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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ambroise on Fri, 03 June 2011, 23:35:54

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: ambroise on Fri, 03 June 2011, 23:35:54

Does anybody know why is this keyboard no longer sold in the US???


I think I read somewhere on this site that you couldn't export them either.
How come?

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: reaper on Fri, 03 June 2011, 23:39:45

Maybe it wasn't profitable for EK to continue selling that particular model.  idk

Also if you want one, you could import it.  I got mine from Bambi over at Leopold (Japan).  It's either that or eBay. lol

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: ambroise on Fri, 03 June 2011, 23:51:03

Thanks for the info.

Did you just e-mail their customer support for them to send you an invoice?

How much was it and how long did it take to arrive.




Thanks

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: reaper on Sat, 04 June 2011, 00:07:31

Yup, just email Bambi (that's her name) over at Leopold.co.jp and ask if she has any left.  Here's a thread I made (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18335-Realforce-87UB-55g) with pictures, shipping info and what not.

IIRC, I emailed her and she emailed me back with a quote.  I paid via PayPal and it was shipped pretty much the same day.  I received the package 3 days later.  The price was 23800 yen not including shipping.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: ambroise on Sat, 04 June 2011, 00:20:28

Thanks a lot for the info.

I assume the email is bambi@leopold.co.jp?

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: reaper on Sat, 04 June 2011, 00:24:56

No problem and I think it's better if you use support [at] leopold.co.jp just in case Bambi is on vacation or something. lol

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: ambroise on Sat, 04 June 2011, 00:29:38

Will do.


I'm just waiting for the USD to bounce up a little bit and I'll make the jump.



Thanks again for all the info. I really appreciate it.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: reaper on Sat, 04 June 2011, 00:32:02

Quote from: ambroise;355430

I'm just waiting for the USD to bounce up a little bit and I'll make the jump.
Thanks again for all the info. I really appreciate it.

Smart move and you're welcome.  Glad I was able to help. =)

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: Crazy9000 on Sat, 04 June 2011, 01:09:55

EK was the only place that sold them here in the first place were they not?

EK doesn't think people need the right windows key I guess. They now stock the 86u (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless), which is identical except for the absent right windows key.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: nhwhaup on Sat, 04 June 2011, 03:35:39

Quote from: Crazy9000;355438

EK was the only place that sold them here in the first place were they not?

EK doesn't think people need the right windows key I guess. They now stock the 86u (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless), which is identical except for the absent right windows key.

In addition to the right windows key there is the built in number pad. I also checked with Bambi a couple of weeks ago and she told me that she didn't have any in stock and didn't know when or if they would be getting any more in. She did say that they would be getting some of the "quiet" versions in at the end of June.  The only other option is to purchase directly from the Japanese internet version of Amazon. I didn't choose to go that way. I ended up buying the 86u and the separate number pad for when I'm heavy in spreadsheets.

Nhwhazup

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: ambroise on Sat, 04 June 2011, 10:28:37

Quote from: nhwhaup;355448

In addition to the right windows key there is the built in number pad. I also checked with Bambi a couple of weeks ago and she told me that she didn't have any in stock and didn't know when or if they would be getting any more in. She did say that they would be getting some of the "quiet" versions in at the end of June.  The only other option is to purchase directly from the Japanese internet version of Amazon. I didn't choose to go that way. I ended up buying the 86u and the separate number pad for when I'm heavy in spreadsheets.

Nhwhazup

I thinks an autohotkey script could simulate the function of the 87U if you wanted to.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: redpill on Sat, 04 June 2011, 10:43:18

I don't really like the built in number pad, I may wind up getting a separate one.   Sure does type nice, though!

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: redpill on Sat, 04 June 2011, 11:40:03

EK down right now?

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: Brummell on Sat, 04 June 2011, 12:09:12

Either that or the whole Leopold/Filco thing just hasn't worked out the way he anticipated.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: Brummell on Sat, 04 June 2011, 12:18:24

Probably site maintenance.

But I think it IS pretty clear that dumping Filco (or getting dumped by them) hasn't been entirely productive for him.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: siz2rp on Sat, 04 June 2011, 12:47:07

I bought an 86ub from EK a few weeks ago and love it but would really like an 87 to use at home (bought the 86 for work). Contacted Bambi and I am sure she will tell me the same thing she has told everyone else regarding stock.

I am totally willing to wait until the end of June to try one of the silent Realforces, however.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: rsantos97 on Sat, 04 June 2011, 13:39:07

How much better is this topre switch compared to cherry MX brown?  Is the price difference worth it.  Because I much rather have one great keyboard than a couple of good ones.  I mean I already spent about $350 on three keyboards so I could just rid of two or all of them and get a realforce 87ub or 86ub instead if it really is that great.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: woody on Sat, 04 June 2011, 14:08:37

Quote from: rsantos97;355597

How much better is this topre switch compared to cherry MX brown?

About as much as rubber dome is better than micro-switch.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: siz2rp on Sat, 04 June 2011, 14:08:59

MX browns are significantly louder than Topres, correct?

How would they be with either the firm or soft landing pads sold at EK?

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sat, 04 June 2011, 15:14:11

Quote from: Brummell;355561

Probably site maintenance.

But I think it IS pretty clear that dumping Filco (or getting dumped by them) hasn't been entirely productive for him.

Ouch... How long since EK is down? I must live in a cave or something.

Title: Realforce 87U
Post by: nhwhaup on Sat, 04 June 2011, 15:26:10

Quote from: ambroise;355510

I thinks an autohotkey script could simulate the function of the 87U if you wanted to.

This sounds awesome. Tell me more.