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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Netbootz on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:52:05

Title: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Netbootz on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:52:05
I recently overbought a RF87U for my father-in-law, but he gracefully declined it - grey/black caps were hard to read, and he's a life long MAC/NeXt owner, so the Windows button garnered little enthusiasm. I could not find a good alternative for sale with Topre, so I'm looking at Domes.

Goal: Old NeXt keyboard feel, Mac layout.  Here's a perfect sound: http://www.lowpoly.com/keyboard/m0110/m0110old.mp3 (http://www.lowpoly.com/keyboard/m0110/m0110old.mp3)... btw, great work on that restored mac keyboard (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=20898.msg396927#msg396927), beautiful.

Ruled out; HHK2 (too small), Matias Tactile (loud)... Few mechanicals have solid mac layouts. Currently comparing DSI Modular Mac v Matias Laptop Pro.


Can high-quality domes even come close to having that heavy feeling?
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Michael on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:55:14
Yes. The BTC 5100C, actually. I have one of these, and they are the closest to topre feel, and higher quality build.


They have some NOS for $25 here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929


I tore one down a while back and took photos. I can dig them up if you like. But they definitely have a thock, and im sure if you added some dental bands to the slider, it would silence the rattle they have.


ALSO: They have MX-compatible stems.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Pacifist on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:05:59
Quote from: Bro Caps on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:55:14
Yes. The BTC 5100C, actually. I have one of these, and they are the closest to topre feel, and higher quality build.


They have some NOS for $25 here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929


I tore one down a while back and took photos. I can dig them up if you like. But they definitely have a thock, and im sure if you added some dental bands to the slider, it would silence the rattle they have.


ALSO: They have MX-compatible stems.

A rubber dome thats like a topre but for the fraction of the price and has mx compatible stems?

SINCE WHEN!?!?!!?!!

I need to buy this....
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Michael on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:09:36
Quote from: Pacifist on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:05:59
Quote from: Bro Caps on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:55:14
Yes. The BTC 5100C, actually. I have one of these, and they are the closest to topre feel, and higher quality build.


They have some NOS for $25 here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929)


I tore one down a while back and took photos. I can dig them up if you like. But they definitely have a thock, and im sure if you added some dental bands to the slider, it would silence the rattle they have.


ALSO: They have MX-compatible stems.

A rubber dome thats like a topre but for the fraction of the price and has mx compatible stems?

SINCE WHEN!?!?!!?!!

I need to buy this....


They really are nice. I been meaning to mod mine and probably lube as well.


Here is my board torn down


http://imageshack.us/g/1/10373098/ (http://imageshack.us/g/1/10373098/)


(http://imageshack.us/a/img684/3201/dsc0337qd.jpg)
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Pacifist on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:22:43
Quote from: Bro Caps on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:09:36
Quote from: Pacifist on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:05:59
Quote from: Bro Caps on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:55:14
Yes. The BTC 5100C, actually. I have one of these, and they are the closest to topre feel, and higher quality build.


They have some NOS for $25 here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929)


I tore one down a while back and took photos. I can dig them up if you like. But they definitely have a thock, and im sure if you added some dental bands to the slider, it would silence the rattle they have.


ALSO: They have MX-compatible stems.

A rubber dome thats like a topre but for the fraction of the price and has mx compatible stems?

SINCE WHEN!?!?!!?!!

I need to buy this....


They really are nice. I been meaning to mod mine and probably lube as well.


Here is my board torn down


http://imageshack.us/g/1/10373098/ (http://imageshack.us/g/1/10373098/)


Show Image
(http://imageshack.us/a/img684/3201/dsc0337qd.jpg)


I'll probally buy one later instead of a topre cause I'm poor ;_;
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:52:19
Quote from: Netbootz on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:52:05
I recently overbought ...

Just want to say I love that phrase, and I'm going to try to use it in everyday conversation :)

Fits in perfectly around here too.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: esoomenona on Mon, 28 October 2013, 17:05:11
Quote from: rowdy on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:52:19
Quote from: Netbootz on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:52:05
I recently overbought ...

Just want to say I love that phrase, and I'm going to try to use it in everyday conversation :)

Fits in perfectly around here too.

Sounds like a rich, white person problem. Just saying. Not racist.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 28 October 2013, 17:06:35
Quote from: esoomenona on Mon, 28 October 2013, 17:05:11
Quote from: rowdy on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:52:19
Quote from: Netbootz on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:52:05
I recently overbought ...

Just want to say I love that phrase, and I'm going to try to use it in everyday conversation :)

Fits in perfectly around here too.

Sounds like a rich, white person problem. Just saying. Not racist.

But if your rich how do you overbought?? Wouldn't you have to be poor to do that?
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 28 October 2013, 17:28:30
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Mon, 28 October 2013, 17:06:35
Quote from: esoomenona on Mon, 28 October 2013, 17:05:11
Quote from: rowdy on Mon, 28 October 2013, 16:52:19
Quote from: Netbootz on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:52:05
I recently overbought ...

Just want to say I love that phrase, and I'm going to try to use it in everyday conversation :)

Fits in perfectly around here too.

Sounds like a rich, white person problem. Just saying. Not racist.

But if your rich how do you overbought?? Wouldn't you have to be poor to do that?

It could refer to spending too much money (perhaps on only a few items), or buying too many items.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Daniel Beardsmore on Mon, 28 October 2013, 19:00:56
Behavior Tech's build quality exceeds Topre Corporation's … You heard it here first.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Netbootz on Mon, 28 October 2013, 19:05:50
Yeah. it did kind of sound like a "luxurious" problem to have, ha. Sorry about that. For the demographic record I'm not rich or white (not that there's anything wrong with it!), but it is all relative anyway - I used to think I was riding high on a Razor Black Widow, now it annoys me.

The overbought point was, what I needed and what I paid for were not lined up correctly; buying based on build quality and sound before checking off the most basic considerations - Mac config, cap legibility.  When he opened the box it looked like I bought the keyless caps, and that was daytime. 

Luckily, he is not picky (as long as he can read the caps), so I figure there must be a good dome that goes in the same direction - thick sound, muted clacking. If Matias had a quiet, white, smallish keyboard - I'd be set.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into those as well.

You guys are amazing in here - great community, great information.  I've learned a lot reading these boards.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: thegagne on Mon, 28 October 2013, 23:08:44
Hm, that BTC 5100C looks pretty tempting... Must resist...
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 29 October 2013, 00:05:50
Quote from: Bro Caps on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:55:14
Yes. The BTC 5100C, actually. I have one of these, and they are the closest to topre feel, and higher quality build.


They have some NOS for $25 here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929


I tore one down a while back and took photos. I can dig them up if you like. But they definitely have a thock, and im sure if you added some dental bands to the slider, it would silence the rattle they have.


ALSO: They have MX-compatible stems.

The BTC is somehow sold out....

:(((((((((((((
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: laffindude on Tue, 29 October 2013, 00:29:35
Is that even the right version of BTC 5100C? There are 3 versions of 5100C. Foam and foil, conductive rubber dome over PCB, and rubber dome over membrane. Only the dome over PCB is nice.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Michael on Tue, 29 October 2013, 02:06:14
Quote from: laffindude on Tue, 29 October 2013, 00:29:35
Is that even the right version of BTC 5100C? There are 3 versions of 5100C. Foam and foil, conductive rubber dome over PCB, and rubber dome over membrane. Only the dome over PCB is nice.


http://imageshack.us/g/1/10373098/ (http://imageshack.us/g/1/10373098/)


(http://imageshack.us/a/img838/3148/dsc0328g.jpg)
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Michael on Tue, 29 October 2013, 02:06:48
Quote from: Pacifist on Tue, 29 October 2013, 00:05:50
Quote from: Bro Caps on Mon, 28 October 2013, 15:55:14
Yes. The BTC 5100C, actually. I have one of these, and they are the closest to topre feel, and higher quality build.


They have some NOS for $25 here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BTC-5100C-Mini-Keyboard-PS2-Compatible-Cable-NOS-/360770991929)


I tore one down a while back and took photos. I can dig them up if you like. But they definitely have a thock, and im sure if you added some dental bands to the slider, it would silence the rattle they have.


ALSO: They have MX-compatible stems.

The BTC is somehow sold out....

 :( ((((((((((((


http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313&_nkw=BTC+5100c&_sacat=0&_from=R40 (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313&_nkw=BTC+5100c&_sacat=0&_from=R40)
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: laffindude on Tue, 29 October 2013, 05:04:30
Quote from: Bro Caps on Tue, 29 October 2013, 02:06:14
http://imageshack.us/g/1/10373098/ (http://imageshack.us/g/1/10373098/)
Show Image
(http://imageshack.us/a/img838/3148/dsc0328g.jpg)


Do you know this is the version on Ebay?
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Tony on Tue, 29 October 2013, 06:59:43
It's great to hear that Realforce/HHKB now got a formidable competitor
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 29 October 2013, 07:06:17
Quote from: Tony on Tue, 29 October 2013, 06:59:43
It's great to hear that Realforce/HHKB now got a formidable competitor

I wouldn't call these a competitor and they have been out for a long time...
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 29 October 2013, 07:17:31
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Tue, 29 October 2013, 07:06:17
Quote from: Tony on Tue, 29 October 2013, 06:59:43
It's great to hear that Realforce/HHKB now got a formidable competitor

I wouldn't call these a competitor and they have been out for a long time...

*looks at that PS/2 plug*

Yeah, they're Topre's "new" competitor...
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: abdulmuhsee on Tue, 29 October 2013, 07:48:56
We have some HP rubber domes at the school, and I must say, some of them are very pleasant to type on.  Unfortunately, there is a world of filth below the keycaps and they're pretty inconsistent across the board, so you have to take the seat you know has the decent one attached.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: neunelfer on Tue, 29 October 2013, 09:13:48
I have the SIIG KB 1941 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SFhf6G9saA), which is just a relabeled BTC-5100C. The keys actuate nicely, but are a little rattly/loose feeling.  I found this (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=10306.0) thread from a few years ago where people didn't seem to like it as much.
Title: Re: topre "thock" achievable in quality dome switch?
Post by: Linkbane on Tue, 29 October 2013, 10:56:08
Quote from: abdulmuhsee on Tue, 29 October 2013, 07:48:56
We have some HP rubber domes at the school, and I must say, some of them are very pleasant to type on.  Unfortunately, there is a world of filth below the keycaps and they're pretty inconsistent across the board, so you have to take the seat you know has the decent one attached.

Oh god, I hate those. Not that they're horrible completely, just that I can only really used semi-new ones. New ones are too sharp and heavy, old ones far too mushy. I've gotten decent speeds on them, but they're just not my favorite RD.