Topre Appreciation Thread!

[fuzzybaffy]

Express your love for all things Topre here!

Note: It is fine if you like Cherry switches over Topre switches. But if all you intend to do is talk crap about Topre and/or argue with Topre fans, stay out of this thread!

I'll start: I ****ing love my Topre.

In all seriousness, though, I really do love my Topre. I've tried a bunch of Cherry MX based boards, such as the CM Storm ones, the Corsair ones, as well as a Filco (note, I haven't tried any of the Korean custom Cherry MX boards with the aluminum cases). But, I don't know. The moment I opened the Topre box, and touched the keys, I knew it was worth it. The build quality was immediately apparent, and I knew that it was worth it over any of the Cherry MX boards I've tried.

Not that I hate Cherry MX boards. I'm not bashing Cherry MX boards, but, I just think Topre boards are generally better (with the exception, my guess is, of the Korean custom Cherry boards with the aluminum cases).

People make a big deal out of the fact that it has rubber, but even if it has rubber, everything else about the board is just far superior to all aspects of any other keyboard that I've personally tried (again, I haven't tried the Korean custom Cherry boards with the aluminum cases). The switch quality is better, the switches are smoother, and more solid. Also, the entire board just feels really, really hefty, and literally feels like a plate I'm typing on.

I honestly have no problem thinking that these are two times as better, in terms of build quality, than any Filco board I've tried. Of course, I can't verify this, as there's no way to quantify "quality", but they are definitely better than Filco boards, in terms of build quality, for sure. And I think that's why these are worth it, despite the rubber domes. But of course, other people may feel differently about Topre build quality.

Yet, I don't know. I'm pretty happy with this keyboard.

What are your thoughts? Also, any people looking for suggestions and/or who have questions about Topre boards are welcome here!

[jabar]

Topre feels so awesome. The HHKB is such a brilliant form factor and 45g springs are sublime. However import prices are unforgiving; I don't blame anyone who feels Topre (and especially gimmicks like HHKB Type-S) are massive ripoffs.

[ValerieV]

I was typing on a cheap membrane keyboard today at work and when i got home i washed my hands and worked some more on my HHKB. I got more work done in 1 hour with that keyboard than i did all day with the cheap membrane. I love it! I only wish the HHKB came with separate arrow keys but i have gotten used to it. 

[tp4tissue]

So all of you paid a ridiculous amount for a mediocre keyboard, and now you've come to lick your wounds with each other...

Appreciation?? More like "Topre refugee camp" )

[eth0s]

So all of you paid a ridiculous amount for a mediocre keyboard, and now you've come to lick your wounds with each other...

Appreciation?? More like "Topre refugee camp" )

WTF?  Troll much?

[tjcaustin]

It may be because I've only had my hands on 45g realforces (both 104 and 87Us), but I wish I loved them more.  The noise is awesome, but they're too light for my giant musclebound/slow fingers.

Full disclosure:  I am thinking about ordering a 55g from EK since they're on sale right now.

[daerid]

Please stop quoting TP. It defeats having him on my ignore list.

Full disclosure:  I am thinking about ordering a 55g from EK since they're on sale right now.

For almost $100 less than what I bought mine for.... grrrrrrrrr

[tjcaustin]

Please stop quoting TP. It defeats having him on my ignore list.

Full disclosure:  I am thinking about ordering a 55g from EK since they're on sale right now.

For almost $100 less than what I bought mine for.... grrrrrrrrr

The only thing that's kept my hand at bay is that I have two keyboards in house that I enjoy, and two more on the way that I know I'll enjoy, too. 

On the flip side, I can always turn one of the ones that end up not being used for a slight loss here.

[Michael]

I approve of this thread.

in b4 haters.

[tjcaustin]

Censored for daerid

I approve of this thread.

in b4 haters.

Too late

[Michael]

TJ - Get a 55g. I promise you, that is the epitome of Topre switches.

[Halverson]

TJ - Get a 55g. I promise you, that is the epitome of Topre switches.

I dunno, after the meet up today, I think 30 are pretty sweet.

[Michael]

TJ - Get a 55g. I promise you, that is the epitome of Topre switches.

I dunno, after the meet up today, I think 30 are pretty sweet.

But you have girly-shark hands....

[tjcaustin]

THERE WAS A MEETUP IN CANADIA?!?

I'm right there.  If I can get these dolch caps and oneproduct case sold, I'll do it.  Someone seems interested, so we'll see...

But I'm also wanting either a treble case (if he's taking more pre-orders) or a pure limited for the poker I just traded my ssk for.

[Halverson]

TJ - Get a 55g. I promise you, that is the epitome of Topre switches.

I dunno, after the meet up today, I think 30 are pretty sweet.

But you have girly-shark hands....

It's weird! I prefer blacks to reds, or clear to browns or greens to blues. But think I may prefer lighter topre.

Chomp chomp, HHKB is sex

[tjcaustin]

TJ - Get a 55g. I promise you, that is the epitome of Topre switches.

I dunno, after the meet up today, I think 30 are pretty sweet.

But you have girly-shark hands....

It's weird! I prefer blacks to reds, or clear to browns or greens to blues. But think I may prefer lighter topre.

Chomp chomp, HHKB is sex

Those are on sale, too, but 45g is stupid light...

And yes, I do want to get to 2323 or 2332 posts tonight.

[daerid]

55g FTFW.

If the HHKB came in 55g I'd buy like 3 of 'em, no joke.

[Caaaarrrt]

I love my HHKB, it feels great and the layout is pretty awesome now that I'm used to it, after like day.

[tjcaustin]

There was a thread that had popped up about turning an hhkb silent or something and I'd misread the title and was all excited thinking someone had modded an hhkb to 55g.

[Michael]

55g FTFW.

If the HHKB came in 55g I'd buy like 3 of 'em, no joke.

ekw808 did an HHKB Type-S 55g mod. I am thinking of doing the same if I can find a cheap enough donor board.

[tjcaustin]

55g FTFW.

If the HHKB came in 55g I'd buy like 3 of 'em, no joke.

ekw808 did an HHKB Type-S 55g mod. I am thinking of doing the same if I can find a cheap enough donor board.

That's what it was.  Eh, I don't want a silent hhkb, I like the thocks.

[daerid]

ekw808 did an HHKB Type-S 55g mod. I am thinking of doing the same if I can find a cheap enough donor board.

Damn that's awesome. I'd love to try it out too, but good luck finding an inexpensive 55g. And I don't think I could stomach dropping $250 just to rip out the guts of a 55g 87u

[thirdkind]

I'm really enjoying my new HHKB Type-S (yeah, I overpaid, so what ). It has a nice tactile feel that I'm still getting accustomed to after using MX reds for so long. I really, really like the silenced switches. They're quiet, but very satisfying to listen to as my typing speed picks up. I'm definitely a fan.

I think I might like even lighter switches though. They feel stiffer than the reds despite the equal resistance rating. Maybe my girly fingers have been pampered by reds for too long and they need some time to adjust. I'd still like to get my hands on an all-30g Realforce and give that a try.

[khaangaaroo]

Owner of a custom 30g ANSI Realforce TKL Silent right here

[Michael]

Damn that's awesome. I'd love to try it out too, but good luck finding an inexpensive 55g. And I don't think I could stomach dropping $250 just to rip out the guts of a 55g 87u

Well, you could simply just put the HHKB rubbers back into the RF, and have a 45g RF and a 55g HHKB

So you aren't really throwing the money away

[iri]

i like my realforce mostly because it's 45g. can't find another 45g rubber dome board which is not topre.

So all of you paid a ridiculous amount for a mediocre keyboard

topre keyboards are nice. and if their price is ridiculous for your wallet, stop whining and start making money 

[laffindude]

I would buy another Realforce if it came in 30g uniform 87key Type-S.

[iri]

a 30g is definitely appealing

[longweight]

Man I want a white slient 55g RF board but they don't seem to exist

[guilleguillaume]

Am I the only one tired of reading tp4tissue bashing on Topre keyboards? It's exhausting, If I was him I would get bored of typing always the same.

[kaiserreich]

just ignore than guy.

Have a variable force RF and a 45g RF and a HHKB, gotta say I prefer the 45g better. But the HHKB is the king of this lot.
I don't know how you guys type with 30g, it is so light. Curious about 55g however.

[longweight]

I am bored of him being on this forum.

[SmallFry]

I am bored of him being on this forum.

There is an ignore function on GeekHack. Under your profile, friends/ignore list or something similar if you'd like.

[phetto]

If you all are bored there is a X in the top right corner..

[daerid]

I am bored of him being on this forum.

There is an ignore function on GeekHack. Under your profile, friends/ignore list or something similar if you'd like.

it's useless. it still shows he posted, but just hides the post and provides a link to show it.

[daerid]

Well, you could simply just put the HHKB rubbers back into the RF, and have a 45g RF and a 55g HHKB

So you aren't really throwing the money away

Except I don't like the 45g RF (I sold mine to get another 55g).

[LifeIsGooD2]

when I said I was selling my realforce even though it was very nice he PMd me and asked about my real feelings on the matter lol




I didn't want to discuss this in your Topre thread as it may affect you selling it..


But seriously, what'd you think "over-rated" to the extreme yea?

So.... NOT $300 good....  )


That was the reason I returned mine. I've since stuck with silicone dampened mx-blues.

Maybe $150 good tops... 











any way I changed my mind and officially am on the topre is the greatest bandwagon... not only a superior build quality and feel but there is so much less strain on my fingers from typing all day ... it truly is what a keyboard should be

[daerid]

when I said I was selling my realforce even though it was very nice he PMd me and asked about my real feelings on the matter lol

He's from New Jersey :shrug:

[...] there is so much less strain on my fingers from typing all day ... it truly is what a keyboard should be

This is the most important point for me. It's the only board that hasn't made my hands start aching after extended use.

[lazerpointer]

wounds

I spent a portion of my tax return on it. Considering blowing the rest of it on that Silent HHKB

Sounds to me like your "wound" is still bleeding  )

[nar]

Remember there are lower quality topres out there than Realforces. I've seen OEM Topres go for as little as $75.

Actually I think in Japan they are clearing stock of old TKL versions, they are selling the old 91 TKLs for less than $150 in some places.

[laden3]

Would prefer a Topre without the tactility (linear) ...

[laden3]

Remember there are lower quality topres out there than Realforces. I've seen OEM Topres go for as little as $75.

Actually I think in Japan they are clearing stock of old TKL versions, they are selling the old 91 TKLs for less than $150 in some places.

really? link pls

[nar]

Here's one:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000EQHU6M/r
TKL, Japanese 91 Key Layout, Lasered PBT Keycaps, 13,453 Yen (About $145 US)

You'll need a forwarding service like Tenso if your buying it from there though since Amazon doesn't ship electronics internationally.

[fuzzybaffy]

Here's one:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000EQHU6M/r
TKL, Japanese 91 Key Layout, Lasered PBT Keycaps, 13,453 Yen (About $145 US)

You'll need a forwarding service like Tenso if your buying it from there though since Amazon doesn't ship electronics internationally.

I think that's proof that there is a reason why the typical Topre (not the one nar listed) costs $300.

Again, people make too much out of the fact that Topre has rubber, and cry foul, and say, "oh no! It's a rip-off!". But they go ahead and conveniently forget its amazing build quality.

Contrary to popular belief, there IS a reason why the (typical) Topre (not the one nar listed) costs $300. It's its build quality, and the quality of the switches and keycaps. Or, so I think.

[jabar]

The first $150 ish dollars is build quality. The rest of the cost comes from artificial scarcity and lack of competition.

[nar]

Well I think one of the main reasons why Topre is so expensive is unlike pretty much every other keyboard, its made in Japan. That adds a ton to the cost. Whether having something made in Japan as opposed to Taiwan is worth it (For example the minimum wage in Japan I believe is more than double that of Taiwan) is another matter.

[tjcaustin]

Considering what I've spent on KDM boards, price isn't really a problem anymore. 

The reason why I've had the page up to add one to a cart from EK for three days now is I'm worried that I'll either:

1.  Like it so much that the mx-mini and lz-gh that I've spent big bucks on will go dusty from disuse (or at least one of them will as I have two PCs I use and only getting one topre...) OR

2. Hate it and then not be able to resell it

[keymaster]

After reading this thread, Topre really sounds like the old IBM rubber dome keyboard I use at work. It's surprisingly high quality and has that soft thock everyone keeps talking about.

[jdcarpe]

Considering what I've spent on KDM boards, price isn't really a problem anymore. 

The reason why I've had the page up to add one to a cart from EK for three days now is I'm worried that I'll either:

1.  Like it so much that the mx-mini and lz-gh that I've spent big bucks on will go dusty from disuse (or at least one of them will as I have two PCs I use and only getting one topre...) OR

2. Hate it and then not be able to resell it

Right, price isn't a factor for me, either. The price of a Topre is inflated compared to a Filco, etc., because they are "Japanese luxury" boards, plain and simple. Is an Infiniti better than a Nissan? Is a Lexus better than a Toyota? I don't personally know the answers to those questions. There are a lot of variables.

You might find you love Topre switches. You won't hate them. You might feel "meh" about them. I felt that they were are very high quality, extremely smooth feeling rubber dome (cup, whatever). I liked them okay, I just preferred my MX boards, and the Topres got little to no use after the first couple weeks. I ended up selling them, but reluctantly.

I didn't love the Topre like some people do, but I didn't hate it, either.

I did love the THOCK, however.

[hashbaz]

THHOCCKKKK