WTF BeNippon!?

[xsphat]

I contacted BeNippon about a Topre 91U, and they got back to me saying that that keyboard is really hard to get, so they have a used one they are selling for $25 more than they go for brand new. If I wanted a used one, I'd be looking for a Realforce 89U. I think I'll contact that Crescent site.

[xsphat]

They posted a link to it here:

http://benippon.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=14568

[iMav]

Start checking with the other broker sites.

[xsphat]

I am.


;lbgh;kfg;ukjhfg;kjg

[Bluemercury]

What kind of switches this uses?

[xsphat]

Topre capacitive, much like the HHKB Pro 2 but a little better.

[iMav]

Topre capacitive, much like the HHKB Pro 2 but a little better.

how can the capacitive switch be any better?  The switch provides no physical feedback whatsoever.

(perhaps the keyboard is coupled with different springs and sliders that provide a different feel??)

[xsphat]

Puntium and a couple dudes on Flickr said the Topre branded keyboards feel better than the HHKB Pro 2, but only slightly.

[Ulysses31]

No feedback?  So it's a linear action of some kind?  I'm just wondering what the big advantage of capacitative switches is, aside from things like durability.  On one of my many fact-finding trawls through the net I read an opinion that the Filco browns were as pleasant to use as capacitative switches.

[iMav]

No feedback?  So it's a linear action of some kind?  I'm just wondering what the big advantage of capacitative switches is, aside from things like durability.  On one of my many fact-finding trawls through the net I read an opinion that the Filco browns were as pleasant to use as capacitative switches.

It's an electrical capacitive switch.  A change in capacitance is what registers the keystroke.  So the switch itself has nothing to do with the physical feedback.  That's entirely up to the springs and sliders used.

The HHKB Pro's feel pretty smooth in my opinion.  I like them fine even though it is the key layout that has me hooked...not necessarily the feel.  (I'd rather have this key layout with either blue cherries or buckling springs)

[Ulysses31]

Ah I see.  I got confused when you said they had no feedback, as I assumed you were referring to how the key feels on the way down.  The spring provides the sensation of something suddenly "giving way" but isn't what electrically activates the switch.  I think I get it now.  

I don't suppose they make anything with just the numpad missing?  I've seen DIY versions that looked quite impressive but i'd never take a knife/saw to anything so expensive and hard to obtain.  The HHKB Pro is gorgeous but I prefer commonly used keys to remain separate (I guess i'm just not hardcore enough ).  This is one of the reasons why I don't like laptop layouts - too cramped.

[xsphat]

Crescent Trading is about $8 higher for the same keyboard, but at least it's new.