It all comes down to personal preference. No one can tell you if you will like it. Are you sure there isn't anyway you could find someone within travel distance that has one you could try out?
I think it might be a safe bet to get a Realforce for starters before advancing to HHKB if need be. I hear constantly the customs in the EU are strict and unless you can get a person who can forward it to you somehow on some (dodgy) terms. It is hard otherwise.
Besides you can remap the keys as you need with Realforce without splashing money onto HHKB.
However, HHKB maybe worth the money if you really want something compact and features Topre switch. I have not tried Cherry MX Red so I cannot tell you if they are equivalent to Topre (in very crude way of course), however Cherry MX Browns feels lighter than Topre. I only know that is only because I got both Topre and MX Browns in front of me.
Most of the expensive price point with HHKB is mainly to do with the cult following behind it, if you have never tried HHKB or Topre it is good to try out something that is more known and better priced before jumping deep. Unless you have wads of cash (like I did) to spend on HHKB then by all means.
You don't need to TRYOUT a topre board..because people like rubber different with plastic :rolleyes:
It feels identical to any other rubber dome keyboard..
Heavy resistance at the top,, once the dome buckles, it feels linear the rest of the way down.
The improvement of the Topre from rubber dome, is not in FEEL, it's mostly that it actuates at 2mm like cherry..
because people like rubber different with plastic
If you remember, on a rubber dome vanilla, there are times where you're compelled to Press the keys really hard to make sure they register...
That is alleviated by the 2mm travel distance..
THAT"S it..... anyone that tells you differently is delusional..... and merely trying to justify their purchase...
I am not saying the board isn't worth whatever they paid (market price is market price),
I'm merely saying the Fanbois are delusional and have created magical keyboard properties to which they attribute to Topre that DO NOT EXIST.Show Image(http://www.emotasia.com/wp-content/uploads/totally-naughty-panda-emoticon-2.gif)
btw tuxsavvy you has cherry split :o
Yup I sure do, getting for every one keyboard switch bears unique layout is my goal. I don't discriminate between switches/layouts (as much).no no,before symmetric your living not harmonic, get μTRON your life will be harmony
Now I can enjoy HHKB Pro JP and Cherry G80-5000 HAMDE living in harmony. :))
That RealForce actually looks a more attractive option for Topre that you can use for gaming.
The lack of a dedicated left control on the HHKB makes it unfeasible for gaming imo.
Where abouts you based in the UK Fragil1ty? Would love to try a topre without having to splash out on one :P
Nah lol, my next step might (only might) be IBM SSK. Buckling spring with TKL layout. µTRON is just split keyboard with Topre. I already have HHKB for "Topre realm" hehe.Yup I sure do, getting for every one keyboard switch bears unique layout is my goal. I don't discriminate between switches/layouts (as much).no no,before symmetric your living not harmonic, get μTRON your life will be harmony
Now I can enjoy HHKB Pro JP and Cherry G80-5000 HAMDE living in harmony. :))
or mod your Cherry split to symmetric ::)
That RealForce actually looks a more attractive option for Topre that you can use for gaming.
The lack of a dedicated left control on the HHKB makes it unfeasible for gaming imo.
Where abouts you based in the UK Fragil1ty? Would love to try a topre without having to splash out on one :P
No. The HHKB layout is actually superior for gaming. Switching Control for Caps Lock is a much better gaming layout. No more straining your pinky finger to hit CTRL. If however, you use Caps Lock to toggle run or something (who but a n00b does that?), then you will have to remap the keys. Or learn to master Fn + Tab = Toggle run. It's not a terrible way to play a game.
That RealForce actually looks a more attractive option for Topre that you can use for gaming.
The lack of a dedicated left control on the HHKB makes it unfeasible for gaming imo.
Where abouts you based in the UK Fragil1ty? Would love to try a topre without having to splash out on one :P
No. The HHKB layout is actually superior for gaming. Switching Control for Caps Lock is a much better gaming layout. No more straining your pinky finger to hit CTRL. If however, you use Caps Lock to toggle run or something (who but a n00b does that?), then you will have to remap the keys. Or learn to master Fn + Tab = Toggle run. It's not a terrible way to play a game.
This is something that needs to be up to you. It sucks because it's a risky potential investment monetarily speaking, but your returns on the board if you decide to sell it shortly after getting it would be about the same amount as you originally paid.
In my personal opinion as someone who recently bought a Topre; I would say no, they are not worth the entry fee and feel much too close to a regular well put together rubber dome to warrant the mark up. If they were priced closer to say, a Filco ($150) I would say, defiantly yes, buy one with zero regrets.
You don't need to TRYOUT a topre board..
It feels identical to any other rubber dome keyboard..
Heavy resistance at the top,, once the dome buckles, it feels linear the rest of the way down.
The improvement of the Topre from rubber dome, is not in FEEL, it's mostly that it actuates at 2mm like cherry..
If you remember, on a rubber dome vanilla, there are times where you're compelled to Press the keys really hard to make sure they register...
That is alleviated by the 2mm travel distance..
THAT"S it..... anyone that tells you differently is delusional..... and merely trying to justify their purchase...
I am not saying the board isn't worth whatever they paid (market price is market price),
I'm merely saying the Fanbois are delusional and have created magical keyboard properties to which they attribute to Topre that DO NOT EXIST.Show Image(http://www.emotasia.com/wp-content/uploads/totally-naughty-panda-emoticon-2.gif)
I have both a Topre and a Filco with MX Browns. While I honestly am a bit up in the air about which switch I prefer, I still think Topre boards are absolutely worth their price.
MX Browns are easier to press than Topre switches, which is one thing I like more about MX Browns than Topre switches. Topre switches, however, are SIGNIFICANTLY much more smooth (ie. very little wobble) and more solid than MX switches. The feel is addicting and hard to get over.
Also, the build quality of the Topre Realforce is a step above than the Filco. I can flex the Filco board (this is a Majestouch 2, btw) more than I can flex my Realforce board.
Furthermore, consider that my Filco cost around $150, with just ABS keycaps. If I want a set of PBT Dyesubs for the Filco, it will cost an extra $100 or so, essentially making the Filco $250.
But if you consider that a Topre costs around $260, with PBT Dyesubs included already... then you can see Topre boards really aren't that much more expensive, or a ripoff, as other people make it out to be.
If you're curious about it, I strongly suggest you at least check it out. It will be easy to sell it back on the classifieds for around $220, which isn't a very big hit.
Edit: What tp4tissue says about Topre boards are absolute flat-out lies. Anyone who says a Topre switch feels just like any other rubber dome are being disingenuous, as they completely and purposefully leave out the fact that Topre switches are, again, much more solid, and much more smooth than not just any other typical rubber dome, but also Cherry MX switches.
The switch feel is generally described ranging from "too stiff" to "like typing on wet newspaper"[2] (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_MY#cite_note-1) or "like prodding a dead octopus".
Ah I see, I mean I love MX Reds and the Topre that I'm looking at does seem to be quite light and what not.
I'm a programmer/coder, spend pretty much all day, every day on my computer but one thing that I don't like is the fact that it's quite close to a rubber dome, I do not like that feel one bit to be quite honest. But then others have said that the feeling of typing on a topre is amazing and obviously if I bought this and liked it then it could be a great investment, I think I'll have to try and find a friend or a friend of a friend with one before buying, it's a lot of money to splash out on a keyboard.
post-hhkb, my Filco is gathering dust - I've lost all interest in MX-boards except some ergonomics (AcidFire, Kinesis).
The funny thing is, the first time I tried hhkb several years ago, by accident in Akihabara, I didn't understand why it was so expensive. Even after I bought my hhkb about a month ago, I had buyer's remorse - out of the box, they felt like MX browns which I really hate (my favorites are MX reds) - I just didn't like that bump.
Then after about 10 days, the board started to break in - the downward action got much smoother and the thocking sound started to really kick in. I was starting to get that bubble-pop touch-and-feel - FANTASTIC! It is now my main board - I'm even considering buying a second one so that I can have one for the desktop without having to disconnect/connect the USB all the time.
I like the thocking so much that I don't know why people want to silence their hhkb. I will have to find an S-type to try and find out.
Coming from someone who owns a Filco and an HHKB, you hit the nail on the head for every point, well said.
Yes :)
So in terms of feeling and craftsmanship not customization or keyboard firmware programming etc etc is HKKB > Realforce?
Most people seem to be recommending HKKB, heck we've even got that HKKB badge of honor/pecking order here, so i'm just wondering if that is only because of the versatility of HKKB or other factors.
Also thanks for starting this thread :thumb: because I've also been recently wondering the same exact thing.
So in terms of feeling and craftsmanship not customization or keyboard firmware programming etc etc is HKKB > Realforce?
Most people seem to be recommending HKKB, heck we've even got that HKKB badge of honor/pecking order here, so i'm just wondering if that is only because of the versatility of HKKB or other factors.
Also thanks for starting this thread :thumb: because I've also been recently wondering the same exact thing.
A downside to the case mounted switches is that the keyboard is incredibly light due to the lack of a metal plate. It still feels solid to type on, but mine slides around my desk a little.
Okay now for the whammy.Topre i want tried the switch,KMAC/sprit still traditional
TOPRE VS KMAC/PHANTOM or sprit custom.
NOW what do you pick?
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
That said, try it first
Topre is amazing.
Totally worth it.
HHKB is def worth if you're a coder.
Don't listen to "its just a rubber dome" that **** was debunked forever ago.
Source: Signature
Okay now for the whammy.
TOPRE VS KMAC/PHANTOM or sprit custom.
NOW what do you pick?
Okay now for the whammy.
TOPRE VS KMAC/PHANTOM or sprit custom.
NOW what do you pick?
Why not both? :))
I went from a razer blackwidow to HHKB to KMAC, and I honestly couldn't really choose between those last two. So I switch between them pretty regularly. Sometimes I just long to be one with the cuprubber :p
Okay now for the whammy.
TOPRE VS KMAC/PHANTOM or sprit custom.
NOW what do you pick?
Why not both? :))
I went from a razer blackwidow to HHKB to KMAC, and I honestly couldn't really choose between those last two. So I switch between them pretty regularly. Sometimes I just long to be one with the cuprubber :p
I'm too lazy to unplug keyboards and then walk over to the keyboard storage.
Then I have to wrap and secure the cord and then get another keyboard, unwrap the cord and plug it in.
Way too tedious :p
Also Topre is louder than many of my MX boards, save for blues. It's the first time my roommates ever complained about my late night clackings.
Also Topre is louder than many of my MX boards, save for blues. It's the first time my roommates ever complained about my late night clackings.
Your doing it wrong :P :D
Also Topre is louder than many of my MX boards, save for blues. It's the first time my roommates ever complained about my late night clackings.
Your doing it wrong :P :D
Also Topre is louder than many of my MX boards, save for blues. It's the first time my roommates ever complained about my late night clackings.
Your doing it wrong :P :D
I bottom err day, I'm not ashamed :p
Also Topre is louder than many of my MX boards, save for blues. It's the first time my roommates ever complained about my late night clackings.
Your doing it wrong :P :D
I bottom err day, I'm not ashamed :p
I'm curious if those hi-profile caps are louder also?
Also Topre is louder than many of my MX boards, save for blues. It's the first time my roommates ever complained about my late night clackings.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230996149797 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/230996149797)
Get a keychain! I have an MX board Clears Lubed, MX numberpad Browns, and HHKB Pro 2 45G Dental Banded, 2 MX Keychains (i swap switch types in them all the time, right now blue and clear), 2 Topre keychains (Realforce Brand)
I love both, ill be honest. If the MX isnt lubed than I dont like it but lubed I love it. Topre I love unlubed or lubed. Just get one. Dont switch but enjoy both like me. :thumb:
Personally, the only reason I don't like HHKB is the control key. I mean yes, it makes it more unique than other 60% keyboards but I need it for gaming; it is my crouch key. I have been accustomed to it for years and since getting a computer. But as that fellow mentioned, you can use caps lock to crouch, using your ring finger instead of your pinky( I don't find any strain or fatigue after sessions) but I havnt tried that..
A realforce would be the more realistic approach. I have yet to get one, hopefully I try it if not resell it.
Good luck
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230996149797 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/230996149797)
Get a keychain!
Personally, the only reason I don't like HHKB is the control key. I mean yes, it makes it more unique than other 60% keyboards but I need it for gaming; it is my crouch key. I have been accustomed to it for years and since getting a computer. But as that fellow mentioned, you can use caps lock to crouch, using your ring finger instead of your pinky( I don't find any strain or fatigue after sessions) but I havnt tried that..
A realforce would be the more realistic approach. I have yet to get one, hopefully I try it if not resell it.
Good luck
If you were to use your ring finger, you would lose full WASD movement while crouching. I've always been accustomed to the control key, but had no problems adjusting to caps lock.http://www.ebay.com/itm/230996149797 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/230996149797)
Get a keychain!
Sorry, but I think this is a bad idea - spending almost a quarter of what a Realforce would cost for a single switch? You can barely get a sense for the characteristics of a switch from a single key.
if only they made a topre switch tester for like 10 bucks
Personally, the only reason I don't like HHKB is the control key. I mean yes, it makes it more unique than other 60% keyboards but I need it for gaming; it is my crouch key. I have been accustomed to it for years and since getting a computer. But as that fellow mentioned, you can use caps lock to crouch, using your ring finger instead of your pinky( I don't find any strain or fatigue after sessions) but I havnt tried that..
A realforce would be the more realistic approach. I have yet to get one, hopefully I try it if not resell it.
Good luck
If you were to use your ring finger, you would lose full WASD movement while crouching. I've always been accustomed to the control key, but had no problems adjusting to caps lock.http://www.ebay.com/itm/230996149797 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/230996149797)
Get a keychain!
Sorry, but I think this is a bad idea - spending almost a quarter of what a Realforce would cost for a single switch? You can barely get a sense for the characteristics of a switch from a single key.
I know, the boards are so spendy so if he wasnt willing to drop $240 + Shipping then just get the keychain for 1/6 the price.
Here in the holy grail of capitalism, we're SOL when it comes to actually trying things first :/ ... at least when they don't appeal to a broad audience
I enjoy a uniform Topre 45g more than any keyboard I've owned. The Topre 55g version is second. But I was not a die hard mechanical keyboard guy, so I'm not expecting Cherry behavior. I have a Cherry MX Clear based board on order, and I imagine an ergo version of that might be close, but not quite. I prefer silent keys the most, but can't make the switch (pun intended) to a scissor based board for those extra couple decibels.
I owned a HHKB pro 2 for a month or two at one point however I just couldn't get used to the layout. The thing that killed me the most, more then the arrow keys was the placement of the \ and the backspace. I am in a linux terminal almost all day and constantly use | , so when I would get to work or use my laptop I constantly made mistakes. Only way I could use one is if I used it exclusively, bouncing back and forth just didn't work out for me.
I owned a HHKB pro 2 for a month or two at one point however I just couldn't get used to the layout. The thing that killed me the most, more then the arrow keys was the placement of the \ and the backspace. I am in a linux terminal almost all day and constantly use | , so when I would get to work or use my laptop I constantly made mistakes. Only way I could use one is if I used it exclusively, bouncing back and forth just didn't work out for me.
When I first got my HHKB I had the same problem. I told myself either I'd get used to going back and forth between the HHKB backspace and the normal one or I'd probably end up selling it. It took awhile but for whatever reason, it is completely natural to go back and forth..I'm not quite sure why either...Same with the CTRL key although for whatever oddball reason, when using my RF, even though I've moved the CTRL key to the same position as it is on my HHKB, it isn't as natural for me to use it..not sure why...
I just figure it is like learning to drive on both sides of the road..it is hard to switch back and forth but eventually you can do it...
You don't need to TRYOUT a topre board..
It feels identical to any other rubber dome keyboard..
Heavy resistance at the top,, once the dome buckles, it feels linear the rest of the way down.
The improvement of the Topre from rubber dome, is not in FEEL, it's mostly that it actuates at 2mm like cherry..
If you remember, on a rubber dome vanilla, there are times where you're compelled to Press the keys really hard to make sure they register...
That is alleviated by the 2mm travel distance..
THAT"S it..... anyone that tells you differently is delusional..... and merely trying to justify their purchase...
I am not saying the board isn't worth whatever they paid (market price is market price),
I'm merely saying the Fanbois are delusional and have created magical keyboard properties to which they attribute to Topre that DO NOT EXIST.Show Image(http://www.emotasia.com/wp-content/uploads/totally-naughty-panda-emoticon-2.gif)
Is there a topre tester?
Is there a topre tester?
Is there a topre tester?
There was one on DT.
And there is always the Topre keychains.
Give it some time. I think Topre is very underwhelming for people when they first try it...It isn't until you've used it awhile, compared it with Cherry MX and going back and forth do you start appreciating it. You'll then start seeing how it differs from normal rubber dome keyboards because at first they'll seem very similar....
I think the worst thing you can do it evaluate it for a few minutes/hours/days and think you know what it'll be like. It isn't like your resale will be impacted if you use it for a bit longer and see...
And there is always the Topre keychains.
Where do we get the keychain?
Is there a topre tester?
There was one on DT.
And there is always the Topre keychains.
Where do we get the keychain?
Is there a topre tester?
There was one on DT.
And there is always the Topre keychains.
Where do we get the keychain?
well for now you can buy one off ebay
one day there might be one for sale from one of the members here but he's a busy guy
Just got my own board, and I honestly think that there isn't really particularly much 'thock' to it, but it's very comfortable nevertheless. Maybe I wouldn't recommend it for the price, but it's still quite nice nevertheless.
Is there a topre tester?
There was one on DT.
And there is always the Topre keychains.
Where do we get the keychain?
well for now you can buy one off ebay
one day there might be one for sale from one of the members here but he's a busy guy
got a link? topre keychain and realforce keychain got 0 results.
:eek: how did I miss that :blank:Is there a topre tester?
There was one on DT.
And there is always the Topre keychains.
Where do we get the keychain?
well for now you can buy one off ebay
one day there might be one for sale from one of the members here but he's a busy guy
got a link? topre keychain and realforce keychain got 0 results.
feng had them recently perhaps they sold out
:o how did I miss that :blank:Is there a topre tester?
There was one on DT.
And there is always the Topre keychains.
Where do we get the keychain?
well for now you can buy one off ebay
one day there might be one for sale from one of the members here but he's a busy guy
got a link? topre keychain and realforce keychain got 0 results.
feng had them recently perhaps they sold out
6 of those and you have a HHKB!
Wait a second...
45 ****ing dollars for a keychain?
does it cook and clean?
I enjoy a uniform Topre 45g more than any keyboard I've owned. The Topre 55g version is second.