geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 13 September 2014, 13:41:03

Title: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 13 September 2014, 13:41:03
My first question is regarding topre switches.

I understand that the rubber dome portion becomes more brittle over time. I have a stock Realforce 89s keyboard with 30g switches but lately I've been feeling them to be a bit too light. I was planning on putting it in storage but how should I go about doing this to preserve it?
Or can I get replacement domes for the future in case the stock ones dry out?
I assume some kind of vacuum seal would be best.

As for my second question do alps require upkeep and/or maintenance? I'm aiming for a medium profile board in TKL for home use and have been slightly ignoring alps for the time being =S

And lastly besides the GoN TKL are there any other solid higher end boards?
Not sure I want to go topre again (don't get me wrong, I'm definitely eying a 45g topre TKL) but wanted to explore some other options. Right now I'm enjoying my JD40 with MX clears stickered and I assume lubed.
I'd really want ergo clears on my board.

Thanks
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: opensecret on Sat, 13 September 2014, 20:42:47
On your Alps question, I'm typing on a 25-year old Northgate (Omnikey Ultra with white Alps) which has seen a lot of use but no maintenance, and it works like a champ, though I should do some cleaning of the keycaps real soon now.
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: FrostyToast on Sat, 13 September 2014, 21:44:18
You could go with a KMAC for a high end TKL. Expensive, but it has very good quality
There is also the Duck Orion.
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: terrpn on Sat, 13 September 2014, 21:51:53
no model m yet?
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: FrostyToast on Sat, 13 September 2014, 21:53:27
Quote from: terrpn on Sat, 13 September 2014, 21:51:53
no model m yet?

SSK for TKL. SSK is best TKL.
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 13 September 2014, 22:09:40
Quote from: FrostyToast on Sat, 13 September 2014, 21:44:18
You could go with a KMAC for a high end TKL. Expensive, but it has very good quality
There is also the Duck Orion.

Both look really nice but dang o.o $410 for the kmac without switches or building
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 13 September 2014, 22:18:12
Topre switches are rated for something like 30 million presses.  This is unlikely to be achieved in the normal life span of a keyboard.

Unless, perhaps, you live in an extreme climate.
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 13 September 2014, 22:52:27
Quote from: rowdy on Sat, 13 September 2014, 22:18:12
Topre switches are rated for something like 30 million presses.  This is unlikely to be achieved in the normal life span of a keyboard.

Unless, perhaps, you live in an extreme climate.

Ah I don't mean that I mean that the rubber domes of topre switches dry out which is something I want to avoid if I'm going to store it for a few years or more
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: ComradeSniper on Sat, 13 September 2014, 23:01:33
Knock out two birds with one stone and get a Kingsaver.
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 13 September 2014, 23:15:00
Quote from: ComradeSniper on Sat, 13 September 2014, 23:01:33
Knock out two birds with one stone and get a Kingsaver.

Looks really dang nice! Though I'm unsure of what alps switches to get
Title: Re: Need recommendation on two things! (Topre, alps and other)
Post by: Daniel Beardsmore on Sun, 14 September 2014, 17:06:19
Get vintage blue Alps! :-P