geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: iggysaps on Fri, 15 May 2009, 01:47:04
-
Hi there. I have a friend who might be going to Japan, and I might ask him to purchase a Topre for me. The problem is I don't know which particular model I want, but I definitely want one without the useless numpad.
Can anyone enlighten me as to the differences between the 86U, 87U, 91U? Also which would be better, similarly weighted keys, or those that need less force on pinkys, etc..
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
-
86U - 1 windows key, no lock LEDs, 30/45/55g weighted keys
87U - 2 windows keys, lock LEDs, 35/45/55g keys
91U - Japanese layout
There may be some other differences I forgot, but those are the main things I believe.
As for weighted keys vs. unweighted, that's a matter of preference. I personally prefer the weighted keys. You may not notice it when you're typing but that's the point.
-
Thanks, I guess that clears it up a lot.
Guess the 86U or 87U should be fine then...:smile:
-
I have both the 87U and the 86U and you really can't tell the difference between the 35g on the 87U and the 30g on the 86U. So I think between the two it really comes down to whether or not you want a black or a white keyboard.
-
The link below compares a 86U and a modified "reduced force" Alps keyboard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_49ihAkNDCM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_49ihAkNDCM)
Does anyone know how this guy created the "reduced force" Alps keyboard? I really like the sound of it.
-
The link below compares a 86U and a modified "reduced force" Alps keyboard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_49ihAkNDCM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_49ihAkNDCM)
Does anyone know how this guy created the "reduced force" Alps keyboard? I really like the sound of it.
He probably cut the springs. There is a thread on how to do this in the Keyboard Modifications Forum. I think it was originally done by Chloe using Cherry browns.
-
I definitely want one without the useless numpad.
I wish I could say the same. I cannot live (at least for long) without the numpad which I use a lot.
Please let me know how much it cost to get one from Japan if you do get one. Thanks.
-
So I think between the two it really comes down to whether or not you want a black or a white keyboard.
...and LEDs since there are none on the 86U. I think the 86U is only available in white now, if you want a new board, though.
If I were buying one, I'd prefer the white and they can be had for some good prices right now.
-
...and LEDs since there are none on the 86U. I think the 86U is only available in white now, if you want a new board, though.
If I were buying one, I'd prefer the white and they can be had for some good prices right now.
Very true. I like both of them. But at the same time I'm leaning toward liking the 86U better just because I can see the keys. But then again the 87U has helped me become a better touch typer.
What kind of pricing are you seeing on the 86U? I may need to get another one for the wife.
I was actually a little surprised that they did not release a white 87U board to replace the current 86U.
-
What kind of pricing are you seeing on the 86U? I may need to get another one for the wife.
NIB $259 from SmartImports.net
-
86U - 1 windows key, no lock LEDs, 30/45/55g weighted keys
87U - 2 windows keys, lock LEDs, 35/45/55g keys
91U - Japanese layout
There may be some other differences I forgot, but those are the main things I believe.
As for weighted keys vs. unweighted, that's a matter of preference. I personally prefer the weighted keys. You may not notice it when you're typing but that's the point.
There's one thing that's always confused me.
When you say 30/45/55g weighted keys - are the keys themselves that weight (meaning heavier keys = easier to press), or is that the total force required to press them down (meaning more weight required = harder to press)?
-
The latter.
-
Thanks
-
86U - 1 windows key, no lock LEDs, 30/45/55g weighted keys
87U - 2 windows keys, lock LEDs, 35/45/55g keys
91U - Japanese layout
There may be some other differences I forgot, but those are the main things I believe.
As for weighted keys vs. unweighted, that's a matter of preference. I personally prefer the weighted keys. You may not notice it when you're typing but that's the point.
do they make different models where the 87u has all 55g weights?
I found an ebay listing from stlensbar and the 87u that he's selling is all 55g.
check this out
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220410240994&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching
-
do they make different models where the 87u has all 55g weights?
I found an ebay listing from stlensbar and the 87u that he's selling is all 55g.
check this out
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220410240994&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220410240994&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching)
Yes they do. It is the Korean version of the 87U and is only available from Korea. It has both Korean and English on the keys. Take a look at this http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?t=5658&highlight=55g+87U
If I had the money I would get one of those myself. I keep thinking that I would like it. I just hope they will be available once I do have the money to get one.
-
Yes they do. It is the Korean version of the 87U and is only available from Korea. It has both Korean and English on the keys. Take a look at this http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?t=5658&highlight=55g+87U
Thanks so much for the reply. I'm sorry I'm new to the forum and didn't do enough searching before posting!
-
lol I'll make sure I'm not gonna make the same mistake again master rpister =]
-
Yes they do. It is the Korean version of the 87U and is only available from Korea. It has both Korean and English on the keys. Take a look at this http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?t=5658&highlight=55g+87U
If I had the money I would get one of those myself. I keep thinking that I would like it. I just hope they will be available once I do have the money to get one.
That's the one I have and like it very much. Hope you get one before they are no longer available.
-
Benippon has the the 86u in white but pricey $266.42 variable weight I assume. http://benippon.com/en/topre-realforce-86u-se0500-english-usb-tenkeyless-keyboard
I'm still waiting on Elitekeyboards ...wish they'd hurry.
-
(http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/attachments/land-forces/15209d1247204376-indian-army-vs-american-army-holy_necroposting_batman.jpg)
Too bad Fentek or whoever it was decided not to import them as well. I wonder what the heck is up with Topre that is causing rifts in the import to USA business.
-
I believe there's no problem, it's just the Japanese marketing attitude, they wish to keep all their best products for domestic market. ie. Grand Seiko , Credor, Brightz, Orient Star Royal, premium Citizen ( $k + ), premium Pilot pens, Sailor pens etc etc etc are only sold only in Japan.