geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: lam47 on Tue, 17 March 2009, 11:38:17

Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Tue, 17 March 2009, 11:38:17
Available April 7th!

http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1237185827
(http://www.leopold.co.kr/data/cheditor/0903/realforce87_1_copy1.jpg)
(http://www.leopold.co.kr/data/cheditor/0903/realforce87_2_copy1.jpg)
(http://www.leopold.co.kr/data/cheditor/0903/realforce87_3_copy.jpg)
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: wellington1869 on Tue, 17 March 2009, 11:58:45
hows this one different from the 86u?
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lal on Tue, 17 March 2009, 12:05:20
LEDs embedded into keys?
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: FKSSR on Tue, 17 March 2009, 12:09:10
Yeah, that's what it looks like to me.  Looks sharp.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Chloe on Tue, 17 March 2009, 12:16:42
There is also an extra Windows key on the right next to AppsKey, and what looks like a built-in numpad. Alphabet legends are also larger.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: wellington1869 on Tue, 17 March 2009, 12:21:23
Quote from: Chloe;24739
There is also an extra Windows key on the right next to AppsKey, and what looks like a built-in numpad. Alphabet legends are also larger.


I think that also means the spacebar is shorter, right? (if so, that means this is the model I'd get when I eventually get one ;)

I think thats right. Here's the old 86u:
http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1208764017

I have to say though I'm not sure I'm terribly interested in the topre (tho I admit its wonderful). To quote chloe again, I'd miss the "industrious chatter" of the bs ;D
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Ulysses31 on Tue, 17 March 2009, 12:53:11
Cool.  It reminds me of the way the LED was imbedded into the button of the keyboards that came with the good old Amstrad PCW8256.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: FKSSR on Tue, 17 March 2009, 13:00:48
Quote from: wellington1869;24740
I have to say though I'm not sure I'm terribly interested in the topre (tho I admit its wonderful). To quote chloe again, I'd miss the "industrious chatter" of the bs ;D


That's the way I feel (also with the HHKB Pro), though I do which I could try one out (and also the HHKB Pro).
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Tue, 17 March 2009, 13:51:13
I really want one!
Would love to get the black one as it looks so cool and I like the feel and sound of the keys a lot.
Might see if there is anyone in Japan that knows of the release over there or if these are Korean exclusives.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: kyamei on Tue, 17 March 2009, 19:20:32
Keyboard looks nice, but I'm more interested in that keypad.  Is that new, or has it always been around?  I like it, it keeps the standard keypad layout from full boards, none of those 0 and 00 keys, etc.  I'd probably use my HHKB a lot more if I had one of those.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: bigpook on Tue, 17 March 2009, 19:48:17
Looks very nice. But it would be more appealing if all of they keys were weighted the same. I think xsphat mentioned that the escape key on his had the best feel overall.

This keyboard would be interesting if all keys were at 55g. For me anyways.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: vyshane on Thu, 19 March 2009, 05:55:01
I see another Topre in my future. This time I'll get one in white.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: tamasrepus on Fri, 20 March 2009, 01:41:01
Hrm, anyone know why there are 2 versions of the black, and 2 of the white? The second of each says something about "55g"...

Edit: Apparently, the first two are English layout, the second two are English/Korean... but the captions for the image on the Korean keyboards still say 55g.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Chloe on Fri, 20 March 2009, 06:27:29
Diatec shop have the 87U:
http://www.diatec.co.jp/shop/det.php?prod_c=598
http://www.diatec.co.jp/shop/det.php?prod_c=599
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Fri, 20 March 2009, 08:46:51
Are they in stock now?
Whats the best way to order from there?
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Chloe on Fri, 20 March 2009, 08:56:38
I think they are pre-order and seem to be limited. I don't think Diatec accept international orders anymore so maybe try Crescent-Shop.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Fri, 20 March 2009, 08:57:21
Aww balls.
Do you know how limited they will be?
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Chloe on Fri, 20 March 2009, 09:02:39
I've no idea, but if you want one I would try to get one pre-ordered soon.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Fri, 20 March 2009, 09:03:46
I might well do that.
Will most likely go with leopold in Korea though as they have some other bits I would like.
Need some cash first though :)

Thanks Chloe.
x
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: xsphat on Fri, 20 March 2009, 22:40:54
Quote from: lam47;24978
I might well do that.


...
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Bluemercury on Sun, 22 March 2009, 11:54:21
Yep, i might be interested too....i was searching for a way to buy the 86u in black....but i might this one.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: bobodod on Sun, 22 March 2009, 16:06:09
Quote from: Bluemercury;25047
Yep, i might be interested too....i was searching for a way to buy the 86u in black....but i might this one.
Looks as though the 87U might be your only choice.  Leopold has taken down their 86U pages & removed the links to them from the menus.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Bluemercury on Mon, 23 March 2009, 09:46:28
Quote from: bobodod;25059
Looks as though the 87U might be your only choice.  Leopold has taken down their 86U pages & removed the links to them from the menus.


Still crescent-shop is asking for 320$......:S
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Mon, 23 March 2009, 10:11:12
I dont know how but I will have one of the black 87U boards.
Of course I will review and photograph it for you all :)

Fingers crossed the buy from korea or some similar people will be able to help out.
It looks like a HH killer to me :)
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: megarat on Wed, 25 March 2009, 23:23:30
Rats.  I really wish the 87U had a built-in USB hub.  Even just one port.  I have enough cables strewn across my desk as it is.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 25 March 2009, 23:34:52
Quote from: megarat;25484
Rats.  I really wish the 87U had a built-in USB hub.  Even just one port.  I have enough cables strewn across my desk as it is.


And I think the LEDs in the keys make it look like something it's not. I still prefer the 86U.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: eugenius on Thu, 26 March 2009, 02:18:25
I really like the color scheme, the fact that it's tenless.

I hate the red escape but I suppose it comes with a normal one also ...

If it was bluetooth and the price was 200$, I would order it. :)


PS: I wonder why nobody make a hybrid bluetooth/usb keyboard, rechargeable from the usb port when the batteries are low ....  :)
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: wellington1869 on Thu, 26 March 2009, 07:31:56
Quote from: eugenius;25502

PS: I wonder why nobody make a hybrid bluetooth/usb keyboard, rechargeable from the usb port when the batteries are low ....  :)


that would involve thinking about design and being creative :P
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: FKSSR on Thu, 26 March 2009, 07:46:37
I wonder if this is something EliteKeyboards.com could stock, in the future...
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Thu, 26 March 2009, 08:09:52
I like the LED as I find the IBM space saver irritating in that you cant tell if the numpad is on without typing.
The red escape Is universally accepted as being cool so Im not sure what to say there ;)

Still they are not available just yet.
I cant pick between the white and the black now!
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: bigpook on Thu, 26 March 2009, 08:35:32
Quote from: lam47;25542
I like the LED as I find the IBM space saver irritating in that you cant tell if the numpad is on without typing.
The red escape Is universally accepted as being cool so Im not sure what to say there ;)

Still they are not available just yet.
I cant pick between the white and the black now!


I'm with you on the red escape key. It just seems right. Would pass on the LED's though.
I have a model m mini and yes, it would be nice to have an LED to indicate if the numpad was on. But as it is it doesn't cause me too much grief.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Chloe on Thu, 26 March 2009, 08:54:43
Quote from: lam47;25542
I like the LED as I find the IBM space saver irritating in that you cant tell if the numpad is on without typing.


I wish my Cherry G84-4700 numpad had a numlock LED. Many compact keyboards also omit this so it's nice to see one with it.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: FKSSR on Thu, 26 March 2009, 09:11:45
I'd prefer red LEDs, but I really like that feature.

I also like the red escape key.

I still am afraid to buy a RF without trying one out, though.  I'm worried I'll buy it and not like the feel.

We need to plan a GeekHack get together for the NYC area...well, if someone around her has a HHKB or RF :)
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 26 March 2009, 09:15:04
Quote from: FKSSR;25550
I'd prefer red LEDs, but I really like that feature.

I also like the red escape key.

I still am afraid to buy a RF without trying one out, though.  I'm worried I'll buy it and not like the feel.

We need to plan a GeekHack get together for the NYC area...well, if someone around her has a HHKB or RF :)


Maybe you could go visit Wellington and check out his Desk-o-Bra. :)



Sorry, Wellington, I just had to get that in. :)
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: FKSSR on Thu, 26 March 2009, 09:31:15
Quote from: itlnstln;25551
Maybe you could go visit Wellington


Not a bad idea, but I don't think he has a HHKB or Realforce.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 26 March 2009, 09:38:45
Quote from: FKSSR;25556
Not a bad idea, but I don't think he has a HHKB or Realforce.


No, he doesn't.  I just had to take a stab at the Desk-o-Bra. :)  The jokes are getting old now; I just need to stop.  Welly's taken enough from me, anyway. :D
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: bhtooefr on Thu, 26 March 2009, 12:18:35
Hey, it was his decision to buy the desk-o-bra. :p
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: xsphat on Thu, 26 March 2009, 13:55:57
The Realforce keyboards feel great. so do the HHKB Pros. Trust us.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: xsphat on Thu, 26 March 2009, 13:56:40
Even on a desk-o-bra!
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: wellington1869 on Thu, 26 March 2009, 16:34:25
Quote from: itlnstln;25551
Maybe you could go visit Wellington and check out his Desk-o-Bra. :)


sure but i charge 20 bucks a peep ;)
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 26 March 2009, 16:39:05
Quote from: wellington1869;25647
sure but i charge 20 bucks a peep ;)


Strong.  If I give you $40, will you show me your headlight? ;)
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: MANISH7 on Sat, 28 March 2009, 14:32:48
Benippon is selling the Topre 86u English layout for $254 + $12 shipping. Any chance that will drop in price with the release of this new version? I'm skeptical given the pricing scheme of Topres and the aura this keyboard has.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: tamasrepus on Sat, 28 March 2009, 15:11:50
AFAIK, I think the 87U costs more than the 86U did (at least on Leupold.co.kr). The won has been declining in value and it was inevitable that they'd go up in price/introduce a new model with a higher price.

Not sure what this will mean for pricing in Japan.

EDIT: Just to give numbers to compare... the 86U was something like $190 USD at it's lowest, the 87U is now $260.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 28 March 2009, 15:19:04
I got one of the first Topre 86Us. If you remember, they sold out the first day. Well, mine is from that batch. And I ordered the keyboard, a roof and some key locks. It came to $360. I think the keyboard itself was $280 shipped (I bought the keyboard from BeNippon and the accessories from j-goods, so I paid overseas shipping twice).
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: rdjack21 on Mon, 30 March 2009, 22:02:13
Well I bit the bullet and placed an order for this board at Crescent Shop now it is just waiting to see how long it will take to get here. Man it was expensive I just hope my wife does not kill me when she see the bill :)
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Tue, 31 March 2009, 02:53:57
I have mine on the way too.
I did not use a service like cresent as the charges are painful!
I hope you like the board. Which colour did you go for?
Mine is the black one to match my HH.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: rdjack21 on Tue, 31 March 2009, 08:41:17
Quote from: lam47;26236
I have mine on the way too.
I did not use a service like cresent as the charges are painful!
I hope you like the board. Which colour did you go for?
Mine is the black one to match my HH.


I really think the black is the only way to go myself. Don't have a HHKB to match it with yet but I think that may be the next one I get :) And yes getting it from cresent was very painful but being new to this it was the only way I could find to get one.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: MANISH7 on Tue, 31 March 2009, 09:57:48
I've finally settled on the black 87u. When I get a Topre, that will be the one. Normally I don't like black matte finish because it is dark, depressing, and dull. Ivory white is bright and shiny but also dull. Had the keys for the white been in red dye or something I'd have thought differently. The new LEDs on black, however, make it look modern. When COD6 comes out at the end of this year, I'll build a computer and with that get a new Topre.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: tamasrepus on Tue, 31 March 2009, 14:26:35
Got some translations from my girlfriend... So apparently, Leopold.co.kr sells at least 3 different versions of the Realforce 87U.
All three are available in both white and black.

I think I am going to try to get the 55g version... Since I don't touch-type, I imagine the differently-weighted keys throwing me off. Other geekhack members have mentioned that it bothers them too.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: FKSSR on Tue, 31 March 2009, 14:32:37
Very interesting.  Thanks for posting that info!
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: megarat on Tue, 31 March 2009, 14:41:55
Quote from: lam47;26236
I have mine on the way too.
I did not use a service like cresent as the charges are painful!
I hope you like the board. Which colour did you go for?
Mine is the black one to match my HH.


Which service did you use?  Did you order directly from Leopold?

A dramatic family development (long story, nothing tragic) may result in a family member and/or friend going to Seoul sometime in the next few months.  Of course, other than the family developments, the first thing on my mind was, "Maybe they can pick me up one of these keyboards ..."
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Tue, 31 March 2009, 15:03:25
From ebay UK actually. Seller has them on the US one too and he is very good.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: wheel83 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 03:21:10
dangit i ordered one before realizing there is an all 55g one.  dangit dangit.

< buyer's remorse.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: wheel83 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 12:49:10
i just found out the 55g version is korean letters.  so im stick with the american layout.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: FKSSR on Wed, 01 April 2009, 12:50:23
55gg with the blank black letter caps would be niiiice...

But is the backspace and enter key the US layout?  The pic appears to show that it is.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: MANISH7 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 12:52:54
You guys that don't like differently weighted keys...is it because the 35g keys feel mushy OR is it because different weights confuse your fingers when touch typing? I for one was thinking the different weights was good because it was ergonomic but I've never tried a Topre.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 01 April 2009, 12:53:58
From what I have heard, it's a little of both, but the biggest complaint is that the light weights feel mushy.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: MANISH7 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 12:56:10
Thank you! That's what I thought.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: wheel83 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 12:58:20
i ordered the 55g korean lettering one.  i think ill just dye it all black anyways.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 01 April 2009, 13:02:27
Quote from: wheels83;26475
i ordered the 55g korean lettering one.  i think ill just dye it all black anyways.


You got to do a review on it when you get it. I am wondering how 55g on all keys would be versus the other one(?).
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: wheel83 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 13:07:18
i'll do a mini review if laurie doesn't do one first haha.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 01 April 2009, 13:10:27
Quote from: wheels83;26481
i'll do a mini review if laurie doesn't do one first haha.


You both should do reviews : )

Is laurie getting the same one where all keys are 55G?

And of course, how does it compare with a HHKB?
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: FKSSR on Wed, 01 April 2009, 14:01:02
Quote from: wheels83;26475
i ordered the 55g korean lettering one.  i think ill just dye it all black anyways.


Cool.  I will want to see pictures!
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 14:04:11
No I want the different key weights. Its one of the features I am most interested in.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 14:18:52
You would need to get the springs from other boards and it would cost a lot and be a huge waste.
Cutting them down is not an option as they are conical springs and would not operate correctly if tampered with.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 01 April 2009, 15:48:00
Quote from: lam47;26494
No I want the different key weights. Its one of the features I am most interested in.


All good, still would like to see a review when you get it. I need to pm xsphat and ask him about the different weighted keys.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Wed, 01 April 2009, 16:21:21
Those are not the right kind of springs Im afraid.
The ones in these keys are quite unique.
There is a good chance they have been made especially for the keyboards.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: rdjack21 on Thu, 02 April 2009, 09:46:42
Quote from: ripster;26632
Oooo....  Mine just shipped from Asakusa PO branch in Tokyo.  Let's hope Homeland Security doesn't declare that red escape key a border risk.

- Ripster


Nice! Mine has not even shown up at cresent shop yet :( It has been ordered but they have not gotten it yet.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: Korbin on Thu, 02 April 2009, 11:30:25
Quote from: bigpook;26523
All good, still would like to see a review when you get it. I need to pm xsphat and ask him about the different weighted keys.


Personally I like the weighted keys, even though the difference seems very small. However, I think that might because I'm not "heavy fingered" when i type. I rarely bottom out  in my strokes so maybe that has something to do with it.
Title: New realforce 87U
Post by: lam47 on Sat, 04 April 2009, 18:01:17
Yup thats what they look like.
The springs feel very soft if you just push them down without the rubber on top.
I wonder if the thinner rubber mentioned by bhtoofer makes the difference in weight?