geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Photekq on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:17:28

Title: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:17:28
http://www.amazon.com/Topre-Type-Heaven-104-key-Keyboard/dp/B00DGJALYW

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,tenkeypads
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: ImperfectLink on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:28:39
Damn, right after I got the Filco with its non-standard double 0.  :p
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Rafen on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:37:43
Is that Topre Type Heaven worth the money? I don't understand why it's so cheap.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:41:56
It's cheap due to the lasered keycaps instead of the usual dyesubs. I think that's the main reason.. maybe the case may be lower quality also.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Sniping on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:43:02
I've never tried the Type Heaven before but I have a feeling that the 660C is the better keyboard for $20 more.


biased
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:45:03
Not that anyone would take advantage of it but Amazon has a fairly liberal return policy.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Rafen on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:45:27
http://asia.cnet.com/topre-makes-affordable-type-heaven-keyboard-62221533.htm

According to the above article that board doesn't contain the dip switches and the keycaps are ABS.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Rafen on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:46:05
Not that anyone would take advantage of it but Amazon has a fairly liberal return policy.

You are a genius my friend. Try the board out and if you don't like it return it.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: daerid on Sat, 13 July 2013, 19:27:06
I just hope the FC210TP produces actual numpad key codes, because the Filco sure as hell didn't
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: eth0s on Sat, 13 July 2013, 19:30:34
http://www.amazon.com/Topre-Type-Heaven-104-key-Keyboard/dp/B00DGJALYW

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,tenkeypads

That Leo numpad is a definite yes/ buy.  Especially since it has the big 0, and the price is great.

That Typeheaven, on the other hand, is a dubious proposition.  ABS and no dip switches greatly detract from the appeal.  However, you do get to try Topre switches for $170.  And I guess you can get a replacement set of dye sub PBT's from EK, but that adds another $110+shipping to the price.

Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Turkishrambo on Sat, 13 July 2013, 19:34:21
About to check out... USA only?


WHYYYYYYYYY
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: eth0s on Sat, 13 July 2013, 19:39:21
About to check out... USA only?


WHYYYYYYYYY

Which one?

I can proxy for you, if you want to pay the shipping to NYC, and also pay the shipping from me in NYC to you in Ontario.  PM if you are interested.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Turkishrambo on Sat, 13 July 2013, 19:43:09
About to check out... USA only?


WHYYYYYYYYY

Which one?

I can proxy for you, if you want to pay the shipping to NYC, and also pay the shipping from me in NYC to you in Ontario.  PM if you are interested.
Could be a bit expensive, ill get back to you if i do. Thanks for the offer though:P
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: eth0s on Sat, 13 July 2013, 19:46:42
About to check out... USA only?


WHYYYYYYYYY

Which one?

I can proxy for you, if you want to pay the shipping to NYC, and also pay the shipping from me in NYC to you in Ontario.  PM if you are interested.
Could be a bit expensive, ill get back to you if i do. Thanks for the offer though:P

Well shipping from EK to NYC should be like $12 (USD).  I don't know about shipping to Ontario.  But let me know if you want to do it.  Other option is come to NYC to pick it up.  NYC is always in season.  Plus you can meet Boost.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: brighenne on Sat, 13 July 2013, 22:12:19
I'm in for one of each of these. Topre for work and keypad to sit next to my kmac.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: therecorder on Sat, 13 July 2013, 22:47:31
Someone should contact The Keyboard Company to ask if they are going to carry it.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: jabar on Sun, 14 July 2013, 00:23:49
The build quality remains to be seen... at that price, $30 cheaper yields delicious dyesubbed Ducky goodness
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: therecorder on Sun, 14 July 2013, 00:28:00
The build quality remains to be seen... at that price, $30 cheaper yields delicious dyesubbed Ducky goodness

You're comparing apples and oranges.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 14 July 2013, 00:37:34
Someone should contact The Keyboard Company to ask if they are going to carry it.

Yeah I think I'll send them an e-mail.  Because I can't order from USA Amazon either.  :(

Why doesn't EK just sell it directly from their website sighhhhhhhh.........
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: alosec on Sun, 14 July 2013, 00:45:17
Someone should contact The Keyboard Company to ask if they are going to carry it.

Yeah I think I'll send them an e-mail.  Because I can't order from USA Amazon either.  :(

Why doesn't EK just sell it directly from their website sighhhhhhhh.........

It's possible you could email Brian and he could set you up directly. He's a cool guy
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: jabar on Sun, 14 July 2013, 01:24:55
The build quality remains to be seen... at that price, $30 cheaper yields delicious dyesubbed Ducky goodness

You're comparing apples and oranges.
OK, and for $30 more a proven FC660C could be had.

Still, Topre's minimum price point is much higher than the most premium MX boards out there.. and that is a point of comparison even if it is apples to oranges.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: therecorder on Sun, 14 July 2013, 01:35:00
The build quality remains to be seen... at that price, $30 cheaper yields delicious dyesubbed Ducky goodness

You're comparing apples and oranges.
OK, and for $30 more a proven FC660C could be had.

Still, Topre's minimum price point is much higher than the most premium MX boards out there.. and that is a point of comparison even if it is apples to oranges.

For the most part, I agree.  I have 3 Topre boards, including the FC660C,  and the FC660C is a great board.  However, if someone wants a "full" size, all 45g Topre board, for work or other intensive typing, the Type Heaven must be a consideration.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: knotra on Sun, 14 July 2013, 01:39:12
Hows the Type Heaven in comparison to the Realforce 45g?
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: therecorder on Sun, 14 July 2013, 01:41:48
Hows the Type Heaven in comparison to the Realforce 45g?

Since no one has a Type Heaven yet, that comparison can't be made.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 14 July 2013, 02:05:27
It's possible you could email Brian and he could set you up directly. He's a cool guy

lol cool I'll give that a shot too.  Thanks !
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: meiosis on Sun, 14 July 2013, 06:12:23
Just ordered a FC210TP :3. No idea why, but such is GH. Dat lab data input I guess
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: MJ45 on Sun, 14 July 2013, 08:21:28
http://www.amazon.com/Topre-Type-Heaven-104-key-Keyboard/dp/B00DGJALYW

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,tenkeypads

That Leo numpad is a definite yes/ buy.  Especially since it has the big 0, and the price is great.

That Typeheaven, on the other hand, is a dubious proposition.  ABS and no dip switches greatly detract from the appeal.  However, you do get to try Topre switches for $170.  And I guess you can get a replacement set of dye sub PBT's from EK, but that adds another $110+shipping to the price.
I don't think any of the full sized Realforce keyboards have dip switches on them only the TKL models do.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: laffindude on Sun, 14 July 2013, 10:14:54
It's cheap due to the lasered keycaps instead of the usual dyesubs. I think that's the main reason.. maybe the case may be lower quality also.

Made.in.China.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: therecorder on Sun, 14 July 2013, 10:21:19
It's cheap due to the lasered keycaps instead of the usual dyesubs. I think that's the main reason.. maybe the case may be lower quality also.

Made.in.China.

Doesn't really equate to poor quality...  FC660M and FC660C are also made in china, and their quality and quality control has thus far been top notch.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: daerid on Sun, 14 July 2013, 10:41:00
Are the numpads plate or PCB mounted? I'd love to nab one and swap out the stems and springs with some 65g clears
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 14 July 2013, 10:48:14
Are the numpads plate or PCB mounted? I'd love to nab one and swap out the stems and springs with some 65g clears

I'm thinking plate mount. I think a few members bought these from qtan. There's a thread somewhere.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 14 July 2013, 10:49:10
I just noticed NCIX.ca has listed Topre keyboards including Topre Type Heaven in the site listing.  Except I'm guessing the shipment hasn't come in so it's all listed as out of stock.

But now all the Canadians will have a way to purchase Topre locally.  :D

http://ncix.ca/search/?categoryid=0&q=topre

Gotta give props to NCIX.ca for getting lots of cool keyboards right.  Now they currently own the selling right on Filco, Ducky, and seems like Topre too now.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: laffindude on Mon, 15 July 2013, 03:07:36
Doesn't really equate to poor quality...  FC660M and FC660C are also made in china, and their quality and quality control has thus far been top notch.
You're putting words in my mouth. He was talking about why it is cheaper and he forgot one important factor.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: therecorder on Mon, 15 July 2013, 03:10:59
Doesn't really equate to poor quality...  FC660M and FC660C are also made in china, and their quality and quality control has thus far been top notch.
You're putting words in my mouth. He was talking about why it is cheaper and he forgot one important factor.

Very sorry.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 15 July 2013, 10:12:29
Nice! I was waiting for this. It looks fantastic, even with the cheaper keycaps.
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: quickcrx702 on Tue, 16 July 2013, 02:24:43
No 55g love... :(
Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: brighenne on Tue, 16 July 2013, 20:31:20
Are the numpads plate or PCB mounted? I'd love to nab one and swap out the stems and springs with some 65g clears

I'm thinking plate mount. I think a few members bought these from qtan. There's a thread somewhere.

Just got mine, switches are indeed plate mounted.

Title: Re: Topre Type Heaven & Leopold FC210TP now available from EK.
Post by: keyjay on Wed, 17 July 2013, 21:25:53
Well, I got one today – Type Heaven is installed and operational.

Sorry but I can’t compare to a RealForce since I’ve never owned one… but perhaps soon I will.

My prior keyboards for the past couple years have been Browns 104 – a Leopold from EK and a WASD.

My only use is “typing”, for my business.

I love the Browns. I have been wanting to try a Topre for some time but really wanted 45g-uniform, preferably in a 104 layout, and preferably in black – but not with black lettering on black keys since I need to see the lettering.

I thought this was my dream-come-true keyboard when I saw the specs.

Out of the box, I like the feel enough to say this is probably going to be a keeper for me -- at least, the change from Browns to Topres is probably a permanent one -- though I do realize of course that I have to use it for some time before I can really tell how much I do or don't like it.

Right off the bat, though, the sound of the spacebar on the return or upstroke is annoyingly loud to me. So, I came to the forum to ask if there's a way to make it quieter. What I did on the Leopold and WASD was pop off the spacebar and put some foam inside of it that I cut to shape, which seemed to help. I’ve also installed o-rings under all my Browns, including the spacebars.

Now, after reading this thread, I have to ask not only about any possible mods for dampening the sound of the spacebar on this new Type Heaven, but also if the lettering on these keycaps is going to start to wear off quickly -- like it did on my WASD with “laser-etched” lettering. The keys and lettering look virtually identical to my new Type Heaven, including the brownish coloring. I have replaced the keycaps on that WASD keyboard twice now due to the lettering wearing off -- the first time Weyman sent the replacement as a gift, telling me the lettering style was “a poor choice that he made”, and the second time it cost me about $50.00 for the set.

Maybe the “textured” tops of the keycaps will slow down that process a bit. It was pretty quick and pretty extreme on my WASD board – and the time I spent changing keys on it was enough for me to decide to never again get a keyboard with that kind of lettering. If I knew that’s what I was doing, I might not have gotten this.

Besides the lettering, I also don’t have the best keycap material – as compared to a RealForce?

I'm really totally willing to go to EK and buy a RealForce 45g-uniform white TKL and separate numpad if that's likely to give me a little improvement in my build quality, or lettering that lasts... or a quieter spacebar (which I don't expect).

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

EDIT/UPDATE: I got no responses here, which is probably because of it being a bit off-topic, so I started a new thread in the Reviews section: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45957.msg964991#msg964991 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45957.msg964991#msg964991)