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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: grips on Wed, 05 June 2013, 22:20:15

Title: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Wed, 05 June 2013, 22:20:15
Well, it didn't take me long to get my way over to trying out the Topre boards. I received Realforce 87U uniform 45g keyboard today, along with a Leopold FC660M. I was using a Ducky 9807K G2 Pro and a Das, both with MX blues, as my regular boards. I started playing with the Leo for a while seeing if I would like the clear switches. I wasn't really too pulled in. In fact, I wasn't really all that impressed with the Realforce board either. But, as I slowly used the board more and more, I started enjoying the presses more and more. After going for a run and coming back to the computer and finishing some code, I was completely sold on the Topre switches.

As another user mentioned previously, the Cherries now just feel rough and gritty when I press the down. I believe I'm completely converted to using Topre switches.

Interestingly, though, since I also received my FC660M today, I got a feel of the clears for the first time, and after playing with it for a while, it sounds like ergo clears would have a slightly similar feel to Topre switches. I've not tried lubing and swapping the springs, but it somehow seems like that might be the case. At least, the action of pressing the button down seems like it would be similar. I think the rebound of the key would not be.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 05 June 2013, 22:38:07
You are not alone.

General consensus suggests sticking with a Topre board for a week or two, and then try going back to MX.

You have done exactly that :)
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: anticorrelator on Wed, 05 June 2013, 22:45:18
The exact same thing happened to be recently too. I spent a couple years using blues and within the past couple months I've become totally addicted to how topre switches feel
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: tribade on Wed, 05 June 2013, 22:46:36
One of us, one of us, one of us...

 :D

Just kidding.  I'm glad you like Topre!  I've been feeling the need to try other MX switches recently though, so be forewarned that your keyboard journey probably isn't over yet!
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Wed, 05 June 2013, 23:03:58
You are not alone.

General consensus suggests sticking with a Topre board for a week or two, and then try going back to MX.

You have done exactly that :)

I'll definitely keep the others around... For a little bit anyway, haha!

The exact same thing happened to be recently too. I spent a couple years using blues and within the past couple months I've become totally addicted to how topre switches feel

It's something about how buttery the feel is when pressing the buttons down. It just feels like everything glides.

One of us, one of us, one of us...

 :D

Just kidding.  I'm glad you like Topre!  I've been feeling the need to try other MX switches recently though, so be forewarned that your keyboard journey probably isn't over yet!

Haha, I was hoping maybe I wouldn't be spending excessive amounts after this. I guess it never ends, does it? :D
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: tribade on Thu, 06 June 2013, 00:01:06
Quote
One of us, one of us, one of us...

 :D

Just kidding.  I'm glad you like Topre!  I've been feeling the need to try other MX switches recently though, so be forewarned that your keyboard journey probably isn't over yet!

Haha, I was hoping maybe I wouldn't be spending excessive amounts after this. I guess it never ends, does it? :D

At least that I've seen, only user Sth purports to have found the perfect board!  You're going to be here for the long haul!
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: deazncy on Thu, 06 June 2013, 02:11:58
Why is it that I see an increase in Topre posts/threads when I'm having the hardest damn time finding the Topre board that I want?  :'(
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 06 June 2013, 02:21:17
Why is it that I see an increase in Topre posts/threads when I'm having the hardest damn time finding the Topre board that I want?  :'(

Temptation?
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: thefunkyprimer on Thu, 06 June 2013, 04:22:39
Why is it that I see an increase in Topre posts/threads when I'm having the hardest damn time finding the Topre board that I want?  :'(


It's the same reason you become interested in a specific car, and then see it 10 times a day. It was always there, you just notice it now.  ;)
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: pexon on Thu, 06 June 2013, 04:24:47
Why is it that I see an increase in Topre posts/threads when I'm having the hardest damn time finding the Topre board that I want?  :'(

HHKB!  :D
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: fateswarm on Thu, 06 June 2013, 04:36:29
I received Realforce 87U uniform 45g keyboard today, along with a Leopold FC660M.

/jealous of rich people.  ;D
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: ValerieV on Thu, 06 June 2013, 05:05:33
If i had to choose i would choose the Leopold topre over the RealForce keyboard. The Realforce seems way too expensive and i wasn't that impressed with it. However, the HHKB is my favorite topre.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: kelske on Thu, 06 June 2013, 06:21:54
This story sounds strangely familiar :o
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: thefunkyprimer on Thu, 06 June 2013, 06:45:48
Slightly off topic: How do you pronounce, "Topre"?
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 06 June 2013, 06:50:04
Slightly off topic: How do you pronounce, "Topre"?

'One does not simply pronounce topre!'

You, yell TOE-PRAH!

Also there is a thread on the pronunciation

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=9289.msg919265.msg#919265
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: thefunkyprimer on Thu, 06 June 2013, 07:42:16
I'm going to pretend I didn't just ask a question that I could have easily searched for.

Thanks for the thread!
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Thu, 06 June 2013, 08:43:01
Why is it that I see an increase in Topre posts/threads when I'm having the hardest damn time finding the Topre board that I want?  :'(

HHKB!  :D

I'm interested in an HHKB. I'd like a board that I can take with me to work, but I'm so used to having dedicated keys that I don't know how much I would enjoy the super compact size. I'm a coder so I use a lot of arrow keys and page up/page down. One of the issues that strikes me with the board is that the Fn key is on the right hand side with the arrows. It seems like that would make it quite difficult to use.
I received Realforce 87U uniform 45g keyboard today, along with a Leopold FC660M.

/jealous of rich people.  ;D

Haha, me too! I'm going to have to get rid of some boards to get back to level. I went a little overboard at first because I wanted to get a general idea on how everything felt. I use a keyboard for hours everyday, so I figured it was worth it.

If i had to choose i would choose the Leopold topre over the RealForce keyboard. The Realforce seems way too expensive and i wasn't that impressed with it. However, the HHKB is my favorite topre.

I agree. I think the Realforce is a bit overpriced. I didn't want to risk getting a compact board and not being able to use it as efficiently as a TKL or full-size :/
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: insilica on Thu, 06 June 2013, 09:15:07
Welcome to the Topre club :D. I still use my MX Browns on my MACmini ... and when my FC660C arrives it's going straight to my work desk :D.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Thu, 06 June 2013, 13:12:31
Welcome to the Topre club :D. I still use my MX Browns on my MACmini ... and when my FC660C arrives it's going straight to my work desk :D.

Are you planning to replace the board with the MX browns with the FC660C?

I have a hard time using the ~60% layouts efficiently :/ but I'd like to have a portable board as well.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: insilica on Thu, 06 June 2013, 14:37:34
Welcome to the Topre club :D. I still use my MX Browns on my MACmini ... and when my FC660C arrives it's going straight to my work desk :D.

Are you planning to replace the board with the MX browns with the FC660C?

I have a hard time using the ~60% layouts efficiently :/ but I'd like to have a portable board as well.

The fc660c will go to my desk at work. I have a Realforce RF87u silent on my workstation at home. The filco brown is also on my home desk, however attached to my Mac mini. ;)

When I started at GH I was warned it will be an expensive habit/hobby :rolleyes: I have room for one more keyboard, a unicomp ssk if it ever happens.  ;) though I imagine I will end up with an IBM ssk.

The one problem I have with topre is the lack of eye candy, I.e. keycaps in group buys and there is only one place in the west I know of which supplies topre key caps :(
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: Binge on Thu, 06 June 2013, 14:50:15
Preemptive warning to MX, BS, Alps users.

(http://t.qkme.me/3sy4ki.jpg)
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Thu, 06 June 2013, 15:01:43
Welcome to the Topre club :D. I still use my MX Browns on my MACmini ... and when my FC660C arrives it's going straight to my work desk :D.

Are you planning to replace the board with the MX browns with the FC660C?

I have a hard time using the ~60% layouts efficiently :/ but I'd like to have a portable board as well.

The fc660c will go to my desk at work. I have a Realforce RF87u silent on my workstation at home. The filco brown is also on my home desk, however attached to my Mac mini. ;)

When I started at GH I was warned it will be an expensive habit/hobby :rolleyes: I have room for one more keyboard, a unicomp ssk if it ever happens.  ;) though I imagine I will end up with an IBM ssk.

The one problem I have with topre is the lack of eye candy, I.e. keycaps in group buys and there is only one place in the west I know of which supplies topre key caps :(

Yeah, it'd be nice to have more options for key caps. Although, maybe it's a good thing... Board was expensive enough :D

Preemptive warning to MX, BS, Alps users.

Show Image
(http://t.qkme.me/3sy4ki.jpg)


Heeeyy, I've got nothing against the other switches. The blues are my favorite so far. I'm not much of a fan of the linear MX switches and I'm keen on trying ergo clears if I ever get the chance. I'd like to try the Alps switches as well. BS was the original board that I came from. I love all my children... I just might have to sell some for food...
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: DrinkTea on Thu, 06 June 2013, 15:24:19
Slightly off topic: How do you pronounce, "Topre"?

Like this, approximately(in japanese):
to̞ːpɯᵝɾe̞
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: typo on Thu, 06 June 2013, 15:50:55
I switched from topre to clears. topre is a little nicer but I like my new board better. I think there might be different grades of mx switches perhaps. as exemplified in the razer bw lol.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: longweight on Thu, 06 June 2013, 15:56:08
Preemptive warning to MX, BS, Alps users.

Show Image
(http://t.qkme.me/3sy4ki.jpg)



Can't afford Topre?
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Thu, 06 June 2013, 16:13:42
I switched from topre to clears. topre is a little nicer but I like my new board better. I think there might be different grades of mx switches perhaps. as exemplified in the razer bw lol.

Which board did you switch to? I think the springs in clears are a little to stiff for me.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: take on Thu, 06 June 2013, 18:09:21
butthurt cherry users invade every topre thread. don't take it personal.

it's more flattering than anything.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: AKIMbO on Thu, 06 June 2013, 18:17:27
butthurt cherry users invade every topre thread. don't take it personal.

it's more flattering than anything.

This guy....














........I love him.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: Binge on Thu, 06 June 2013, 18:26:30
Funny story.

Binge owns/owned a(previously couple) topre.

Binge stopped decided not to talk about topre a long time ago because people get butthurt all the time.

Binge saw this thread and made a point that this thread is a circle jerk.

Binge saw that this response was obviously hurting people's e-feels.

Binge never said that anyone is stopping the liking of other switches.

Binge merely pointed out that this is a circle jerk.   The thread subject is "converted to topre," and after witnessing a number of converted to X religion gatherings it's safe to say that this is no longer appreciation of input devices and the concept of keyboards but instead a circle jerk for topre users.  This is not a review... CPTBadAss made a review of switches, shared his experience, and his opinion.

Binge is happily typing on a keyboard, is not sharing what kind it is, cares what you're typing on right now, cares if you love it or hate it, but doesn't give a **** how you rate your keyboards/switches/favorite athletes/genres of music/dongs.

FILDO FOREVER
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Thu, 06 June 2013, 18:44:21
Funny story.

Binge owns/owned a(previously couple) topre.

Binge stopped decided not to talk about topre a long time ago because people get butthurt all the time.

Binge saw this thread and made a point that this thread is a circle jerk.

Binge saw that this response was obviously hurting people's e-feels.

Binge never said that anyone is stopping the liking of other switches.

Binge merely pointed out that this is a circle jerk.   The thread subject is "converted to topre," and after witnessing a number of converted to X religion gatherings it's safe to say that this is no longer appreciation of input devices and the concept of keyboards but instead a circle jerk for topre users.  This is not a review... CPTBadAss made a review of switches, shared his experience, and his opinion.

Binge is happily typing on a keyboard, is not sharing what kind it is, cares what you're typing on right now, cares if you love it or hate it, but doesn't give a **** how you rate your keyboards/switches/favorite athletes/genres of music/dongs.

FILDO FOREVER

I suppose it could be considered a circlejerk. It wasn't my intention of creating a thread for that purpose, but merely to relay to the community the fact that I, personally, had found an interest in the Topre switches. I didn't write a review, that's true. If I had, it would have been in the review section anyway. This was just a post to trigger some conversation on the topic of Topre switches. I did state some of my reasoning why I liked the feel of the Topre switches, though not an in-depth technical review, in order to direct the conversation.

I suppose I just didn't realize how sensitive the community was to the topic. Thought it was a place to talk about keyboards.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: tobindax on Thu, 06 June 2013, 19:10:56
It's not a circlejerk grips, don't worry. It's just that some fanboys of MX and some fanboys of Topre are incapable of forming rational discussions. Instead, they label a trolling everything they see from the other side. i.e. they are such circlejerks they are incapable of seeing the obvious: They are projecting their own circlejerk on others and call them a circlejerk.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: typo on Thu, 06 June 2013, 19:12:55
grips, its a deck. I just like it overall. the thing is I do like stiff switches and mostly have 55g uniform topre. either switch is stiffer than what many people like.

now I don't think this is a circlejerk. we can like anything expensive. things expensive "tend" to be better and that is why they often command a higher price. the pudding would be if topre was $40. then I bet no one would give a s.. about it. case in point: no one will admit keytronics has a "similar" feel. I am not trying to be a jerk, just saying what I feel. on the other hand I do like the topre feel best myself. so I am not a flamer either. at least compare topre 55g to clears. not 45g.

I like the deck for the flat profile. a flat topre 45g is on the way but I think I will find the keys too lite. I know most people do not like a flat profile either. I cut my teeth on typewriters.
some of the early ones could have been at least 80g.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: daerid on Thu, 06 June 2013, 19:36:55
We Topre lovers love Topre. And we like to express that we love Topre, and we like appreciating that others love Topre and when they express that they love Topre.

Sure it might be a circle jerk, but you could say that in a circle jerk everybody has fun :-D
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: Polymer on Thu, 06 June 2013, 19:57:47
now I don't think this is a circlejerk. we can like anything expensive. things expensive "tend" to be better and that is why they often command a higher price. the pudding would be if topre was $40. then I bet no one would give a s.. about it. case in point: no one will admit keytronics has a "similar" feel. I am not trying to be a jerk, just saying what I feel. on the other hand I do like the topre feel best myself.

I think everyone admits Topre is similar to rubber dome...because it is based on rubber domes.  There are differences though in stability, how they feel, the solidness, the sound...That doesn't change the fact that the basic mechanism to it IS rubber dome.  But so what?  Some people can see beyond that and judge whether they like it or not..some will automatically discount it.

I only wish Topre were $40...then maybe there'd be enough people with them so there would actually be some choices out there keycaps wise, etc. 
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Thu, 06 June 2013, 20:14:40
It's not a circlejerk grips, don't worry. It's just that some fanboys of MX and some fanboys of Topre are incapable of forming rational discussions. Instead, they label a trolling everything they see from the other side. i.e. they are such circlejerks they are incapable of seeing the obvious: They are projecting their own circlejerk on others and call them a circlejerk.

Thanks :)

grips, its a deck. I just like it overall. the thing is I do like stiff switches and mostly have 55g uniform topre. either switch is stiffer than what many people like.

now I don't think this is a circlejerk. we can like anything expensive. things expensive "tend" to be better and that is why they often command a higher price. the pudding would be if topre was $40. then I bet no one would give a s.. about it. case in point: no one will admit keytronics has a "similar" feel. I am not trying to be a jerk, just saying what I feel. on the other hand I do like the topre feel best myself. so I am not a flamer either. at least compare topre 55g to clears. not 45g.

I like the deck for the flat profile. a flat topre 45g is on the way but I think I will find the keys too lite. I know most people do not like a flat profile either. I cut my teeth on typewriters.
some of the early ones could have been at least 80g.

I picture you doing some kind of Shaolin finger exercises, stabbing your fingers into pots of rocks or something. I like my uniform 45g, but I don't actually lean towards the heavier switches. I do wonder, though, do Topre users generally bottom out when they type as part of the typing process?

We Topre lovers love Topre. And we like to express that we love Topre, and we like appreciating that others love Topre and when they express that they love Topre.

Sure it might be a circle jerk, but you could say that in a circle jerk everybody has fun :-D

Haha, hopefully everyone does :D

I only wish Topre were $40...then maybe there'd be enough people with them so there would actually be some choices out there keycaps wise, etc.

Has there been anyone that has tried to modify Topre switches? I'm not even sure what you would do and it would be a lot pricier to fail.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: Schattendolch on Thu, 06 June 2013, 21:35:57
Topre is far above cherry mx, but so are BS.

I think cherry mx switches are just low quality.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: typo on Thu, 06 June 2013, 21:52:36
get this. I bottom out on the heavier topre! it is because the 45g is easier to "snap" and stop. the 55g, like I do not know where it ends. I admit I do not type so good.

I did a lot of rock climbing. I just have the muscle memory to jam something with my fingers forever.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: Polymer on Thu, 06 June 2013, 22:35:29
I don't see how anyone does not bottom out on 45 or 55 Topre...the drop off is just so big you are going to bottom out.  You might not be slamming it hard but you're bottoming out..even if it is lightly.  I've seen some really bad attempts at not bottoming out on Topre..for whatever silly reasons.. dropping your WPM by a ton so you can "not bottom out" is not a good thing...Plus, half the enjoyment of Topre is the thock...
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: czarek on Fri, 07 June 2013, 03:07:51
I don't bottom out Topre when typing. Only time when I sometimes bottom out is when switching from Buckling Springs, but it only takes few hours to fully adjust to lesser activation force. I do bottom out modifier keys (control, shift, option, command, fn) and sometimes enter and delete.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: Polymer on Fri, 07 June 2013, 03:22:54
I'd like to see that..sorry, without it being pathetically slow I don't see this happening...

I've seen a ton of demos where people don't bottom out..and really, they're typing pathetically slow...as in, no point in trying to do that..ever..
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: davkol on Fri, 07 June 2013, 05:07:44
I only wish Topre were $40...then maybe there'd be enough people with them so there would actually be some choices out there keycaps wise, etc. 

Key Tronic (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=9997)
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: Polymer on Fri, 07 June 2013, 05:12:21
I only wish Topre were $40...then maybe there'd be enough people with them so there would actually be some choices out there keycaps wise, etc. 

Key Tronic (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=9997)

Yeah...that isn't it...and like I said, it is so more people would have them..and other things (keycaps) would be easier to find for them...
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: davkol on Fri, 07 June 2013, 05:41:41
I guess it doesn't make any sense to put $40 keycaps on a $40 keyboard.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 07 June 2013, 05:48:04
I guess it doesn't make any sense to put $40 keycaps on a $40 keyboard.

I put $100+ key caps on a $40 keyboard.
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Fri, 07 June 2013, 08:10:59
I don't bottom out Topre when typing. Only time when I sometimes bottom out is when switching from Buckling Springs, but it only takes few hours to fully adjust to lesser activation force. I do bottom out modifier keys (control, shift, option, command, fn) and sometimes enter and delete.

I have no idea how people type on Topre switches without bottoming out. It's impossible for me. The snap is just too abrupt.

I guess it doesn't make any sense to put $40 keycaps on a $40 keyboard.

I put $100+ key caps on a $40 keyboard.

If you're gonna go big, go big!
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: Polymer on Fri, 07 June 2013, 08:24:31
I have no idea how people type on Topre switches without bottoming out. It's impossible for me. The snap is just too abrupt.

They don't...With the lighter (30g) keys you can...but with the heavier ones I seriously doubt this...not without typing in a stupid way just for the sake of not bottoming out..in which case you're wasting your time for the sake of something stupid..
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Fri, 07 June 2013, 08:51:50
I have no idea how people type on Topre switches without bottoming out. It's impossible for me. The snap is just too abrupt.

They don't...With the lighter (30g) keys you can...but with the heavier ones I seriously doubt this...not without typing in a stupid way just for the sake of not bottoming out..in which case you're wasting your time for the sake of something stupid..

That's how I feel. The whole purpose of not bottoming out is that it's supposed to be better for the health of your fingers. Is that correct?
Title: Re: Converted to Topre
Post by: grips on Fri, 07 June 2013, 09:07:39
Some of you guys were talking about wanting more key caps for Topre switches. I found this thread in the key cap forum:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=28983.0

Seems pretty interesting if anyone can get the MX key caps to fit snugly onto the Topre switches.