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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Air tree on Sat, 19 October 2013, 20:06:38

Title: Realforce 87U All-55g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Air tree on Sat, 19 October 2013, 20:06:38
Well i'm looking at my topre keyboards and i was wondering from your personal opinion what keyboard is best for my money and the nicest overall

Here are my choices, I think all of these keyboards have great form factors

Realforce 87U All-55g: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se19e0 87 key but i'm totally fine with that. 60% and 87 key are the best in my opinion. I don't know much about this keyboard and if it has any major flaws but that's what i'm asking you guys about

Happy Hacking Professional 2: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b This keyboard from what i heard is one of the best topre keyboards but this and the realforce come at a hefty price point with this keyboard being a little bit more at 160$

So give me your opinions, I'd love to hear them.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 19 October 2013, 20:16:46
Deja vu?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49835.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47106.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47466.0
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Air tree on Sat, 19 October 2013, 20:22:50
Deja vu?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49835.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47106.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47466.0
Deja vu Indeed..
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 19 October 2013, 20:49:27
:)

Plus there are (probably) reviews of most of these in the reviews section, so you can read up to see what people think in more detail of each one.

You have listed all Topre, so I will also suggest the following:

If you are attached to the standard TKL layout, get the RealForce.

If you like the smaller layout, but absolutely must have the arrow keys, get the FC660C.

If you like the smaller layout, and are using a Unixy operating system and/or don't mind having to press two keys to get arrow keys, go HHKB.

All are great keyboards, and very few people have problems with any of them.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Air tree on Sat, 19 October 2013, 21:05:24
:)

Plus there are (probably) reviews of most of these in the reviews section, so you can read up to see what people think in more detail of each one.

You have listed all Topre, so I will also suggest the following:

If you are attached to the standard TKL layout, get the RealForce.

If you like the smaller layout, but absolutely must have the arrow keys, get the FC660C.

If you like the smaller layout, and are using a Unixy operating system and/or don't mind having to press two keys to get arrow keys, go HHKB.

All are great keyboards, and very few people have problems with any of them.
Is there any where i could get replacement keycaps or new keycaps for the FC660C? If there is i like that keyboard very much i just don't like the  fact that it has odd sized key caps and can be hard to get new ones.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 19 October 2013, 22:49:58
Is there any where i could get replacement keycaps or new keycaps for the FC660C? If there is i like that keyboard very much i just don't like the  fact that it has odd sized key caps and can be hard to get new ones.

At the moment you can try a RealForce replacement set, swap some of the keycaps around, and you'll get an approximate fit.

There are rumours of Leopold producing replacement keycap sets, although nothing confirmed yet.

Given the demand for, and popularity of, the FC660C, it is quite likely that there will be replacement keycap sets eventually.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: AuRinBei on Mon, 21 October 2013, 11:06:44
Is there any where i could get replacement keycaps or new keycaps for the FC660C? If there is i like that keyboard very much i just don't like the  fact that it has odd sized key caps and can be hard to get new ones.

At the moment you can try a RealForce replacement set, swap some of the keycaps around, and you'll get an approximate fit.

There are rumours of Leopold producing replacement keycap sets, although nothing confirmed yet.

Given the demand for, and popularity of, the FC660C, it is quite likely that there will be replacement keycap sets eventually.

Where are those rumors from? I've seen people say this, but has EK or another source said anything? I agree, given the popularity and the fact that a white set seems to have been in the initial plans, replacement caps, at the very least blanks, seem really likely. But it would still be good to hear from an official source, since saying the FC660C caps have bad printing is like the understatement of the year.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: kenmai9 on Mon, 21 October 2013, 11:33:09
Is there any where i could get replacement keycaps or new keycaps for the FC660C? If there is i like that keyboard very much i just don't like the  fact that it has odd sized key caps and can be hard to get new ones.

At the moment you can try a RealForce replacement set, swap some of the keycaps around, and you'll get an approximate fit.

There are rumours of Leopold producing replacement keycap sets, although nothing confirmed yet.

Given the demand for, and popularity of, the FC660C, it is quite likely that there will be replacement keycap sets eventually.

Where are those rumors from? I've seen people say this, but has EK or another source said anything? I agree, given the popularity and the fact that a white set seems to have been in the initial plans, replacement caps, at the very least blanks, seem really likely. But it would still be good to hear from an official source, since saying the FC660C caps have bad printing is like the understatement of the year.
Well one of the reasons why the Leopold 660C is cheaper is because of the way they printed the key caps. If they wanted to offer dyesubs for the Leopold, it probably would've made it cost over $200, and then it wouldn't be a cheaper alternative to Realforce or HHKB. Also I emailed EK about this.. see below.

(http://i.imgur.com/wEwinR6.png)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: AuRinBei on Mon, 21 October 2013, 15:24:01
Is there any where i could get replacement keycaps or new keycaps for the FC660C? If there is i like that keyboard very much i just don't like the  fact that it has odd sized key caps and can be hard to get new ones.

At the moment you can try a RealForce replacement set, swap some of the keycaps around, and you'll get an approximate fit.

There are rumours of Leopold producing replacement keycap sets, although nothing confirmed yet.

Given the demand for, and popularity of, the FC660C, it is quite likely that there will be replacement keycap sets eventually.

Where are those rumors from? I've seen people say this, but has EK or another source said anything? I agree, given the popularity and the fact that a white set seems to have been in the initial plans, replacement caps, at the very least blanks, seem really likely. But it would still be good to hear from an official source, since saying the FC660C caps have bad printing is like the understatement of the year.
Well one of the reasons why the Leopold 660C is cheaper is because of the way they printed the key caps. If they wanted to offer dyesubs for the Leopold, it probably would've made it cost over $200, and then it wouldn't be a cheaper alternative to Realforce or HHKB. Also I emailed EK about this.. see below.

That's good to know. Of course, they don't have to be dyesub caps of the quality that exist for the HHKB and Realforce. I would settle for blanks like the ones on the 660M, and I bet a lot of other people would too. After a few months of use is being really generous. I would say after 2 weeks.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Emospence on Wed, 23 October 2013, 04:31:11
The HHKB seems pretty light, how is like on a desk?

Is it prone to sliding around?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Air tree on Wed, 23 October 2013, 05:46:55
Hmm i'm really liking everything about the Fc660c but the only thing i'm worried about is the printing on the keycaps, Is it something to be worried about?

I'm not the keyboard collector type person. At least not to my knowledge yet. So i'm just worried how will the keycaps will do over time.

If leopold does come out with a set of key caps i hope they have better legends.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Cafeine on Wed, 23 October 2013, 05:59:01
Hmm i'm really liking everything about the Fc660c but the only thing i'm worried about is the printing on the keycaps, Is it something to be worried about?

I'm not the keyboard collector type person. At least not to my knowledge yet. So i'm just worried how will the keycaps will do over time.

If leopold does come out with a set of key caps i hope they have better legends.

Fantastic board, but keycaps fade FAST (the plastic is perfect, it's the legends that fades). Mine started to fade after 2 weeks, same on the FC660M by the way... I'll try to find time to finish the job and remove everything : blanks ftw! :P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Air tree on Wed, 23 October 2013, 06:02:09
Hmm i'm really liking everything about the Fc660c but the only thing i'm worried about is the printing on the keycaps, Is it something to be worried about?

I'm not the keyboard collector type person. At least not to my knowledge yet. So i'm just worried how will the keycaps will do over time.

If leopold does come out with a set of key caps i hope they have better legends.

Fantastic board, but keycaps fade FAST (the plastic is perfect, it's the legends that fades). Mine started to fade after 2 weeks, same on the FC660M by the way... I'll try to find time to finish the job and remove everything : blanks ftw! :P

I'm fine with blanks also i just like the font on the Fc660c also so it's still kind of sad. But oh well!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Polymer on Wed, 23 October 2013, 07:12:01
The HHKB seems pretty light, how is like on a desk?

Is it prone to sliding around?

I don't think so..it has little rubber feet in the front and it seems to be fine as far as holding it in place.  I suppose it depends on how you type.  It is easier to move around than larger, heavier keyboards with more rubber on the bottom..but it should stay stable enough to use or else everyone would have issues...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: AuRinBei on Wed, 23 October 2013, 10:17:19
The HHKB seems pretty light, how is like on a desk?

Is it prone to sliding around?

I don't think so..it has little rubber feet in the front and it seems to be fine as far as holding it in place.  I suppose it depends on how you type.  It is easier to move around than larger, heavier keyboards with more rubber on the bottom..but it should stay stable enough to use or else everyone would have issues...

I've heard more than a few complaints about it sliding around. It is definitely something I would take into consideration. Some of thse (http://www.componentforce.com/category/53/stick-on-discs) would probably work if you found it to be a problem.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: kenmai9 on Wed, 23 October 2013, 13:28:06
Hmm i'm really liking everything about the Fc660c but the only thing i'm worried about is the printing on the keycaps, Is it something to be worried about?

I'm not the keyboard collector type person. At least not to my knowledge yet. So i'm just worried how will the keycaps will do over time.

If leopold does come out with a set of key caps i hope they have better legends.

Fantastic board, but keycaps fade FAST (the plastic is perfect, it's the legends that fades). Mine started to fade after 2 weeks, same on the FC660M by the way... I'll try to find time to finish the job and remove everything : blanks ftw! :P

I'm fine with blanks also i just like the font on the Fc660c also so it's still kind of sad. But oh well!

WHen I received my leopold used, the ASDF keys were fading, but nothing else. So I painted them silver nad it looks dooope. I think gold would look cool too.

https://photos-2.dropbox.com/t/0/AAAQtMzLMEJeCTeBKmoeAI-dPuqAfe0a0motwSje9uCE6Q/12/719976/jpeg/1024x768/3/1382558400/0/2/2013-10-08%2013.36.52.jpg/IayuWaqVQ_RTNHnYci471uHwpxolueBfwVUYIm_iWZg

i also just purchased some pink realforce keys.. will post that when it comes
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Polymer on Wed, 23 October 2013, 22:06:13
The HHKB seems pretty light, how is like on a desk?

Is it prone to sliding around?

I don't think so..it has little rubber feet in the front and it seems to be fine as far as holding it in place.  I suppose it depends on how you type.  It is easier to move around than larger, heavier keyboards with more rubber on the bottom..but it should stay stable enough to use or else everyone would have issues...

I've heard more than a few complaints about it sliding around. It is definitely something I would take into consideration. Some of thse (http://www.componentforce.com/category/53/stick-on-discs) would probably work if you found it to be a problem.

Yeap..I'd imagine if you did have an issue, you could easily add some feet on the bottom to stop it from moving around.  A lot probably depends on how you're typing or how you're using it. 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 23 October 2013, 23:54:45
The HHKB seems pretty light, how is like on a desk?

Is it prone to sliding around?

Mine doesn't.

In fact the lightness is a benefit to me, as I am continually making micro-adjustments in the position and angle of the keyboard to suit the way I am sitting at any given moment.  A lighter keyboard is much easier to move a couple of degrees this way or that.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Tony on Thu, 24 October 2013, 02:43:41
If I were you I would buy Realforce if I have money to burn, or Type Heaven if I am concerned about money.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C vs Realforce 87U All-45g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: Emospence on Thu, 24 October 2013, 03:14:06
If I were you I would buy Realforce if I have money to burn, or Type Heaven if I am concerned about money.

Reason being..?
Title: Re: Realforce 87U All-55g vs Happy Hacking pro 2
Post by: mrflow3r on Fri, 25 October 2013, 13:42:08
I was on the same boat as you last evening. Ended up ordering HHKB2 from Elite because 1. I spend most of my time in reading/writing code using VIM in terminal 2. I use both mac and linux as daily drivers 3. HHKB2 has ideal layout for terminal apps such as VIM, and has dip switch for both mac and linux (no windows key is a bonus)