Hello everybody. I've browsed this forum for about six months, but this is my first post.
To lead with a little background on me, I've been a self-employed software developer for about 17 years. I only have one employee...me. I'm on my computer for 12 hours per day...more if I were honest about it. Add my gaming on top of that, and I live at my desk. Yes, I'm married and have four kids, but they're older and only two now live at home. But I have a home office, so I can fit the fam in whenever.
Now keyboards...
My first was a Dos Ultimate with browns bought about 2.5 years ago. About six months ago, I bought a variable weighted Realforce 87U Silent for $310. I've also worked on Cherry reds, blues and browns with landing pads.
So, my take on the Topre switches...
The cost:
It's something I spend more time on than my bed. I would've paid $500 to get it. In fact, I kind of did since I also bought the Realforce numberpad for $130 lol. And if you think that's bad, I bought a BodyBilt chair 18 years ago for $1,900. I still use it to this day, and it's one of the best office equipment purchases I've ever made. My point being, price is relative.
The motivation for trying Topre "silent" switches was twofold...
First, I'm tired of the clack-clack of the "silent" Cherry browns. It was novel at first. But I'm constantly on the phone, and clients regularly pointed out my loud typing as I'm taking notes during meetings. And I didn't like the landing pads. They changed the keystroke and it just didn't feel right.
Second, my knuckles were sore at the end of a long day. I don't hammer my keys, but still, the hard landing with the plastic keycap against the plastic deck took its toll. Since I've had my Realforce, no more sore knuckles.
I still use my Dos board for gaming and occasional work. The impressive thing about Cherry switches is longevity. They are workhorses. My Dos keycaps are worn completely smooth and yet the switches actuate like they did the day I bought the keyboard.
Topre or Cherry?...
I like them both, but I'm definitely a Topre convert. The Topre just feels better. It's like butter to type on. Some might not like the light, variable weighted keys. But once you adjust, you lightly tickle the keys and fly. And I don't care if it only lasts three years, I'll probably buy another.
I highly recommend Topre and Realforce...if you can justify / afford it. I also run a 30" IPS primary display at 2560 x 1600, and 24" IPS displays at 1920 x 1200 on each side of that, all three on separate monitor arms. It all helps me get my work done. Like I said...it's all relative.