12 April 2013, 23:32:48
The colour is nice, but I have my doubts about it's durability. Even the Topre made lasered caps will start to show signs of wear after a couple of years.
The recent JUSTSYSTEMS 108 board released in Japan came with lasered keycaps and was actually supplied with replacements for the high-frequency keys. I think Leopold achieved some level of durability on the FC700 by coating the lasered caps with some sort of transparent film which looked a bit crap. That was early days though, so I'm not sure if they have improved the look. Colour consistency of the caps themselves was also a bit of a problem from memory - this is visible even on black Topre caps though if you look hard enough.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Plater on Fri, 12 April 2013, 23:47:14
very tempting board indeed. Wonder who will be the official resaler so I get get a hold of this baby!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 13 April 2013, 01:42:33
Great find on this, calavera. I thought topre switches were patented? If companies that normally use cherry switches can now use topre, then I hope we see more of this diversity.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sat, 13 April 2013, 01:49:35
Great find on this, calavera. I thought topre switches were patented? If companies that normally use cherry switches can now use topre, then I hope we see more of this diversity.


I believe Leopold is a division of the parent company, which produces topre products.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 13 April 2013, 01:59:39
I was looking for more info on these keyboards and I found out some accessories that will be included.

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sat, 13 April 2013, 02:02:38
She's kinda stiff....
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 13 April 2013, 02:05:45
Looks loose to me....



JK, I wouldn't know  :-X
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Sat, 13 April 2013, 02:33:50
Great find on this, calavera. I thought topre switches were patented? If companies that normally use cherry switches can now use topre, then I hope we see more of this diversity.

Leopold and Topre have collaborated before on something (some kind of manufacture related stuff? dunno) which has helped Leopold get the rights to use topres. I believe there was an attempt by a Chinese company but it failed due to Japan's complicated processes and high production costs.

This is an exclusive leopold-topre deal as far as I know. No other company will offer topres.
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 13 April 2013, 04:14:53
Looks loose to me....



JK, I wouldn't know  :-X

At least she is safe....she is holding a board full of rubbers.
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Sat, 13 April 2013, 06:00:01
Looks loose to me....



JK, I wouldn't know  :-X

At least she is safe....she is holding a board full of rubbers.

You, sir - have made my evening.

I'm really liking the new Windows-8 keycap. Other than that, it's making me regret buying the FC700R.

Will be interested to know how this holds up to RF 45g
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Sat, 13 April 2013, 09:35:22
I can't tell...does anyone know if this board use a standard space bar that can be replaced by sets that EK sell?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 13 April 2013, 10:19:37
I just can't figure out why they dedicate those two keys to Del and Insert.  Should definitely be PgUp/PgDn.  Who uses Insert for anything?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 13 April 2013, 10:21:20
Great find on this, calavera. I thought topre switches were patented? If companies that normally use cherry switches can now use topre, then I hope we see more of this diversity.

Leopold's logo is on my Realforce!  I think they are no strangers to Topre
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 13 April 2013, 10:33:50
Please have a distributor in EU... Please...
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Sat, 13 April 2013, 10:39:16
I like their fn layer for the arrow keys, home, end, pg up, pg down. I felt like I'll never use insert, too bad they're not remappable without 3rd party software
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: inteli722 on Sat, 13 April 2013, 11:21:57
(http://meowcheese.com/files/lolpics/2009/07/do-want.jpg)

Seriously. Finally a "cheap" way to get Topre!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Sat, 13 April 2013, 11:23:33
Who uses Insert for anything?

Bunch of unix people for copypasta.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sat, 13 April 2013, 11:24:21
Who uses Insert for anything?

Bunch of unix people for copypasta.


True. They are definitely targeting the HHKB-lover crowd with this one.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: inteli722 on Sat, 13 April 2013, 11:29:01
I can't tell...does anyone know if this board use a standard space bar that can be replaced by sets that EK sell?

It LOOKS standard, it looks to be a 6x spacebar (same measurement that's on the Realforce 87U), but I can't quite tell.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 13 April 2013, 11:35:22
Corea, I'm disappointed,

This girl needs more surgery.

And, braces  :-X

Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sat, 13 April 2013, 11:51:31
I just can't figure out why they dedicate those two keys to Del and Insert.  Should definitely be PgUp/PgDn.  Who uses Insert for anything?

Actually, I use insert quite a bit for copy/paste, especially in bash.

Quite a few useful Resharper shortcuts that use it, too.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Glod on Sat, 13 April 2013, 12:34:24
I was looking for more info on these keyboards and I found out some accessories that will be included.

Need to get some model to pose with the GH60 :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 13 April 2013, 12:34:46
I can't tell...does anyone know if this board use a standard space bar that can be replaced by sets that EK sell?

It LOOKS standard, it looks to be a 6x spacebar (same measurement that's on the Realforce 87U), but I can't quite tell.

If you look at the spacing of the modifers on the bottom row, then the spacebar is less than standard 6.25x, so it can only be 6x size.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sat, 13 April 2013, 12:42:07


If you look at the spacing of the modifers on the bottom row, then the spacebar is less than standard 6.25x, so it can only be 6x size.


Typical Leopold funky space bar. Meh.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: inteli722 on Sat, 13 April 2013, 13:12:26


If you look at the spacing of the modifers on the bottom row, then the spacebar is less than standard 6.25x, so it can only be 6x size.


Typical Leopold funky space bar. Meh.

From what I understand, it's not THAT funky on Topre. Oh well. Fingers crossed that this comes to the USA at its current price!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sat, 13 April 2013, 13:13:33


If you look at the spacing of the modifers on the bottom row, then the spacebar is less than standard 6.25x, so it can only be 6x size.


Typical Leopold funky space bar. Meh.

From what I understand, it's not THAT funky on Topre. Oh well. Fingers crossed that this comes to the USA at its current price!


It's definitely funky if it doesn't fit standard topre key cap sets.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: inteli722 on Sat, 13 April 2013, 13:15:17


If you look at the spacing of the modifers on the bottom row, then the spacebar is less than standard 6.25x, so it can only be 6x size.


Typical Leopold funky space bar. Meh.

From what I understand, it's not THAT funky on Topre. Oh well. Fingers crossed that this comes to the USA at its current price!


It's definitely funky if it doesn't fit standard topre key cap sets.

IIRC the Realforce 87U has a 6x spacebar, but I'm not quite sure having never owned one.

EDIT: I would be more worried about the Mods. They appear to be 1.25x instead of the standard 1.5x.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 13 April 2013, 14:42:18
Copypasta is seared into my brain as Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: eth0s on Sat, 13 April 2013, 14:50:53
What kind of caps are they?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sat, 13 April 2013, 15:00:32
I believe they are laser-etched PBT. Not sure about the space bar though.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sat, 13 April 2013, 16:18:16
I knew a new Topre board would come out the sec EK put their tenkeyless on sale.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: dreamingftw on Sat, 13 April 2013, 16:22:30
I knew a new Topre board would come out the sec EK put their tenkeyless on sale.
I believe they went on sale due to the currency exchange with Japan. Right?
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Sat, 13 April 2013, 17:58:44
I knew a new Topre board would come out the sec EK put their tenkeyless on sale.
I believe they went on sale due to the currency exchange with Japan. Right?

Correct...usd to yen was/is very strong hence the lower price.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sun, 14 April 2013, 01:17:13
I've been holding off buying a RealForce, the one I like the most.  I like the HHKB, but I need arrows.  Will there be a new version of either of these boards anytime soon?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Cafeine on Sun, 14 April 2013, 01:25:40
Type-S incoming, writing this on a RF KTL and I'm SO GOING TO BUY THAT ONE. ;) Proxy in Korea found (2 in fact). Me and 5 friends will make them work. ;)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tjcaustin on Sun, 14 April 2013, 01:28:20
I've been holding off buying a RealForce, the one I like the most.  I like the HHKB, but I need arrows.  Will there be a new version of either of these boards anytime soon?

There's the hipro coming soon with a different type of topre switch, but that's all I know about it.  There's a thread somewhere in here about it.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 14 April 2013, 01:44:34
So.... anybody got a proxy that I might be able to hit up to get me one of these boards? Not above paying a little extra for the service :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sun, 14 April 2013, 02:07:19
Type-S incoming, writing this on a RF KTL and I'm SO GOING TO BUY THAT ONE. ;) Proxy in Korea found (2 in fact). Me and 5 friends will make them work. ;)

What is a KTL? what is special about the type S?  do you have a link
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sun, 14 April 2013, 02:08:27
I've been holding off buying a RealForce, the one I like the most.  I like the HHKB, but I need arrows.  Will there be a new version of either of these boards anytime soon?

There's the hipro coming soon with a different type of topre switch, but that's all I know about it.  There's a thread somewhere in here about it.

I've seen the hipro, I don't think I'd be interested in that one.  thanks though
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: noisyturtle on Sun, 14 April 2013, 03:02:08
Why the Insert key? I don't think I've ever used that on any board. Why not PrtSc?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 14 April 2013, 10:05:51
Finally, a bit of competition in the Topre market.  Should be interesting.
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 14 April 2013, 10:48:14
Not really competition, Leo and Topre have been doing business a long time.
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: SmallFry on Sun, 14 April 2013, 11:35:07
Not really competition, Leo and Topre have been doing business a long time.
Realforce is a daughter company of Leopold, IIRC.
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Mon, 15 April 2013, 15:26:28
Not really competition, Leo and Topre have been doing business a long time.
Realforce is a daughter company of Leopold, IIRC.

Ok nevermind I don't know what I'm talking about.
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tricheboars on Mon, 15 April 2013, 16:49:36
Not really competition, Leo and Topre have been doing business a long time.
Realforce is a daughter company of Leopold, IIRC.

Ok nevermind I don't know what I'm talking about.

I am confused.

Topre = Japanese
Leopold = Korean

And as far as I know there are only two Topre Capacitive Switch factories in the world (correct me if i am wrong), one at Topre itself and the other being PFU (maker of HHKB).

Where is Leo going to get these made? If they are being made at Topre the tooling and build process would be crazy expensive so this is only the beginning. Or if Leopold is going to somehow start making Topre Switches then....whoa.

Basically what i am saying is no one can simply start making Topre boards because they want to. Something big is in the works.

Therefore I am instantly going to start envisioning a Topre TKL with Dolch DSA Sphericals and Large Center Printed Legends of yersteryear. DONT RAIN ON MY PARADE!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 15 April 2013, 17:53:39
RealForce the company/brand is distributed by Leopold. They are manufactured in Japan by Topre.

There's already a working relationship between Topre and Leopold, so I wouldn't be surprised if they worked a similar deal, where the board is designed, branded, and distributed by Leopold, but manufactured by Topre.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Macsmasher on Mon, 15 April 2013, 17:58:07
So.... anybody got a proxy that I might be able to hit up to get me one of these boards? Not above paying a little extra for the service :)

Sorry, no can do. You've already exceeded your keyboard allowance for the year.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 15 April 2013, 18:14:29
Lol.. you're probably right. But I can't help it

(http://i.imgur.com/8f1SpBc.jpg)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Mon, 15 April 2013, 19:36:17
Not really competition, Leo and Topre have been doing business a long time.
Realforce is a daughter company of Leopold, IIRC.

Ok nevermind I don't know what I'm talking about.

I am confused.

Topre = Japanese
Leopold = Korean

And as far as I know there are only two Topre Capacitive Switch factories in the world (correct me if i am wrong), one at Topre itself and the other being PFU (maker of HHKB).

Where is Leo going to get these made? If they are being made at Topre the tooling and build process would be crazy expensive so this is only the beginning. Or if Leopold is going to somehow start making Topre Switches then....whoa.

Basically what i am saying is no one can simply start making Topre boards because they want to. Something big is in the works.

Therefore I am instantly going to start envisioning a Topre TKL with Dolch DSA Sphericals and Large Center Printed Legends of yersteryear. DONT RAIN ON MY PARADE!

I explained that already.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Cafeine on Mon, 15 April 2013, 19:38:56
Type-S incoming, writing this on a RF KTL and I'm SO GOING TO BUY THAT ONE. ;) Proxy in Korea found (2 in fact). Me and 5 friends will make them work. ;)

What is a KTL? what is special about the type S?  do you have a link


I meant TKL. Sorry it was late for me in Paris. ;)  Pics of my boards (http://imgur.com/a/as0vi#1)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jalaj on Mon, 15 April 2013, 19:49:35
predicting that Topre will one-up Leopold by releasing the HHKB3 soon (total speculation)
though the price point of the Leopold will still attract buyers
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tjcaustin on Mon, 15 April 2013, 19:56:07
predicting that Topre will one-up Leopold by releasing the HHKB3 soon (total speculation)
though the price point of the Leopold will still attract buyers

Sigh.

PFU makes HHKB
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Rule16 on Mon, 15 April 2013, 20:26:26
So because the **** is hitting the fan, and a Realforce TKL w/ sphericals is likely to come along... How do sphericals compare to OEM profile?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jalaj on Mon, 15 April 2013, 20:45:18
predicting that Topre will one-up Leopold by releasing the HHKB3 soon (total speculation)
though the price point of the Leopold will still attract buyers

Sigh.

PFU makes HHKB

Thanks for the correction, now it makes sense. See that was just speculation on my part, lol
Still would like to see a HHKB3 in similar form factor with dedicated arrow keys.
Though the KB market is becoming over saturated with a plethora of models, wallethurt.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Mon, 15 April 2013, 20:49:56
Market saturated with plethora of models.

Doesn't matter; we keep buying them and stacking them on top of each other.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Tue, 16 April 2013, 03:18:30
Same space bar confirmed:


http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/6439485 (http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/6439485)
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 16 April 2013, 03:28:31
Same space bar confirmed:


http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/6439485 (http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/6439485)

Beautiful!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Macsmasher on Tue, 16 April 2013, 06:53:28
Lol.. you're probably right. But I can't help it

I understand. I'm in the same boat.  :p

And my 55g arrives Thursday! I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning!!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Tue, 16 April 2013, 09:09:45
Hoping mine gets here next week :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 16 April 2013, 13:43:46
Also I would be way more enthused about this model if they moved backspace to the HHKB position and put tilde and pipe/backslash on top.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Tue, 16 April 2013, 13:53:46
Also I would be way more enthused about this model if they moved backspace to the HHKB position and put tilde and pipe/backslash on top.


Then it would be an HHKB :P
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Tue, 16 April 2013, 13:57:45
Also I would be way more enthused about this model if they moved backspace to the HHKB position and put tilde and pipe/backslash on top.


Then it would be an HHKB :P

a HHKB with Arrows!, which is the only thing preventing me from buying one.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Tue, 16 April 2013, 14:02:40


a HHKB with Arrows!, which is the only thing preventing me from buying one.


That would be an HHKB Lite (http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hacking-Keyboard-Lite2-Black/dp/B0000U1DJ2) :P
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: esoomenona on Tue, 16 April 2013, 14:08:52
A HHKB Lite with Topre switches.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Tue, 16 April 2013, 14:16:22
A HHKB Lite with Topre switches.


That would be a....... nvm, I give up :P
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Tue, 16 April 2013, 14:24:28
A HHKB Lite with Topre switches.


That would be a.......

Japanese HHKB has arrows... nope, this doesn't work.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Binge on Tue, 16 April 2013, 14:48:38
dawg dongit!!!  I just want a keyboard!!!

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Macsmasher on Tue, 16 April 2013, 15:55:58
Also I would be way more enthused about this model if they moved backspace to the HHKB position and put tilde and pipe/backslash on top.

I'm with you after using my HHKB with Delete above Enter. I love it there. So I used AutoHotKey to create a script that runs at startup. It remaps those two keys on all my non-HHKB boards.

When I want to use my HHKB, I simply right-click on the systray icon and 'Suspend Hotkeys'. When I switch back to my TKL, just uncheck 'Suspend Hotkeys'.

Here is the script:

\::BS
|::BS
BS::\

Easy as pie. Works great for all your non-HHKB boards. If you're already running an AutoHotKey script, create this as a separate script. That way, when you 'Suspend Hotkeys', it doesn't stop your other key remapping you have running.

If you have more than one instance of AutoHotKey scripts running, each will have a separate icon in your Systray. The icon will also give you the status...

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Tue, 16 April 2013, 16:32:10
does anyone know if they are going to make a HHKB3?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Tue, 16 April 2013, 16:41:02
dawg dongit!!!  I just want a keyboard!!!

(Attachment Link)


Does this mean the cost of the item is '1 dog'?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Tue, 16 April 2013, 16:43:27
Roughly Ruffly the cost of a meal
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Binge on Tue, 16 April 2013, 17:14:06
dawg dongit!!!  I just want a keyboard!!!

(Attachment Link)


Does this mean the cost of the item is '1 dog'?

I don't have a dog or a korean proxy... looks like I'm f-ed
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 16 April 2013, 17:24:19
Also I would be way more enthused about this model if they moved backspace to the HHKB position and put tilde and pipe/backslash on top.

I'm with you after using my HHKB with Delete above Enter. I love it there. So I used AutoHotKey to create a script that runs at startup. It remaps those two keys on all my non-HHKB boards.

When I want to use my HHKB, I simply right-click on the systray icon and 'Suspend Hotkeys'. When I switch back to my TKL, just uncheck 'Suspend Hotkeys'.

Here is the script:

\::BS
|::BS
BS::\

Easy as pie. Works great for all your non-HHKB boards. If you're already running an AutoHotKey script, create this as a separate script. That way, when you 'Suspend Hotkeys', it doesn't stop your other key remapping you have running.

If you have more than one instance of AutoHotKey scripts running, each will have a separate icon in your Systray. The icon will also give you the status...

(Attachment Link)

Thanks.  If I get this board, I will be all over that.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jalaj on Tue, 16 April 2013, 18:34:25
dude with delicate fingers playing with HHKB2, FC660M, and FC660C

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8ibtKN32r1U

there is a subtle sound difference between the HHKB2 and FC660C, but the HHKB2 is probably broken in
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Tue, 16 April 2013, 20:55:57
And the FC660C has a plate, which makes a huge difference in sound.

But damn, that video made me want one even more :(
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Tue, 16 April 2013, 21:17:00
And the FC660C has a plate, which makes a huge difference in sound.

But damn, that video made me want one even more :(

Strange - I thought the plate would make it sound really soft (ala Realforce).

I can hear a fairly audible THOCK from the video..tempting...
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 16 April 2013, 22:17:25
Oooooh, that FC660C sound makes me even more excited for this. :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: hashbaz on Tue, 16 April 2013, 23:50:42
Oooooh, that FC660C sound makes me even more excited for this. :)

Me too!  I wish he had recorded a Realforce as well though.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: laffindude on Wed, 17 April 2013, 03:32:36
I need a Type-S version of this now.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 17 April 2013, 15:52:13
I need a Type-S version of this now.

^ Yes please!

I was pondering picking up an HHKB type s in the next couple of months...but hot damn, if I could get one of these Leos silenced that is a good option.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Wed, 17 April 2013, 15:54:08
Mod it to a type-s with 55g? :o
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 17 April 2013, 15:55:45
Mod it to a type-s with 55g? :o

Lol...the ultimate board.

I'm less adverse to opening up a sub $200 topre board and modding it to be silenced than I am trying the same mod on a $250+ RF or HHKB.


Has anyone reached out to Brian at EK to inquire whether he will be carrying the Leopold FC660C?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Wed, 17 April 2013, 16:21:05
Will the FC660 or whatever it is still be inferior to the RF?  What will inspire people to spend the extra coin on the RF?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Wed, 17 April 2013, 16:36:02
A full TKL layout, for one
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Wed, 17 April 2013, 16:44:16
Is the quality any better or worse?  I'm actually VERY close to pulling the trigger on the RF and for some reason talking myself out of it.

White/black?
45g/55g/silent?

now this whole new model of topre? very hard to chose an expensive board like this when you are pretty much taking a shot in the dark.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Wed, 17 April 2013, 16:45:53
I'd say so, definitely.

To clarify: I can't comment on whether the quality of a RF will be better or worse than the FC660C, as I've never used the Leo.

However, IMO the quality of the RealForce boards is impeccable. If I were to suggest a RF board to you, it'd have to be the White 55g 87U. Why? Well, I'm on a white kick lately, and 55g is by far my favorite switch. As far as I'm concerned it is the perfect switch to type on.

It's not that hard to choose, if you're willing to lose a invest a couple bucks to try it out. The RealForces have extremely good resale value. If you get one and don't like it, you can sell it here on the classifieds for close to what you paid for it.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Wed, 17 April 2013, 16:46:40
I'd say so, definitely.

lol, what is definate?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Wed, 17 April 2013, 16:58:04
edited
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Wed, 17 April 2013, 17:12:48
I'd say so, definitely.

To clarify: I can't comment on whether the quality of a RF will be better or worse than the FC660C, as I've never used the Leo.

However, IMO the quality of the RealForce boards is impeccable. If I were to suggest a RF board to you, it'd have to be the White 55g 87U. Why? Well, I'm on a white kick lately, and 55g is by far my favorite switch. As far as I'm concerned it is the perfect switch to type on.

It's not that hard to choose, if you're willing to lose a invest a couple bucks to try it out. The RealForces have extremely good resale value. If you get one and don't like it, you can sell it here on the classifieds for close to what you paid for it.

I'm pretty sure you sold me on the white 55g.  One last question.  My favorite MX switch has been the brown, although I do feel like its lacking a little.  Will the uniform 55g be similar to brown?  What is the closest mx switch to compare to a uniform 55g RF?  I realize this may be a stupid question.

Thanks for all the help
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 17 April 2013, 17:22:59
^ergo clears

Browns are more similar to 45g topres imo.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Wed, 17 April 2013, 17:35:29
sold, I'm gonna buy it right now.  Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Wed, 17 April 2013, 17:49:02
Where can i buy one? Can someone supply me a link? Thanks!!!!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Wed, 17 April 2013, 18:00:57
Where can i buy one? Can someone supply me a link? Thanks!!!!

if you were talking about the one that I just said I'm going to purchase:
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Wed, 17 April 2013, 18:08:46
AKIMbO pretty much nailed it. Clears clears are much closer to 55g Topres than Browns, which are more akin to 45g plate mounted Topres (45g non-plate mounted Topres, like the HHKB, I'd say are more like Ergo Clears).

Although, clears are a tad bit stiffer than the 55g Topre.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Wed, 17 April 2013, 18:50:04
Where can i buy one? Can someone supply me a link? Thanks!!!!

if you were talking about the one that I just said I'm going to purchase:
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards

Sorry. I meant the Leopold topre keyboard. Thanks for the response though. I got a Realforce keyboard a few years ago and sold it. I never really loved it as much as my HHKB one.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Wed, 17 April 2013, 19:11:27
Ohh, in that case the link is on page one, first post.  The problem is that if you want one of these right now you have to speak korean, or at least know someone who does. 
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Wed, 17 April 2013, 19:57:35
Okay thanks. I don't know why elitekeyboards doesn't sell the newer leopolds. I wish they would. If anyone speaks Korean and can help me out with ordering one i would appreciate it!   ;D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 17 April 2013, 19:59:47
Okay thanks. I don't know why elitekeyboards doesn't sell the newer leopolds. I wish they would. If anyone speaks Korean and can help me out with ordering one i would appreciate it!   ;D

Get a korean GF
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Wed, 17 April 2013, 20:05:27
I'm a woman. I would get a Korean boyfriend first!  :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 17 April 2013, 20:11:12
I'm a woman. I would get a Korean boyfriend first!  :D

except he'd probably steal the board and keep it all to himself? Hm...?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Wed, 17 April 2013, 20:25:52
True. I need to get my hands on one of those. If i got that keyboard i might sell my HHKB but i am not sure.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Thu, 18 April 2013, 08:07:56
So did anyone get this yet?

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Thu, 18 April 2013, 08:11:30
So did anyone get this yet?




Mine will be here early next week :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Thu, 18 April 2013, 08:25:23
So did anyone get this yet?




Mine will be here early next week :D

Nice. Be sure to do a review here.... ;D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jalaj on Thu, 18 April 2013, 08:59:45
Mine will be here early next week :D

What's the wallet damage for the proxy export?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Thu, 18 April 2013, 09:05:12
Mine will be here early next week :D

What's the wallet damage for the proxy export?

cost + shipping...
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Thu, 18 April 2013, 12:11:03
cost + shipping...

I think he was asking about numbers :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Thu, 18 April 2013, 12:27:15
I'm interested as well boost.  If you do a review could you provide the link here?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: yicaoyimu on Thu, 18 April 2013, 12:43:33
A sub $200 topre board? I am ready to sell my RF!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Reason on Thu, 18 April 2013, 14:51:29
Wow this board looks AMAZING!
I actually translated a review posted on the Leopold website ( from a guy who actually tested out the keyboard at the offline Leopold store. ) I speak fluent Korean because I was born there and I thought this review was very informative and interesting.
It says...

"I went to the offline Leopold store in YongSan, South Korea to test out the keyboard.
I'm actually writing a review even before its release lol.
First of all, the sales person at the store was so kind and I really enjoyed the free juice they gave me. ( lol wut ) I actually went there to check out the Realforce Hipro but I fell in love with this keyboard here. Hipro was very interesting but I couldn't find the grey version with ANSI layout because they were all sold out. Hipro also did not have dip switches and it just didn't really have the WOW factor. The keycaps were also interesting but it would take quite a bit of time to get used to them. It was quite awkward to type on the keycaps at first. However, the hipro did seem like a fine keyboard.

The REAL deal was this FC660C! When I first typed on it I let out a gasp and immediately thought that "I need to BUY THIS!". I'm currently using a Happy Hacking Pro 2 on a Mac but HHKB2 will definitely feel threatened by the FC660C in the future. HHKB2 is really geared towards the niche market because of its unique layout, but what I really wanted was a more standard layout with HHKB2 type feel. I immediately felt that FC660C is the perfect keyboard for me. The board feel extremely similar to HHKB2 ( typing on it was almost exactly identical to HHKB2 ) and I could really tell that they tried to really translate over the quality and the overall feel of HHKB2 onto this keyboard. Key pitch, shape, body design, the solid feels were all very similar to those of HHKB2. Topre is the maker for this keyboard and keycaps seem to be interchangeable with HHKB2. I really loved the variety of dip switch settings implemented into this keyboard: you can change between the ctrl and capslock keys and you can also change the alt and windows key to one another. I also liked that there is a separate arrow keys on the board with the standard fn switch functions. Also, the fact that they have the INS and DEL key separate on the board shows that they really care about users who do a lot of typing and editing for their work.

The overall look and the color of the board is well expressed in the photos above but they are really amazing. It definitely looks and feels very high end and sexy. The only downside is that they used laser etched PBT over dye - sub for the keycaps but I believe they chose that to reduce the overall price of the board so I can't complain. Most importantly, the typing on this board feels absolutely amazing. If you love your HHKB2 you will probably be 101% satisfied with this board. the +1% comes from... how do i say it... FC660C feels more solid compared to HHKB2. The salesperson explained to me that it's because FC660C uses steel plate mounting compared to HHKB2's plastic. To describe it, it kinda felt like riding a high end German car, like BMW's suspension... It is soft but also sturdy and it feels very stable. It seemed like the keys were less wobbly compared to the HHKB2. I'm not saying that the keys on HHKB2 were really wobbly but I'm just stating that FC660C was just THAT stable.

I also liked that the board uses same weight for the all the keys. The weight is also quite light so you can light touch type like you did on the HHKB. One thing I was disappointed about was that there were no USB hub on the board. There's only 1 mini usb connector to connect the keyboard to the computer. I plug in my wireless mouse receiver in my keyboard so I was a little disappointed. I couldn't really find any other flaws on this board. Boards like this really raise the bar for other keyboards in the market and I was really really impressed. I was planning on buying a full size board but I'm probably going to purchase this board very soon in the future. One thing I really hope from Leopold is that they should release a variety of different keycaps.  I would really like to see non - printed, color windows key, arrow keys, other modifier keys, or even mac modifier keys, or two tone versions... Because the color of the board is very profound, I would like to see keycaps that are of brown or beige color instead of the usual primary colors. I really think that the price is very fair ( Even though I might be a little biased because I fell in love with this board..) and I'm looking forward to its release date. I also would like to see more photos of the showcase girl for the keyboard on the website lol :D You don't usually see models like that..."

I roughly but accurately translated his review..
There might be some errors or typos because I translated it in a bit of a hurry
because I have to go to class very soon :D hope you guys find it useful!

I think I'm definitely going to pick one up when I go to Korea this summer.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Dgsbllx on Thu, 18 April 2013, 15:10:19
Sounds very good indeed. Just hope that by the time it gets to the UK it still works out as a bargain  :p
Sangryool's video (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42501.0) definitely made the FC660C sound better than the HHKB as well. HHKB layout does it for me as my main board though, so the s is going nowhere!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tricheboars on Thu, 18 April 2013, 15:11:02
^ WOW. cool review.

Biggest shocker from this is the assumption that HHKBP2 caps will fit. that means i can get a white set of HHKB caps and put the control where it belongs.

still not sure if i want this, a HiPro, or 55g. However, HHKB no longer interests me. PCB mount? WTF just say NO!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Thu, 18 April 2013, 15:21:43
Yup. I'm actually selling my HHKB (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42505.0) in anticipation of this. Just can't get used to the layout, and a 60% Topre with arrow keys is just too good to pass up.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tricheboars on Thu, 18 April 2013, 15:48:37
Yup. I'm actually selling my HHKB (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42505.0) in anticipation of this. Just can't get used to the layout, and a 60% Topre with arrow keys is just too good to pass up.

see i have been using a rubber dome HHKB for years so I have the layout down. but a realforce always interested me more than the Pro 2 because of the function keys and the plate mount. nowadayz (fantastic jaylib song btw) i seem to not need function keys but one thing is clear. **** PCB mounted switches. that **** does not fly. and it really doesnt fly on a $250+ board. to me that is just unacceptable.

yo i see you are in denver. lets try to get a meetup going to test out some topre and various boards/switches
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Thu, 18 April 2013, 16:03:20
I'd be down. Gotta be in a couple months though, in the middle of moving :-o
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Fri, 19 April 2013, 00:35:33
So essentially, the FC660C is plate mounted but feels like a HHKB2 which isn't?

Also standard layout and arrow keys?

Must.have.now.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Tastybyte on Fri, 19 April 2013, 01:08:27
:O this is the real deal, folks. I really hope it comes to an authorized North American seller.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: devouringone3 on Fri, 19 April 2013, 10:02:42
,
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Fri, 19 April 2013, 11:05:03
The 45g Topre switch is lighter than a Cherry Red. Unless you are perfect at pushing your Cherry only 2 mm deep every time (which you probably aren't) --in which case the maximum force applied remains 45g-- 45g is the average force required to bottom-out on a Cherry Red, while on Topre 45g switches the "45g" is the maximum required force on the graph (and they average at about just 37-38g, which is less than the Cherry Reds).

WAT? O_o
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 19 April 2013, 11:07:37
...

Yeah, that's cool and all, but having used extensively every switch I mentioned, I still stand by my statement.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jksteger on Fri, 19 April 2013, 14:23:06
So how could we get one of these NOW?  Would it take ordering via proxy?  Someone local to South Korea to purchases these locally and then sell them to us here at GH?  We need this NOW!  :eek:

I would say I would give my left arm but I need that to type.  Hey, do I really need this kidney? LOL

I cannot wait to get my hands on this!

J
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: orlando on Fri, 19 April 2013, 14:31:29
Doubt it but I just hope EK will have this when they restock their "High-Profile" realforce.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Sun, 21 April 2013, 18:15:51
So I asked PC Case Gear in Australia to comment on the FC660C.

Here is what they had to say about it:

Quote
We are already looking into this model, hopefully we will have some good news soon!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sun, 21 April 2013, 18:40:28
Do you guys really want a Korean built keyboard right now?  What if Kim Jung Turd decides to infiltrate the US via keyboards programming them to explode when a certain combination of keystrokes is entered?

Or in a second scenario, since he can't get weapons to work correctly, he hires weapons makers to construct keyboards for Americans.  Since he can't blow us up, he decides to make us all really mad when we get our non functional keyboards!

food for thought!
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Sun, 21 April 2013, 19:02:05
North Korean keyboards... That'd be interesting!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Sun, 21 April 2013, 19:57:16
Do you guys really want a Korean built keyboard right now?  What if Kim Jung Turd decides to infiltrate the US via keyboards programming them to explode when a certain combination of keystrokes is entered?

Or in a second scenario, since he can't get weapons to work correctly, he hires weapons makers to construct keyboards for Americans.  Since he can't blow us up, he decides to make us all really mad when we get our non functional keyboards!

food for thought!

I think a lot of people want Korean mobile phones. You know, like the Galaxy S 4.

Dear Leader Jong Un is going to infiltrate instagram and snapchat D:

counter food for thought..
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 21 April 2013, 21:17:08
North Korea != South Korea
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sun, 21 April 2013, 21:28:07
North Korea != South Korea

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Sun, 21 April 2013, 21:32:30
My 660c will be here tomorrow!!!  Will update with pics and review
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Macsmasher on Sun, 21 April 2013, 21:39:43
Just got my new N Korean keyboard!

[attachimg=1]

Communism's cutting edge innovation!!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sun, 21 April 2013, 21:57:02
My 660c will be here tomorrow!!!  Will update with pics and review

look forward to it
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Kmynis on Mon, 22 April 2013, 01:53:14
My 660c will be here tomorrow!!!  Will update with pics and review

And a guide how to buy one, please.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 22 April 2013, 02:11:10
My 660c will be here tomorrow!!!  Will update with pics and review

*nudge* *nudge*
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Mon, 22 April 2013, 02:23:28
North Korea != South Korea

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

Whatever, I live in Chechnya, according to 'murrican media.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Mon, 22 April 2013, 02:42:19
North Korea != South Korea

mfw realises what I just posted. Too much of IRIS 2 for me today. (Korean drama)

Looking forward to those pics! :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Mon, 22 April 2013, 08:07:55
My 660c will be here tomorrow!!!  Will update with pics and review
gimme one
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Mon, 22 April 2013, 08:23:20
My 660c will be here tomorrow!!!  Will update with pics and review
gimme one

NO, But can trade you for HHKB if I don't like it ;P
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Mon, 22 April 2013, 09:18:58
http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=353374845&pos_shop_cd=EN&pos_class_cd=90000003&pos_class_kind=T
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 22 April 2013, 10:03:13
NO, But can trade you for HHKB if I don't like it ;P

I'll take you up on that. Got my Black HHKB up in the classifieds right now, but I'll trade it with you for a 660C in a heartbeat :)

Hell, I'm going to be in NY for work next week, we can meet up in person :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Mon, 22 April 2013, 10:24:33
good, get boost off my hhkb!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 22 April 2013, 10:28:56
Quick question:

Is this uniform 45g?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 22 April 2013, 10:38:37
Quick question:

Is this uniform 45g?

Yup, but 45g plate mounted (ala RealForce), rather than PCB(sorta) (ala HHKB)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 22 April 2013, 10:51:14
Quick question:

Is this uniform 45g?

Yup, but 45g plate mounted (ala RealForce), rather than PCB(sorta) (ala HHKB)

Is there noticeable advantages/disadvantages of a plate mount over a PCB mount?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 22 April 2013, 10:53:13
Depends on preference, really. Plate mounted boards tend to feel a bit more "solid". Also, the HHKB is a bit louder than the RealForces due to the entire case resonating. The plate helps dampen down some of that vibration, so the RealForce boards are a bit quieter than the HHKB.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: The_Beast on Mon, 22 April 2013, 10:55:14
I'm gonna need a review of the HHKB, the 600c and a 55g realforce pls!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Inept on Mon, 22 April 2013, 21:43:38
Has anyone pinged EK to see if they're bringing this model to the US soon?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 22 April 2013, 22:31:09
boost seems to be out for the evening, but he posted these over in the What did you get in the mail today? (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33130.msg863549#msg863549) thread:

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/uha5ana3.jpg)

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/u5e9u5uj.jpg)

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/ahere2ud.jpg)

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Mon, 22 April 2013, 22:43:36
boost seems to be out for the evening, but he posted these over in the What did you get in the mail today? (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33130.msg863549#msg863549) thread:

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/uha5ana3.jpg)

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/u5e9u5uj.jpg)

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/ahere2ud.jpg)



:D

I think I like topre, I just might like topre.

Still need to get a review done on this keyboard. This is my first 45g topre as I've owned 2 55g RF 10th AE(daerid owns one of previous RF).


I feel the HHKB might be coming my way soon :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 22 April 2013, 23:05:04
You have pics, good sir
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Mon, 22 April 2013, 23:05:22
Joins in 'Boost's 660C run' group dance.
boost seems to be out for the evening, but he posted these over in the What did you get in the mail today? (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33130.msg863549#msg863549) thread:

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/uha5ana3.jpg)

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/u5e9u5uj.jpg)

Show Image
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/23/ahere2ud.jpg)



:D

I think I like topre, I just might like topre.

Still need to get a review done on this keyboard. This is my first 45g topre as I've owned 2 55g RF 10th AE(daerid owns one of previous RF).


I feel the HHKB might be coming my way soon :D

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/lols/2c6.png:original)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Mon, 22 April 2013, 23:20:42
I see you have quite the supply.  Are you selling the rest?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tauburn on Mon, 22 April 2013, 23:24:39
i would consider one if the price was a little cheaper like 140
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Mon, 22 April 2013, 23:58:00
I see you have quite the supply.  Are you selling the rest?

I asked him hours ago and still no response :(
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tauburn on Tue, 23 April 2013, 01:00:13
I see you have quite the supply.  Are you selling the rest?

I asked him hours ago and still no response :(


he's doing a ceremonial burning of them
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tjcaustin on Tue, 23 April 2013, 01:03:56
The $200 he mentioned wouldn't be a huge problem for me.  I could turn it for almost, if not the same, price or sell my RF55g and more than pay for it, assuming I like it more.

But it feels to me through what he has said that the ones he has now are already all spoken for.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: hashbaz on Tue, 23 April 2013, 01:20:06
I have one coming in on the off chance that it feels more like an HHKB than a RF.  I will flip it for cost if I don't end up liking it.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Tue, 23 April 2013, 01:21:03
I have one coming in on the off chance that it feels more like an HHKB than a RF.  I will flip it for cost if I don't end up liking it.

Oh wow! Let us (me) know :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Tue, 23 April 2013, 01:37:31
People who have it said it's closer to a realforce than HHKB. Some preferred it over the HHKB but then again this is purely subjective so YMMV.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: hashbaz on Tue, 23 April 2013, 01:39:46
Yeah, I am not expecting it to feel like an HHKB.  But I had an opportunity to try it out, so *shrug*.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Tue, 23 April 2013, 03:47:24
People who have it said it's closer to a realforce than HHKB. Some preferred it over the HHKB but then again this is purely subjective so YMMV.

As long as there's some decent thocking to be done, I'm getting one :D
Title: Re: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Tue, 23 April 2013, 06:26:02
I see you have quite the supply.  Are you selling the rest?

I asked him hours ago and still no response :(

Sorry, thought I replied in the thread. These are all spoken for. Don't worry ;)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Turbo Slaab on Tue, 23 April 2013, 06:28:03
I see you have quite the supply.  Are you selling the rest?

I asked him hours ago and still no response :(

Sorry, thought I replied in the thread. These are all spoken for. Don't worry ;)

Well thanks for telling the rest of us!!! Lol.

How do you like them so far?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: GeorgeStorm on Tue, 23 April 2013, 06:35:53
I like the look of them, would be nice to see them available within the EU.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: geminimech on Tue, 23 April 2013, 06:41:58
I can't get one, and this joker has a whole box. 

It's a cruel world we live in.

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Tue, 23 April 2013, 11:23:07
Gotta have friends in Korean places, apparently.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: geminimech on Tue, 23 April 2013, 11:26:55
I need to just go forth with my grand life goal of moving to the motherland for an extended period of time. 
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 26 April 2013, 15:44:48
Just opened mine.  So far I like it.  Definitely like the feel better than my 45g Realforce.  It does indeed feel closer to the HHKB ... just a bit "snappier".  The biggest disappointment is how quiet it is though.  I'd say it's quieter than both a RF and an HHKB.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 26 April 2013, 16:18:25
Interesting. That video posted in the Reviews forum made it sound fairly chunky
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 26 April 2013, 16:28:00
Now that you say that, when I go back and check again it is probably of similar loudness or maybe a bit louder than the RF.  But not as loud and thocky as the HHKB for sure.
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 26 April 2013, 20:35:08
I got mine today as well, and I'd agree with that. But as a current owner of a RF and previous owner of a HHKB, I like both the sound and feel of this board to either. The layout is perfect for me and the keys that I use. (May take some adjustment for others.) Seriously considering getting an MX version now, just so I can play with keycaps easier. :-)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Halverson on Fri, 26 April 2013, 20:36:53
Damn! Everytime you guys say how nice these are, I get more impatient for mine!
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 26 April 2013, 20:40:51
Damn it. Bummed I gotta wait till next week.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Fri, 26 April 2013, 20:44:51
Damn it. Bummed I gotta wait till next week.

O_O only like 3 days..lol
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Fri, 26 April 2013, 21:23:06
:D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Fri, 26 April 2013, 23:02:50
Has anyone pinged EK to see if they're bringing this model to the US soon?
It would be real nice if EK will have them available here soon! This could be a nice HHKB, Realforce hybrid.
 
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: thirdkind on Sat, 27 April 2013, 09:15:51
Based on one of the comments on the product page, it looks like a non-printed version will be available at some point. I'd be in for 2 of those if someone were willing to buy them on my behalf.

I'm really enjoying my HHKB2 Type-S, but I do miss the dedicated arrow keys. The reports of a softer landing than the HHKB2 also interest me.
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: whiskerBox on Sat, 27 April 2013, 10:22:20
Ok that's a pretty cool layout I'm intrigued.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rknize on Sat, 27 April 2013, 12:00:53
It's kind of a Super Poker.  It has a lot of the same attributes except you don't have to give up all of the right mods for an arrow cluster, you get a Del key, and the Esc/tilde situation is handled much more conveniently.

Oh, and it's Topre. :-)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sat, 27 April 2013, 14:14:10
I got mine today as well, and I'd agree with that. But as a current owner of a RF and previous owner of a HHKB, I like both the sound and feel of this board to either. The layout is perfect for me and the keys that I use. (May take some adjustment for others.) Seriously considering getting an MX version now, just so I can play with keycaps easier. :-)

You're not exactly clear here.  How does it compare to the RF?
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sat, 27 April 2013, 15:41:53
He's saying he prefers the 660C to both the HHKB and the RF, both in sound and feel.

His choice of phrase is rarely used, but still accurate.
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: hashbaz on Sat, 27 April 2013, 15:44:00
You're not exactly clear here.  How does it compare to the RF?

A bit louder and a snappier feel.  Seems to be a blend in between RF and HHKB.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 27 April 2013, 16:52:23
Ok, so how is everybody getting these?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Sat, 27 April 2013, 17:01:11
Ok, so how is everybody getting these?

boost has a post up in the interest check section.

Question:
For anyone whom has one of these alongside a RF.  Which would you prefer.  I would love to get a second Topre board, however I only want the best.  I'm not concerned with the price difference.  So, price aside, which is more of a pleasure to type on?

Thanks
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Sat, 27 April 2013, 19:00:05
I had a 86UB variable and now that I have the 660C I could honestly go either way. I like the small size of the 660C more. The key travel seems to be longer than the RF and I like the 45g quite a lot. The spacebar is a little too heavy though compared to the keys.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: hashbaz on Sun, 28 April 2013, 12:51:51
I prefer the feel of the 660 to my 45g Realforce.
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Macsmasher on Sun, 28 April 2013, 16:57:44
You're not exactly clear here.  How does it compare to the RF?

A bit louder and a snappier feel.  Seems to be a blend in between RF and HHKB.

I would give it a good two or three weeks of daily use before drawing any comparison conclusions. I've got a five month old 87U variable silent, a one month old HHKB Pro 2 and my 1.5 week old 55g 87U. They've all 'mellowed' over time. When I first got the 55g, I thought I had made a big mistake. It was WAY too stiff. But it's loosened up and settling into the perfect weight. Even the sound changes over time.

I'd say the 55g has changed the most out of the three boards. After three days on the 55g 87U, I was ready to sell it on the GH classifieds. But I stuck it out, and I'm so glad I did. These guys that preach the 55g gospel are right on the money.

Topre are industrial switches built for longevity. They need to break in just like a pair of good quality leather boots.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: sth on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:04:09
I prefer the feel of the 660 to my 45g Realforce.
will you be bringing yours to the meetup? i'd love to try it out.

and if hashbaz lets me try a topre board i invariably end up buying one about a week later... this bodes poorly for my savings account :(

Topre are industrial switches built for longevity. They need to break in just like a pair of good quality leather boots.

 :)) there's nothing wrong or anything with that statement... i just think it's funny to compare a keyboard to boots
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:16:45
These guys that preach the 55g gospel are right on the money.



Amen, brother.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:19:04
If this is as good as people are saying, I may get one and sell my 55g RF
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: The_Beast on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:19:09
Topre are industrial switches built for longevity. They need to break in just like a pair of good quality leather boots.

 :)) there's nothing wrong or anything with that statement... i just think it's funny to compare a keyboard to boots

Tread carefully, this boot comment could lead to stupid shoe/keyboard pictures like reddit.......


Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:20:10
If this is as good as people are saying, I may get one and sell my 55g RF


If you like 55g, you probably will not want to move back to 45g. Just sayin'....
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Macsmasher on Sun, 28 April 2013, 20:03:22
I prefer the feel of the 660 to my 45g Realforce.
will you be bringing yours to the meetup? i'd love to try it out.

and if hashbaz lets me try a topre board i invariably end up buying one about a week later... this bodes poorly for my savings account :(

Topre are industrial switches built for longevity. They need to break in just like a pair of good quality leather boots.

 :)) there's nothing wrong or anything with that statement... i just think it's funny to compare a keyboard to boots

lol. Well, I like to use analogies to which most ppl can relate when trying to convey a point regarding something with which they have no experience. Just call me Mr. Helpful.   ^-^
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: BlindRAGE606 on Sun, 28 April 2013, 20:53:56
Teribad keycaps, and EK price would prob be ~$200+
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Sun, 28 April 2013, 21:14:43
These guys that preach the 55g gospel are right on the money.



Amen, brother.
I too took Bro Caps and others advice on the 55g Realforce. I knew right away I made a right decision for me. Seems like the new F660c is between a 45g and 55g Realforce in feel.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Dubsgalore on Sun, 28 April 2013, 21:58:32
i feel like all topre switches are extremely light..are there any heavy topres?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sun, 28 April 2013, 22:04:41
i feel like all topre switches are extremely light..are there any heavy topres?


55g is the heaviest topre switch.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Dubsgalore on Sun, 28 April 2013, 22:35:11
i feel like all topre switches are extremely light..are there any heavy topres?


55g is the heaviest topre switch.

I guess i will have to wait until the nyc meetup to try topres..hopefully someone will bring a topre board
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 28 April 2013, 23:12:59
I guess i will have to wait until the nyc meetup to try topres..hopefully someone will bring a topre board

boost is around that area I think, he might bring one if he decides to show up.

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Macsmasher on Mon, 29 April 2013, 02:01:08
I thought you liked the HHKB with 45g (maybe I'm thinking of someone else). Wouldn't this be similar to that?


Type-S, yeah. But this board is plate mounted like RF's. And to me, plate mounted 45g feels mushy.

That's interesting. I've got a 1.5 month old HHKB Pro2, and I do love it. But I'd take a plate mounted RF any day over it. The RF feels and sounds more solid to me. I'd even take the RF variable over the HHKB if I had to choose only one board. I would say that the RF variable would be considered more 'mushy', if by mushy you mean less tactility. But even so, it still feels better. I must have girly fingers.

With that said, I'd take the HHKB over any Cherry board.

Caps, I can't remember if you have a 55g RF. But if mushy isn't your thing, you owe it to yourself try one. And don't be surprised if you hear angels singing from heaven while typing on one. Happens every day for me.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: blakespot on Mon, 29 April 2013, 07:35:02
I hear there is a group buy being setup to bring some of these into the states. If that is accurate, can someone point me in the right direction?



bp
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 29 April 2013, 07:46:06
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42728
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: geminimech on Mon, 29 April 2013, 07:46:41
It's in the interest check sub.  It's not a group buy just yet, boost was fielding levels of interest and checking on prices.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 29 April 2013, 11:49:27
Makes for a great coffee shop keyboard! I've never really had a ~60% keyboard before except a RACE (which I got rid of quick).  I see the appeal. :)

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Mon, 29 April 2013, 11:51:14
I hear there is a group buy being setup to bring some of these into the states. If that is accurate, can someone point me in the right direction?



bp

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42728.0
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 29 April 2013, 12:06:33
Makes for a great coffee shop keyboard! I've never really had a ~60% keyboard before except a RACE (which I got rid of quick).  I see the appeal. :)

(Attachment Link)

Slick
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: BlindRAGE606 on Mon, 29 April 2013, 12:38:20
Makes for a great coffee shop keyboard! I've never really had a ~60% keyboard before except a RACE (which I got rid of quick).  I see the appeal. :)

That giant glass of coffee flavored sugar looks UBER dangerous next to those electronics.  :p

I set my HHKB on top my rMBP 15" keyboard, perfect fit.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 29 April 2013, 12:50:49
I set my HHKB on top my rMBP 15" keyboard, perfect fit.

This one fits perfectly over the 15" (and other I guess, since the keyboard is the same size for 13-17").  The feet go just outside of the keyboard.  I leave it on top if my table isn't too high.  Else, I usually have the keyboard in my lap or something. :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rknize on Mon, 29 April 2013, 15:01:40
Makes for a great coffee shop keyboard! I've never really had a ~60% keyboard before except a RACE (which I got rid of quick).  I see the appeal. :)

(Attachment Link)

Lol...my desk here at works looks exactly like that except my MBP is running Linux.  :p
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Mon, 29 April 2013, 15:40:52
I set my HHKB on top my rMBP 15" keyboard, perfect fit.

This one fits perfectly over the 15" (and other I guess, since the keyboard is the same size for 13-17").  The feet go just outside of the keyboard.  I leave it on top if my table isn't too high.  Else, I usually have the keyboard in my lap or something. :)
To me the HHKB is the best 60% for laptop use, its small form factor and light weight is easy to pack in a typical 15" laptop bag or backpack. Its weight is hardly noticeable to me in my bag. Others with plate mount switches would weigh me down for on the go use it all adds up IMHO.   
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Mon, 29 April 2013, 21:23:17
Makes for a great coffee shop keyboard! I've never really had a ~60% keyboard before except a RACE (which I got rid of quick).  I see the appeal. :)

(Attachment Link)

Macbook AND Topre in coffee shop? Hipster alert!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Mon, 29 April 2013, 21:29:30
With a flood of topre boards hitting the market does this mean we can expect some topre GB's in the near future?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 29 April 2013, 21:36:36
Macbook AND Topre in coffee shop? Hipster alert!

Haha, I don't think anyone would mistake this ole country boy for a hipster. :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: sth on Mon, 29 April 2013, 22:18:46
Macbook AND Topre in coffee shop? Hipster alert!

Haha, I don't think anyone would mistake this ole country boy for a hipster. :)
or anybody bringing an external keyboard for a laptop, for that matter :P
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 29 April 2013, 22:20:19
Just picked mine up from boost (hella nice guy, btw). And I have to admit, I love it (typing on it right now). Definitely feels better to me than the HHKB did, and there's something magical about the sound. The "thock" is a bit higher pitched than on the RF boards. It's definitely lighter than the 55g, that's for sure, but it's still a pleasure to type on. Plus... arrow keys!!!!! This board is phenomenal. I might swoon...
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Mon, 29 April 2013, 22:42:09
Just picked mine up from boost (hella nice guy, btw). And I have to admit, I love it (typing on it right now). Definitely feels better to me than the HHKB did, and there's something magical about the sound. The "thock" is a bit higher pitched than on the RF boards. It's definitely lighter than the 55g, that's for sure, but it's still a pleasure to type on. Plus... arrow keys!!!!! This board is phenomenal. I might swoon...

I think you're opinion of the RF is well documented.  So, knowing that, if you had to pick only one.  Which would it be?  RF or the Leo?
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: boost on Mon, 29 April 2013, 22:45:41
Just picked mine up from boost (hella nice guy, btw). And I have to admit, I love it (typing on it right now). Definitely feels better to me than the HHKB did, and there's something magical about the sound. The "thock" is a bit higher pitched than on the RF boards. It's definitely lighter than the 55g, that's for sure, but it's still a pleasure to type on. Plus... arrow keys!!!!! This board is phenomenal. I might swoon...

:D

Glad you like it and I'm trying to learn the hhkb layout now. Well say that the 660c has a much more crisp feel to it compared to the hhkb...hhkb bs seems weird but feels like it belongs in that position.
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Acetrak on Mon, 29 April 2013, 23:31:05
Don't fight it boost, you know you love it
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 29 April 2013, 23:47:35
Just picked mine up from boost (hella nice guy, btw). And I have to admit, I love it (typing on it right now). Definitely feels better to me than the HHKB did, and there's something magical about the sound. The "thock" is a bit higher pitched than on the RF boards. It's definitely lighter than the 55g, that's for sure, but it's still a pleasure to type on. Plus... arrow keys!!!!! This board is phenomenal. I might swoon...

I think you're opinion of the RF is well documented.  So, knowing that, if you had to pick only one.  Which would it be?  RF or the Leo?

Oh man... I don't know. That is a tough call. It really depends. I think if I had only one choice, I'd still opt for the 55g RF, by a hair.

:D

Glad you like it and I'm trying to learn the hhkb layout now. Well say that the 660c has a much more crisp feel to it compared to the hhkb...hhkb bs seems weird but feels like it belongs in that position.

Yeah man, this thing's great. I'm still hitting alt+\ whenever I want to delete a word, because my hands still want to think that delete is right there above the enter key. Gonna take a bit to un-train the HHKB layout.

As much as I like the feel of the HHKB's lack of a plate, I have to admit that it makes the board much more solid. I tend to pound on the keys and the HHKB would wobble ever so slightly. This board has none of that. For the way I type, personally, the FC660C is absolutely the board for me.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Tue, 30 April 2013, 00:17:24
On a side note (since I don't read Korean), is there English translated version of the manual anywhere? Or at the very least can somebody explain the following:

1. What does FN+Q do? I know it turns the LED under the insert key on, but what does it actually do?
2. Dip Switch 4 : No clue on this one.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rknize on Tue, 30 April 2013, 02:14:41
1) It's back-tick-lock (or anti-Esc lock).  The way they did Esc is pretty awesome for a UNIX user.  It's Esc by default, but Shift+Esc gives you tilde no matter what.  Fn+Esc gives you back-tick.  Setting anti-Esc lock inverts everything so that Fn+Esc is now Esc but Shift+Esc and Shift+Fn+Esc are all still tilde.  I will definitely be setting up my GH60 this way.

2) Don't know either.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Tue, 30 April 2013, 06:25:58

2. Dip Switch 4 : No clue on this one.


According to Acetrak's review it looks like switch 4 enables/disables Winkey ;)

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42825.0
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ktownhero on Tue, 30 April 2013, 07:01:12
1) It's back-tick-lock (or anti-Esc lock).  The way they did Esc is pretty awesome for a UNIX user.  It's Esc by default, but Shift+Esc gives you tilde no matter what.  Fn+Esc gives you back-tick.  Setting anti-Esc lock inverts everything so that Fn+Esc is now Esc but Shift+Esc and Shift+Fn+Esc are all still tilde.  I will definitely be setting up my GH60 this way.

2) Don't know either.

That's really awesome to know.  I tend to use tilde regularly to change case in Vi but I essentially never use back tick.  ESC default while preserving stock tilde functionality is genius!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 30 April 2013, 07:48:44
Omg these reviews are creating some serious keyboard envy.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Tue, 30 April 2013, 08:45:33
Ok that explains things, thanks.

Yeah, the only time I use backtick honestly is when writing code in Markdown. I tend to use $() instead of `` in bash anyways, so the way they handled the ~/` situation is fantastic. Wish the HHKB had done that.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 30 April 2013, 08:45:56
`
1) It's back-tick-lock (or anti-Esc lock).  The way they did Esc is pretty awesome for a UNIX user.  It's Esc by default, but Shift+Esc gives you tilde no matter what.  Fn+Esc gives you back-tick.  Setting anti-Esc lock inverts everything so that Fn+Esc is now Esc but Shift+Esc and Shift+Fn+Esc are all still tilde.  I will definitely be setting up my GH60 this way.

2) Don't know either.

Yeah, I realized that I use Cmd-` a lot on the Mac (switches between windows/instances of the same application)... this is a great feature.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Tue, 30 April 2013, 10:15:30
Just picked mine up from boost (hella nice guy, btw). And I have to admit, I love it (typing on it right now). Definitely feels better to me than the HHKB did, and there's something magical about the sound. The "thock" is a bit higher pitched than on the RF boards. It's definitely lighter than the 55g, that's for sure, but it's still a pleasure to type on. Plus... arrow keys!!!!! This board is phenomenal. I might swoon...

That's it. I'm buying one as soon as I have the money / PC Case Gear launches it in Australia.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 30 April 2013, 17:15:09
PCCG sometimes seems a bit hit and miss with what they stock - only some Ducky keyboards for example.  RealForce 87U only in white but 104U in black and white.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Tue, 30 April 2013, 19:15:55
PCCG sometimes seems a bit hit and miss with what they stock - only some Ducky keyboards for example.  RealForce 87U only in white but 104U in black and white.

Well on their Facebook page, they did say they were looking into the FC660C - so there could be a possibility for local availability.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:30:42
I've had it for a few days now and I love it but two cons for me personally:

1. Need to use both hands to use function row F1 and F2. I can only reach as far as F3. Small hands FTL. :(
2. Print on key caps are somewhat inconsistent or they're already show signs of wear. A, S, D in particular. (gonna replace them with topre RF dye subs though)

I'm still debating if I should sell mine, because typing on them is fking awesome.
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:33:49
I've had it for a few days now and I love it but two cons for me personally:

1. Need to use both hands to use function row F1 and F2. I can only reach as far as F3. Small hands FTL. :(
2. Print on key caps are somewhat inconsistent or they're already show signs of wear. A, S, D in particular. (gonna replace them with topre RF dye subs though)

I'm still debating if I should sell mine, because typing on them is fking awesome.

Hey cal, would you say the print looks the same as my JIS topre caps I showed you?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:38:34
Can you link the pics? I usually delete old PM's.
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:49:59
Can you link the pics? I usually delete old PM's.

Ah pics were in my previous sale thread. Just wondering if the legends were gold-ish colour.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Tue, 30 April 2013, 22:27:24
Hard to describe color.

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/DSCF2383_zps98094178.jpg~original)
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 30 April 2013, 22:41:01
Hard to describe color.

Show Image
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/DSCF2383_zps98094178.jpg~original)


Hmmm the legends look lighter.
Would you say they feel smooth, or kind of scratchy like general pad print?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Tue, 30 April 2013, 23:02:09
I want custom double shot / dye-sub windows caps in different colours..
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Tue, 30 April 2013, 23:19:24
If you're refering to the surface, they feel scratchy for sure.

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/DSCF2379_zps226184a9.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Tue, 30 April 2013, 23:20:35
If you're refering to the surface, they feel scratchy for sure.

They look like they'd feel nice :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Tue, 30 April 2013, 23:24:44
They do but I switched them out because they seem to wear very easily.


EDIT: They could be just getting dirty as someone told me.
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Halverson on Tue, 30 April 2013, 23:25:57
Not huge on scratchy or wear. Looks very similar to my pbt race stock caps.
Either way, mines on route from Korea. Perhaps I'll find some pink n green for a swap.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: sth on Wed, 01 May 2013, 00:09:13
I want custom double shot / dye-sub windows caps in different colours..
ooh now i want doubleshot 6 color apple command keys
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: geminimech on Wed, 01 May 2013, 07:49:40
I've had it for a few days now and I love it but two cons for me personally:

1. Need to use both hands to use function row F1 and F2. I can only reach as far as F3. Small hands FTL. :(
2. Print on key caps are somewhat inconsistent or they're already show signs of wear. A, S, D in particular. (gonna replace them with topre RF dye subs though)

I'm still debating if I should sell mine, because typing on them is fking awesome.

If you do decide to sell, I reserve the right to be first in line :)

Good to know about the caps.  I would likely replace them with RF dye-subs as well, but it would still probably piss me off to get an expensive board with lasered PBT's as a selling point only for them to fall short in the QC department.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Wed, 01 May 2013, 14:27:39
I've had it for a few days now and I love it but two cons for me personally:

1. Need to use both hands to use function row F1 and F2. I can only reach as far as F3. Small hands FTL. :(
2. Print on key caps are somewhat inconsistent or they're already show signs of wear. A, S, D in particular. (gonna replace them with topre RF dye subs though)

I'm still debating if I should sell mine, because typing on them is fking awesome.

If you do decide to sell, I reserve the right to be first in line :)

Good to know about the caps.  I would likely replace them with RF dye-subs as well, but it would still probably piss me off to get an expensive board with lasered PBT's as a selling point only for them to fall short in the QC department.
If you use RF caps you'll be short of a full set because the win & app keys are 1x and other mods 1.5x, plus RF caps are expensive. It would cost about the same to get a RF 87u or HHKB Pro 2. Topre sets are limited to RF or HHKB sets right now.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Wed, 01 May 2013, 19:33:41
I've had it for a few days now and I love it but two cons for me personally:

1. Need to use both hands to use function row F1 and F2. I can only reach as far as F3. Small hands FTL. :(
2. Print on key caps are somewhat inconsistent or they're already show signs of wear. A, S, D in particular. (gonna replace them with topre RF dye subs though)

I'm still debating if I should sell mine, because typing on them is fking awesome.

If you do decide to sell, I reserve the right to be first in line :)

Good to know about the caps.  I would likely replace them with RF dye-subs as well, but it would still probably piss me off to get an expensive board with lasered PBT's as a selling point only for them to fall short in the QC department.
If you use RF caps you'll be short of a full set because the win & app keys are 1x and other mods 1.5x, plus RF caps are expensive. It would cost about the same to get a RF 87u or HHKB Pro 2. Topre sets are limited to RF or HHKB sets right now.

Yes, but from what I've read. The FC660C seems some sort of middle ground between the HHKB and RF series - so even with the extra cost for dye-sub RF caps, it still may be worth it, depending on your preference over the two others.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tauburn on Wed, 01 May 2013, 20:27:16
anybody here know if these work on mac osx? the site doesnt say they do, but it doesnt say they dont either. if one of you could test one out on a mac and let me know i'd really appreciate it
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: hashbaz on Wed, 01 May 2013, 20:38:45
anybody here know if these work on mac osx? the site doesnt say they do, but it doesnt say they dont either. if one of you could test one out on a mac and let me know i'd really appreciate it.

I believe aggiejy has one, and he's a Mac guy.  I'll take mine home tonight and try it on my Macbook.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tauburn on Wed, 01 May 2013, 20:39:30
anybody here know if these work on mac osx? the site doesnt say they do, but it doesnt say they dont either. if one of you could test one out on a mac and let me know i'd really appreciate it.

I believe aggiejy has one, and he's a Mac guy.  I'll take mine home tonight and try it on my Macbook.

alright great
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: geminimech on Wed, 01 May 2013, 20:45:23
I've had it for a few days now and I love it but two cons for me personally:

1. Need to use both hands to use function row F1 and F2. I can only reach as far as F3. Small hands FTL. :(
2. Print on key caps are somewhat inconsistent or they're already show signs of wear. A, S, D in particular. (gonna replace them with topre RF dye subs though)

I'm still debating if I should sell mine, because typing on them is fking awesome.

If you do decide to sell, I reserve the right to be first in line :)

Good to know about the caps.  I would likely replace them with RF dye-subs as well, but it would still probably piss me off to get an expensive board with lasered PBT's as a selling point only for them to fall short in the QC department.
If you use RF caps you'll be short of a full set because the win & app keys are 1x and other mods 1.5x, plus RF caps are expensive. It would cost about the same to get a RF 87u or HHKB Pro 2. Topre sets are limited to RF or HHKB sets right now.

Yeah, I've already resigned myself to the fact that while this board is offered as a budget 'entry' level Topre, I'm willing to go above and beyond to get it where I want.  I already have an 87u, and I'm not keen on a HHKB layout, at least not yet.  I know I wouldn't be able to get a full set on the board, but I'm okay with that.  I did something similar with my Choc mini, with some lasered PBT's I harvested from a Cherry G81 with MY's.  I probably should have said 'replace most of them with RF dye-subs'. 

(http://i.imgur.com/n98fWN9.jpg)
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Wed, 01 May 2013, 21:47:10
anybody here know if these work on mac osx? the site doesnt say they do, but it doesnt say they dont either. if one of you could test one out on a mac and let me know i'd really appreciate it

It works perfect on a Mac!  Any particular concerns? I've been using it as my primary for about a week now I guess, I love!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: tauburn on Wed, 01 May 2013, 22:01:34
anybody here know if these work on mac osx? the site doesnt say they do, but it doesnt say they dont either. if one of you could test one out on a mac and let me know i'd really appreciate it

It works perfect on a Mac!  Any particular concerns? I've been using it as my primary for about a week now I guess, I love!

ok thats great to hear. it's just because if i were to get one i would use it with my imac
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Wed, 01 May 2013, 22:05:46
More
anybody here know if these work on mac osx? the site doesnt say they do, but it doesnt say they dont either. if one of you could test one out on a mac and let me know i'd really appreciate it

It works perfect on a Mac!  Any particular concerns? I've been using it as my primary for about a week now I guess, I love!

ok thats great to hear. it's just because if i were to get one i would use it with my imac

The only thing I should mention is that, at least for me, it feels a lot more natural to have the Fn key on the left side instead of the right.  There is a dip switch to do that (#3).  If you like that, the drawback is that of course you'll have to use something else for your option key.  (Some Mac users don't use that much, but I use it quite a bit.)  However, I had already gotten in the habit of using my CapsLock key as my option due to one of my Filcos having a Fn key in the normal location.  So this change doesn't affect me at all.  Just throwing it out there! 
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Thu, 02 May 2013, 08:24:04
anybody here know if these work on mac osx? the site doesnt say they do, but it doesnt say they dont either. if one of you could test one out on a mac and let me know i'd really appreciate it

It works perfect on a Mac!  Any particular concerns? I've been using it as my primary for about a week now I guess, I love!

ok thats great to hear. it's just because if i were to get one i would use it with my imac

As a long time Mac user I've found just about any keyboard will work, using the keyboard settings in System Preferences in the OS X.xx and KeyRemap4Macbook you can make any keyboard do whatever you need or want. Although I prefer keyboard hardware or dip switch settings built in, or a fully programmable controller. 
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 02 May 2013, 09:38:26
The only board I've heard that just doesn't work well at all is the old Choc Mini. Also, the Filco or Goldtouch tenkey pad has some issues if you hit num lock. But otherwise, just about every board works great on a Mac!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Thu, 02 May 2013, 12:04:06
anybody here know if these work on mac osx? the site doesnt say they do, but it doesnt say they dont either. if one of you could test one out on a mac and let me know i'd really appreciate it

Currently using it on OSX with Dip Switches #1 and #2 turned on (Swapping Caps and Control, and Win/Command and Alt/Option). Works perfectly.'

The only, and I mean ONLY, problem that I've found with this board is that I'm pretty sure there's absolutely no way to hit the Ctrl+Shift+Esc combo in Windows to bring up the Task Manager (as Shift+Esc send a ~ key).
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Thu, 02 May 2013, 12:21:53
well, you can always press ctrl + alt + del and then simply select task manager.  But I guess that defeats the purpose of hotkeys.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Thu, 02 May 2013, 12:54:17
well, you can always press ctrl + alt + del and then simply select task manager.  But I guess that defeats the purpose of hotkeys.
As a occasional Windows user I find that is needed a lot, they should have the Win key do that. :p
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: zoolzoo on Fri, 03 May 2013, 05:06:01
Any "easy" way to obtain this board?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Fri, 03 May 2013, 06:31:35
Any "easy" way to obtain this board?

Proxy it from Leopold.co.kr / Go to Japan / Korea and buy it there.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: BB__ on Fri, 03 May 2013, 10:19:07
Any "easy" way to obtain this board?

Proxy it from Leopold.co.kr / Go to Japan / Korea and buy it there.
http://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/Item.aspx?goodscode=353374845&pos_shop_cd=RC&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T

They ship international. Seems like they work like proxy shipping.
Still waiting mine. ;)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Fri, 03 May 2013, 10:20:06
Any "easy" way to obtain this board?

Proxy it from Leopold.co.kr / Go to Japan / Korea and buy it there.
http://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/Item.aspx?goodscode=353374845&pos_shop_cd=RC&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T

They ship international. Seems like they work like proxy shipping.
Still waiting mine. ;)

And Gmarket, my bad.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: geminimech on Fri, 03 May 2013, 10:25:22
There may or may not be a GB going on right now

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: zoolzoo on Sat, 04 May 2013, 05:20:50
Any "easy" way to obtain this board?

Proxy it from Leopold.co.kr / Go to Japan / Korea and buy it there.
http://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/Item.aspx?goodscode=353374845&pos_shop_cd=RC&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T

They ship international. Seems like they work like proxy shipping.
Still waiting mine. ;)

(http://i.imgur.com/meC1YyI.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/k78LTBN.png)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: BB__ on Sat, 04 May 2013, 06:47:15
Even more surprise after paying by Paypal. GMarket will ask you to send them passport and credit card image by email.  :mad: Not sure if it is safe or not.
From my location (mongolia), didn't found any other way get this keyboard.
Also seems like seller is from leopold he uses email from leopold.co.kr.

Used google translate.
Option is : Korean or English printed version
Additional Option: Red esc, key puller, purple wasd, etc.

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: zoolzoo on Sat, 04 May 2013, 07:14:14
I just got on boost's gb for this board. I would do the same before it fills up.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Yuuki on Sat, 04 May 2013, 07:45:14
Even more surprise after paying by Paypal. GMarket will ask you to send them passport and credit card image by email.  :mad: Not sure if it is safe or not.
From my location (mongolia), didn't found any other way get this keyboard.
Also seems like seller is from leopold he uses email from leopold.co.kr.

Used google translate.
Option is : Korean or English printed version
Additional Option: Red esc, key puller, purple wasd, etc.

It was the same for me and I sent them a scan of my ID. No problem after that. (ordered 2 rf)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Kmynis on Sat, 04 May 2013, 08:29:05


It was the same for me and I sent them a scan of my ID. No problem after that. (ordered 2 rf)
[/quote]

Did you have to pay any import tax? I'm also in EU and I'm seriously considering getting one. However I'm little afraid because once I bought a keyboard from PChome and some ****ers in customs put more tax than the keyboard is worth itself.


Credit card and ID are probably necessary to avoid carders.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Shuki on Sat, 04 May 2013, 10:46:10
Ordered a topre 55g from them, sent them a picture of my student ID. I can vouch for their validity.

For customs charges, all I can say in the UK it is luck of the draw. Unless its marked as gift, mostly you will incur a customs charge.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Sat, 04 May 2013, 11:17:04
Gmarket is one of the largest online shopping malls in Korea.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: mauri on Sat, 04 May 2013, 11:50:34
Unfortunately there are no iso 60% topres, even the tkls seem huge compared to filco tkl :{
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Kmynis on Sat, 04 May 2013, 12:13:30
Yeah, that's sad. The upper lip is ugly on rf. I wish it had a case like filco's-sharp and narrow.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Yuuki on Sat, 04 May 2013, 13:51:43


It was the same for me and I sent them a scan of my ID. No problem after that. (ordered 2 rf)

Did you have to pay any import tax? I'm also in EU and I'm seriously considering getting one. However I'm little afraid because once I bought a keyboard from PChome and some ****ers in customs put more tax than the keyboard is worth itself.


Credit card and ID are probably necessary to avoid carders.
[/quote]

nope didnt pay tax. Just a matter of luck so don't count on it
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Sat, 04 May 2013, 15:48:57
Quote
Did you have to pay any import tax? I'm also in EU and I'm seriously considering getting one. However I'm little afraid because once I bought a keyboard from PChome and some ****ers in customs put more tax than the keyboard is worth itself.

Sounds like a mess. This sort of stuff usually works even here, in Czechia (dear 'murricans, please, don't confuse it with Chechnya). You have to fill one or two forms, send them a screenshot of the eshop or your PayPal account, and that's it.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: mauri on Sat, 04 May 2013, 16:00:04
Quote
Did you have to pay any import tax? I'm also in EU and I'm seriously considering getting one. However I'm little afraid because once I bought a keyboard from PChome and some ****ers in customs put more tax than the keyboard is worth itself.

Sounds like a mess. This sort of stuff usually works even here, in Czechia (dear 'murricans, please, don't confuse it with Chechnya). You have to fill one or two forms, send them a screenshot of the eshop or your PayPal account, and that's it.

Sounds so strict, I haven't paid any taxes so far, I just lie about the price and even tho there have been receipts in the box it still worked (goods worth less than 22€ are not taxable)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Sat, 04 May 2013, 16:12:07
Quote
goods worth less than 22€ are not taxable

That applies EU-wide.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: mauri on Sat, 04 May 2013, 16:18:46
Quote
goods worth less than 22€ are not taxable

That applies EU-wide.

I've had packages come from states as well and i could be wrong but goods inside eu do not have import taxes o_o? that's one of the points of it

oh right, well still can't you lie bout the price? I'm not obligated to provide any documents, unless caught :d
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: davkol on Sat, 04 May 2013, 16:44:03
It's questionable whether it's ethical, or not, but the main reason why I don't lie about it is... laziness.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: mauri on Sat, 04 May 2013, 17:02:40
It's questionable whether it's ethical, or not, but the main reason why I don't lie about it is... laziness.

ethical? perhaps not, but economical? definitely. +20% is a lot.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: DaveyG on Sun, 05 May 2013, 10:04:49
No import duty in the U.K. but VAT is charge at 20% unless its marked as a gift, in which case you may not pay anything. Link may be useful to UK dwellers

http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/ (http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 05 May 2013, 12:47:02
What's the deal with custom fees?  Why do these impose such large fee?  Some sort of protectionist policy to stimulate buying from within the country?  Or is it just bureaucrats looking to fund their incompetent government agency (says a bureaucrat himself)?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 05 May 2013, 13:01:02
I believe it's an economic thing. Say somebody in the US buys some goods from some business in the UK. That's money actually leaving the US economy. So the US imposes import fees to try and recuperate some of those lost funds.

Trade/Import/Export tariffs are the oldest taxes in existence.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 05 May 2013, 20:23:20
I believe it's an economic thing. Say somebody in the US buys some goods from some business in the UK. That's money actually leaving the US economy. So the US imposes import fees to try and recuperate some of those lost funds.

Trade/Import/Export tariffs are the oldest taxes in existence.

Here's a more effective strategy to stimulate domestic business.  The customs people should send a notice to a domestic business that makes the product people have to import from a foreign business.  The notice will say:

"Your products are inferior to the manufacturer in country X.  Customers are increasingly buying from this foreign business.  Get your act together, make better stuff, and maybe you won't be losing so many customers."


Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 05 May 2013, 21:00:57
Lol. Nice thought, but pretty much impossible in practice.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: blakespot on Mon, 06 May 2013, 23:11:14
Odd. I ordered from GMarket a few days ago. They charged my card a few days later. I emailed to ask when it would ship (order says "pre-request" status) - they said held up due to my needing to send a photo of my ccard in (with some #'s obscured). I did that today...but they had charged my card already...

Seems...odd.



bp
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 06 May 2013, 23:21:35
Identity verification, most likely.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: BB__ on Tue, 07 May 2013, 02:46:32
Odd. I ordered from GMarket a few days ago. They charged my card a few days later. I emailed to ask when it would ship (order says "pre-request" status) - they said held up due to my needing to send a photo of my ccard in (with some #'s obscured). I did that today...but they had charged my card already...

Seems...odd.



bp

Same here. I was asked to send them my passport with credit card(only front side) photo but not separately. :confused:
After verification, they sent me confirmation mail.
Now it is delivered in domestic(1.7kg) and waiting for international shipping. :cool:
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: blakespot on Tue, 07 May 2013, 06:24:17
Ok --- GMARKET WARNING:

On April 29 I ordered an FC660C from GMarket.

I paid with my US Wells Fargo Visa credit card. On May 3rd I see the charge posted to my account on the Wells Fargo website.

I noticed, after this, that the order status still said "pre-request" and so I emailed to ask why. I received a response indicating that I had been sent an email asking for a photo of my ccard (with some #'s blocked out) for verification. I had not received any such email, but I went ahead and sent in the requested photo. I included my Visa card and my driver's license.

In the middle of the night I got an email saying thanks, the info will be sent on to the person in charge. 15 minutes later an email came indicating that my CANCELLATION is complete. The order has been cancelled.

That's the order that they successfully charged me for days ago. So they have my money, and I have no keyboard coming.

There is nothing strange about my credit, I am not on some list of people who has worked a scam at any point, etc. That card was charged days ago.

So -- BEWARE OF GMARKET, folks.

I am going to get on the group order list here -- I want a damned FC600C! -- and in the event that GMarket does deliver what I paid for already, I will sell it here or on eBay to someone in need of that model.

I thought folks here would appreciate my story. I will post an update if I see my charge credited (it's not happened yet).




bp
http://blakespot.com
Title: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 07 May 2013, 07:20:04

Ok --- GMARKET WARNING:

On April 29 I ordered an FC660C from GMarket.

I paid with my US Wells Fargo Visa credit card. On May 3rd I see the charge posted to my account on the Wells Fargo website.

I noticed, after this, that the order status still said "pre-request" and so I emailed to ask why. I received a response indicating that I had been sent an email asking for a photo of my ccard (with some #'s blocked out) for verification. I had not received any such email, but I went ahead and sent in the requested photo. I included my Visa card and my driver's license.

In the middle of the night I got an email saying thanks, the info will be sent on to the person in charge. 15 minutes later an email came indicating that my CANCELLATION is complete. The order has been cancelled.

That's the order that they successfully charged me for days ago. So they have my money, and I have no keyboard coming.

There is nothing strange about my credit, I am not on some list of people who has worked a scam at any point, etc. That card was charged days ago.

So -- BEWARE OF GMARKET, folks.

I am going to get on the group order list here -- I want a damned FC600C! -- and in the event that GMarket does deliver what I paid for already, I will sell it here or on eBay to someone in need of that model.

I thought folks here would appreciate my story. I will post an update if I see my charge credited (it's not happened yet).




bp
http://blakespot.com

Thanks for sharing. I was considering ordering from there until Boost came through. You going to WWDC?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Macsmasher on Tue, 07 May 2013, 07:28:57
Sounds like Gmarket is like when I buy my Viagra from India. It's cheap and eventually gets here.

I put in with the group buy, so I'm on board.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: geminimech on Tue, 07 May 2013, 07:30:28
Even if anyone misses out on the GB, just hang tight for a month or two.  EliteKeyboards popped into a Reddit thread and said that they would indeed have this board sooner rather than later.  They mentioned how this was a pretty closely guarded secret and that most vendors weren't even aware of it until about 2 weeks before it was available.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: brainT on Tue, 07 May 2013, 07:40:19
Even if anyone misses out on the GB, just hang tight for a month or two.  EliteKeyboards popped into a Reddit thread and said that they would indeed have this board sooner rather than later.  They mentioned how this was a pretty closely guarded secret and that most vendors weren't even aware of it until about 2 weeks before it was available.

This makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Very good news indeed.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Tue, 07 May 2013, 08:46:07
Ok --- GMARKET WARNING:

On April 29 I ordered an FC660C from GMarket.

I paid with my US Wells Fargo Visa credit card. On May 3rd I see the charge posted to my account on the Wells Fargo website.

I noticed, after this, that the order status still said "pre-request" and so I emailed to ask why. I received a response indicating that I had been sent an email asking for a photo of my ccard (with some #'s blocked out) for verification. I had not received any such email, but I went ahead and sent in the requested photo. I included my Visa card and my driver's license.

In the middle of the night I got an email saying thanks, the info will be sent on to the person in charge. 15 minutes later an email came indicating that my CANCELLATION is complete. The order has been cancelled.

That's the order that they successfully charged me for days ago. So they have my money, and I have no keyboard coming.

There is nothing strange about my credit, I am not on some list of people who has worked a scam at any point, etc. That card was charged days ago.

So -- BEWARE OF GMARKET, folks.

I am going to get on the group order list here -- I want a damned FC600C! -- and in the event that GMarket does deliver what I paid for already, I will sell it here or on eBay to someone in need of that model.

I thought folks here would appreciate my story. I will post an update if I see my charge credited (it's not happened yet).




bp
http://blakespot.com

My condolences. I would flip out if this happened to me.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: mauri on Tue, 07 May 2013, 09:27:49
Totally irrelevant, but what size is realforces spacebar? 6.25?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KuhnTang on Tue, 07 May 2013, 11:47:56
Dude, why don't you just call your credit card company for a refund.  Go into dispute and you get your money back right away.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ktownhero on Tue, 07 May 2013, 15:37:24
Dude, why don't you just call your credit card company for a refund.  Go into dispute and you get your money back right away.

Amen.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Tue, 07 May 2013, 16:25:58
Sorry to hear about gMarket dude.. Personally I don't think I'd ever feel comfortable sending a photo of my CC or ID to a company in another country. That GB is almost at 30!

Great news about Elite Keyboards too!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Wed, 08 May 2013, 00:09:07
Interesting that no one has mentioned that this Leopold is made in China...

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&ie=UTF-8&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leopold.co.kr%2F%3Fdoc%3Dcart%2Flist.php%26ca_id%3D104009

Click on "Black English Leopold FC660C" - "Place of Origin" is on right.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Wed, 08 May 2013, 00:12:43
Personally, I don't find this a negative, but I thought it worth mentioning.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: sth on Wed, 08 May 2013, 00:17:13
Ok --- GMARKET WARNING:

On April 29 I ordered an FC660C from GMarket.

I paid with my US Wells Fargo Visa credit card. On May 3rd I see the charge posted to my account on the Wells Fargo website.

I noticed, after this, that the order status still said "pre-request" and so I emailed to ask why. I received a response indicating that I had been sent an email asking for a photo of my ccard (with some #'s blocked out) for verification. I had not received any such email, but I went ahead and sent in the requested photo. I included my Visa card and my driver's license.

In the middle of the night I got an email saying thanks, the info will be sent on to the person in charge. 15 minutes later an email came indicating that my CANCELLATION is complete. The order has been cancelled.

That's the order that they successfully charged me for days ago. So they have my money, and I have no keyboard coming.

There is nothing strange about my credit, I am not on some list of people who has worked a scam at any point, etc. That card was charged days ago.

So -- BEWARE OF GMARKET, folks.

I am going to get on the group order list here -- I want a damned FC600C! -- and in the event that GMarket does deliver what I paid for already, I will sell it here or on eBay to someone in need of that model.

I thought folks here would appreciate my story. I will post an update if I see my charge credited (it's not happened yet).




bp
http://blakespot.com

hahahaha you sent a picture of a credit card to someone?

rest assured no legit vendor will EVER require that
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Wed, 08 May 2013, 00:17:54
Don't mind one bit. I find the build quality superb, so it could be built in Abu Dhabi for all I care. But thanks for the tip :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Wed, 08 May 2013, 00:18:23
A little lower down, above the model's head, there is this:

"Designed by Leopold (Korea).  Inspected in Japan
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Wed, 08 May 2013, 00:22:24
Don't mind one bit. I find the build quality superb, so it could be built in Abu Dhabi for all I care. But thanks for the tip :)

Agree with you 100%
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Wed, 08 May 2013, 01:09:59
Interesting that no one has mentioned that this Leopold is made in China...

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&ie=UTF-8&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leopold.co.kr%2F%3Fdoc%3Dcart%2Flist.php%26ca_id%3D104009 (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&ie=UTF-8&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leopold.co.kr%2F%3Fdoc%3Dcart%2Flist.php%26ca_id%3D104009)

Click on "Black English Leopold FC660C" - "Place of Origin" is on right.


Actually I did. But nobody likes to read through 12 pages so I understand.


Page 3:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42300.msg851031#msg851031 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42300.msg851031#msg851031)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: BB__ on Thu, 09 May 2013, 08:26:50
After quite bit hassle from GMarket, at least got it.
Not sure I'm liking it or not lol. Definitely feels different from MX boards.  :cool:
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: geminimech on Thu, 09 May 2013, 08:30:19
Not sure I'm liking it or not lol. Definitely feels different from MX boards.

That was my initial feeling of Topre switches.  They felt slow and muddy.  Give it a few days. You almost have to learn how to glide on the keys, instead of hammering them like you might Browns/Blues.



Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: flacman on Thu, 09 May 2013, 08:42:47
To people who've actually received their boards, is the key texture anything like what's found on the HHKB? or is it rougher?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Shuki on Thu, 09 May 2013, 09:12:21
http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=42300.0;attach=21564;image

In the second picture how come the leo looks the same size as the tkl board? Some sort of optical illusion?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: iMav on Thu, 09 May 2013, 09:21:20

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Good.  AFAIC, the HHKB layout is one of (if not THE) best layouts available.  There is nothing I don't like about it.  The switch is of secondary importance to me (topre capacitives aren't my favorite, but I do like them)...Combined with that layout, the keyboard is tough to beat.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: SmallFry on Thu, 09 May 2013, 09:39:03

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Good.  AFAIC, the HHKB layout is one of (if not THE) best layouts available.  There is nothing I don't like about it.  The switch is of secondary importance to me (topre capacitives aren't my favorite, but I do like them)...Combined with that layout, the keyboard is tough to beat.

GHHKB FTW!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: BB__ on Thu, 09 May 2013, 10:07:14
http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=42300.0;attach=21564;image

In the second picture how come the leo looks the same size as the tkl board? Some sort of optical illusion?
Because of angle. Quite smaller than Filco TKL.

To people who've actually received their boards, is the key texture anything like what's found on the HHKB? or is it rougher?
No idea. First topre first board.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Shuki on Thu, 09 May 2013, 10:10:25
Looks amazing tbh, I wonder if I could adapt to having to use a modifier for escape and the f-row. You can have the fn key on the left I assume?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: BB__ on Thu, 09 May 2013, 10:40:35
Looks amazing tbh, I wonder if I could adapt to having to use a modifier for escape and the f-row. You can have the fn key on the left I assume?

Using DIP switch, you can have left fn key.
But it was uncomfortable for me to use like win+alt+4 to alt+f4.
Using AHK changed capslock+alt+4 to alt+f4. Much better  :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 09 May 2013, 14:25:06
After quite bit hassle from GMarket, at least got it.
Not sure I'm liking it or not lol. Definitely feels different from MX boards.  :cool:

Forget pictures of the board.  I want pictures of Mongolia.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: TreeSc2 on Thu, 09 May 2013, 15:55:20
thats awesomeee haha
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Thu, 09 May 2013, 18:27:52

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Good.  AFAIC, the HHKB layout is one of (if not THE) best layouts available.  There is nothing I don't like about it.  The switch is of secondary importance to me (topre capacitives aren't my favorite, but I do like them)...Combined with that layout, the keyboard is tough to beat.
The HHKB sets the 60% standard that others will be judged against. I believe it will remain one of the best of the 60% form factor, and retain its popularity. With all the new sixty some key models lately it will remain my personal favorite.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Thu, 09 May 2013, 18:47:33
I would love to get the Leopold topre but i am not selling my HHKB. I love it and the size is perfect.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: caiges on Thu, 09 May 2013, 19:26:34
Different. :-\
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: sth on Thu, 09 May 2013, 23:41:22

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Good.  AFAIC, the HHKB layout is one of (if not THE) best layouts available.  There is nothing I don't like about it.  The switch is of secondary importance to me (topre capacitives aren't my favorite, but I do like them)...Combined with that layout, the keyboard is tough to beat.

yeah, i hope this is the case so I can snag another hhkb at some point, but i have a feeling at this price point, the 660C might be a jumping off point for people new to topre who may go on to try more expensive boards.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: zoolzoo on Sat, 11 May 2013, 09:51:24
Interesting that no one has mentioned that this Leopold is made in China...

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&ie=UTF-8&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leopold.co.kr%2F%3Fdoc%3Dcart%2Flist.php%26ca_id%3D104009

Click on "Black English Leopold FC660C" - "Place of Origin" is on right.

Using mine right now, build quality is excellent.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sat, 11 May 2013, 23:23:08
Been using mine since 4/29. This thing is rock solid.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: blakespot on Sat, 18 May 2013, 15:14:09
I'm in the states and have had my Leopold FC660C for a few days, now. I made a little typing video and tried to get the audio as clear as possible. I think it turned out pretty well. FYI.





bp
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sat, 18 May 2013, 15:32:19
That's hella clear. What mic you use?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ktownhero on Sat, 18 May 2013, 22:02:50
Got mine from EK yesterday, great little board.  I wish it came with a red esc key at least, but whatever I'll just use the one from my 87U which is going to be coming home now.  I think this layout is pretty much the perfect balance between wanting a Unix-power user layout without getting too far off course of being standard.  At the end of the day, it is nice to have arrow keys on the rare occasion that I'm using something that doesn't accept Vi commands. 

It's also nice that it comes with actual ctrl/caps lock replacement keys for when you swap.  That way I won't have to tell somebody EVERY time they use my keyboard that the keys are swapped, they can just look themselves :P.  The typing is crisp and clear, and I look forward to taking it to work and giving it the real test.  I'll tell you that for sure the keystrokes are much more crisp than my 87U silent variable, but that isn't to say that it's necessarily better.  The 87U's silence is golden when you need it.  I think I like them in their own ways, but equally overall. 

The build quality is very nice, the only odd thing I've noticed is that the the enter and backspace keys have a different high-pitched pinging sound than the rest of the keys on the board.  The other keys have the infamous "thock" of Topre switches.  I assume the different sound on the enter/backspace is intentional though.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ktownhero on Sat, 18 May 2013, 22:05:25
dp
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sat, 18 May 2013, 22:36:20
The build quality is very nice, the only odd thing I've noticed is that the the enter and backspace keys have a different high-pitched pinging sound than the rest of the keys on the board.  I assume this is intentional though.

I wouldn't say intentional, but it's probably due to the stabilizers.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Sat, 18 May 2013, 22:38:10
Yeah i noticed that sound on those keys as well. It doesn't bother me but the HHKB does sound better to me. It's a little louder and their bigger keys don't make a high pitched sound. With that being said, i really love the Leopold and am definitely using it more than my HHKB.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ktownhero on Sun, 19 May 2013, 01:45:47
oops, quoted myself instead of editing.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: zoolzoo on Sun, 19 May 2013, 04:39:08
My 660C is in my bag for travel this morning. Got my MX Blue board hooked up atm, and I gotta say these switches feel trashy in comparison now. Its like, Topre is my trophy wife and I just met these MX Blues in the back of a strip club........little rough around the edges but they will do. New Topre dude here...daedrid you can ring the bell or whatever type of ceremony you do upon a successful conversion. hahah
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Sun, 19 May 2013, 04:47:46
My 660C is in my bag for travel this morning. Got my MX Blue board hooked up atm, and I gotta say these switches feel trashy in comparison now. Its like, Topre is my trophy wife and I just met these MX Blues in the back of a strip club........little rough around the edges but they will do. New Topre dude here...daedrid you can ring the bell or whatever type of ceremony you do upon a successful conversion. hahah

ROFL!!! daedrid and I are doing a little trade, in which I get to borrow his FC660C for a few days. Can anyone give me a good comparison between properly lubed ergo clears (Springs & Stems) and 45g Topre? I already think unlubed MX switches feel like trash, so I'm kinda with you zoolzoo, but lubed ergo clears feel amazing! I was going to start a thread about this asking for comparisons from people who have owned both, but I'll have his board in a few days and will find out for sure then. In the meantime, anyone willing to share opinions? :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sun, 19 May 2013, 05:40:03
Can anyone give me a good comparison between properly lubed ergo clears (Springs & Stems) and 45g Topre?

The tactile bump from ergo-clears is more towards the middle, and at one smaller point. Once you press through this point, you can stop without bottoming out and allow the switch to reset. There is a more clear separation where the bump is, and where it's linear.

Topre has the tactile "bump" at the very top, and you feel it as soon as you press the switch. This bump is over a larger interval of the key press. Actuation is still in the middle, but because of the longer interval of this tactile region, it forces you to bottom out after this bump. It's near impossible to "float type" and stop right after the actuation point. The switch is tactile, yet linear because there is no clear separation where the linear region vs tactile region is (let's see a topre virgin get your mind around that  ^-^ ). Unlubed Topre feel as slick as carefully lubed MX.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: dndlmx on Sun, 19 May 2013, 06:37:46
Unlubed Topre feel as slick as carefully lubed MX.

What's lubed Topre feel like, ecstasy?  ^-^
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Sun, 19 May 2013, 08:11:13
The tactile bump from ergo-clears is more towards the middle, and at one smaller point. Once you press through this point, you can stop without bottoming out and allow the switch to reset. There is a more clear separation where the bump is, and where it's linear.

Topre has the tactile "bump" at the very top, and you feel it as soon as you press the switch. This bump is over a larger interval of the key press. Actuation is still in the middle, but because of the longer interval of this tactile region, it forces you to bottom out after this bump. It's near impossible to "float type" and stop right after the actuation point. The switch is tactile, yet linear because there is no clear separation where the linear region vs tactile region is (let's see a topre virgin get your mind around that  ^-^ ). Unlubed Topre feel as slick as carefully lubed MX.

Thanks so much for the well thought out reply! I already had a general idea of what to expect from reading/searching, but your explanation really put everything into perspective. The only thing I'm disliking is the inability to "float type", so I'll have to practice (lol). I'm fairly confident I can type on a Topre without bottoming out very much, although it sounds like I might fail to actuate while trying to learn how to do so.

Anyway, Thanks again. I'm going to go search all posts by you that have "Topre" in them lol.

Edit - Never mind, only 16 posts from you with that combo :p

What's lubed Topre feel like, ecstasy?  ^-^

Please tell us! I didn't even know this was possible, but it makes sense with them having springs :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Polymer on Sun, 19 May 2013, 08:43:57
Thanks so much for the well thought out reply! I already had a general idea of what to expect from reading/searching, but your explanation really put everything into perspective. The only thing I'm disliking is the inability to "float type", so I'll have to practice (lol). I'm fairly confident I can type on a Topre without bottoming out very much, although it sounds like I might fail to actuate while trying to learn how to do so.

It is not worth trying to float type on Topre...unless you have all 30g Topre, you'll basically find it impossible to do...There are no advantages to it and your speed will take a huge hit.  Bottoming out on Topre is actually quite enjoyable....
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Sun, 19 May 2013, 08:49:09
It is not worth trying to float type on Topre...unless you have all 30g Topre, you'll basically find it impossible to do...There are no advantages to it and your speed will take a huge hit.  Bottoming out on Topre is actually quite enjoyable....

You may very well be right, but I'm a very light, almost self conscious typist. I'll take your advice and try to enjoy bottoming out :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: laffindude on Sun, 19 May 2013, 08:55:50
So.... ABS Spacebar?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Sun, 19 May 2013, 08:57:47
So.... ABS Spacebar?

Yes - http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43661.msg897035#msg897035
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Sun, 19 May 2013, 09:05:35
OK, I'm sure that someone probably covered this "somewhere", but how does the feel of the FC660C (which I have) compare to a Realforce 87U (all 45g)?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Sun, 19 May 2013, 09:07:05
OK, I'm sure that someone probably covered this "somewhere", but how does the feel of the FC660C (which I have) compare to a Realforce 87U (all 45g)?

I think daedrid said that he prefers the FC660C over the 45g Realforce because it doesn't feel mushy.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Sun, 19 May 2013, 09:09:04
OK, I'm sure that someone probably covered this "somewhere", but how does the feel of the FC660C (which I have) compare to a Realforce 87U (all 45g)?

I think daedrid said that he prefers the FC660C over the 45g Realforce because it doesn't feel mushy.

So the FC660C might be closer,in feel, to Realforce 87U (all 55G)?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Sun, 19 May 2013, 09:15:55
OK, I'm sure that someone probably covered this "somewhere", but how does the feel of the FC660C (which I have) compare to a Realforce 87U (all 45g)?

I think daedrid said that he prefers the FC660C over the 45g Realforce because it doesn't feel mushy.

So the FC660C might be closer,in feel, to Realforce 87U (all 55G)?

I'm going to assume that it feels a bit more like a HHKB than a Realforce 87u 55g because they're both 45g weighted. You would have to ask daedrid or someone that actually owns all three if the FC660c feels closer to a 45g Realforce or a 55g Realforce, I wouldn't know, sorry.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AJCarrington on Sun, 19 May 2013, 09:19:14
Also confirmed in the product description on EK's site.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Sun, 19 May 2013, 11:16:09
I had the Realforce 45 and i didn't like it because it felt mushy. I prefer the HHKB 45 over the Leopold because it is a little louder but it's really difficult to notice the difference. The Leopold topre is an excellent keyboard and the price is reasonable. I still would never trade my HHKB for a Leopold if i had to choose though. If you already have a HHKB and are used to the nondedicated arrow keys, i wouldn't really bother.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Sun, 19 May 2013, 11:31:40
Subjectivity is a big part of things so really in the end no one's opinions matter as much as yours.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 19 May 2013, 12:24:25
I'm always curious why so that extra "d" gets put in my nick so often :-P

I agree with the above poster about the 45g RF, although I'd probably use the term "loose" more than "mushy". The heavier weight Topres have a quicker more responsive upstroke, which gives a crisper feel.  It' definitely feels more like a HHKB than a Realforce while typing. More solid though. The construction is top notch, and there's no looseness that I always felt the 45g RF had a bit of.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sun, 19 May 2013, 12:29:27
I think I have decided to sell my RF 87u 55 for one of these bad boys, I was really torn about getting either a 87u or HHKB back when I made the purchase in March.  I didn't want to get used to the lack of dedicated arrow keys, but loved the compact form factor of the HHKB.  This model just seems to bring the best of both worlds!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sun, 19 May 2013, 16:12:06
It's near impossible to "float type" and stop right after the actuation point.

The only thing I'm disliking is the inability to "float type", so I'll have to practice (lol). I'm fairly confident I can type on a Topre without bottoming out very much, although it sounds like I might fail to actuate while trying to learn how to do so.

When you try to do this float type on these switches, you'll be fighting against your own fingers and the inherent properties of the rubber cup. It takes a certain amount of force to start moving the keys downward, but once you've overcome this force barrier, it's going to push all the way through to the bottom. Under normal typing conditions, there are only 2 discrete key positions; resting or bottom-out. You can artificially slowly press it down halfway to test it, but no one types like this.

I'm giving this FC660C a fair 5 days of typing, but still not use to being forced to bottom-out. My typing speed had a noticeable decrease because of this.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Sun, 19 May 2013, 16:16:33
It's near impossible to "float type" and stop right after the actuation point.

The only thing I'm disliking is the inability to "float type", so I'll have to practice (lol). I'm fairly confident I can type on a Topre without bottoming out very much, although it sounds like I might fail to actuate while trying to learn how to do so.

When you try to do this float type on these switches, you'll be fighting against your own fingers and the inherent properties of the rubber cup. It takes a certain amount of force to start moving the keys downward, but once you've overcome this force barrier, it's going to push all the way through to the bottom. Under normal typing conditions, there are only 2 discrete key positions; resting or bottom-out. You can artificially slowly press it down halfway to test it, but no one types like this.

I'm giving this FC660C a fair 5 days of typing, but still not use to being forced to bottom-out. My typing speed had a noticeable decrease because of this.

Topre requires a different typing technique compared to cherry.  I find myself typing faster on topre if I immediately release the switch once I overcome the initial tactile bump in the switch.  It's hard to describe but you almost have to stab at the switches, unlike cherry where you can more or less press the switch. 

Hope I'm making sense.

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sun, 19 May 2013, 16:20:47
WFD - Definitely give it a week or 2. It's a completely different mechanism, so it requires some learning to get optimal WPM. You don't have to bottom out, but I usually do just because I am a heavy typer. But if I try, I can definitely keep from bottoming out on my 55g RF. As for the HHKB, I think I just enjoy bottoming out on it. Just the acoustics are what makes it a pleasure to do so.


I think if you give it some time, and use it as your daily driver, you will like it. Or you just wont. It's a love or hate thing :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Sun, 19 May 2013, 16:26:27
Topre requires a different typing technique compared to cherry.  I find myself typing faster on topre if I immediately release the switch once I overcome the initial tactile bump in the switch.  It's hard to describe but you almost have to stab at the switches, unlike cherry where you can more or less press the switch. 

I think I'm understanding you correctly. That just means you're pressing it with just enough force to overcome to tactile bump, so you bottom out very softly, but regardless, it still bottoms out before resetting. Right? This is how I'm typing right now. Most of the noise is from the keys springing back up, very little is from it hitting the bottom (although it still happens).
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Sun, 19 May 2013, 17:04:30
Topre requires a different typing technique compared to cherry.  I find myself typing faster on topre if I immediately release the switch once I overcome the initial tactile bump in the switch.  It's hard to describe but you almost have to stab at the switches, unlike cherry where you can more or less press the switch. 

I think I'm understanding you correctly. That just means you're pressing it with just enough force to overcome to tactile bump, so you bottom out very softly, but regardless, it still bottoms out before resetting. Right? This is how I'm typing right now. Most of the noise is from the keys springing back up, very little is from it hitting the bottom (although it still happens).

Yeah that about sums it up.  I'm not consciously trying to type without bottoming out though.  With the quick stabbing motion, it's more about letting the topre switch's spring return the key after actuation rather than the typer lifting his/her finger...oness with cupped rubber as they say.  Perhaps this is more relevant on the 55g topres as opposed to the 45g topres.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Sun, 19 May 2013, 17:07:38
Perhaps this is more relevant on the 55g topres as opposed to the 45g topres.


This is definitely the case. The heavier weight of the 55g kind of snaps you back. I don't get that with the 45g.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 19 May 2013, 17:55:40
It's a very unique feel and very unique typing style. I am definitely faster on something like Cherry browns, but nowhere near as comfortable and relaxed, which I'll take over speed any day of the week.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sun, 19 May 2013, 20:54:31
It's a very unique feel and very unique typing style. I am definitely faster on something like Cherry browns, but nowhere near as comfortable and relaxed, which I'll take over speed any day of the week.
Have you switched over to the Leopold as your daily driver, or do you kind of alternate between that and the 55g?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 19 May 2013, 21:32:11
I've been using it as my daily since 5/1, but today I went back to the 55g because I'm letting Jocelyn borrow my Leo for a week.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Mon, 20 May 2013, 02:32:35
I've been using it as my daily since 5/1, but today I went back to the 55g because I'm letting Jocelyn borrow my Leo for a week.

aaaaannnnnndddddddddddd.............??

Edit: stupid emoticons ????????
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Mon, 20 May 2013, 04:56:14
I've been using it as my daily since 5/1, but today I went back to the 55g because I'm letting Jocelyn borrow my Leo for a week.

Seriously... cool story bro. And what else?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Mon, 20 May 2013, 05:05:45
Sound test on mine. I tried to isolate the noise that's generated only from bottom-out, and noise only from the keys popping back up. They have different sound signatures. During the actual typing test, most of the chattering noise are from the keys popping back up, very little is from bottoming out because I'm a pretty light typer (although they all do bottom out). Any clicking you hear in the background is from my gf typing on mx whites. I didn't think the mic would actually pic those up, so don't mind those.

Mic was a Audio-Technica ATR-3350




Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 20 May 2013, 11:24:14
I've been using it as my daily since 5/1, but today I went back to the 55g because I'm letting Jocelyn borrow my Leo for a week.

aaaaannnnnndddddddddddd.............??

Edit: stupid emoticons ????????

I've been using it as my daily since 5/1, but today I went back to the 55g because I'm letting Jocelyn borrow my Leo for a week.

Seriously... cool story bro. And what else?


?!?!? What do you mean? Somebody asked a question and I provided an answer. I'm confused :(
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Mon, 20 May 2013, 11:48:48
He's just being WFD. Don't worry
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Mon, 20 May 2013, 12:07:40
I've been using it as my daily since 5/1, but today I went back to the 55g because I'm letting Jocelyn borrow my Leo for a week.

aaaaannnnnndddddddddddd.............??

Edit: stupid emoticons ????????

I've been using it as my daily since 5/1, but today I went back to the 55g because I'm letting Jocelyn borrow my Leo for a week.

Seriously... cool story bro. And what else?


?!?!? What do you mean? Somebody asked a question and I provided an answer. I'm confused :(

I'm REALLY surprised you didn't get his post. I think it had to do with him sending me his FC660C instead of you lol
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ktownhero on Mon, 20 May 2013, 12:23:56
Discovered my first complaint with this keyboard: since the legs are rubberized they stick and when they stick they like to fold under when you move the keyboard forward.  I don't know what it is, but I tend to make minor adjustments to my keyboard all day.  I'll get used to it though :) 

Minor gripe. 
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: whiteduck on Mon, 20 May 2013, 12:43:10
Discovered my first complaint with this keyboard: since the legs are rubberized they stick and when they stick they like to fold under when you move the keyboard forward.  I don't know what it is, but I tend to make minor adjustments to my keyboard all day.  I'll get used to it though :) 

Minor gripe. 

I'm also apparently a compulsive keyboard shifter and am noticing this issue... =/
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 20 May 2013, 15:01:54
I'm REALLY surprised you didn't get his post. I think it had to do with him sending me his FC660C instead of you lol

Ahhhh ok. I think it was the one-two punch of the previous post followed by WFD's that threw me.

And as to the rubber feet, I for one think that's a bonus feature, not a gripe :) but to each their own
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Mon, 20 May 2013, 15:24:24
The rubber feet are a big bonus over the HHKB. That keyboard slides all around on my laptop so i had to purchase something to make it stick. It still doesn't hold well. The Leopold holds extremely well. In fact, it is one of the best i have had in regards to staying put on top of my laptop keyboard.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Mon, 20 May 2013, 15:58:44
I'm REALLY surprised you didn't get his post. I think it had to do with him sending me his FC660C instead of you lol

Ahhhh ok. I think it was the one-two punch of the previous post followed by WFD's that threw me.


Lol, well what I was asking was now that you've been using it for 3 weeks, and have jumped back to the RF55g again - any more comparisons to add here? ;D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Mon, 20 May 2013, 17:45:21
I'm REALLY surprised you didn't get his post. I think it had to do with him sending me his FC660C instead of you lol

Ahhhh ok. I think it was the one-two punch of the previous post followed by WFD's that threw me.

And as to the rubber feet, I for one think that's a bonus feature, not a gripe :) but to each their own


C'mon daerid. Quit keeping us in suspense.  What's your opinion on the RF vs. HHKB vs. F660c.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Mon, 20 May 2013, 17:46:50
I'm REALLY surprised you didn't get his post. I think it had to do with him sending me his FC660C instead of you lol

Ahhhh ok. I think it was the one-two punch of the previous post followed by WFD's that threw me.

And as to the rubber feet, I for one think that's a bonus feature, not a gripe :) but to each their own


C'mon daerid. Quit keeping us in suspense.  What's your opinion on the RF vs. HHKB vs. F660c.
Yes!! This!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 20 May 2013, 18:42:57
Oh, lol.. I thought I had made my thoughts clear in several other posts, but now I can't seem to find them. Not to worry, I'll just summarize here once and for all.

The Happy Hacking Keyboard Keyboard (HHKB)

Pros:

Cons:


Realforce 87U 45g

Pros:

Cons:


Realforce 87U 55g

Pros:

Cons:

Leopold FC660C (The new kid)

Pros:

Cons:


I'll be happy to answer any specific questions anybody might have about the above mentioned boards. Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Mon, 20 May 2013, 18:43:43
Amazing comparison, thanks for doing this!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: phetto on Mon, 20 May 2013, 18:46:11
sweet daerid :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 20 May 2013, 18:48:32
Very good comparison!  I've had all of those boards except the 55g (which I've typed on) and I'm almost exactly point-to-point in agreement.

Quote
Fn+Arrow keys double as page up, page down, home and end in a super intuitive way
I had no clue about this though! Thanks! :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Mon, 20 May 2013, 18:54:39
Sticky!!  ;D Cheers Daerid
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Mon, 20 May 2013, 18:57:58

Great write-up, daerid. I agree for the most part. The only parts I disagree on is mostly HHKB-related. I never got the sensation of the HHKB feeling fragile. It feels pretty damned solid to me. Once I learned the layout, and my muscle memory adapted, it wasn't an issue using arrows or the backspace. In fact, I dislike swapping between the RF and the HHKB just because of the backspace being so far from my pinky on the RF.

Just keep in mind that topre switches have a break in, and will feel different after some time. So while the Leo might feel crisp and fresh, give it a good month and come back and publish your thoughts :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Mon, 20 May 2013, 19:00:00

Great write-up, daerid. I agree for the most part. The only parts I disagree on is mostly HHKB-related. I never got the sensation of the HHKB feeling fragile. It feels pretty damned solid to me. Once I learned the layout, and my muscle memory adapted, it wasn't an issue using arrows or the backspace. In fact, I dislike swapping between the RF and the HHKB just because of the backspace being so far from my pinky on the RF.

Just keep in mind that topre switches have a break in, and will feel different after some time. So while the Leo might feel crisp and fresh, give it a good month and come back and publish your thoughts :)

Hasn't daerid had his 660C for a month already? I remember him having it before the GB even started.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Mon, 20 May 2013, 19:01:09


Hasn't daerid had his 660C for a month already? I remember him having it before the GB even started.


I believe he has had it since 5/1
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 20 May 2013, 19:16:51
Yeah, it's been about 3 weeks. And it has loosened up a bit, but it still feels fairly crisp. And actually that 5/1 date is wrong, the actual date is 4/29 (Monday).
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Mon, 20 May 2013, 19:54:11
Daerid, that was such an awesome breakdown of the boards. Thanks so much!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: phetto on Mon, 20 May 2013, 19:57:19
you should grab a topre board, philly
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Mon, 20 May 2013, 20:18:08
you should grab a topre board, philly
I already have a 660C ordered, it's gonna be tough waiting until there back in stock!  :D  I guess i'll just have to get by watching youtube typing videos.  I can't tell you guys how many times I've been ridiculed by friends when I'm caught watching typing test videos on youtube, haha.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Mon, 20 May 2013, 20:29:39
Daerid, you forgot to publish your review of the other Topre keyboard, the µTron keyboard.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Mon, 20 May 2013, 20:36:51
Daerid, you forgot to publish your review of the other Topre keyboard, the µTron keyboard.


The Oooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh-tron
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 20 May 2013, 20:37:41
Daerid, you forgot to publish your review of the other Topre keyboard, the µTron keyboard.

I don't have one and have never used one (soon to be rectified I hope!!!)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: phetto on Mon, 20 May 2013, 20:39:14
Grab one, heard that they are extremely cheap
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: vivalarevolución on Mon, 20 May 2013, 21:01:23
Daerid, you forgot to publish your review of the other Topre keyboard, the µTron keyboard.

I don't have one and have never used one (soon to be rectified I hope!!!)

Me too.  I've started a µTron savings fund.  The µTron invasion is upon us.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Mon, 20 May 2013, 21:33:26
you should grab a topre board, philly
I already have a 660C ordered, it's gonna be tough waiting until there back in stock!  :D  I guess i'll just have to get by watching youtube typing videos.  I can't tell you guys how many times I've been ridiculed by friends when I'm caught watching typing test videos on youtube, haha.

I was ALMOST caught today at work watching a typing video. I heard footsteps just in time and changed my website from YouTube to WebMD. Now i am just a hypochondriac.  ;D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 10:01:13
Some HHKB users have had commented about board sliding about, I have found a cheap fix by using some self stick 3M rubber pads I found at Michael's craft store. They are very grippy on most surfaces for less than $5 USD. 
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Michael on Tue, 21 May 2013, 10:02:51


I was ALMOST caught today at work watching a typing video. I heard footsteps just in time and changed my website from YouTube to WebMD. Now i am just a hypochondriac.  ;D


You're a closet keyboarder :P
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Tue, 21 May 2013, 10:08:17
I was ALMOST caught today at work watching a typing video. I heard footsteps just in time and changed my website from YouTube to WebMD. Now i am just a hypochondriac.  ;D

I get all super defensive about it and almost dare people to make fun of me when I get caught watching a typing video.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Tue, 21 May 2013, 10:17:21
Some HHKB users have had commented about board sliding about, I have found a cheap fix by using some self stick 3M rubber pads I found at Michael's craft store. They are very grippy on most surfaces for less than $5 USD. 

I have used silicone buds similar to these on a couple of my keyboards (Matias SilentPro and Unicomp Ultra Classic).  They work great, but if you often want or need to move your keyboard, you actually have to lift the board...  You can't slide the board.  This may be a problem, I think, mainly for small board users, which seem to like mobility.  In fact, I think the designers of the HHKB had this in mind.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Shuki on Tue, 21 May 2013, 10:52:04
If I am about to get caught watching a typing video I usually alt tab to some hardcore porn to save myself the embarrassment.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Tue, 21 May 2013, 10:53:36
It's true. Porn is more acceptable these days than a keyboard fetish


aaaaaaaaaaand thread officially derailed
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: blakespot on Tue, 21 May 2013, 17:33:24
My blog post about my new Leopold FC660C:

http://www.bytecellar.com/2013/05/21/regarding-keyboards-and-a-new-favorite-the-leopold-fc660c/




bp
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Shuki on Tue, 21 May 2013, 18:57:04
What is that cable holder and those things that look like glow-in-the-dark cups?

Nice video btw.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:27:23
Nice blogpost Blake!

Also, added a lil color to mine...



[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:32:58
Nice blogpost Blake!

Also, added a lil color to mine...



(Attachment Link)
That looks great!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:33:30
That looks great! Nice hand models you've got there too.  Sorry for the double post.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Tue, 21 May 2013, 23:58:05
QUESTION!!!

As mentioned before, I have both a FC660M and the FC660C.  I have a few blank, 37 piece, PBT keycap sets, and I tried to replace the arrow keys on the FC660M.   They didn't match.  The profile was much too high for the FC660M.  The new FC660Cs and FC660Ms advertise a new profile, called "Step Culture 2"  Does this mean that you will have to purchase "special" keycaps for these keyboards?  Has anyone attempted to use Realforce "arrow" or other keycaps on the FC660C?

http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1365736667

http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1366866739

(Translate these pages, and about half way down the page you will see the term "Step Culture 2".  The rest is in Chinese, so perhaps someone can translate.)

AFTER SOME RESEARCH!

I think that the Leopold FC700 series also is "Stepculture 2".  Perhaps keycaps for this series will be OK for the FC660M.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Wed, 22 May 2013, 17:05:47
I used replacement keys from Elite Keyboards for my new Leopold topre. They fit absolutely fine. No profile problem or size problem.  :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Wed, 22 May 2013, 20:53:09
I used replacement keys from Elite Keyboards for my new Leopold topre. They fit absolutely fine. No profile problem or size problem.  :D

Can you show us a picture of it? I'm thinking about getting some replacement keys myself. If I'm not mistaken, you can replace all the keys except the right shift key, no?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Wed, 22 May 2013, 21:54:58
If you buy two sets, you can replace both shifts since on the 660C, both the shift keys are the same size.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Wed, 22 May 2013, 22:13:34
If you buy two sets, you can replace both shifts since on the 660C, both the shift keys are the same size.

What's disappointing is that Elite has very limited stock/choice of Topre Modifier keycaps, and no stock of Arrow keycaps.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Wed, 22 May 2013, 23:04:02
Here is a picture of my keyboard with the keycaps. Hope it helps clarify things.  :D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Wed, 22 May 2013, 23:06:07
In the picture, the replacement keys look a little bigger but they aren't. Trust me. They are the same and they fit absolutely perfect.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ktownhero on Thu, 23 May 2013, 08:41:45
In the picture, the replacement keys look a little bigger but they aren't. Trust me. They are the same and they fit absolutely perfect.

Yeah, I used the red esc key from my 87U on my 660C and it fits fine.  Some people might be mislead into thinking the keys are too big due to the illusion caused by  1) the color being brighter and 2) the print on the realforce keys being much larger than what comes on the 660C.  But the keys themselves are the same size.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Thu, 23 May 2013, 08:46:39
Guess I'll just have to wait for Elite to restock Topre blue Modifier keycaps and red Arrow keycaps.

Just a couple quick shots of my FC660M with the extra keycaps that came with it.  Second shot is it sitting on my ASUS N56VZ.  I could sit it further back towards the screen, but it feels better where it is, and I don't use the touch-pad.  Of course, my FC660C fits similarly, although the usb connection, on the FC660M, is closer to the edge of the keyboard, which make it easier to locate the cable away from the screen.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 25 May 2013, 11:15:10
I shouldn't go on forever about how awesome this keyboard is, but it's officially been a month since I started using this FC660C.  I've never been more in love with a keyboard in my life.  This thing is awesome.  Even when they were new, I never gave my HHKB/Realforce/Kmac/Kinesis/SSK/etc even half this much love and attention. <3 <3 <3  Not for everyone, but I'm in love. :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sat, 25 May 2013, 11:40:59
I shouldn't go on forever about how awesome this keyboard is, but it's officially been a month since I started using this FC660C.  I've never been more in love with a keyboard in my life.  This thing is awesome.  Even when they were new, I never gave my HHKB/Realforce/Kmac/Kinesis/SSK/etc even half this much love and attention. <3 <3 <3  Not for everyone, but I'm in love. :)

^^^^^^ Ditto :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Sat, 25 May 2013, 13:12:54
All I need is a good set of keycaps and Topre clack and I'll be set.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Sat, 25 May 2013, 13:20:58
I just received WFD's FC660C and it feels amazing! It's like the keys are helping you out/typing with you  :)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Sat, 25 May 2013, 14:15:15
The main advantages this keyboard has over the HHKB is the fact that it is cheaper, and it has dedicated arrow keys, and it has firm padding on the bottom and the keyboard doesn't slide around. I do like the sound of my HHBK more but this is really a great keyboard and well worth the money.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Sat, 25 May 2013, 19:06:04
So I'm trying to switch L Win & L Alt and turn L Win into FN. I can do one or the other, but when I turn both middle switches to on, it reverts the L Win (Actually FN) & Alt back to original orientation :(

Edit - And yes, I'm unplugging it before messing with the dip switch  :p
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: orlando on Sat, 25 May 2013, 20:24:48
The main advantages this keyboard has over the HHKB is the fact that it is cheaper, and it has dedicated arrow keys, and it has firm padding on the bottom and the keyboard doesn't slide around. I do like the sound of my HHBK more but this is really a great keyboard and well worth the money.
I have an HHKB and this is still tempting to me; to be honest the only thing holding me back are the keycaps ... that windows logo would drive me nuts.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Sat, 25 May 2013, 23:07:47
I'm so sold on this thing.. I absolutely love it!

So Jocelyn - now that you've tried both.. Topre or your Ergo Clears? ;D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Larken on Sun, 26 May 2013, 03:11:56
I'm so sold on this thing.. I absolutely love it!

So Jocelyn - now that you've tried both.. Topre or your Ergo Clears? ;D

This^

Very interested to your impressions on Topre, especially when you obviously like the ergo-clears.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Sun, 26 May 2013, 06:16:00
I'm so sold on this thing.. I absolutely love it!

So Jocelyn - now that you've tried both.. Topre or your Ergo Clears? ;D

Both!!! Topre feels so much smoother (like butter!!) and it leaves me wanting lighter springs in my Poker. I'm going to have to type on both for a bit longer to fully conclude, but I think I like different aspects of each and will never be able to choose one over the other.

Edit - I'd like to add that I believe the bit about me wanting lighter springs in my Poker is me being delusional lol. I'm fairly sure my brain thinks I'll get something closer to Topre by doing this, when in fact I'll only obtain a more pronounced bump, which is really nothing like Topre. That said, I'm very happy that I like both.

Btw, did you see my dip switch question above? You're probably going to think I'm crazy, but I was hoping for this.

Ctrl/Alt/Fn/Spacebar/Alt/Ctrl/Win

This should be doable with switch 2 & 3 turned on, but for some reason 2 becomes disabled when both 2 & 3 are turned on giving you this.

Ctrl/Fn/Alt/Spacebar/Alt/Ctrl/Win

It's minor, but I've already confirmed this is happening with other people's FC660Cs, and it doesn't make sense to me. I believe it was an oversight by Leopold and I'm hoping they'll fix it.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Sun, 26 May 2013, 09:22:11
Yeah, I have really light Korean springs and clears on my Kmac... they're slow/weak on the reset. Not at all like the topre, which somehow is light going down, and pops wood going up. Perhaps this is where domes exceed.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 26 May 2013, 10:22:12
Yeah, I have really light Korean springs and clears on my Kmac... they're slow/weak on the reset. Not at all like the topre, which somehow is light going down, and pops wood going up. Perhaps this is where domes exceed.

That was exactly my issue with ErgoClears! I felt like they got caught on the way up. Really distracting.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Sun, 26 May 2013, 10:24:47
Yeah, I have really light Korean springs and clears on my Kmac... they're slow/weak on the reset. Not at all like the topre, which somehow is light going down, and pops wood going up. Perhaps this is where domes exceed.

That was exactly my issue with ErgoClears! I felt like they got caught on the way up. Really distracting.

You need 62g springs to avoid this imo. Also, any thoughts on my dip switch question??
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 26 May 2013, 11:15:46
Unfortunately, no. I just use mine with SW1 on. I'll play around with it a little later.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Sun, 26 May 2013, 13:46:21
Also, any thoughts on my dip switch question??

I just use mine with SW3 on.  Turning SW2 as well seems to just do the same thing.  Given that, I'd asume it's just not built to do compound adjustment.  I don't think it's possible to do Fn to the left of the space.  I believe I did read that this has flashable firmware technically, but I doubt we'll ever figure out how to actually hack that.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Sun, 26 May 2013, 13:49:18
Somebody was looking into replacing the controller board, which is connected via a standard ribbon cable. Would make it a bit easier to reprogram (just gotta figure out the pinout).

*EDIT* It was Matt3o: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42825.msg884120#msg884120
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Sun, 26 May 2013, 15:26:35
Would be awesome if someone came out with a programmable controller for this thing ;D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jabar on Tue, 28 May 2013, 20:09:27
This keyboard is awesome.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jalaj on Mon, 03 June 2013, 17:08:29
QUESTION:
Let's just assume that the prices for the FC600C, HHKB P2, HHKB P2 Type-S are all equal. For example sake, just throwing out an arbitrary number of, $180 for any of the three keyboard models. Thus price not withstanding, which KB, IYO is the clear choice winner for compact Topre KB? Why?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: therecorder on Mon, 03 June 2013, 17:39:06
There is no "clear choice winner for compact Topre KB".  Each person's needs and desires are different.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: dndlmx on Mon, 03 June 2013, 17:48:39
QUESTION:
Let's just assume that the prices for the FC600C, HHKB P2, HHKB P2 Type-S are all equal. For example sake, just throwing out an arbitrary number of, $180 for any of the three keyboard models. Thus price not withstanding, which KB, IYO is the clear choice winner for compact Topre KB? Why?

The Leopold looks goofy to me. And I've never heard one in person, but the Type-S sounds very muffled. Not as magical.  ^-^
HHKB Pro 2.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jalaj on Mon, 03 June 2013, 17:58:02
There is no "clear choice winner for compact Topre KB".  Each person's needs and desires are different.

LOL, that is very good general answer (probably the correct one as well). Though, I'm looking for some user perspective with solid in depth reasoning.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jabar on Mon, 03 June 2013, 18:11:30
If the Leopold featured dyesubbed PBT it would be the clear winner. However I still like that it has a metal plate and seems a bit sturdier than the HHKB. Also: dedicated arrow keys (without going Japanese like the HHKBJP) and a smart function layer (LOVE PgUp/PgDwn Home/End Fn combo with the arrow keys).
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Mon, 03 June 2013, 18:24:34
QUESTION:
Let's just assume that the prices for the FC600C, HHKB P2, HHKB P2 Type-S are all equal. For example sake, just throwing out an arbitrary number of, $180 for any of the three keyboard models. Thus price not withstanding, which KB, IYO is the clear choice winner for compact Topre KB? Why?

FC660C. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion. The layout for the 660C is just easier to use for me, doesn't make my hand hurt, and I prefer the sound of an un-silenced Topre to the Type-S.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: AKIMbO on Mon, 03 June 2013, 18:40:15
If the Leopold featured dyesubbed PBT it would be the clear winner. However I still like that it has a metal plate and seems a bit sturdier than the HHKB. Also: dedicated arrow keys (without going Japanese like the HHKBJP) and a smart function layer (LOVE PgUp/PgDwn Home/End Fn combo with the arrow keys).

The key caps are the only reason I don't current own a 660c.  Hopefully the blank version comes out soon.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 03 June 2013, 19:50:51
QUESTION:
Let's just assume that the prices for the FC600C, HHKB P2, HHKB P2 Type-S are all equal. For example sake, just throwing out an arbitrary number of, $180 for any of the three keyboard models. Thus price not withstanding, which KB, IYO is the clear choice winner for compact Topre KB? Why?

FC660C. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion. The layout for the 660C is just easier to use for me, doesn't make my hand hurt, and I prefer the sound of an un-silenced Topre to the Type-S.

daerid, you have quite a formidable collection of keyboards. I'm especially jelly of your Matias Tactile Pro.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 03 June 2013, 20:25:41
QUESTION:
Let's just assume that the prices for the FC600C, HHKB P2, HHKB P2 Type-S are all equal. For example sake, just throwing out an arbitrary number of, $180 for any of the three keyboard models. Thus price not withstanding, which KB, IYO is the clear choice winner for compact Topre KB? Why?

I've owned a HHKB P2 and the Leo, but not the Type-S.  For my tastes, the Leo wins hands down.  (And it wouldn't matter to me if the Leo was the cost of a HHKB, and the HHKB was $50.) The layout is easier, the sound is great, and the feel is great.  (And the Fn layer fits my habits perfectly.)

The drawback is the laser printed caps, which are already pretty dirty on mine after a month.  But that's a small complaint and doesn't really bother me... an otherwise perfect board (for me).  I'll probably get a white version when they come out too. Maybe one day there will be some replacement dyesub caps or something too... you never know.

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: ValerieV on Mon, 03 June 2013, 23:36:33
I prefer the HHKB over the Leopold but the Leopold is a wonderful keyboard. The topre switches are in a class by themselves. My fingers never get tired and the soudn is wonderful.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Tue, 04 June 2013, 00:13:52
daerid, you have quite a formidable collection of keyboards. I'm especially jelly of your Matias Tactile Pro.

And that's also after selling my not-insignificant collection of cherry boards :-x
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: fateswarm on Tue, 04 June 2013, 00:50:48
It's frustrating how FC660C is impossible to get down here in south Europe without paying almost a 40% markup. They cost 130 euros in Korea for stallman's sakes.

(I got a lowly mx for almost that price and it came from America.)

edit: 40? make that 50 and more
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 04 June 2013, 00:56:32
You try getting one in Australia without paying silly shipping costs!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: fateswarm on Tue, 04 June 2013, 01:06:23
You try getting one in Australia without paying silly shipping costs!
At least you have Korea a bit closer to you.  ;)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 17 June 2013, 10:08:12
I'm so sold on this thing.. I absolutely love it!

So Jocelyn - now that you've tried both.. Topre or your Ergo Clears? ;D

Both!!! Topre feels so much smoother (like butter!!) and it leaves me wanting lighter springs in my Poker. I'm going to have to type on both for a bit longer to fully conclude, but I think I like different aspects of each and will never be able to choose one over the other.

Edit - I'd like to add that I believe the bit about me wanting lighter springs in my Poker is me being delusional lol. I'm fairly sure my brain thinks I'll get something closer to Topre by doing this, when in fact I'll only obtain a more pronounced bump, which is really nothing like Topre. That said, I'm very happy that I like both.

Btw, did you see my dip switch question above? You're probably going to think I'm crazy, but I was hoping for this.

Ctrl/Alt/Fn/Spacebar/Alt/Ctrl/Win


This should be doable with switch 2 & 3 turned on, but for some reason 2 becomes disabled when both 2 & 3 are turned on giving you this.

Ctrl/Fn/Alt/Spacebar/Alt/Ctrl/Win

It's minor, but I've already confirmed this is happening with other people's FC660Cs, and it doesn't make sense to me. I believe it was an oversight by Leopold and I'm hoping they'll fix it.


Yeah I tried that same thing this morning  :(

Great minds think alike!!  ;)

Actually I'd like to  have two Fn buttons, one on either side of the space bar!!  ;D
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: blissdev on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:23:02
Where can I buy one of these and ship to the US? Need.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: zoolzoo on Mon, 17 June 2013, 16:11:24
Where can I buy one of these and ship to the US? Need.

Elitekeyboards sells them but they are currently out of stock. Looks like more are due in at the end of the month though.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 17 June 2013, 17:08:13
Where can I buy one of these and ship to the US? Need.

qtan gets a few in occasionally, I think there might be one more in his current batch.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jabar on Mon, 17 June 2013, 20:07:19
I haven't used my Cherry MX keyboards since my FC660C arrived.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 17 June 2013, 20:35:59
I haven't used my Cherry MX keyboards since my FC660C arrived.

^^^
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 17 June 2013, 21:38:01
I haven't used my Cherry MX keyboards since my FC660C arrived.

What switches have you in your MX keyboards, that you prefer Topre over them?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 17 June 2013, 22:08:52
I am now one with the rubber dome. I get it now. It's the smoothness.

I wanna sell all my MX boards and get a Realforce now.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: jabar on Mon, 17 June 2013, 22:17:33
I haven't used my Cherry MX keyboards since my FC660C arrived.

What switches have you in your MX keyboards, that you prefer Topre over them?
I have used Blues, Greens, Blacks, Reds, Clears, Ergo Clears. Just haven't had the desire to swap out the keyboard.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 17 June 2013, 22:29:21
I haven't used my Cherry MX keyboards since my FC660C arrived.

I'm really afraid this is going to happen to me, might have to send the FC660C away before it does :P
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 17 June 2013, 22:33:34
I haven't used my Cherry MX keyboards since my FC660C arrived.

What switches have you in your MX keyboards, that you prefer Topre over them?
I have used Blues, Greens, Blacks, Reds, Clears, Ergo Clears. Just haven't had the desire to swap out the keyboard.

Fair enough, thanks.  just wondering if there was a particular MX switch that had lost favour.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: blissdev on Tue, 18 June 2013, 00:43:38
I desire this keyboard so hard, but it seems impossible to get in the US. Will have to see if EK gets it back in stock.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KangarooZombies on Tue, 18 June 2013, 04:03:58
After having this keyboard for a few weeks, I have decided topre is my switch of choice. That being said, I am looking into picking up a 55g realforce now.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: MJ45 on Tue, 18 June 2013, 10:25:10
After having this keyboard for a few weeks, I have decided topre is my switch of choice. That being said, I am looking into picking up a 55g realforce now.
You will be very happy with the RF 55g 87u, I've had mine for a couple of months now & really like the 55g they feel very responsive and snappy yet non fatiguing. E.K. warns in their site that the 55g is stiff but they don't fell heavy at all to me.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: daerid on Tue, 18 June 2013, 11:32:16
It can depend on the board. The 55g Anniversary Edition I have is quite noticeably stiffer than the standard 55g I bought from EK.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: KangarooZombies on Tue, 18 June 2013, 14:32:34
Well so far the reasoning behind my buying a 55g is because of the extra stiffness of the keys. With my 45g board ive noticed every now and then ill accidentally hit a button or two :/
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 18 June 2013, 17:46:22
LOL these are orange keyboards :))

http://wscolor.com/color/fc660c
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Folio on Wed, 19 June 2013, 00:05:29
you should grab a topre board, philly
I already have a 660C ordered, it's gonna be tough waiting until there back in stock!  :D  I guess i'll just have to get by watching youtube typing videos.  I can't tell you guys how many times I've been ridiculed by friends when I'm caught watching typing test videos on youtube, haha.

Feels. They just don't understand. Ever since finding out about mechanical keyboards and being such an avid computer nerd, I just had to look more into them and have since been an addict.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Mon, 24 June 2013, 16:20:48
My FC660C didn't come with extra WASD caps, but got a gold-plated USB cable and white LEDs. Must be a special edition.


[attach=2]  [attach=1] 
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Mon, 24 June 2013, 19:35:18
My FC660C didn't come with extra WASD caps, but got a gold-plated USB cable and white LEDs. Must be a special edition.


(Attachment Link)   (Attachment Link)

Wow, so jealous. I knew something was up when I didn't get a gold plated cable. I'd actually keep my insert LED on if it didn't come in such a generic color.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 19:44:34
Wow, nice!  I like the white led!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 19:53:13
What colour is it usually?

And what checkboxes on the side of the keyboard box are checked?

I'm slightly wondering whether this is what the "white" option means.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: calavera on Mon, 24 June 2013, 20:16:41
I'm thinking red.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Mon, 24 June 2013, 20:31:39
What colour is it usually?

And what checkboxes on the side of the keyboard box are checked?

I'm slightly wondering whether this is what the "white" option means.

Hah! but then the other option alongside 'white' is 'black'.. My LED's are red though ;D

Looks totally awesome with white LED's - WFD I'm sure during your tear down video you show red LEDs.. you be trolling!!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 20:32:36
Ah, trolled! I'm totally going to change out my LED now, just to be different.  Purp!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 20:39:25
So are we still holding out hope for a white (case and keycaps) version?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 20:39:59
it's on the box, so I assume they're at least thinking about it seriously.  I hope so... I'll buy one.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Jocelyn on Mon, 24 June 2013, 20:40:58
What colour is it usually?

And what checkboxes on the side of the keyboard box are checked?

I'm slightly wondering whether this is what the "white" option means.

Hah! but then the other option alongside 'white' is 'black'.. My LED's are red though ;D

Looks totally awesome with white LED's - WFD I'm sure during your tear down video you show red LEDs.. you be trolling!!

Oh don't worry, I actually have his FC660C right now and changed the LEDs to magenta ;)
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: kelske on Mon, 24 June 2013, 20:56:11
I remember someone saying that they hadn't released the white version because of keycap legend printing issues or something?

Aww hell.. just release the blank versions already! :mad:
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:11:10
I remember someone saying that they hadn't released the white version because of keycap legend printing issues or something?

Aww hell.. just release the blank versions already! :mad:

Yeah, I read that somewhere too.

Time to wait.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Sniping on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:12:31
Someone should probably go and tell them that no one actually wants their cheap pad printing anyway haha
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:15:18
Someone should probably go and tell them that no one actually wants their cheap pad printing anyway haha

If only there was a wide range of alternative Topre keycaps available (for HHKB 2 Pro too, btw) ...
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 22:02:28
I keep Insert Lock on all the time, and the red/orange light was a tad too bright for me.  (I don't like LEDs usually.)  I took it apart and put a dimmish green LED on it instead.  Yay!
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 22:41:25
I keep Insert Lock on all the time, and the red/orange light was a tad too bright for me.  (I don't like LEDs usually.)  I took it apart and put a dimmish green LED on it instead.  Yay!
(Attachment Link)

^ Yellow enter!

Where did you get that from, and do you know if it will fit the HHKB?

Since getting the HHKB, I have a red Esc and yellow Esc, but there doesn't seem to be any keycap sets for it apart from black or white from EK.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 23:00:04
Elitekeyboards used to sell them individually.  I guess they don't anymore...
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access#toprekeys

But regardless, I believe the enter keys are the same size for the HHKB, so any of those sets should work to replace most of the keys.  I sold my HHKB before I got this key though, so I never had it on a HHKB.  But I'm with you, I'd love some more ways to make it unique...
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 23:03:54
Elitekeyboards used to sell them individually.  I guess they don't anymore...
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access#toprekeys

But regardless, I believe the enter keys are the same size for the HHKB, so any of those sets should work to replace most of the keys.  I sold my HHKB before I got this key though, so I never had it on a HHKB.  But I'm with you, I'd love some more ways to make it unique...

Sorry to bug you a little further on this ... have you any idea whether many of these 16 keys would suit a HHKB?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43270.0
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 23:05:51
I'm not the best to answer that, but someone with both keyboard at hand probably can.  But I'm almost certain that they are the same profile.  So other than perhaps some modifier keys being different widths, they should fit.  I forget what size the HHKB mods are.

Edit: Actually, here you go! http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34567.0
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 24 June 2013, 23:12:49
Sweet - thanks for that.

Love reaper's pic (as usual).

I am still slowly learning the HHKB layout, so blanks are out for me for a while yet.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: morpheus on Tue, 25 June 2013, 06:44:10
I haven't really touched my cherry boards either since using this. Late night typing sessions haven't been this good since I used my browns.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: naisanza on Mon, 22 July 2013, 08:40:29
Sweet - thanks for that.

Love reaper's pic (as usual).

I am still slowly learning the HHKB layout, so blanks are out for me for a while yet.

you should of jumped right in! I did and it took 2 weeks to get used to. It's been three years now and I couldn't be happier to know that nobody can use my keyboard!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 22 July 2013, 14:08:17
Sweet - thanks for that.

Love reaper's pic (as usual).

I am still slowly learning the HHKB layout, so blanks are out for me for a while yet.

you should of jumped right in! I did and it took 2 weeks to get used to. It's been three years now and I couldn't be happier to know that nobody can use my keyboard!

I switch too often between different layouts.

Actually having used more conventional layouts for many years, I find that I am more used to certain aspects of the HHKB, like the position of backspace, and keep hitting \| on a conventional TKL.

The converse does not happen when going from TKL back to HHKB.
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Yzeets on Mon, 22 July 2013, 15:40:35
Have they had a switch tester for topre yet?
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Thimplum on Mon, 22 July 2013, 15:52:50
I really like that layout. A small board with arrow keys!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Hypersphere on Mon, 02 September 2013, 18:32:04
Finally got my FC660C. Best switches ever, next to my IBM buckling springs. Now Leopold needs to make available some alternative Topre keycaps. I'd like to see a two-tone dye-sub PBT set similar to the quality and appearance of the keycaps on the RF 87u or the HHKB Pro 2.

Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: Travellerr on Sun, 08 December 2013, 17:55:26
you should grab a topre board, philly
I already have a 660C ordered, it's gonna be tough waiting until there back in stock!  :D  I guess i'll just have to get by watching youtube typing videos.  I can't tell you guys how many times I've been ridiculed by friends when I'm caught watching typing test videos on youtube, haha.

Feels. They just don't understand. Ever since finding out about mechanical keyboards and being such an avid computer nerd, I just had to look more into them and have since been an addict.

My wife makes it her personal crusade in life to ridicule me in every way possible when watching mechanical keyboard reviews, typing videos, and or mod videos.  She'll sometimes call me from inside the room, just to talk crap about my keyboard fixation....I tell her " but babe you'll understand if you try one... it is just an experience...I ended up lending her my cooler master xt with cherry browns...I have yet to receive the cm xt, what was suppose to be a couple days turned into a month. So, I have decided with one of my boards commandeered I owe it to myself to replace the gap in my soul, with a Leopold fc660c  ;D :thumb: wish me luck, because I may be able to order one tonight
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sun, 08 December 2013, 18:04:52
you should grab a topre board, philly
I already have a 660C ordered, it's gonna be tough waiting until there back in stock!  :D  I guess i'll just have to get by watching youtube typing videos.  I can't tell you guys how many times I've been ridiculed by friends when I'm caught watching typing test videos on youtube, haha.

Feels. They just don't understand. Ever since finding out about mechanical keyboards and being such an avid computer nerd, I just had to look more into them and have since been an addict.

My wife makes it her personal crusade in life to ridicule me in every way possible when watching mechanical keyboard reviews, typing videos, and or mod videos.  She'll sometimes call me from inside the room, just to talk crap about my keyboard fixation....I tell her " but babe you'll understand if you try one... it is just an experience...I ended up lending her my cooler master xt with cherry browns...I have yet to receive the cm xt, what was suppose to be a couple days turned into a month. So, I have decided with one of my boards commandeered I owe it to myself to replace the gap in my soul, with a Leopold fc660c  ;D :thumb: wish me luck, because I may be able to order one tonight

Sounds like someone may be bidding on a 660C on ebay ;)

It's only at about $135 shipped. Go at it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141130392912?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: 1pq on Sun, 08 December 2013, 21:36:13
Some lucky bastard got it for 137 smackers!
Title: Re: Topre lovers, brace yourselves...
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 08 December 2013, 21:43:21
Some lucky bastard got it for 137 smackers!

137 and a half!