geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: david on Wed, 18 May 2011, 13:28:20
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Hi everyone,
I just ordered a Leopold Tenkeyless (FC200R) w/ Cherry Browns from EK yesterday and I'm patiently waiting for it to come. It'll be my first mechanical keyboard - having been intrigued after redescovering a family IBM Model M and playing on a friends Cherry keyboard (w/ reds).
The bug has certainly bit me as I'm already looking at other keyboards! I've been intrigued by the Topre-switched Realforce 87U, particularly the black model with variable weighted keys. That being said I have a few questions:
- Where can I purchase the 87U in the USA (if possible)? [or just the cheapest way to get a US layout board]
- Will the variable weight affect my gaming or transition between uniform weighted keyboards?
- Suggestions on wristrests for my tenkeyless?
BR,
David
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You can't buy it in the US. However you can get the 86UB from EK.
You can also buy the 87UB directly (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18182-Buying-a-RealForce-Topre-Keyboard-from-Japan&p=348080#post348080) from Japan.
Get the filco wristrest from the Keyboard Company.
The variable is ok for gaming, however the uniform would be better.
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There is one for sale right now on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Topre-Realforce-87UB-Keyboard-mechanical-/260785071141?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3cb8006425#ht_7755wt_1139). It's slightly used but seems to be in good condition. Asking price is $300 + $20 shipping but you can make an offer. Also, check in the classified section to see if there is one for sale.
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RiGS, I just can't decide between variable/uniform! The 55gm seems too heavy, no?
mmmty, I saw that keyboard on eBay... but its uniform weight.
As I'm still an undergrad student in my 3rd year, I've got a ton of typing to do... while I do play games I don't know if I would want a keyboard dedicated to just gaming. mmmty, do you have experience with both types? (variable/uniform)
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Get the 45g uniform. ::smoke
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Is that even available in black/US layout? I think I saw a 45g uniform but it was in the JP layout.
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Get the 45g uniform. ::smoke
What!? That's the same as browns and I like browns.
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not exactly the same.
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Haha...so where can I get these mythical 45g'd 87Us? Damn this keyboard bug. I've got too many "bugs" that my wallet is sobbing.
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Well, it's Topre 45g vs Cherry brown 45g. I think 45g is how I like my keyboards. I don't even like blues 50g but that probably has to do more with blues bigger bumps.
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I don't see a version with all 45g.
(http://i.imgur.com/w0rIG.jpg)
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Yeah I've been looking for it...
I have however been able to find the Japanese tenkeyless in black with all 45g switches:
http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=588
Anyone wanna chime in on if there is a US type?
@mmmty, how do you like them variable switches?
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I like it. I got that version because my pinkies are kind of weak. I keep missing a whole bunch of a's when I type :)
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There is an all 45g fullsize US layout available on leopold
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I prefer the variable for typing. However I'm gonna buy the 45g uniform (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18139-Got-a-Realforce-86u&p=347448&viewfull=1#post347448) strictly for gaming.
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david, let us know what you end up getting, and how.
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Wow, they even have all 30g for full size. That's even lighter than cloud of boobs. You may have to hold your breath when you type.
http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=650
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The all 30g is awesome keyboard for RTS games.
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Wow, they even have all 30g for full size. That's even lighter than cloud of boobs. You may have to hold your breath when you type.
http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=650
I wouldn't mind having one of these.
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Yuck, I would hate those.
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So, there's only 1 55g on the ESC key. The rest are 45g except for the keys you normally use your pinkies to type. Awesome!! that's how I like it. Oh! the ring finger on the L column are also 35g.
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87U is 35/45/55. See the Topre wiki for details.
Yes to 87U model SE1700 and SE170S. 87U SE1800 is all 55g.
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I was looking through the Wiki and noticed there are models that say "quiet", apparently making them different from the standard 87Us. Does anyone have experience with them and how do I differentiate them from the normal 87U? It seems like the name and product code is the same...
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http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?9056-Topre-Realforce-Low-Noise-Line-announced
http://cafe.naver.com/sfkey.cafe?iframe_url=/ArticleRead.nhn%3Farticleid=396
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?9056-Topre-Realforce-Low-Noise-Line-announced&p=347777&viewfull=1#post347777
Normal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cpxVj1h3O8
Low Noise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QKqXaQw3BM
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litster, thanks!
Now, I'm having some trouble figuring out whether or not I want 55gs...
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Just got an email from Leopold's Bambi... the 87U will be restocked in full around the end of June. Prices are approx $320 for the non-silent and $328 for the silent.
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I heard the same thing from Bambi. That matches with the Rakuten shop's story (no stock). Will have to wait now.
David, the pricing I got is this:
SE1700 JPY23800 + EMS cost JPY4000
SE170S JPY26800 + EMS cost JPY4000
SE070S JPY26800 + EMS cost JPY4000
The low noise version is 3,000 yen more, which is about US$37. This is different than they pricing you got. Weird.
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Litster, my apologies you are absolutely correct! My tired eyes/brain made a mistake :(
Pretty sure I'll be sticking with Variable weights...now the decision boils down to SE1700 vs SE170S. I wonder if anyone's had the chance to try both out?
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Unless noise is absolutely prohibited at where you type, or you have to type while you are on the phone or video conference, I would get the regular one. Topre is already pretty quiet, comparing to MX blue or even brown. Muting the sound is only going to lower the enjoyment of the awesome keyboard you are going to spend a lot of money to buy. In my own opinion of course.
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Is the right windows key that important to you? If you do go with a variable force one I'd just get it from EK. 86u is missing the right windows key, otherwise the same layout as 87u.
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless
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Not that these are super important, but the 86U doens't have the embedded numpad and LEDs that 87U has.
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One does not buy a tenkeyless to miss having a numpad!
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Honestly, I love having a numpad, but my deskspace at school/work is super limited. I'd rather have a separate numpad that I can drag in when I really need it. I hate having my mouse so far out right :(
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One does not buy a tenkeyless to miss having a numpad!
Quote FTW!
Also, it makes more sense when you spend another US$130 to buy the Realforce 23UB Numpad.
Heh
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Quote FTW!
Also, it makes more sense when you spend another US$130 to buy the Realforce 23UB Numpad.
Heh
Appearantly this guy (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18161-87U-55g&p=348452&viewfull=1#post348452) doesn't agree with you.
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Haha I don't mind paying extra for a Numpad - heck it doesn't even have to be a Topre switched one! Sure makes doing my Finance & Accounting homework easier. Damn college dorm desks are tiny at my school...
Anyhow - I'll probably be going through Leopold directly to get my keyboard. I'll let everyone know how that goes. I wonder what else I can buy - too impatient as friggin EK's 10keyless is going to take over 10 days total to get to me (possibly the slowest domestic shipping I've experienced in a while).
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I want ripster's red num pad. What's the name of it? Something Japanese made but I saw it on Amazon too.
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It's on Amazon - you owe me a keyboard!!! :smile:
http://www.amazon.com/10KEY-Calculator-PC-MAC-Red/dp/B0041OYYS0/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1305830342&sr=8-17 (http://www.amazon.com/10KEY-Calculator-PC-MAC-Red/dp/B0041OYYS0/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1305830342&sr=8-17)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tsLfaw%2B3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
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What are the orange stuff on the keys? Anyway, it's too expensive for me. For $75 you can almost buy another mechanical keyboard.
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What are the orange stuff on the keys? Anyway, it's too expensive for me. For $75 you can almost buy another mechanical keyboard.
It's called reflection
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There is one for sale right now on Ebay
Not any more ;)
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Who bought it - you? How much was it sold for?
I found it. It was sold for $270 + $20 shipping. 87U uniform 55g (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&hash=item3cb8006425&item=260785071141&nma=true&pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&rt=nc&si=R14kjWEpzboPgFk4AO4imVacQMU%253D#ht_7755wt_1139).
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You're pretty sharp mmmty, I don't care what Ripster says about you
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What!?? Well, he does have better calculators. This is my calculator.
Almost forgot. So you did buy it. Congratulations! I hope you like your new keyboard.
(http://i.imgur.com/XKeeT.jpg)
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Thanks, I hope I like it too. If not, something tells me I wouldn't have a hard time getting rid of it anyway :)
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These keyboards do have amazing resale values, especially Realforce and HHKB keyboards, as long as you're not asking for some ridiculous prices like $400.
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Definitely not interested in trying to gouge people, but it's nice to know I can probably come close to covering my costs if it doesn't work out. Lots of products out there aren't like that!
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So apparently... a friend of a friend was the guy who sold you that keyboard. Hope you enjoy it - I almost bought it myself after exchanging some messages in bringing down the price ;)
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Alright guys - gonna buy the 87U this week woohoo! Does anyone have feedback/comments ont he 87U Silent version? I'm afraid it would feel significantly different...
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Sorry, I'm not a pretty girl like you :)
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Good. It's leetness is ensured.
Sorry man. It's made in japan and pretty available. Info provided by my friend Squarebox. not that hard to get. jsut how much you're willing to spend.
http://www.retailfacility.co.uk/calculators/64-10-key.html
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Alright guys - gonna buy the 87U this week woohoo! Does anyone have feedback/comments ont he 87U Silent version? I'm afraid it would feel significantly different...
Are you going the rakuten route instead of waiting for leopold.co.jp?
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Reaper said he got his from Bambi yesterday (5/23). 3-day EMS shipping so that means he put in the order on 5/19 or 5/20. Maybe you should try emailing Bambi again.
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18335-Realforce-87UB-55g
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Really? Which model did he get?
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Read all about it here http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18335-Realforce-87UB-55g
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I am so sad, Bambi doesn't like me, sold it to reaper instead... Maybe I will get a Filco 10keyless red switch instead, since I already have an 86U, except Amazon is out of stock.
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Ripster, any thoughts on how the variable Topre compares to the Cherry Browns? I FINALLY got my damn Leopold FC200R w/ Browns in from EK today - took over 10 days. I am loving the Brown switches although I am not too fond/familiar of the long travel/depth of the keys (I think I'm just not used to it as I used laptop keys for so long now)...
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Excellent photo as usual, saw that in your wiki <3
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Browns are springier. This makes sense since the Topre has a very wimpy spring.
Now I COULD use force diagrams to explain this but I prefer the RipOmeter (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6189) for it's visual power.
I think a little bit of resistance would be nice, as you press through the bump the resistance quickly drops, and because of that it is very challenging to avoid bottoming out.
Do you think it would be possible to make stiffer 50-60g aftermarket springs for the Topre.
Does it have any special material?
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The Korean and EU collectors think they use Hanzo Steel though. Have to admit though, with preliminary from my RipOruster results so far these springs must be treated.
All springs are treated, otherwise they'd be like paperclips.
The quality of the Torp treatment must be good enough to return to their positions 30million times.