Author Topic: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?  (Read 26052 times)

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Offline jspark

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Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 13:37:54 »
In terms of price, yes Topre must be much better than Cherry MXs.
I have read that Topre switches last longer than Cherry MXs from some web sites while I have read that Cherry MXs last longer from other web pages.
Like this, I cannot figure out which one is better and why. It feels like everyone says differently.
Can anyone tell about these switches objectively?
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Offline jwaz

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 13:41:15 »
it's definitely up to your preference, people will argue both sides endlessly...

In terms of price, yes Topre must be much better than Cherry MXs.

this is part of the marketing of luxury products...
« Last Edit: Mon, 22 October 2012, 13:43:01 by JesuswasaZombie »

Offline longweight

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 13:43:51 »
They most certainly are in my opinion.

Offline Daniel Beaver

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 13:48:47 »
Yes, absolutely.

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Offline longweight

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 13:49:18 »
It depends on what you are looking for in a switch.

I'd only compare Topre to PCB mounted cherries because they are both easier on your hands.


Why wouldn't you include plate mounted Cherry boards in that comparison?

Offline wetto

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 13:55:57 »
And can someone tell me the reason for them costing 3-4 times the price of a Cherry keyboard?
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Offline Computer-Lab in Basement

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 13:57:00 »
I think the more important question is why are Topres so much more expensive than Cherrys?  I mean, if there is a legitimate reason as to why Topres cost 2x-3x as much as an equivilent Cherry board, then I could understand paying such a high price.  But from my perspective, Topres are just glorified rubber domes and shouldn't even be considered "mechanical".

Then again, I have never typed on a Topre before, so feel free to ignore my obviously-biased opinion...

EDIT: Of course, as soon as I post this I realize someone asked the same question in the previous post lol...
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 14:01:33 »
When it comes to providing tactility, the breakdown of the rubber dome that Topre uses is superior to pushing the contact over the plastic bump on Cherry.  I think that Cherry has better springiness.

Offline longweight

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 14:05:26 »
Topre costs more for a few reasons in my opinion:


1. Smaller production numbers
2. A more complex PCB from what I have seen
3. Premium pricing
4. Higher quality than most Cherry boards


I love topre, they feel like a switch that has been designed properly and I wouldn't go back to Cherry boards.

Offline Computer-Lab in Basement

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 14:08:14 »
I'm still not convinced... perhaps I'll just have to try out someones HHKB or Realforce before I bash Topre's high prices any more than I already have...
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Offline longweight

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 14:10:16 »
I'm still not convinced... perhaps I'll just have to try out someones HHKB or Realforce before I bash Topre's high prices any more than I already have...


The price is totally worth it in my opinion, no one can describe it to you so you will have to try them! The other advantage is that the HHKB is Topre, best layout ever.

Offline lazerpointer

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Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 14:12:44 »
I would say they are priced so steeply because of their unique design and exclusive production.. They could probably be much cheaper were they more closely based on the bomb cost of the board.

About the actual reason why I believe people tend to like them is that they are the closest to buckling spring technology without actually being simple buckling springs. You push down, halfway through something makes contact, actuating the keystroke and you feel a change in resistance. This gives a tactile feel and is quieter than a spring clanging against more metal. The major exception to this being that with buckling spring you may feel a "give" feel after the spring buckles, and with the Topre it would feel like a stronger resistance after actuation (correct me if I'm wrong). I haven't owned one yet but it will be my next step in the whole keyboard efficiency quest I embarked upon a few years ago... Can't stomach that 270 dollar price point just yet
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Offline wetto

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #12 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 14:25:20 »
It's a bit hard, but I can somehow convince people about buying a US$ 60~120 keyboard after showing their internal construction pics and how good they are to type (and hell, you can only convince them to pay US$ 120 if it's a gaming keyboard with backlight, macro keys and includes an wrist rest), but I honestly cannot convince anyone (including myself) about paying US$ 270~400 on a keyboard... Especially if I don't know if they're any better than Cherry MX at all.
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Offline AKIMbO

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #13 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 14:29:15 »
I would say they are priced so steeply because of their unique design and exclusive production.. They could probably be much cheaper were they more closely based on the bomb cost of the board.

About the actual reason why I believe people tend to like them is that they are the closest to buckling spring technology without actually being simple buckling springs. You push down, halfway through something makes contact, actuating the keystroke and you feel a change in resistance. This gives a tactile feel and is quieter than a spring clanging against more metal. The major exception to this being that with buckling spring you may feel a "give" feel after the spring buckles, and with the Topre it would feel like a stronger resistance after actuation (correct me if I'm wrong). I haven't owned one yet but it will be my next step in the whole keyboard efficiency quest I embarked upon a few years ago... Can't stomach that 270 dollar price point just yet

You are wrong :P

With topre...once the dome buckles it gets lighter, not heavier until you bottom out.  But the bottoming out on a topre switch...my god...it's so nice.
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Offline ChaoticKinesis

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #14 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 14:56:46 »
I think the more important question is why are Topres so much more expensive than Cherrys?  I mean, if there is a legitimate reason as to why Topres cost 2x-3x as much as an equivilent Cherry board, then I could understand paying such a high price.  But from my perspective, Topres are just glorified rubber domes and shouldn't even be considered "mechanical".

Then again, I have never typed on a Topre before, so feel free to ignore my obviously-biased opinion...

EDIT: Of course, as soon as I post this I realize someone asked the same question in the previous post lol...

This is how I feel after having owned a RealForce 55G for a bit. I've also tried an HHKB and RF variable. I don't see anything special about them and I also didn't find the RF's build quality to be any better than that of a Costar-built Cherry MX board.

Offline Binge

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #15 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:17:15 »
Cost effectiveness is not usually a concern for me, but when it comes to topre switches I just wish they had some competition.  The keyboards would definitely fall in price if they were to have some sort of product competition.
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Offline thegunner100

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #16 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:30:08 »
Topres might not impress on first sight, but they will grow on you if you give them a chance. That being said, the bottoming out of topres is an amazing feeling.
« Last Edit: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:43:21 by thegunner100 »
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Offline lazerpointer

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Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #17 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:34:56 »
I would say they are priced so steeply because of their unique design and exclusive production.. They could probably be much cheaper were they more closely based on the bomb cost of the board.

About the actual reason why I believe people tend to like them is that they are the closest to buckling spring technology without actually being simple buckling springs. You push down, halfway through something makes contact, actuating the keystroke and you feel a change in resistance. This gives a tactile feel and is quieter than a spring clanging against more metal. The major exception to this being that with buckling spring you may feel a "give" feel after the spring buckles, and with the Topre it would feel like a stronger resistance after actuation (correct me if I'm wrong). I haven't owned one yet but it will be my next step in the whole keyboard efficiency quest I embarked upon a few years ago... Can't stomach that 270 dollar price point just yet

You are wrong :P

With topre...once the dome buckles it gets lighter, not heavier until you bottom out.  But the bottoming out on a topre switch...my god...it's so nice.

Hmmm. Then this makes them even more similar to buckling springs than I had previously imagined. Thanks for the prompt correction.


Edit;
AHHHh! If I find out these are actually better than Cherry Reds that will automatically mean that I am obligated to buy two of these boards, one for work and one for home. Don't do this to me!!! Someone please tell me they've gone from Topre back to Reds or even Cherry MX for that matter...
« Last Edit: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:44:51 by Flip »
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #18 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:36:17 »
My silenced Topre impressed me right off the bat.  Mmmmm,  butter.

Offline sth

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #19 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:38:23 »
I'm still not convinced... perhaps I'll just have to try out someones HHKB or Realforce before I bash Topre's high prices any more than I already have...

to be fair most topre boards cost a paltry sum compared to building a korean custom or buying one pre-assembled.

thegunner100 - funny you say that. the first time i depressed a key on hashbaz' 45g uniform i knew i had to have a realforce :D
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Offline thegunner100

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #20 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:44:32 »
to be fair most topre boards cost a paltry sum compared to building a korean custom or buying one pre-assembled.

thegunner100 - funny you say that. the first time i depressed a key on hashbaz' 45g uniform i knew i had to have a realforce :D

Editted for clarity :D

I didn't realize how much i loved topres until I had to switch back to using MX.

55g is a different story though, it was love at first sight(or touch)
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Offline ekw808

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #21 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:46:48 »
Topre keyboards are not that much more expensive than cherry MX keyboards, topre sells their dye sub PBT keycaps at around 110 per set, and most topre TKL keyboards are around 280, 280-110 is 170 for their basic keyboard without keycaps, which is not all that higher than some ducky, and filco keyboards. The topre dye sub keycaps are some of the best keycaps on the market which is one of the reasons they can use to justify their cost.

Topre switches use a rubber dome which has a shorter life than Cherry MX switches which does not use a rubber dome at all. Not all topre keyboards are more expensive than cherry keyboards either, alot of the Korean custom keyboards have a much higher build quality than topre by using aluminum to build a case, the group buy cost for these said korean keyboards can range from 250-1000+.

Personally I've tried 55g uniform, and variable weighted silent and while they are definitely nice to type on, I don't think their price tag justifies the purchase. I think they are like buying Beats headphones; their marketing strategy is to add a premium on a product which makes you feel more entitled for owning something that is claiming to be of higher quality which justifies their pricing point.

Another point to consider is the customization that the cherry MX offers, there are tons of groupbuys with various types of keycaps you can purchase. Whereas the only groupbuy for topre keycaps is the Red Alert set which has been there for ages, and has not progressed a day since it was created. 

I think the HHKB-S is the most ridiculous keyboard on the market, charging 500 for a SILENT feature which is complete BS. The 10th AE topres came in 55g, variable, and variable silent, maybe 45g uniform (not sure). There was no price difference between all three, they were the same price. I have no problems with topres, just HHKBs and their ridiculous price tiers.
« Last Edit: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:51:47 by ekw808 »
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Offline AKIMbO

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #22 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:50:03 »
To truly appreciate topre, one must spend a week solely with topre.  Only then will they gain "oneness with cupped rubber."
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Offline longweight

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #23 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:51:39 »
It's a bit hard, but I can somehow convince people about buying a US$ 60~120 keyboard after showing their internal construction pics and how good they are to type (and hell, you can only convince them to pay US$ 120 if it's a gaming keyboard with backlight, macro keys and includes an wrist rest), but I honestly cannot convince anyone (including myself) about paying US$ 270~400 on a keyboard... Especially if I don't know if they're any better than Cherry MX at all.


Then you haven't tried one!


Totally worth the price.

Offline Computer-Lab in Basement

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #24 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:53:41 »
To truly appreciate topre, one must spend a week solely with topre.  Only then will they gain "oneness with cupped rubber."
Up until the day I try a Topre, said "cupped rubber" means nothing more to me than "****ty rubber dome"...
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Offline ChaoticKinesis

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #25 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:54:21 »
Editted for clarity :D

I didn't realize how much i loved topres until I had to switch back to using MX.

55g is a different story though, it was love at first sight(or touch)

I actually thought I loved the 55g when I first tried it so I brought it to work, where I type more than I do at home. The more I used it, the more I felt unsure about it. After a few days, I again put it side by side with a Cherry MX and realized it has to go.

Offline longweight

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #26 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:56:04 »
To truly appreciate topre, one must spend a week solely with topre.  Only then will they gain "oneness with cupped rubber."
Up until the day I try a Topre, said "cupped rubber" means nothing more to me than "****ty rubber dome"...


It's cute that your lack-of-Topre rage is manifesting itself in troll posts :)

Offline thegunner100

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #27 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:56:56 »
Topre's marketing strategy is nowhere near Beats'. Yes, Topre markets their keyboards as a premium product, and so does Beats. But Beats claims that their headphones are the best, that there's nothing compared to them, that they're supposed to let you hear what the producers hear in the studio(LOL), and the list goes on.

Topre doesn't claim to be the best, and the differences in feeling between topre and MX isn't the same as sound quality. Topre is a different feeling, but not necessarily better. Beats on the other hand, charge you a ridiculous price for a product with sub-par build and sound quality.There are so many headphones that sound better than beats at a much lower cost.

I do agree that MX boards have a lot more potential for customization, and that the price on the HHKB-S is simply ridiculous.
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Offline longweight

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #28 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:57:19 »
Topre keyboards are not that much more expensive than cherry MX keyboards, topre sells their dye sub PBT keycaps at around 110 per set, and most topre TKL keyboards are around 280, 280-110 is 170 for their basic keyboard without keycaps, which is not all that higher than some ducky, and filco keyboards. The topre dye sub keycaps are some of the best keycaps on the market which is one of the reasons they can use to justify their cost.

Topre switches use a rubber dome which has a shorter life than Cherry MX switches which does not use a rubber dome at all. Not all topre keyboards are more expensive than cherry keyboards either, alot of the Korean custom keyboards have a much higher build quality than topre by using aluminum to build a case, the group buy cost for these said korean keyboards can range from 250-1000+.

Personally I've tried 55g uniform, and variable weighted silent and while they are definitely nice to type on, I don't think their price tag justifies the purchase. I think they are like buying Beats headphones; their marketing strategy is to add a premium on a product which makes you feel more entitled for owning something that is claiming to be of higher quality which justifies their pricing point.

Another point to consider is the customization that the cherry MX offers, there are tons of groupbuys with various types of keycaps you can purchase. Whereas the only groupbuy for topre keycaps is the Red Alert set which has been there for ages, and has not progressed a day since it was created. 

I think the HHKB-S is the most ridiculous keyboard on the market, charging 500 for a SILENT feature which is complete BS. The 10th AE topres came in 55g, variable, and variable silent, maybe 45g uniform (not sure). There was no price difference between all three, they were the same price. I have no problems with topres, just HHKBs and their ridiculous price tiers.


It's a premium price point, everyone knows that it doesn't cost them 200 dollars to silence the keys but the board is priced like that to make it a premium product.

Offline AKIMbO

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #29 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 15:58:33 »
To truly appreciate topre, one must spend a week solely with topre.  Only then will they gain "oneness with cupped rubber."
Up until the day I try a Topre, said "cupped rubber" means nothing more to me than "****ty rubber dome"...

It amuses me how heated these topics can get.  Honestly, topre switches feel way better than rubber domes.  Topre switches are more analogous with dampened alps then rubber domes in terms of feel.   You shouldn't bash topre just cause it uses dome technology,  you need to try it...there's a reason many OG members love topre.
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Offline Computer-Lab in Basement

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #30 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:01:08 »
To truly appreciate topre, one must spend a week solely with topre.  Only then will they gain "oneness with cupped rubber."
Up until the day I try a Topre, said "cupped rubber" means nothing more to me than "****ty rubber dome"...
It's cute that your lack-of-Topre rage is manifesting itself in troll posts :)

To truly appreciate topre, one must spend a week solely with topre.  Only then will they gain "oneness with cupped rubber."
Up until the day I try a Topre, said "cupped rubber" means nothing more to me than "****ty rubber dome"...

It amuses me how heated these topics can get.  Honestly, topre switches feel way better than rubber domes.  Topre switches are more analogous with dampened alps then rubber domes in terms of feel.   You shouldn't bash topre just cause it uses dome technology,  you need to try it...there's a reason many OG members love topre.

I'm not saying Topres are bad at all... I'm just saying that until I try a Topre the only association I have with "cupped rubber" is a rubber dome keyboard.

Believe me, I'm sure I'll end up owning a Topre someday in the near future...
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Offline ekw808

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #31 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:01:58 »
Topre keyboards are not that much more expensive than cherry MX keyboards, topre sells their dye sub PBT keycaps at around 110 per set, and most topre TKL keyboards are around 280, 280-110 is 170 for their basic keyboard without keycaps, which is not all that higher than some ducky, and filco keyboards. The topre dye sub keycaps are some of the best keycaps on the market which is one of the reasons they can use to justify their cost.

Topre switches use a rubber dome which has a shorter life than Cherry MX switches which does not use a rubber dome at all. Not all topre keyboards are more expensive than cherry keyboards either, alot of the Korean custom keyboards have a much higher build quality than topre by using aluminum to build a case, the group buy cost for these said korean keyboards can range from 250-1000+.

Personally I've tried 55g uniform, and variable weighted silent and while they are definitely nice to type on, I don't think their price tag justifies the purchase. I think they are like buying Beats headphones; their marketing strategy is to add a premium on a product which makes you feel more entitled for owning something that is claiming to be of higher quality which justifies their pricing point.

Another point to consider is the customization that the cherry MX offers, there are tons of groupbuys with various types of keycaps you can purchase. Whereas the only groupbuy for topre keycaps is the Red Alert set which has been there for ages, and has not progressed a day since it was created. 

I think the HHKB-S is the most ridiculous keyboard on the market, charging 500 for a SILENT feature which is complete BS. The 10th AE topres came in 55g, variable, and variable silent, maybe 45g uniform (not sure). There was no price difference between all three, they were the same price. I have no problems with topres, just HHKBs and their ridiculous price tiers.


It's a premium price point, everyone knows that it doesn't cost them 200 dollars to silence the keys but the board is priced like that to make it a premium product.

Topre tries to be a premium product which is fine, HHKB tries to be a ultra premium product, but it's stupid to charge the ultra price when the premium undercuts it by showing that silencing a keyboard can be sold at the same price.
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #32 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:04:41 »
Rubber domes are not what make membrane keyboards bad.  It's that you have to smoosh the key into the PCB to get the key to activate.  Topre uses the dome only for tactility, but you push into a spring.

Offline longweight

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Re: Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #33 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:08:11 »
Topre keyboards are not that much more expensive than cherry MX keyboards, topre sells their dye sub PBT keycaps at around 110 per set, and most topre TKL keyboards are around 280, 280-110 is 170 for their basic keyboard without keycaps, which is not all that higher than some ducky, and filco keyboards. The topre dye sub keycaps are some of the best keycaps on the market which is one of the reasons they can use to justify their cost.

Topre switches use a rubber dome which has a shorter life than Cherry MX switches which does not use a rubber dome at all. Not all topre keyboards are more expensive than cherry keyboards either, alot of the Korean custom keyboards have a much higher build quality than topre by using aluminum to build a case, the group buy cost for these said korean keyboards can range from 250-1000+.

Personally I've tried 55g uniform, and variable weighted silent and while they are definitely nice to type on, I don't think their price tag justifies the purchase. I think they are like buying Beats headphones; their marketing strategy is to add a premium on a product which makes you feel more entitled for owning something that is claiming to be of higher quality which justifies their pricing point.

Another point to consider is the customization that the cherry MX offers, there are tons of groupbuys with various types of keycaps you can purchase. Whereas the only groupbuy for topre keycaps is the Red Alert set which has been there for ages, and has not progressed a day since it was created. 

I think the HHKB-S is the most ridiculous keyboard on the market, charging 500 for a SILENT feature which is complete BS. The 10th AE topres came in 55g, variable, and variable silent, maybe 45g uniform (not sure). There was no price difference between all three, they were the same price. I have no problems with topres, just HHKBs and their ridiculous price tiers.


It's a premium price point, everyone knows that it doesn't cost them 200 dollars to silence the keys but the board is priced like that to make it a premium product.

Topre tries to be a premium product which is fine, HHKB tries to be a ultra premium product, but it's stupid to charge the ultra price when the premium undercuts it by showing that silencing a keyboard can be sold at the same price.

But it works, otherwise they would lower the price.

Offline bounce

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #34 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:12:09 »
well i dont know why but topre to me sounds like a highend GPU in comparision with cherry being a mid range to advanced tier gpu,
nice to have but you will do absolutely fine with the mid range.

Offline thegunner100

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #35 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:19:48 »
well i dont know why but topre to me sounds like a highend GPU in comparision with cherry being a mid range to advanced tier gpu,
nice to have but you will do absolutely fine with the mid range.

Except graphics card get "weaker" as graphics in games improve.
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Offline Binge

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #36 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:24:28 »
well i dont know why but topre to me sounds like a highend GPU in comparision with cherry being a mid range to advanced tier gpu,
nice to have but you will do absolutely fine with the mid range.

Please do not compare keyboards to devices which drive/process graphics, processes, or sound.  There is ALWAYS a reason the super top of the line silicon exists, and most people don't have access to utilize those features.  The ultra-high end GPU, for example, will allow you to play on a larger format of screen.  Those elite enough to get a 4kmonitor will be scrambling for the latest and greatest because the mid-ranged cards really only handle 1080p.  When it comes to topre there is not a question of definition as much as there is a question of feel and comfort.  The same thing can be produced by another company but is not and thus they charge whatever they want regardless of the cost to make. 

Its not like people here want to argue, but after you own one... you've spent the money.  You can afford the premium and if you like it then you keep it.  It's more like a pair of $50 jeans compared to custom made $300 jeans.  In this case the extra premium does not = functionality of the pants, but it probably fits like a glove.
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Offline ChaoticKinesis

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #37 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:34:51 »
well i dont know why but topre to me sounds like a highend GPU in comparision with cherry being a mid range to advanced tier gpu,
nice to have but you will do absolutely fine with the mid range.


Except graphics card get "weaker" as graphics in games improve.

On the other hand, a more powerful graphics card is going to be superior by very objective measures. Switch quality is absolutely subjective and overall build quality is also hardly something that can be quantified.

I think the headphone example works. Which is better: Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, or AKG? While I regard Topre as a high-end rubberdome, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It is certainly in a different league from other rubberdomes on the market. Beats are more comparable to a rubberdome gaming keyboard from Logitech or Razer costing >$100.

Offline anomaly

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #38 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:40:37 »
I own a Cherry Brown, Cherry Blue, a buckling spring, and a Realforce keyboard. The Realforce has this nice, "pressing a knife through butter" kind of feel. It's not mushy or anything. That said, my favorites are the Browns, followed by the Blues. I guess I like the clicky, thacky sounds the cherry's make.
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Offline daerid

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #39 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:52:41 »
Going back to a Cherry board now makes my fingertips actually hurt. The feeling of typing on a Topre might be an acquired taste, true, and it might not be for everyone, but it at least for this guy, it's the absolute best typing experience I've ever had.

Offline HolidaySHRIMP

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #40 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 16:54:36 »
After I bought my HHKB I sold my MX blue and MX brown boards.  Never to return.  I'd only rock MX if it was a KMAC titanium, MX Blue, WITH winkey.

Offline wetto

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #41 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 17:10:46 »
And why do I feel like this thread just went on a downhill...
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Offline laffindude

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #42 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 17:35:30 »
Topre costs more for a few reasons in my opinion:


1. Smaller production numbers
2. A more complex PCB from what I have seen
3. Premium pricing
4. Higher quality than most Cherry boards


I love topre, they feel like a switch that has been designed properly and I wouldn't go back to Cherry boards.
You forgot "Made In Japan."

Offline wetto

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #43 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 17:53:10 »
But hell, if they wanted to lower the price, they could and by a lot, right?

Most people already get "offended" when I tell them I paid US$ 120 on my keyboard, then I just find arguments such as build quality, Cherry switches, tactility and productiveness, but I can't really defend the idea of paying US$ 280 or more on a keyboard, especially since I don't think the difference between Cherry vs Topre isn't as ridiculous as the difference between Membrane vs Cherry.
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Offline sth

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #44 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 17:57:04 »
But hell, if they wanted to lower the price, they could and by a lot, right?

Most people already get "offended" when I tell them I paid US$ 120 on my keyboard, then I just find arguments such as build quality, Cherry switches, tactility and productiveness, but I can't really defend the idea of paying US$ 280 or more on a keyboard, especially since I don't think the difference between Cherry vs Topre isn't as ridiculous as the difference between Membrane vs Cherry.
but you would have no idea whatsoever based on your statements elsewhere in this thread. you are saying exactly the same thing that your coworkers are saying; the value is arbitrary when you factor in the cost of adding PBT keycaps to a das.

dont knock it til you've tried it.
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Offline lazerpointer

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #45 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 18:16:22 »
Somebody (one of you pros with like 50 keyboards!) should do an in-depth comparison between Cherry MX Browns, Buckling Springs and Topre typing experiences. All three are "tactile" and aim for the same "tactility" selling points, and most people have either Cherry MX Browns or buckling springs.

My understanding from what I've read so far is that the Topre will feel like buckling springs, only muffled / softer due to the "rubber percussion" as opposed to "metal clang" contact, and obviously much quieter. Thoughts??
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Offline Daniel Beardsmore

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #46 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 18:23:21 »
I'm not saying Topres are bad at all... I'm just saying that until I try a Topre the only association I have with "cupped rubber" is a rubber dome keyboard.

Believe me, I'm sure I'll end up owning a Topre someday in the near future...

What is your experience with rubber domes? Even cheap ones vary hugely from model to model, brand to brand.

A lot of them are very spongy – Topre domes have very clear, pronounced tactility with no sponginess. Old "midnight grey" Dell keyboards for example are highly tactile but the tactile point is very sharp like ALPS, and they're very stiff and balky – normal Topre keyboards are variable weight at only 45 cN for the centre keys, vs anything up to 60–65 cN for a normal board, so they're easy to press and soft and smooth.

And I mean smooth. Much smoother than buckling spring. There's no scraping, and no flex, creak, or rattle. The switches have sliders, where cheap rubber dome boards just have a shaft for the keycap, which can lead to binding (the key jams part-way down because it's not sliding vertically). The keyboard itself is suitably heavy, so it doesn't slide around the desk.

The capacitive switching means that it's truly NKRO (USB limitations notwithstanding) as it's completely immune to ghosting. Don't know if it does PS/2, never cared.

Plus it's really quiet – quiet even by full travel dome standards because you don't get all the horrid rattling and shaking that you get from, say, a cheap Dell.

Topre is a formulated approach to rubber dome that guarantees quality year after year. I didn't believe it until I bought one either – I didn't realise that you could get rubber domes so right. There are nice domes, such as the Dell KB-1421: it feels almost as good as Topre, but it's still undeniably cheap, and the KB-1421 is the only dome keyboard I've used that comes anywhere close in my experience. Most of them are just awful.

Is Topre better than Cherry MX? Depends. Topre doesn't click. Topre doesn't do linear. You have fewer options for available force curves. The problem with Cherry for many is that they can't get the balance right on force curves: red, brown and blue are too light, clear is kinda weird (but IMO so much better than brown), and black is too stiff. Topre is the perfect weight that Cherry just can't pull off, not unless/until they formally introduce ergo clears anyway :-)

It's all personal preference, but I cannot deny that Topre do rubber dome right, and it's probably the best tactile switch on the market.
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Offline ValerieV

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #47 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 18:23:41 »
The problem is that Realforce has different gram keyboards...55g keyboard, 45g keyboard, and a 55, 45, and 30g all in one keyboard. When you guys talk about liking the Realforce please say which one you use. I am contemplating getting the EK edition that is entirely 45g because i think that gives me the best tactile feedback. Thanks.

Offline Capitalistix

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #48 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 18:36:32 »
Topre costs more for a few reasons in my opinion:


1. Smaller production numbers
2. A more complex PCB from what I have seen
3. Premium pricing
4. Higher quality than most Cherry boards



I love topre, they feel like a switch that has been designed properly and I wouldn't go back to Cherry boards.
You forgot "Made In Japan."

True that, the Japs have on average, today, an attention to detail in electronics quality control which rivals that of the US' auto indudustry, or big name US electronics firms back in the "six sigma" days of quality control during thr late 80's to early 90's. IMHO almost everything I've ever bought made in mainland China, other than Apple quality controlled products, has honestly been ***t


Offline sth

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Re: Is really Topre switches better than Cherry MXs?
« Reply #49 on: Mon, 22 October 2012, 18:39:19 »
whoa buddy watch it with the j-word.

flip -- there is really nothing that isn't already out there on the internet about the differences that could be conveyed without just trying each of the switch types and forming your own opinion. lurk moar :)
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