geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: stealthbr on Fri, 29 November 2013, 19:48:19

Title: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: stealthbr on Fri, 29 November 2013, 19:48:19
Hello everyone. My Leopold Tenkeyless Cherry MX Red keyboard has developed an issue with the "D" key. Whenever I press it, either multiple D's come out, the key simply does not register, or the key stops registering randomly when I'm bottomed out while playing a game. Therefore, I have decided to get a new keyboard and would like to hear some opinions regarding whether I should purchase a Topre 45g or another Cherry MX Red. The most important factor towards my purchase is definitely gaming performance. I want the absolute best switch for gaming.

I have done some research and have found two models which I thought to be quite interesting. For the Topre 45g, the Realforce 45g TKL caught my eye. For the Cherry MX Red, the WASD v2 seems like the most attractive option. What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Morwrath on Fri, 29 November 2013, 19:53:51
Mx Browns, better "middleway" for typing and gaming IMO.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: stealthbr on Fri, 29 November 2013, 20:17:45
Thank you for your input, but I am not looking for a "middleway". I want the absolute best switch for gaming. I'm not sure the tactile aspect of the Cherry MX Brown switch would bode well with my needs. I'll edit the OP to further elucidate this point.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: tuxsavvy on Fri, 29 November 2013, 20:28:12
Topre keyboards maybe are nice to type with but are incompatible with Cherry MX.

With Cherry MX one can easily interchange the switches by using basic tools if the switches are PCB mounted. Plate mounted Cherry MX would require rework without a doubt for starters. That said, if there are any issues with Cherry MX boards, it is possible to replace the affected switches as needed. Unlike Topre where if it fails, it would probably be because the board is defective, depending on what sort of damage (if any) it could result in costly repair. However, at the same time there has been no reports of defective or troublesome Topre boards apart from rubber dome hardening (to a small amount) to my knowledge.

Gaming on either boards heavily depends on one's perception. Personally because I have HHKB Pro (and these are Topre based) I try to not game with them because of the price that I had to fork out for mine. Topre boards in general may not cost as much but I guess the sense of paying for something a little exotic, it tends to be that gaming on them for instance puts ridiculous amounts of wear on certain rubber bits imo. If I were to seriously game, I would try to game with other keyboard switches (like for instance Cherry MX) where they are dime a dozen in general (compared to Topre as mine had to be imported). Also again, if say the rubber domes on my Topre starts to stiffen, I cannot simply go out and buy the rubber pads alone. I basically have to buy an entire keyboard just to source the items and put it onto my HHKB. Unlike Cherry MX for instance where the switch, housing and all comes in a nifty "package".

Of course in no way shape or form am against Topre and/or if it were to be used for gaming. I am sort of basically implying unless if one is rich, using Topre boards for gaming for instance seems to also be a bit of a waste. I am sure if in theory I were to game with my HHKB Pro it would be fun as the keys feels nice and soft (compared to my old but cheap membrane keyboard) but again it raises flags in my eyes over the price I had to pay for mine and a few other factors (such as no factory warranty and what happens if something goes wrong with my expensive keyboard) seems to inhibit my willingness.

A fair few people here have tried Topre (on this forum) and have somewhat preferred typing on Topre instead. You can probably imagine the feeling if owning a Topre board, it feels rather nice to type on and all for the price that you pay for it. Cherry MX does also have areas where they shine, notably in other areas such as customisability (Topre has quite little in fact). Though at the end of the day, they are almost two very different fish altogether.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Tony on Fri, 29 November 2013, 21:01:00
Topre is good for RTS.

Red is better for FPS.

You decide.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: stealthbr on Fri, 29 November 2013, 21:08:54
Topre is good for RTS.

Red is better for FPS.

You decide.

Why is this the case? What makes Topre better for RTS and Reds better for FPS?
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 29 November 2013, 21:45:38
Nothing makes one better than the other.

I personally think MX is FAR superior for gaming, simply because the actuation point is easier to find, making it easy to do crazy switch floating maneuvers. Topre is a great typing switch, but at the highest level of gaming, it really is sub-par. I use reds for most of my gaming (CS:GO, TF2, DotA 2, GW2) now with no problems. It all comes down to layout in the end, IMO.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Tony on Fri, 29 November 2013, 21:58:39
Why is this the case? What makes Topre better for RTS and Reds better for FPS?
Topre has bump while Red hasn't
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 29 November 2013, 22:07:38
Thank you for your input, but I am not looking for a "middleway". I want the absolute best switch for gaming. I'm not sure the tactile aspect of the Cherry MX Brown switch would bode well with my needs. I'll edit the OP to further elucidate this point.

All you will get here is opinions.

To find the "best" keyboard for gaming for you, YOU will need to try various switches, layouts and boards.

Everyone else can only tell you what they like.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 29 November 2013, 22:11:22
Thank you for your input, but I am not looking for a "middleway". I want the absolute best switch for gaming. I'm not sure the tactile aspect of the Cherry MX Brown switch would bode well with my needs. I'll edit the OP to further elucidate this point.

All you will get here is opinions.

To find the "best" keyboard for gaming for you, YOU will need to try various switches, layouts and boards.

Everyone else can only tell you what they like.

QFT!

This applies to not only gaming but any other keyboard use as well.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: nocturn4l3030 on Sat, 30 November 2013, 04:04:15
Mx Browns, better "middleway" for typing and gaming IMO.

this can be fixed without having to buy a whole other keyboard.  check out the image

http://imgur.com/a/fyxIg
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sat, 30 November 2013, 17:26:33
this can be fixed without having to buy a whole other keyboard.  check out the image
http://imgur.com/a/fyxIg

Nice little link up there. I didn't know Ripster was a switch shrink (and a good one that is). Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Awful on Sat, 30 November 2013, 18:33:04
This goes with the gaming thing, but does anyone know of a single professional SC2 player using Topre?
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Puddsy on Sat, 30 November 2013, 18:43:17
This goes with the gaming thing, but does anyone know of a single professional SC2 player using Topre?

Most of them use leopolds with blues AFAIK

Never seen one use topre

Seen a few dota 2 players though.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Permeability on Sat, 30 November 2013, 18:44:04
This goes with the gaming thing, but does anyone know of a single professional SC2 player using Topre?

Yup, I've seen TT1 and viOLeT use topres at some point in time.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: zoolzoo on Sat, 30 November 2013, 20:19:55
topre 45g and mx red are both good for gaming if you ask me
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: fuzzybaffy on Sun, 01 December 2013, 05:10:28
Can't really speak for MX Reds, or any MX switch for that matter, but I find the Topres just fine for gaming.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: JoeUser on Sun, 01 December 2013, 05:38:50
In my opinion the whole "which is better for gaming" is a useless topic.

I've owned MS Blacks, Reds, Blues, and now use SMK's (like Blues but with a more pronounced "click") and either way it goes I game perfectly fine. No issues with any switch what so ever. Whether it's CoD, BF4, ARMA, Tomb Raider...WHATEVER...my performance doesn't suffer at all. What so ever.

So because GAMING is not an issue for me despite the switch used I more or less focus on which I like to type with more. So far the SMK's in my 22 year old keyboard have been the best I've ever used. Would like to try MX Greens but don't have to cash for a new keyboard (luckily the one I'm using now was $2 at a thrift shop and is in 9/10 condition).

So yeah...really best advice would be to just...try them all or at least the ones you're considering. Focus more on what you like to type with and then just use it for gaming like any other keyboard.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: skuko on Sun, 01 December 2013, 08:18:19
MX red all the way man :D
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 02 December 2013, 03:15:56
You might also find that layout is more of a deciding factor in how useable a keyboard is for gaming.

A 60% board might be fine - unless you need function keys a lot.

A full size board might be good, unless you prefer to keep your mouse closer to the keyboard.

I find a TKL is probably the best compromise, or a 60% (I use HHKB) if you don't need function keys (F1 - F12) in the game.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Oobly on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:51:11
Just desolder the old "D" keyswitch and replace it with a new one. You're not going to find a better switch for gaming than the reds you already have.

You could try pulling the keycap, depressing the stem and spraying Deoxit towards the "back" of the switch inside (the taller part without the round LED area) to clean it, before resorting to replacing it. I use inverted commas, since some manufacturers mount the switches back to front.

Unless you find them a bit too soft and want something stiffer (MX Blacks), or want a tactile bump so you know when the switch is registering (MX Browns), or you want an even bigger bump AND stiffer action (MX Clears).
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: stealthbr on Mon, 02 December 2013, 09:16:19
Thank you for all the input. I saw the picture showing how to fix the key, but I am rather inexperienced in these practices, so I fear for my keyboard's functionality lol. If anyone knows the link to a video that show exactly how to perform such a procedure, I would be grateful.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: MonoSky on Mon, 02 December 2013, 09:19:12
I never tried Topre keyboard my self but, I have fell in love with Reds. I first started out with black and found them to hard to press. Then I tried blues and it just wasn't for me. It was too annoying to press.. But reds were just perfect!
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: mljs54 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 16:43:21
I've been gaming primarily on Reds and use my RF 45g at the office for pure typing, but I did game on the RF exclusively before getting my Filco.

They are IMO the two best gaming switches, so you can't really go wrong.  But I personally wouldn't spend the money on a RF just for gaming, you're not going to get that much more out of it than a cheap MX Red board.  Typing is completely a different story IMO and where Topre really shines vs. MX.

Hopefully this opinion was helpful.  I recommend trying both.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Linkbane on Mon, 02 December 2013, 17:21:42
They are IMO the two best gaming switches, so you can't really go wrong.  But I personally wouldn't spend the money on a RF just for gaming, you're not going to get that much more out of it than a cheap MX Red board.  Typing is completely a different story IMO and where Topre really shines vs. MX.

Don't trash talk other boards, please keep your insulting opinions to yourself.

OT: Reds are generally considered the best to go for gaming, or blacks if you prefer the greater pressure. Topres are not good for gaming at all in the sense that browns aren't great for gaming. Anyone telling you differently is blowing smoke up your arse, frankly. Whatever 'rts vs mmo' people are pulling out is again absolute bollocks.

Gaming is mechanically simpler on a linear switch. No way to argue that, it's just true. A linear is always easier to double tap due to having no tactile reset, and it's always lower pressure to press due to the lack of tactility, again. You'll probably like them, unless you don't press keys very much, in which case a tactile or clicky keyboard might be similar or better. Playing LoL, I like using blues because I don't actually ever have to double tap, and it's nice to have a confirmation. Better players' uses will, of course, vary wildly.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: danrew on Mon, 02 December 2013, 19:03:13
I personally find it a little hard to game with the HHKB, but that's mostly because I never fully got used to using the Caps lock for a control key.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: 1pq on Mon, 02 December 2013, 19:08:12
I personally think MX is FAR superior for gaming, simply because the actuation point is easier to find, making it easy to do crazy switch floating maneuvers. Topre is a great typing switch, but at the highest level of gaming, it really is sub-par.

Totally agree with this
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: mljs54 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 19:16:41

They are IMO the two best gaming switches, so you can't really go wrong.  But I personally wouldn't spend the money on a RF just for gaming, you're not going to get that much more out of it than a cheap MX Red board.  Typing is completely a different story IMO and where Topre really shines vs. MX.

Don't trash talk other boards, please keep your insulting opinions to yourself.


How am I "trash talking" other boards?  I'm simply telling the OP if all he is looking for is a pure gaming board, a used/new MX Red board can be had for ~$60-90, while a RF is always a $200 board.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: danrew on Mon, 02 December 2013, 19:18:12
On a separate note, the build quality of the Japanese boards makes the keys far smoother than they're Cherry counterparts. There's a lot more key "wobble" in Cherry keys. The Topres on the other hand have very little lateral play. Probably a combination of the switch and the lower tolerances for the keys and housings.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Linkbane on Mon, 02 December 2013, 21:49:44
On a separate note, the build quality of the Japanese boards makes the keys far smoother than they're Cherry counterparts. There's a lot more key "wobble" in Cherry keys. The Topres on the other hand have very little lateral play. Probably a combination of the switch and the lower tolerances for the keys and housings.

I'll say that from personal experience that's completely inaccurate. I've tried moose's HHKB and he was the first one to tell (and show) that the keys had just as much wobble. It's 100% the keycaps. If you have tight caps, there'll be no wobble. But a rubber dome under a spring with less lifetime can hardly be considered a higher tolerance.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: tbc on Mon, 02 December 2013, 22:08:21
my rf is pretty damn wobbleless.my minila with 3 different sets was very wobbly.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: terran5992 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 22:46:17
my rf is pretty damn wobbleless.my minila with 3 different sets was very wobbly.

Yup. Topres dont wobble at all :)
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: danrew on Mon, 02 December 2013, 23:22:15
On a separate note, the build quality of the Japanese boards makes the keys far smoother than they're Cherry counterparts. There's a lot more key "wobble" in Cherry keys. The Topres on the other hand have very little lateral play. Probably a combination of the switch and the lower tolerances for the keys and housings.

I'll say that from personal experience that's completely inaccurate. I've tried moose's HHKB and he was the first one to tell (and show) that the keys had just as much wobble. It's 100% the keycaps. If you have tight caps, there'll be no wobble. But a rubber dome under a spring with less lifetime can hardly be considered a higher tolerance.

What I really meant to say is that the tolerances in the keycaps and housing were tighter. I can only speak from personal experience, which is that my Filcos have much more wobble than my Realforce. My HHKB just happens to be the tightest of the bunch in that regard. Your mileage may vary.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: PointyFox on Mon, 02 December 2013, 23:36:26
Anything with a switch that has the same actuation and reset points is good for gaming.  I'm playing FPS games on a 70% 2KRO Cherry ML switch board right now.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Oobly on Tue, 03 December 2013, 03:46:35
They are IMO the two best gaming switches, so you can't really go wrong.  But I personally wouldn't spend the money on a RF just for gaming, you're not going to get that much more out of it than a cheap MX Red board.  Typing is completely a different story IMO and where Topre really shines vs. MX.

Don't trash talk other boards, please keep your insulting opinions to yourself.

OT: Reds are generally considered the best to go for gaming, or blacks if you prefer the greater pressure. Topres are not good for gaming at all in the sense that browns aren't great for gaming. Anyone telling you differently is blowing smoke up your arse, frankly. Whatever 'rts vs mmo' people are pulling out is again absolute bollocks.

Gaming is mechanically simpler on a linear switch. No way to argue that, it's just true. A linear is always easier to double tap due to having no tactile reset, and it's always lower pressure to press due to the lack of tactility, again. You'll probably like them, unless you don't press keys very much, in which case a tactile or clicky keyboard might be similar or better. Playing LoL, I like using blues because I don't actually ever have to double tap, and it's nice to have a confirmation. Better players' uses will, of course, vary wildly.

Personally I find Browns perfect for gaming. The tactile point lets me know exactly when it will actuate and the lack of hysteresis means I can hover around the actuation point and double tap fast. I may be faster on Reds IF I take the time to get used to where the actuation point is, but to imply that Browns suck for gaming is just a personal opinion (and frankly insulting to me, since I game on Browns).

Back on topic: TO THE OP: Please try cleaning the switch before you go out and buy another board! Take the keycap off, spray some Deoxit or other contact cleaner into the switch and press it a bunch before plugging the keyboard in again and testing.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: stealthbr on Tue, 03 December 2013, 14:18:55
I did try cleaning it, but to no avail. I have decided to buy another Cherry MX Red keyboard. With that in mind, which would be the better purchase, a CM Storm Quickfire Rapid or a customized WASD v2?
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: osi on Tue, 03 December 2013, 14:49:51
I did try cleaning it, but to no avail. I have decided to buy another Cherry MX Red keyboard. With that in mind, which would be the better purchase, a CM Storm Quickfire Rapid or a customized WASD v2?

Whichever suits your wallet better. Don't think you'd be disappointed in either
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: taylordcraig on Tue, 03 December 2013, 15:18:55
I personally need the click.
Love my whites. Don't like my browns anymore.
I don't like linear switches. Even for gaming.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Puddsy on Tue, 03 December 2013, 15:28:56
I did try cleaning it, but to no avail. I have decided to buy another Cherry MX Red keyboard. With that in mind, which would be the better purchase, a CM Storm Quickfire Rapid or a customized WASD v2?

Whichever suits your wallet better. Don't think you'd be disappointed in either

+1
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Oobly on Wed, 04 December 2013, 03:31:23
I did try cleaning it, but to no avail. I have decided to buy another Cherry MX Red keyboard. With that in mind, which would be the better purchase, a CM Storm Quickfire Rapid or a customized WASD v2?

Whichever suits your wallet better. Don't think you'd be disappointed in either

+1

+2
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: MKULTRA on Wed, 04 December 2013, 04:52:53
Either will work.  There are pro gamers who use Topre and MX Reds.  Seriously just choose whatever is most comfortable to you, because realistically the switches you use are not going to affect how good you are.  Lets remember that Korean BW players used ****ty $10 rubber dome keyboards for years.

Also before you go off buying a new board, spray some contact cleaner into that switch, may help with the chatter.  Could be a debouncing issue aswell.

On that note, seriously there is no best switch for gaming and don't delude yourself into believing there is.  It is all just personal preference, whatever you are comfortable with.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Candyflip on Wed, 04 December 2013, 05:39:16
Lets remember that Korean BW players used ****ty $10 rubber dome keyboards for years.
I remember those rubber dome Qsenn boards that everyone praised (some even ordered from Korea) only because BW pros used them, even tho it was a probably <$10 keyboard  :D
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: MKULTRA on Wed, 04 December 2013, 09:09:59
Lets remember that Korean BW players used ****ty $10 rubber dome keyboards for years.
I remember those rubber dome Qsenn boards that everyone praised (some even ordered from Korea) only because BW pros used them, even tho it was a probably <$10 keyboard  :D
That is exactly what they were.  The players went through keyboards very fast so teams sought out a cheap keyboard to fill a closet with.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: stealthbr on Wed, 04 December 2013, 09:17:31
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: PointyFox on Wed, 04 December 2013, 10:17:44
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.

I've seen Topre rated at both >30 million and >50 million keystrokes while Cherry MX are rated at >50 million.  Though I don't think this matters since keyboards usually die way before this due to controller problems or people spilling something into them.  I am not sure how the rate of controller problems compares between the two types of boards.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: MKULTRA on Wed, 04 December 2013, 10:21:38
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.
They will both take quite a lot of abuse.  At Topre's price range you could possibly get a custom MX keyboard in the classifieds.  At $150 you could buy a Filco which is pretty much the most durable production MX keyboard you can get.

tl;dr durablity of both are great.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Mainian on Wed, 04 December 2013, 10:59:50
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.

Honestly, you should go with the CM board. It's build quality is top notch, and it's cheaper. They will last the same, and the removable cable is a big plus (at least for moving it around, ect). The only reason to buy the WASD V2 87 would be for no logos and if you want, order customized keys with it.

On the flip side, if you're spending that much on the WASD. I'd honestly just pick up a topre.

I've gamed on cherry mx red, mx black, mx brown, mx blue, and topre 45 uniform. I've enjoyed the brown's, blue's, and topre's the best. My typing speed on the topre was amazing. However, I would strongly suggest not picking up a topre if you play a lot of FPS. Remember, a lot of pros keyboards come from sponsor's, so they may just play with what they are giving. Although, I'm sure most of the RTS players use what's best for them.

tl;dr If you want cherry mx red, get the cm board. There's no advantage besides ascetics for choosing the WASD. 
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: stealthbr on Wed, 04 December 2013, 11:19:52
Cool! Thanks for the great answers. I will grabbing the Quickfire Rapid. I suppose it will match my mouse as well, since it's a CM Storm Spawn.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: PointyFox on Wed, 04 December 2013, 11:24:45
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.
They will both take quite a lot of abuse.  At Topre's price range you could possibly get a custom MX keyboard in the classifieds.  At $150 you could buy a Filco which is pretty much the most durable production MX keyboard you can get.

tl;dr durablity of both are great.

I've had 2 Filcos and 1 QFR fail due to the controllers going bad.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: PointyFox on Wed, 04 December 2013, 11:25:46
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.

Honestly, you should go with the CM board. It's build quality is top notch, and it's cheaper. They will last the same, and the removable cable is a big plus (at least for moving it around, ect). The only reason to buy the WASD V2 87 would be for no logos and if you want, order customized keys with it.

On the flip side, if you're spending that much on the WASD. I'd honestly just pick up a topre.

I've gamed on cherry mx red, mx black, mx brown, mx blue, and topre 45 uniform. I've enjoyed the brown's, blue's, and topre's the best. My typing speed on the topre was amazing. However, I would strongly suggest not picking up a topre if you play a lot of FPS. Remember, a lot of pros keyboards come from sponsor's, so they may just play with what they are giving. Although, I'm sure most of the RTS players use what's best for them.

tl;dr If you want cherry mx red, get the cm board. There's no advantage besides ascetics for choosing the WASD. 

I don't think an ascetic would buy a WASD keyboard. :P
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: MKULTRA on Wed, 04 December 2013, 11:47:11
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.
They will both take quite a lot of abuse.  At Topre's price range you could possibly get a custom MX keyboard in the classifieds.  At $150 you could buy a Filco which is pretty much the most durable production MX keyboard you can get.

tl;dr durablity of both are great.

I've had 2 Filcos and 1 QFR fail due to the controllers going bad.
Just because you have had that experience doesn't mean they are all inherently bad.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: PointyFox on Wed, 04 December 2013, 11:59:01
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.
They will both take quite a lot of abuse.  At Topre's price range you could possibly get a custom MX keyboard in the classifieds.  At $150 you could buy a Filco which is pretty much the most durable production MX keyboard you can get.

tl;dr durablity of both are great.

I've had 2 Filcos and 1 QFR fail due to the controllers going bad.
Just because you have had that experience doesn't mean they are all inherently bad.

I see what you did there.

Can you say "straw man"?
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: MKULTRA on Wed, 04 December 2013, 12:15:58
In terms of durability though, will they be the same? I ask because one of my main concerns is how long the keyboard lasts and is perfectly functional.
They will both take quite a lot of abuse.  At Topre's price range you could possibly get a custom MX keyboard in the classifieds.  At $150 you could buy a Filco which is pretty much the most durable production MX keyboard you can get.

tl;dr durablity of both are great.

I've had 2 Filcos and 1 QFR fail due to the controllers going bad.
Just because you have had that experience doesn't mean they are all inherently bad.

I see what you did there.

Can you say "straw man"?
I actually had to look that up lol.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Polymer on Wed, 04 December 2013, 13:49:48
On a separate note, the build quality of the Japanese boards makes the keys far smoother than they're Cherry counterparts. There's a lot more key "wobble" in Cherry keys. The Topres on the other hand have very little lateral play. Probably a combination of the switch and the lower tolerances for the keys and housings.

I'll say that from personal experience that's completely inaccurate. I've tried moose's HHKB and he was the first one to tell (and show) that the keys had just as much wobble. It's 100% the keycaps. If you have tight caps, there'll be no wobble. But a rubber dome under a spring with less lifetime can hardly be considered a higher tolerance.

The tolerance would have nothing to do w/ the rubber dome or the spring in this case.  It would have to do w/ the plunger and the keycaps.

Very tight fitting MX Keycaps might have less wobble than normal....but the very nature of cherry mx which has some wobble by virtue of how it is made (there is play within the switch itself) vs. a much larger round plungers means Topre will be more stable on a regular basis and really, if you've used a HHKB, you'd should have noticed this.  Topres wobble very little and feel incredibly stable on off center hits (as a test).  MX keycaps will have a bit more give on off center hits and wobble considerably more. 

I'm not sure if you're going to buy a Topre board..but considering how much you type, I can completely imagine you being a Topre convert at some point...you'll come back to these posts in a year or two and laugh...
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 04 December 2013, 16:49:33
On a separate note, the build quality of the Japanese boards makes the keys far smoother than they're Cherry counterparts. There's a lot more key "wobble" in Cherry keys. The Topres on the other hand have very little lateral play. Probably a combination of the switch and the lower tolerances for the keys and housings.

I'll say that from personal experience that's completely inaccurate. I've tried moose's HHKB and he was the first one to tell (and show) that the keys had just as much wobble. It's 100% the keycaps. If you have tight caps, there'll be no wobble. But a rubber dome under a spring with less lifetime can hardly be considered a higher tolerance.

The tolerance would have nothing to do w/ the rubber dome or the spring in this case.  It would have to do w/ the plunger and the keycaps.

Very tight fitting MX Keycaps might have less wobble than normal....but the very nature of cherry mx which has some wobble by virtue of how it is made (there is play within the switch itself) vs. a much larger round plungers means Topre will be more stable on a regular basis and really, if you've used a HHKB, you'd should have noticed this.  Topres wobble very little and feel incredibly stable on off center hits (as a test).  MX keycaps will have a bit more give on off center hits and wobble considerably more. 

I'm not sure if you're going to buy a Topre board..but considering how much you type, I can completely imagine you being a Topre convert at some point...you'll come back to these posts in a year or two and laugh...

Perhaps off-center hits may be better, it's not really my concern. I type and hit completely on the center of every key 100% of the time, so that's never been an issue. I obviously see things differently from you, because the HHKB still had significant play; I remarked to moose that it felt slightly less, but he assured me that it was the grass effect. When you talk about feeling incredibly stable, a steel plate feels incredibly stable. I don't think that a Topre would feel any more stable as an MX, because the Blues and Reds which I used are completely stable.

And maybe I will get a Topre board, when I have more time. But I would never type quickly on it, because the actuation is at the top, a serious issue if you don't want to bottom out. Perhaps for comfort, but not for speed. Check on me in a year, see if I'm laughing at myself or till hating on Topre, eh?
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Polymer on Wed, 04 December 2013, 19:32:21
I think you'd be surprised at how you'll type on them but either way, the switch itself is more stable and it isn't a grass is greener thing, it actually is more stable.  I'm not talking subjectively but objectively, as it has less play (this is a fact).  Now, whether or not that makes a difference to you or any other person, who knows...it will be completely subjective to each individual. 

As far as a year or two...People change opinions all the time...their tastes and preferences change...you see people on here do it all the time between different switches... Plenty of former Topre haters come around.  I personally like both switches for different reasons and for different uses...
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: danrew on Thu, 05 December 2013, 10:33:45
I think Polymer's reasoning is sound. I apologize for misdirecting the thread on manufacturing tolerances. I just couldn't put into words what Polymer could.

Looking at the design of the switch, Topre's should have less lateral play or "wobble".

If you imagine Cherry switches as a "square stem within a square hole" and a Topre as a "cylinder stem sitting inside a circular hole" it makes sense that the Cherry switch will have more left right up down play since those are the only directions it can move. Resulting in perceived increase of play in those directions.

The Topre switches also wobble but since it is a circle within a circle it doesn't have any obvious directions of play even if play is present. Resulting in less perceived play.

I don't know that there is any objective way to measure this feeling, only that the Topre boards feel like they wobble less.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: danrew on Thu, 05 December 2013, 10:34:10
I don't fully understand the aversion to bottoming out, but it seems unnatural to me. I almost always type faster when I don't think about bottoming out. Speed aside, I'm also a lot more accurate when I intentionally bottom out.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Linkbane on Thu, 05 December 2013, 13:52:03
I don't fully understand the aversion to bottoming out, but it seems unnatural to me. I almost always type faster when I don't think about bottoming out. Speed aside, I'm also a lot more accurate when I intentionally bottom out.

The point is that you can type much faster when doing so lightly rather than slamming on your board. When you achieve higher speeds, it requires the use of light fingers and hands. I initially was the same, but more training increased my speed by somewhere around 10 wpm. Also, better for your fingers over long (or short, more intense) sessions of typing.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Polymer on Thu, 05 December 2013, 21:22:22
Again, I still disagree with this...There is still a matter of speed, at what level you can stop your fingers and move them, adjust, etc...fact is, the fastest typers out there DO bottom out.  We've had this discussion before.  People, when typing their fastest, tend to bottom out.  Even you bottom out.  Just on your single video it looks like you bottom out a lot of the time...You might be bottoming out lightly but you do bottom out. In an ideal world, people wouldn't need to worry about it because they would press on every keystroke with every key in every combination..but that isn't reality. 

To me the idea of not bottoming out at all and typing for speed is a bit of a pipe dream..still haven't seen anyone do it...a lot can do it very lightly but they're still bottoming....I'll say this again so there is no confusion.  Bottoming out does not mean you're slamming each individual key..it merely means you are hitting the bottom in any way...

Also...Topre feels nothing like browns IMO..Topre really is a lot like a normal rubber dome keyboard except it is more stable, it feels stable all the way down, the movement of the switch up and down is not the least bit wobbly or unstable.  They feel very smooth as in the movement is very smooth..not that it doesn't have a tactile bump..which it does.  Most RD keyboards are relatively smooth and some are just as smooth but many are not.   They also actuate before you hit bottom and don't require you to bottom out at all.  They also feel a lot more solid when you hit the bottom..if feels like your keyboard is solid, not mushy...
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Linkbane on Thu, 05 December 2013, 21:27:49
Again, I still disagree with this...There is still a matter of speed, at what level you can stop your fingers and move them, adjust, etc...fact is, the fastest typers out there DO bottom out.  We've had this discussion before.  People, when typing their fastest, tend to bottom out.  Even you bottom out.  Just on your single video it looks like you bottom out a lot of the time...You might be bottoming out lightly but you do bottom out. In an ideal world, people wouldn't need to worry about it because they would press on every keystroke with every key in every combination..but that isn't reality. 

I might bottom out maybe 30% of the time, but that's something that is to be reduced. You're just plain wrong, fast typists don't bottom out because it's just impossible to type very quickly without bottoming out. You're living in your own self-excusing fantasy, as you obviously don't know anything about fast typing, and cannot tell how I'm typing, which I'll chalk up to the poor audio.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Polymer on Thu, 05 December 2013, 21:38:29
No one else has produced any video with anything close to reasonable speed without any bottoming out...You still bottom out a lot...more than you probably think....

Wrona bottoms out..his competition in those typing competition videos bottoms out....You can make all the excuses about why that you want..but those are facts..

I'll change my mind with proof...maybe some day you'll prove me wrong doing 150+ without any bottoming out...

You've come up with some idea that not bottoming is the ideal way to type so really, I'm not the one in fantasy land since all the facts are on my side...it is the guy with the idealist dreams in his head......Again, prove me wrong.  I'll gladly admit it. 
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Linkbane on Thu, 05 December 2013, 22:02:19
No one else has produced any video with anything close to reasonable speed without any bottoming out...You still bottom out a lot...more than you probably think....

Wrona bottoms out..his competition in those typing competition videos bottoms out....You can make all the excuses about why that you want..but those are facts..

I'll change my mind with proof...maybe some day you'll prove me wrong doing 150+ without any bottoming out...

You've come up with some idea that not bottoming is the ideal way to type so really, I'm not the one in fantasy land since all the facts are on my side...it is the guy with the idealist dreams in his head......Again, prove me wrong.  I'll gladly admit it.

You're frankly a waste of time and effort to talk to. You throw out accusations and then assume that I care about your meaningless drivel enough to waste time making a video. If you think that actually applies, have fun. I don't really care about a deluded fool one way or another.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Polymer on Fri, 06 December 2013, 00:29:26
You're frankly a waste of time and effort to talk to. You throw out accusations and then assume that I care about your meaningless drivel enough to waste time making a video. If you think that actually applies, have fun. I don't really care about a deluded fool one way or another.

Yet last time you made a video (which only proved me correct). 

Seriously, man up, learn to admit when you're wrong or that you don't know everything.  A lot of growing up to do on your part and before you decided to respond to this, remember, your mom still pays for your Internet access, obviously you have a lot of growing up to do..
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: lonedruid on Fri, 06 December 2013, 00:45:57
@tacticalstache
 Really? Dota 2 players got use topre? It will be nothing short of orgasmic to see them wielding the power of tgod. But I never see one use. You means the pros or ur fren? :D
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Linkbane on Fri, 06 December 2013, 01:01:35
You're frankly a waste of time and effort to talk to. You throw out accusations and then assume that I care about your meaningless drivel enough to waste time making a video. If you think that actually applies, have fun. I don't really care about a deluded fool one way or another.

Yet last time you made a video (which only proved me correct). 

Seriously, man up, learn to admit when you're wrong or that you don't know everything.  A lot of growing up to do on your part and before you decided to respond to this, remember, your mom still pays for your Internet access, obviously you have a lot of growing up to do..

You've never been anything but a pathetic little child who could do nothing but pick at my personal life. When you leave your parents' basement and the sad little bridge you live under, consider posting again. Meanwhile I'd suggest staying off of the internet and easing up on the amount of breathing for your superiority complex.
If you had anything to do other than troll, perhaps you would be somewhat appreciated on the forum, but instead you have proven yourself nothing but a self-important keyboard warrior. You are free to continue posting and derailing the thread further, I'm already done with your stupidity.
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Polymer on Fri, 06 December 2013, 01:25:06
I'm sorry the truth hurts so much but at least you're busying practicing your typing...life must be exciting..

But as I said, bottoming out isn't a big deal..it has proven (thus far) that it isn't a detriment to typing quickly as proven by the number of fast typers that bottom out. 

I'd definitely use Cherry MX Reds over Topre for gaming..just because I don't like the feel of Topre for games...any game really. 

In a pinch I'd probably be ok with using one but it doesn't feel right to me. 
Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: Linkbane on Fri, 06 December 2013, 02:03:01
I'm sorry the truth hurts so much but at least you're busying practicing your typing...life must be exciting..

But as I said, bottoming out isn't a big deal..it has proven (thus far) that it isn't a detriment to typing quickly as proven by the number of fast typers that bottom out. 

I'd definitely use Cherry MX Reds over Topre for gaming..just because I don't like the feel of Topre for games...any game really. 

In a pinch I'd probably be ok with using one but it doesn't feel right to me.

Title: Re: Gaming - Topre 45g or Cherry MX Red?
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 06 December 2013, 03:33:32
Linkbane and Polymer -- time to call it a night.  Stay on-topic or argue via PM please.