Print Page - Realforce group buy

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 10:06:45

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 10:06:45

Hey all,

Brian from EK mentioned to me that he's not ordering one-off keyboards that he doesn't stock anymore, unless he orders 10 of them. Would anyone actually be interested in a group buy from them? If you want to know if they ship to your country, check here (http://www.elitekeyboards.com/support.php?lang=en#2).

Also, he mentioned that he hopes to have news regarding new inventory before the end of November so if you're willing to wait, it may be worth it to do that instead.

Otherwise, I put together a list of possibilities from looking at websites like geekstuff4u and benippon. The 87U is unfortunately not a possibility, but here are some others:

Black:
91UDK-G
91U
108UDL
91UBK-S (Silent)
108UDK ALL30g
108UBK

White:
108US All 30g
108UH All 45g
91U NG0100
101

Reply if you're interested and which board/boards. If there's enough interest, we can have a final poll on which board for the order. I also really have no idea what prices could be, so we wouldn't find out until I let him know how many keyboards to order.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: zefrer on Fri, 22 October 2010, 10:13:27

I'm assuming since it's a bulk order you'd choose a layout.

I'd be interested in finding out how much it would cost first :) 91U or a variant thereof would be good for me.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 10:19:15

Quote from: zefrer

I'd be interested in finding out how much it would cost first :) 91U or a variant thereof would be good for me.

It depends on the board. I'm interested in the 91U as well. If we can find 8 other people interested in the 91U, I'll ask Brian how much it would cost. =)

Quote

Aren't those all JP layout keyboards?

Yes, with the exception of the 101.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: Ehe_Shaoge on Fri, 22 October 2010, 10:28:07

I think I'll wait to see what news Brian will have in November (I'm hoping he'll have a black 86U). I'm really not liking the 91U, to be honest.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: laden3 on Fri, 22 October 2010, 11:14:27

Quote from: keyboardlover;237270

The 87U is unfortunately not a possibility,

Why?:frown:

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 11:17:02

Quote from: laden3;237318

Why?:frown:

Topre is changing their distribution and only Korea is getting the 87U. Lucky bastards.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 22 October 2010, 11:19:40

Is there a discount?

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 11:25:03

Quote from: WhiteRice

Is there a discount?

I don't know if the price will be lower than the Japanese website's prices. I really won't know until I get an interested party focused on a keyboard and contact EK. EK's prices tend to be some of the best, but it's probably dependent on how much they buy.

Just added a couple other possibilities - the black 108UDK ALL30g and 108UBK.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: laden3 on Fri, 22 October 2010, 11:33:07

So, any tenkeyless with integrated numpad?

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: zefrer on Fri, 22 October 2010, 11:38:59

Pretty sure the 91U have roughly ten less keys :D

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 11:52:18

Quote from: laden3;237338

So, any tenkeyless with integrated numpad?

I dunno. Take a look at the models below the number 100 and see.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: laden3 on Fri, 22 October 2010, 12:18:22

only interested in tenkeyless keyboard in US layout with integrated numpad a.k.a. 87U -.- eff the gooks (just kidding)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 12:25:02

Quote from: laden3;237370

only interested in tenkeyless keyboard in US layout with integrated numpad a.k.a. 87U -.- eff the gooks (just kidding)

That's a little offensive (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gook).

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: didjamatic on Fri, 22 October 2010, 12:25:12

WOW, that's offensive.

Anyway, Realforce/PFU/Topre/Fujitsu really needs to pull their heads out of their butts and realize what consumers want. And most are wanting an 87u and 103u in variable, all 45g or all 55g... and a HHKB with more modifier keys in corners and/or arrow keys. Pretty foolish move in my opinion, especially since they seem to be losing ground to the wave of Cherry MX equipped boards coming out.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: sixty on Fri, 22 October 2010, 12:32:24

Quote from: didjamatic;237374

WOW, that's offensive.

Anyway, Realforce/PFU/Topre/Fujitsu really needs to pull their heads out of their butts and realize what consumers want. And most are wanting an 87u and 103u in variable, all 45g or all 55g... and a HHKB with more modifier keys in corners and/or arrow keys. Pretty foolish move in my opinion, especially since they seem to be losing ground to the wave of Cherry MX equipped boards coming out.

I think speaking in realistic terms they do realize. Thats why Asia keeps getting all these available at any time and "new" models every few months. Compared to the amount they sell in Japan and Korea the few international orders through EK are probably nothing but peanuts. Therefore, they are unlikely to care for any of our wishes as long as their main market is happy.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: didjamatic on Fri, 22 October 2010, 12:34:57

True Sixty, but their international sales would grow EXPONENTIALLY if they would push more keyboards out to Europe and North America. There is no shortage of buyers and the more that get them, show their friends and post reviews, etc. the more that will buy them. But they only push in their region and in this information age that is very foolish.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: mike on Fri, 22 October 2010, 13:32:12

Quote from: ripster;237292

Hopefully something other than a full grain leather wristpad.

Like something for vegetarians.

I've never been known to chew wrist pads :)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 22 October 2010, 13:33:20

Quote from: ripster;237380

Mousenuts to Topre. They probably like the OEM Bank/Airline business a lot better.

This refrigeration truck reeked of quality btw. Everybody knows Japanese>Chink products.
Show Image
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4853965854_436c3e72c6_z.jpg)

Jap

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 22 October 2010, 13:38:46

Can't we all just get along T_T

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 13:50:37

Quote from: ripster;237410

Where's ItlnStln? I wanna call him a Wop.

Nice. Don't forget dego, guinea and goomba. (I'm one too) :D
Germans have a funny one for Italians - "Teigwaren-Esser" (Pasta eater)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: Lanx on Fri, 22 October 2010, 14:19:57

Quote from: ripster;237429

Somehow I just don't see a lot of people going for the JP ones. My son is typing up a storm with his - after a Wiki break I'll have to do one on how to use a Japanese layout keyboard - including remapping those extra keys.
Show Image
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4862861407_618cbf3b5f_z.jpg)

Your guido boy is gifted.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 22 October 2010, 14:29:02

Quote from: ripster;237410

Where's ItlnStln? I wanna call him a Wop.

Checking in for abuse.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: Sam on Fri, 22 October 2010, 15:33:49

Quote from: ripster;237333

That "changing their distribution" comment by Majestouch was kinda weird. Nothing really has happened yet.

The 87U was also advertised as a "limited edition" model. Topre does that frequently. (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=9733&highlight=hirose)

Hmm, being I live in Korea, maybe I ought to buy up some of these 87U's in hope that they become collector items. That or bring a bag full of them with me to the States around Christmas time and play being Santa.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 22 October 2010, 15:36:18

Quote from: Sam

Hmm, being I live in Korea, maybe I ought to buy up some of these 87U's in hope that they become collector items. That or bring a bag full of them with me to the States around Christmas time and play being Santa.

Actually, can you check how much you can get them for and report back? If it'd be worth it to go through you, some people might consider it.

Edit: If you do the santa thing, I've been good! ;)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 22 October 2010, 15:41:24

I would definitely buy if we could get some 87u's

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: Sam on Fri, 22 October 2010, 15:53:13

Well the only place I know that sells them in Korea is Leopold:

http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/list.php&ca_id=10

They go for 360,000 KRW which comes to about US$320 at the current exchange rate. They list six entries on that page that I saw, as follows:

Korean or English, Low Noise, Black
Korean, Black
Korean, 55g, Black (but picture is white)
English, Black
English, 55g, Black
Korean, Low Noise, White

I know almost nothing about the Realforces except that if I were to ever get one for myself it'd have to be white...I hate that dark gray on black.

BTW, the Korean heading for the "Low Noise" models translates to "differential low noise model", which I'm guessing means the variable weight model, but not sure.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: ironman31 on Fri, 22 October 2010, 16:05:18

All 45g tenkeyless would be nice

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: Sam on Fri, 22 October 2010, 16:12:41

Quote from: keyboardlover;237475

Edit: If you do the santa thing, I've been good! ;)

Well I don't see any beam spring boards listed in what you own. This Santa doesn't like cookies and milk, he likes beam springs!

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: washuai on Fri, 22 October 2010, 16:27:47

If I remember correctly differential = variable weighting, but I've gotten a little lazy since I snagged my own 87U English variable black.
I am still interested in English, low noise variable or all 45g 87U variety tenkeyless, but it is not currently a priority or in budget. I'd be content to wait and see if elitekeyboards got a low noise black 86U. I like having the integrated number pad, but it isn't a proper substitute for a 23UB, if you really need a number pad, which I do not. I don't need the menu key, but I do like it.

When it was looking like I'd never get an 87U, I had started digging into 91UBK-S. http://www.smartimports.net (They're on ebay (http://myworld.ebay.com/smartimports?ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1181)) said they could hook me up with 91UBK-S for $325 including shipping (I'm in the US).

In the end, I decided that for the kind of money a Topre costs, I didn't want to make any compromises and I was going to get an 87U even if I had to pay a broker to get from leopold or just be happy with a tenkeyless Filco with browns.

Although, these days I would probably amend that Filco purchase with import a ducky 84% with the integrated numberpad.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 23 October 2010, 10:32:29

Quote from: ripster;237333

That "changing their distribution" comment by Majestouch was kinda weird. Nothing really has happened yet.

The 87U was also advertised as a "limited edition" model. Topre does that frequently. (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=9733&highlight=hirose)

Changing distribution is a process and Topre doesn't work anything like an American or European company (as you may have guessed). But anyway, stuff has already happened. Try finding the 87U new outside of Korea.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: didjamatic on Sat, 23 October 2010, 12:09:34

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: didjamatic on Sat, 23 October 2010, 12:11:43

It makes me wonder if PFU/Realforce/Fujitsu whoever they are... was foolish enough to agree to make 1 vendor an exclusive dealer for the 87u. That or they are restricting supply in preparation of releasing a successor keyboard... the Realforce 76u.

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-sQ6TN93LvU/S6DYpPO8SuI/AAAAAAAAAjs/bHcs76_ozEs/s800/Realforce%2076u.JPG)

I believe the final version of the 76u has a Fn key on the left of the space bar, just right of where ~ is in this spy photo and a numpad layer. It's also available in variable or uniform 45g resistance.

There is also the Realforce 4u for HHKB owners to regain productivity.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-sQ6TN93LvU/S7N3RmT8axI/AAAAAAAAAmU/bqfPmmhJdJ4/s800/PFU%20arrow%20keyboard%20for%20HHKB.JPG)

(Ok, neither of these keyboards are real)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: woody on Sat, 23 October 2010, 13:30:10

Quote from: ripster;237454

I like insulting Ukranian taxi drivers by saying "Dos Vedanya". Gets em every time.

More like "Do Svidaniya".
________
Mercedes-Benz 560 specifications (http://www.mercedes-wiki.com/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_560)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 23 October 2010, 13:45:42

Quote from: ripster

I'm about to post a "Blow Job" review to solve the problem for lazy people that don't use keyboards.

That's a 68468465464-point infraction right there mister.

(http://uribepesqueira.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/angry-kid32.jpg)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 23 October 2010, 17:36:30

Quote from: zefrer;237346

Pretty sure the 91U have roughly ten less keys :D

Obviously that creature meant this:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=12477&stc=1&d=1284418611)

Because everyone knows you have fewer countable things (such as keys), and less of an uncountable thing (such as grammar knowledge).

I hope those LESS keys are reprogrammable.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: laden3 on Sat, 23 October 2010, 18:23:10

New geekhack logo? Looks like its originated from Germany during the 30s. I like it!

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: WhiteRice on Sat, 23 October 2010, 18:27:59

Ya know with a simple palette swap, that could be a pretty sweet logo.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: HaaTa on Sat, 23 October 2010, 20:54:51

Quote from: ripster;237770

It's labelled Grammar Nazi.

And I just Techno Nazi'd RicerCar here. (http://www.overclock.net/11099289-post89.html)

Nazi Brotherhood.

Sorry, ricercar, had to laugh aloud there.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 23 October 2010, 22:50:58

Wtf - you damn racists got my thread a 1 star rating!

:(

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: trievalot on Sat, 23 October 2010, 22:52:45

3 stars now

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 23 October 2010, 22:54:20

Quote from: trievalot

3 stars now

Lol thanks...after all you did request the thread :D

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: trievalot on Sat, 23 October 2010, 23:00:16

i requested.....cool, i win a prize!

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: ricercar on Sun, 24 October 2010, 01:00:31

Over/under, who cares? At least I spell correctly.

Ouch.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: Lanx on Sun, 24 October 2010, 01:57:31

Quote from: ripster;237711

Oops, typo there. Meant to say, "keyboard covers".

You have a dirty mind.

Upcoming DataVac review.
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13136&stc=1&d=1287861086)

i use my datavac to dust, i just point at my blinds/chadeliers all those nook and corners and the dust just flies off, i'm usually holding the datavac in one hand and the vacuum handle/wand with the other so i'm sucking in the dust.

even used it on my porch to clean out cobbwebs and stuff, neighbors thought i was using a leaf blower, which doesn't sound weird until you hear that i live in an apt/townhouse so yea thats weird.

oh yea and i used it to blow all the grinding dust and abs plastic when i was modding, pretty nice.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: M@XLOL on Sun, 24 October 2010, 02:08:17

I just ordered one of these from Amazon the other day its awesome!

I joined this site a few week ago and have been reading and reading.

Purchased a filco but if this thing gets going I'll be interested in a group buy.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Sun, 24 October 2010, 08:09:32

Cool. Welcome to GeekHack!

Watch your wallet here...

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: didjamatic on Sun, 24 October 2010, 09:03:52

Welcome to Geek Hack, awesome sword (avatar), awesomer keyboards.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: zefrer on Sun, 24 October 2010, 11:54:29

Relax grammar nazi, it's a grammar error not genocide.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: aegrotatio on Sun, 24 October 2010, 14:44:42

Piece of garbage racists. Shows what you truly are.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: rlm80 on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:33:52

If this thread is still worth anything, I'd like to add a vote for an ALL 30g model (or even two depending on the price). Doesn't matter which color or layout.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:37:20

Quote from: rlm80

If this thread is still worth anything, I'd like to add a vote for an ALL 30g model (or even two depending on the price). Doesn't matter which color or layout.

Haha...I dunno that it ever was worth anything. If anyone else chimes in that they'd go for that too, we can see about a group buy.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 04 November 2010, 11:13:54

I would go for a 30g., but only if it's ANSI. I think the only ones available are JP.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: 002 on Thu, 04 November 2010, 19:53:35

Quote from: itlnstln;242539

I would go for a 30g., but only if it's ANSI. I think the only ones available are JP.

+1

I'm also hanging out for a uniform weighted (45g or under) full size ANSI Realforce board.
Make it happen Topre.

*Edit: Oh, and it must be White...WHITE POWER!

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: 002 on Thu, 04 November 2010, 20:08:38

Quote from: ripster;242711

That's very non-racist of you.

Woops, looks like my post wasn't too.
I've fixed that up

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: yuriylsh on Thu, 04 November 2010, 21:08:02

Quote from: woody;237704

More like "Do Svidaniya".

More like "Dosvidaniya". But indeed it's more like "Dopobacheniya" :biggrin:

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: maxlugar on Thu, 04 November 2010, 21:28:41

Quote from: 002;242708

+1

I'm also hanging out for a uniform weighted (45g or under) full size ANSI Realforce board.
Make it happen Topre.

*Edit: Oh, and it must be White...WHITE POWER!

Well technically, even the white Topres are yelllow...if you know what I mean ;-)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: adamlau on Thu, 04 November 2010, 22:10:05

Hacked up the 103UB 55g and tossed the membrane into the 87U. Floating the board across two ThinkPads...

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/5147137163_e6ef17440d_b.jpg)

Aligning the membrane and the springs using forceps...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5147137177_bc1300dda1_b.jpg)

Reassembling the 103UB (too long and obtrusive for my tastes) to gift off to my gf...

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/5147137183_d6016e71d6_b.jpg)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: maxlugar on Thu, 04 November 2010, 22:23:35

Hacked up the 103UB 55g and tossed the membrane into the 87U. Floating the board across two ThinkPads...

Bizarre...but interesting and certainly creative.

To each his own. I personally could not bring myself to deliberately **** up perfectly good Topre keyboards. Perhaps I lack imagination... ;-)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: msiegel on Thu, 04 November 2010, 22:35:31

those topres have beautiful guts, just as simple and effective as model f :)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: ironman31 on Thu, 04 November 2010, 23:01:59

Quote from: ripster;242765

Nice job on the mod - never seen anyone do a full replacement before.

Actually I'm not sure anybody here actually owns a 30g.

It's like the Red Cherry phenomenon - sounds better when they are rare.

HaaTa does.

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=10711 (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=10711)

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: 002 on Thu, 04 November 2010, 23:29:48

HaaTa's spent enough time in Japan to be used to their keyboards.
I think a lot more of us would have 30g boards if they made them in the ANSI layout.

Title: Realforce group buy
Post by: woody on Fri, 05 November 2010, 10:27:22

Quote from: yuriylsh;242739

More like "Dosvidaniya".

Is there new Russian language in effect? :)
Of course, when spoken the pause is very short.
________
Jacky Ickx (http://www.ferrari-wiki.com/wiki/Jacky_Ickx)