Realforce 87U Tenkeyless 55g (Black) $199 sale @ EK

[intelli78]

For the past week+, EK has had the 45g 87u on a super saver $199 sale. This week, the 45g is back to its normal price and the 55g version is $199.

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se1800

I ordered one. Time to try 55g.

[SpAmRaY]

why do they have to do this

[dante]

I think I'm going to be sick...

[tricheboars]

I think I'm going to be sick...

?

this is a good deal. if i hadnt just splurged waayyy to much on massdrop and Round 5 i would get on this.

[keymaster]

Such a good deal, guys. This is the time to be a part of the master race.

[LONGZILLA]

Ugh, why now

[dante]

Such a good deal, guys. This is the time to be a part of the master race.

If only the Variable Silent was $199...

I've got nerve damage in my left arm now - I have no idea if 55g is such a good idea.

[keymaster]

Such a good deal, guys. This is the time to be a part of the master race.

If only the Variable Silent was $199...

I've got nerve damage in my left arm now - I have no idea if 55g is such a good idea.

Probably not. Although I love the weight of the switch, sometimes when my forearms hurt (RSI) from clicking, it can be tiring to type.

[AKIMbO]

Dang son....55g is the best.  Great deal on that board. 

[Michael]

It seems like EK is trying to move old stock to make room for some new products, maybe...

[SpAmRaY]

It seems like EK is trying to move old stock to make room for some new products, maybe...

we can dream.....

[missalaire]

Tempting... gonna wait for CM's Novatouch TKLs though.

[dustinhxc]

Now the 55g too!! Oh man...

[Wildcard]

Tempting... gonna wait for CM's Novatouch TKLs though.

I just wonder if they'll be available in 55g when they first roll out considering we've only heard about them in 45g.

[SpAmRaY]

Tempting... gonna wait for CM's Novatouch TKLs though.

I just wonder if they'll be available in 55g when they first roll out considering we've only heard about them in 45g.

^^ this 1000x AND what IF coolermaster decides to make a numberpad

[osi]

Will try 55g one day...

[codyeatworld]

Gonna pick up the 55g if I can justify it soon.

Almost pulled the trigger on the 55g the other day too!

[missalaire]

Tempting... gonna wait for CM's Novatouch TKLs though.

I just wonder if they'll be available in 55g when they first roll out considering we've only heard about them in 45g.

Lets all spam their mail with requests for 55g.

[Novus]

Ohhhhhhh nice
I'm tempted to get this ...

why do they have to do this

Yea seriously

[Glenn315]

They're killing me. I'm too poor already. 

[dante]

Such a good deal, guys. This is the time to be a part of the master race.

If only the Variable Silent was $199...

I've got nerve damage in my left arm now - I have no idea if 55g is such a good idea.

Probably not. Although I love the weight of the switch, sometimes when my forearms hurt (RSI) from clicking, it can be tiring to type.

I just destroyed my paypal account and bought a 87U Silent.  I'm going to see if my neurologist can get the insurance company to cover some of it as I've lost 60% feeling in my pinky and ring fingers.  The Lenovo membrane I've got is great but I need something a little lighter for those fingers.

[balanar]

Argh the shipping fees hurt sooo bad! I've added everything to the cart and am just trying to convince myself the $65 in shipping is acceptable.

[ComradeSniper]

Argh the shipping fees hurt sooo bad! I've added everything to the cart and am just trying to convince myself the $65 in shipping is acceptable.

You will have paid less overall than I did a month ago, how's that for convincing? 

[riotonthebay]

Argh the shipping fees hurt sooo bad! I've added everything to the cart and am just trying to convince myself the $65 in shipping is acceptable.

Email them and ask about alternative shipping methods. I've heard that some people have had success with this.

[dorkvader]

Such a good deal, guys. This is the time to be a part of the master race.

If only the Variable Silent was $199...

I've got nerve damage in my left arm now - I have no idea if 55g is such a good idea.

Probably not. Although I love the weight of the switch, sometimes when my forearms hurt (RSI) from clicking, it can be tiring to type.

I just destroyed my paypal account and bought a 87U Silent.  I'm going to see if my neurologist can get the insurance company to cover some of it as I've lost 60% feeling in my pinky and ring fingers.  The Lenovo membrane I've got is great but I need something a little lighter for those fingers.

30g uniform is another option.

[demik]

****.

[Michael]

****.

Do it. Do it.

[balanar]

Email them and ask about alternative shipping methods. I've heard that some people have had success with this.

That is really helpful info. I will do just that! Thank you!!

[amos5606]

hoping it's the 55g white version with $199.......

[SpAmRaY]

hoping it's the 55g white version with $199.......

It's only $215, that is still a really good price!

[daerid]

Wow... bought one of these for $345 when they first got back into stock @ EK.

/sigh

[tobr1an]

Any1 been to ek storefront? N purchase something?

[SpAmRaY]

Any1 been to ek storefront? N purchase something?

If anyone goes take lots of photos!

[Comment]

why do they have to do this

Awfully tempting! I think that might be the reason they do it 

[dante]

why do they have to do this

Awfully tempting! I think that might be the reason they do it 

It's probably to make everyone poor so they can't afford the NovaTouch...

[SpAmRaY]

why do they have to do this

Awfully tempting! I think that might be the reason they do it 

It's probably to make everyone poor so they can't afford the NovaTouch...

Yeah, I know what I'm getting into getting a realforce, the NovaTouch still has to prove itself, and it will be 45g until the market provides enough demand to do anything else.

[dustinhxc]

Any1 been to ek storefront? N purchase something?

Please someone go take photos!!!

[Comment]

Any1 been to ek storefront? N purchase something?

I didn't even know such a thing existed.  Must be where dreams come true.  )

[dustinhxc]

Found that on their website.

[dante]

[Wildcard]

Show Image

Found that on their website.

Good way to display boards.

[osi]

Show Image

Found that on their website.

Good way to display boards.

Reminds me of my wife's shoe rack shelving

[dustinhxc]

I gave in and got an All 55g! 

[Pacifist]

I gave in and got an All 55g! 

Review please comparing 45g hhkb to 55g

[dustinhxc]

I gave in and got an All 55g! 

Review please comparing 45g hhkb to 55g

I will!

[SpAmRaY]

I gave in and got an All 55g! 

Review please comparing 45g hhkb to 55g

I will!

Also compare it t those magical jdcarpe clears you have

[missalaire]

In for one.

[dustinhxc]

I gave in and got an All 55g! 

Review please comparing 45g hhkb to 55g

I will!

Also compare it t those magical jdcarpe clears you have

You caught me! I love those hehe....

[aref]

It's a nice keyboard with 55-gram switches. Picked up a 55-gram 87UW and added a 87UB.
Realforce/Topre 55-gram key switches are crisp and responsive--the feel is different from other
key switches. Now, if Topre or Realforce would only reconsider making accessory key-cap sets.

[intelli78]

Question for those who got in on this sale:

Did you receive a Red Esc and/or Lavender WASD?

[gh_pp]

Have anyone gotten their new 55G 87U black yet?

It seems like EK not just lower the price  but they also employed a cost cutting strategy by removing the red esc and Lavender replacement keys for W,A,S, and D from the package.

You can see from previous review that those are included.
http://imgur.com/a/WWF5t
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46851.0

I wonder if the white version or 45g/variable weight/slient S got the same treatment.

Keyboard without the red esc is just... 

[SpAmRaY]

Question for those who got in on this sale:

Did you receive a Red Esc and/or Lavender WASD?

No.

[intelli78]

Question for those who got in on this sale:

Did you receive a Red Esc and/or Lavender WASD?

No.

Thanks. I ordered one to try 55g Topre, and passed it along to gh_pp (^). There was some confusion about whether they should have been included. Looks like gh posted the reply from EK.

[SpAmRaY]

That would explain the stock of red esc keys that they were out of and didn't know when they were going to get them in

[intelli78]

That would explain the stock of red esc keys that they were out of and didn't know when they were going to get them in

Ah 

[Elrick]

That would explain the stock of red esc keys that they were out of and didn't know when they were going to get them in

Part of the usual rip-off EK is well known for  .  Imagine opening up people's actual purchases to remove intended items that were already paid for, is that legal in the US?

Someone should hit them in some small claims tribunal because this shouldn't be allowed in this day and age - outright simple theft  .

[missalaire]

Wow, really?

I ordered this as my first Topre board and I didn't even know they came with those things lol.  I did order a red Topre esc key with my order, but would be nice if the things that it's supposed to come with are included :<

[keymaster]

If anyone really needs the lavender WASD cluster, pay for shipping and I'll mail them out to you. PM me if interested.

[Elrick]

Wow, really?

I ordered this as my first Topre board and I didn't even know they came with those things lol.  I did order a red Topre esc key with my order, but would be nice if the things that it's supposed to come with are included :<

I bought both the 45 and 55g REALFORCE keyboards in late 2012 and one early in 2013 and both had red ESCs and purple WASDs.  It even says on the package document paper inside the case, that it includes free of charge these items for you to enjoy.

Like I said, looks like EK trying to gouge the maximum amount of money (not entitled to) from current customers for no other reason than pure, idiot greed  .

[gh_pp]

I bought both the 45 and 55g REALFORCE keyboards in late 2012 and one early in 2013 and both had red ESCs and purple WASDs.  It even says on the package document paper inside the case, that it includes free of charge these items for you to enjoy.

Like I said, looks like EK trying to gouge the maximum amount of money (not entitled to) from current customers for no other reason than pure, idiot greed  .

Maybe brian can clarify, but since EK got a special EK edition 45g, maybe he got special bulk orders that he repackage in the US (like OEM).

But if the boxes are directly from japan with the red esc and wasd in every 87u and he took them out and reseal with the EK label, that's really bad business practice unless he specifically mentioned in the product description

"extra esc & wasd are removed to provide this new low price for our customers"

it's really a bummer coz I would have gotten an extra red esc along with my lube purchases if I knew this is the case.

[Elrick]

Maybe it's up to Brian to run his business as he sees fit, I wouldn't know how to run a keyboard business myself hence have no idea what's going on.  I am no fan of him but at the same time he has to make a profit from what he sells.

You have to ask yourselves what would happen if Brian goes bust taking EK with him, who gets to distribute and sell Realforce and HHKB's to everyone in the US?

[dustinhxc]

Lucky I ordered a Red Esc. :-)

[dante]

I'm not sad about the escape / wasd - I'm sad that the black Topre spacebars are out of stock - and the listing is removed so no telling if it will ever come back.

[gh_pp]

I'm not sad about the escape / wasd - I'm sad that the black Topre spacebars are out of stock - and the listing is removed so no telling if it will ever come back.

So that explains the mystery price drop across the board a while ago. Since it looks like not just the 55G, but all the 87U don't come with red esc & wasd anymore (worth ~ $20 retail on ek's website).

I don't think the wasd are that popular. I have mine and I don't use them like many others.

Not being able to purchase replacement keycaps for your topre board will eventually kill the realforce. As long as the novatouch has excellent build quality I think CM will get all the topre $$$

[aref]

I ordered one as a gift for my brother, whose wife also had gotten him one! Care to guess which one he's keeping? Now I have three 87U keyboards: two are mine, which I'm keeping.

I've decided to keep both black 87Us and swap out the white/gray keys from my 87UW. I'll likely try and sell the 87UW with key caps from my black 87U.

[intelli78]

I ordered one as a gift for my brother, whose wife also had gotten him one! Care to guess which one he's keeping? Now I have three 87U keyboards: two are mine, which I'm keeping; and the new one will go into geekhack classifieds as soon as I log 60 posts. I'll sell it for $175, U.S. sales and shipping included--mea culpa for posting this prior to getting it into a classified ad.

Must resist 

[Belfong]

I ordered one as a gift for my brother, whose wife also had gotten him one! Care to guess which one he's keeping? Now I have three 87U keyboards: two are mine, which I'm keeping; and the new one will go into geekhack classifieds as soon as I log 60 posts. I'll sell it for $175, U.S. sales and shipping included--mea culpa for posting this prior to getting it into a classified ad.

Tempting sskguy. You will only ship CONUS?

[luis911]

Man, Now I dunno If I should have gone with this instead of that 104ub-DK from massdrop.

[aref]

Okay, this is my new 87UBW: an 87UB with key caps from an 87UW. I love the look. I thought that I'd sell the other 87UB, but I thought, 'Why not keep both black KBs and switch key caps on one of them?' I'll list the 87UWB, white/gray base with all black keys, under geekhack classified ads tomorrow to see if there's any interest.

[aref]

I ordered one as a gift for my brother, whose wife also had gotten him one! Care to guess which one he's keeping? Now I have three 87U keyboards: two are mine, which I'm keeping; and the new one will go into geekhack classifieds as soon as I log 60 posts. I'll sell it for $175, U.S. sales and shipping included--mea culpa for posting this prior to getting it into a classified ad.

Must resist 

I understand. Keyboards are an absolute in this life. And... you've got a new keyboard on the way.

[SpAmRaY]

Okay, this is my new 87UBW: an 87UB with key caps from an 87UW. I love the look. I thought that I'd sell the other 87UB, but I thought, 'Why not keep both black KBs and switch key caps on one of them?' I'll list the 87UWB, white/gray base with all black keys, under geekhack classified ads tomorrow to see if there's any interest.

I did basically the same thing

[aref]

Okay, this is my new 87UBW: an 87UB with key caps from an 87UW. I love the look. I thought that I'd sell the other 87UB, but I thought, 'Why not keep both black KBs and switch key caps on one of them?' I'll list the 87UWB, white/gray base with all black keys, under geekhack classified ads tomorrow to see if there's any interest.

I did basically the same thing

It really is a nice look. I'm sure a lot of guys with both KBs have done the same. And when it's sitting in front of you, it's like, why didn't I do this sooner?

[dustinhxc]

I was an idiot and got 3 white real forces arg wishing I had a black case!

[Air tree]

I was an idiot and got 3 white real forces arg wishing I had a black case!

You got three?!?! I thought you only got 2 

[dustinhxc]

I was an idiot and got 3 white real forces arg wishing I had a black case!

You got three?!?! I thought you only got 2 

 

[Belfong]

I was an idiot and got 3 white real forces arg wishing I had a black case!

Your post about having the RF on the cart and resisting to check out the cart is a 3-RF cart? OMIGOSH!! Why on earth do you need 3 RF?!

[dustinhxc]

I was an idiot and got 3 white real forces arg wishing I had a black case!

Your post about having the RF on the cart and resisting to check out the cart is a 3-RF cart? OMIGOSH!! Why on earth do you need 3 RF?!

Only plan to keep one. Using the other 2 for internals.

[Belfong]

Whoa... 55g HHKB! OMG! Then shouldn't you be getting the RF Black at $199 instead?

Edit: is the cable detachable?

[missalaire]

Just got my Realforce in the mail

It came with a metal key puller and extra Ctrl keys, but no lavender WASD or red Topre Esc key that used to be included.

[Belfong]

Just got my Realforce in the mail

It came with a metal key puller and extra Ctrl keys, but no lavender WASD or red Topre Esc key that used to be included.

How do you like it? Any impression?

[Elrick]

Just got my Realforce in the mail

It came with a metal key puller and extra Ctrl keys, but no lavender WASD or red Topre Esc key that used to be included.

Yep, poor old Brian needs to make extra money some how  .  Even though it's just a few dollars extra he's charging now, unless he's hording them into a pile and releasing them later for $50USD each.....

Just depends how desperate thorpie owners will get, here on Geekhack they might get serious with spending $100 each for those keys as time goes by.  After all have a look at the current payment for Click Clacks on here.

[avtar]

FYI this sale ends tomorrow night. I made some tough choices so that I could order these beasts

[tribade]

FYI this sale ends tomorrow night. I made some tough choices so that I could order these beasts

Hasn't ended yet!  It's still on sale, but who knows for how much longer.  I'm having trouble resisting!

[avtar]

FYI this sale ends tomorrow night. I made some tough choices so that I could order these beasts

Hasn't ended yet!  It's still on sale, but who knows for how much longer.  I'm having trouble resisting!

First of all,

Secondly you may want to call them and confirm that they'll honour the sale price. Brian has been pretty good about that in the past.

[tribade]

FYI this sale ends tomorrow night. I made some tough choices so that I could order these beasts

Hasn't ended yet!  It's still on sale, but who knows for how much longer.  I'm having trouble resisting!

First of all,

Secondly you may want to call them and confirm that they'll honour the sale price. Brian has been pretty good about that in the past.

I think I might snag a white one, then an aluminum case for it from the classifieds    ah so much cash but it'll feel so good

[luis911]

FYI this sale ends tomorrow night. I made some tough choices so that I could order these beasts

Hasn't ended yet!  It's still on sale, but who knows for how much longer.  I'm having trouble resisting!

First of all,

Secondly you may want to call them and confirm that they'll honour the sale price. Brian has been pretty good about that in the past.

I think I might snag a white one, then an aluminum case for it from the classifieds    ah so much cash but it'll feel so good

I've yet to see an Aluminum Realforce Case. Is this really a thing?

[Flyersfan1]

FYI this sale ends tomorrow night. I made some tough choices so that I could order these beasts

Hasn't ended yet!  It's still on sale, but who knows for how much longer.  I'm having trouble resisting!

First of all,

Secondly you may want to call them and confirm that they'll honour the sale price. Brian has been pretty good about that in the past.

I think I might snag a white one, then an aluminum case for it from the classifieds    ah so much cash but it'll feel so good

I've yet to see an Aluminum Realforce Case. Is this really a thing?

Yes.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-/161133900415?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item258454327f

[dorkvader]

I've yet to see an Aluminum Realforce Case. Is this really a thing?

Other than the digilog case (in the ebay auction above) there is one other realforce case that I know of, that sherryton offered for sale a while back.

For HHKB there was one metal case made at least.

Topre has at least one non-realforce KB with a metal case.

[tribade]

Well, I bit the bullet.  Totally got the case and a 55g 87uw.  I freaking love it by the way.  My sausage fingers feel right at home on the 55g keys.  Here are a few potato pictures:

[Pacifist]

Well, I bit the bullet.  Totally got the case and a 55g 87uw.  I freaking love it by the way.  My sausage fingers feel right at home on the 55g keys.  Here are a few potato pictures:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Where did you get the case from?

[Belfong]

Wow, that case is bad-ass.. I love it!

[tribade]

Well, I bit the bullet.  Totally got the case and a 55g 87uw.  I freaking love it by the way.  My sausage fingers feel right at home on the 55g keys.  Here are a few potato pictures:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Where did you get the case from?

I bought it from jalaj on the classifieds, but I believe they also sell them on ebay:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Real-force-87U-Silver-/161162921107?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item25860f0493

[tribade]

Wow, that case is bad-ass.. I love it!

Thanks!  I'm really happy with it so far.  It just gives the keybaord such a great heft.  It's substantially heavier than my KMAC mini, although I haven't weighed the two yet to find the exact difference.

[daerid]

Question for those who got in on this sale:

Did you receive a Red Esc and/or Lavender WASD?

My 87UW 55g only came with the keypuller and swapped caps/control.

[Belfong]

Same as mine. No red Esc nor lavender WASD.

[tribade]

However mine did come a red escape key and lavender wasd. I did get it on sale. I don't know why there was a difference.

[Belfong]

Different batches or maybe time. When did you get yours, tribade?

[tribade]

Got mine just a couple weeks ago.  I don't remember the exact date off the top of my head.

[avtar]

Got mine just a couple weeks ago.  I don't remember the exact date off the top of my head.

Probably just different batches that EK have in stock then? I received a white 87U in February and a black 87U earlier this month, both without the extra Esc or lavender WASD keycaps.

[Belfong]

Strange then... You're lucky, tribade.

[Belfong]

Strange then... You're lucky, tribade.

[daerid]

Back when the 55g was re-introduced (and I paid $350 for the damn thing), I don't believe it came with a red Esc or lavendar WASD.

tribade: did you perchance get the EK edition? I'm pretty sure those do come with the extras.

[tribade]

Back when the 55g was re-introduced (and I paid $350 for the damn thing), I don't believe it came with a red Esc or lavendar WASD.

tribade: did you perchance get the EK edition? I'm pretty sure those do come with the extras.

Don't believe I did get the EK edition one.  This is the one I got:  http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se0800  Sadly it looks like it's out of stock now so I'm glad I got it when I did!

Strange then... You're lucky, tribade.

Thanks, I guess I am lucky!  I really like the red escape key for it, too.

[daerid]

Crazy, that's the exact one I just bought. Probably old stock.

[lunr]

I bought the 55g during the sale and I just got my keyboard in. It did not came with the red esc key nor the wasd keys but it did came with the keypuller and the caps/control keys. Bit sad but I probably will end up buying them separately from EK soon...