I wonder if you could you swap Realforce caps onto this board? And ugh, yet another clone or new switch that I really want to try out. Thanks for sharing.
So this is MX-compatible?
Any chance of a picture with a couple of keycaps removed please? And of the underside of said keycaps?
One quick question: I've seen multiple sites stating, that this board is programmable e.g. banggood, ebay and some preview on DT, but so far I saw no one actually doing or mentioning it. Maybe someone who owns one can comment on this since I'm really tempted to get one and this would be a great feature.
Any opinion on 35g vs 45g switches?
I am used to MX reds. I tried a variable weight Topre and the typing experience was bumpy compared to the MX reds. (because I was not use to tactile for a long time).
So do you think 35g fits well if I am used to MX reds?
To answer some questions:
the spacebar is indeed heavier. I think its rated at 65g or something, but it doesn't feel as heavy as it sounds.
@MPZ
as you can see here: http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/GhostofHarry/IMG_4495.jpg and here http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/GhostofHarry/IMG_4502.jpg there is only one switch for the spacebar and it uses stabilizers. So I guess the metal spring under the rubber dome of space is stiffer.
Images taken from this thread: http://www.hkepc.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=2079319
Thanks for your review. Is this the one that's on Massdrop right now? That one is the EC108-Pro, not the EP108-Pro. But I can't find EP108-Pro anywhere on Google. Do you have a typo in your title?
BTW, this seems like the perfect mech for an iMac.
So...not to be a pedantic jerk, but now you have "108EC Pro" instead of "EC108-Pro"
The only reason I'm even saying anything is to help folks in the future who might search for this.
I understand that Matias wants to have a quiet switch, and the dampening system on alps switches in general is arguably one of the best out there (Topre does a good job too), but a switch that�s almost completely silent takes away some of the fun of typing on a mechanical keyboard--the �clack� that you hear when bottoming out is satisfying, and even though it�s a bit noisier, it�s not excessive either. Matias already makes dampened tactile switches, so they have an option available for people that need keyboards that are really quiet.
Those are the same stabilizers like on my Filco
I hate costar stabs and anything like them. I know they are supposed to feel better, but it makes it terrible to swap out caps - which is something I do far, far to often, but I digress.
The trick I have found with these is to never take the wire off. Line up the stabilizer inserts while still attached to the wire and then put the cap right over that. Viola! Much easier swapping.
That's what I described above. I never have pulled out the wire. Just bend the wire a little then pull out the keycap.
The trick I have found with these is to never take the wire off. Line up the stabilizer inserts while still attached to the wire and then put the cap right over that. Viola! Much easier swapping.
I was going to jump on the mass drop for these.Maybe it's a consistency issue. I'm eager to hear from others in this drop once their boards arrive, but this thing is as much of a tank as my Ducky Shine 3.
The problem was the initial reviews made this seem like a horrible quality board.
I guess the preliminary reviews were wrong.
I was going to jump on the mass drop for these.
The problem was the initial reviews made this seem like a horrible quality board.
I guess the preliminary reviews were wrong.
So, is the solid-ness issue minor?I was going to jump on the mass drop for these.
The problem was the initial reviews made this seem like a horrible quality board.
I guess the preliminary reviews were wrong.
These keyboards aren't as solid as qfr's or filcos, but the earlier reviews aren't wrong lol. I have a lot of respect for the people who looked at this keyboard before me.
I don't think there's a consistency issue either.
I'm so not looking forward to trying to swap keycaps when my board arrives from massdrop on saturday. I've only dealt with cherry and novatouch stabs so far, both easy, but I will definitely have to watch some videos for these costar ones. I might just punt and leave the stock modifier keys if the profiles are compatible between the stock caps and me Leopold thick PBT (especially as I have heard that sometimes the Leopolds need to be modded to fit costar). I suppose we shall see...
njbair I am so jealous- I wish my board had shown up already... Washington state is pretty far from the warehouse in Jersey I guess :(
I opted for 35g- which was actually the reason I bought this board. A novatouch with my leopold caps (extremely thick heavy PBT- to the point that they made the novatouch I returned feel completely different) was just too heavy for me to type fast on (the feedback was sublime though). I'm hoping 35 grams will be just about perfect.
I'm so not looking forward to trying to swap keycaps when my board arrives from massdrop on saturday. I've only dealt with cherry and novatouch stabs so far, both easy, but I will definitely have to watch some videos for these costar ones. I might just punt and leave the stock modifier keys if the profiles are compatible between the stock caps and me Leopold thick PBT (especially as I have heard that sometimes the Leopolds need to be modded to fit costar). I suppose we shall see...
njbair I am so jealous- I wish my board had shown up already... Washington state is pretty far from the warehouse in Jersey I guess :(
I opted for 35g- which was actually the reason I bought this board. A novatouch with my leopold caps (extremely thick heavy PBT- to the point that they made the novatouch I returned feel completely different) was just too heavy for me to type fast on (the feedback was sublime though). I'm hoping 35 grams will be just about perfect.
I'm so not looking forward to trying to swap keycaps when my board arrives from massdrop on saturday. I've only dealt with cherry and novatouch stabs so far, both easy, but I will definitely have to watch some videos for these costar ones. I might just punt and leave the stock modifier keys if the profiles are compatible between the stock caps and me Leopold thick PBT (especially as I have heard that sometimes the Leopolds need to be modded to fit costar). I suppose we shall see...
njbair I am so jealous- I wish my board had shown up already... Washington state is pretty far from the warehouse in Jersey I guess :(
I opted for 35g- which was actually the reason I bought this board. A novatouch with my leopold caps (extremely thick heavy PBT- to the point that they made the novatouch I returned feel completely different) was just too heavy for me to type fast on (the feedback was sublime though). I'm hoping 35 grams will be just about perfect.
I have this board in 45g, and I have already swapped the caps. It is actually pretty easy due the way the clips can drop into the stabilizer as njbair explained a few posts back. While I do enjoy the feel of the switches, fullsize is not really for me. It is a really nice board though.
I have this board in 45g, and I have already swapped the caps. It is actually pretty easy due the way the clips can drop into the stabilizer as njbair explained a few posts back. While I do enjoy the feel of the switches, fullsize is not really for me. It is a really nice board though.
What caps are you using? I'd love to see some pics of this board with another set.
I have this board in 45g, and I have already swapped the caps. It is actually pretty easy due the way the clips can drop into the stabilizer as njbair explained a few posts back. While I do enjoy the feel of the switches, fullsize is not really for me. It is a really nice board though.
What caps are you using? I'd love to see some pics of this board with another set.
I put Granite on the Noppoo, and moved the Noppoo caps to my Poker II. Granite is the only full set I had at the moment so I was limited in my choices. It looks good though, I'll take a picture tomorrow.
I'm so not looking forward to trying to swap keycaps when my board arrives from massdrop on saturday. I've only dealt with cherry and novatouch stabs so far, both easy, but I will definitely have to watch some videos for these costar ones. I might just punt and leave the stock modifier keys if the profiles are compatible between the stock caps and me Leopold thick PBT (especially as I have heard that sometimes the Leopolds need to be modded to fit costar). I suppose we shall see...
njbair I am so jealous- I wish my board had shown up already... Washington state is pretty far from the warehouse in Jersey I guess :(
I opted for 35g- which was actually the reason I bought this board. A novatouch with my leopold caps (extremely thick heavy PBT- to the point that they made the novatouch I returned feel completely different) was just too heavy for me to type fast on (the feedback was sublime though). I'm hoping 35 grams will be just about perfect.
I have this board in 45g, and I have already swapped the caps. It is actually pretty easy due the way the clips can drop into the stabilizer as njbair explained a few posts back. While I do enjoy the feel of the switches, fullsize is not really for me. It is a really nice board though.
I have this board in 45g, and I have already swapped the caps. It is actually pretty easy due the way the clips can drop into the stabilizer as njbair explained a few posts back. While I do enjoy the feel of the switches, fullsize is not really for me. It is a really nice board though.
What caps are you using? I'd love to see some pics of this board with another set.
I put Granite on the Noppoo, and moved the Noppoo caps to my Poker II. Granite is the only full set I had at the moment so I was limited in my choices. It looks good though, I'll take a picture tomorrow.
Got my 45g from massdrop a couple days ago. Here are my thoughts:MoreShow Image(http://i.imgur.com/gB26oyZ.jpg)
-Seems like good build-quality, solid feeling-although time is the only true test
-Keys feel very smooth (and lighter then 45g imo because of this)
-Has a soft pleasant sound
-Keys are fantastic quality, although I wish in a different color, but easily replaceable because of cherry mx stems
-Hard coded program keys work great (toggle 2mm to 3mm trigger is an interesting option, I prefer 3mm)
-Has space for LED's, might be a good future project later if you want a full LED board instead of just caps/num lock etc
-Love the track at the back for the cord, I know quite a few other keyboards have this as well.
-Fully programmable: this I have yet to experience because so far I can't find the software. It's been referenced in a few places with this pictureShow Image(https://i.imgur.com/wqxFkuo.png)
If anyone has any info on where to get this program please let me know!
This is my first 'topre' keyboard so can only compare to Mx switches brown/red/black/blue. That being said, I love it, switches feel much much smoother then Mx but it still has a good tactile 'bump' for feedback (important since browns are my fav Mx switches).
Got my 45g from massdrop a couple days ago. Here are my thoughts:MoreShow Image(http://i.imgur.com/gB26oyZ.jpg)
-Seems like good build-quality, solid feeling-although time is the only true test
-Keys feel very smooth (and lighter then 45g imo because of this)
-Has a soft pleasant sound
-Keys are fantastic quality, although I wish in a different color, but easily replaceable because of cherry mx stems
-Hard coded program keys work great (toggle 2mm to 3mm trigger is an interesting option, I prefer 3mm)
-Has space for LED's, might be a good future project later if you want a full LED board instead of just caps/num lock etc
-Love the track at the back for the cord, I know quite a few other keyboards have this as well.
-Fully programmable: this I have yet to experience because so far I can't find the software. It's been referenced in a few places with this pictureShow Image(https://i.imgur.com/wqxFkuo.png)
If anyone has any info on where to get this program please let me know!
This is my first 'topre' keyboard so can only compare to Mx switches brown/red/black/blue. That being said, I love it, switches feel much much smoother then Mx but it still has a good tactile 'bump' for feedback (important since browns are my fav Mx switches).
I see you must've had as much fun as I did flipping the spacebar.
Here are the pictures of my Noppoo and Poker with the Noppoo caps. http://imgur.com/a/f6wVC (http://imgur.com/a/f6wVC)
After using the Noppoo for a few days I do find it is really nice to type on, but it is just too big for me at this point. I love the caps though, and they have a nice home on my Poker for now. If anyone does know where to find the software to program it please post it! I'd love to play around with it.
Got my 45g from massdrop a couple days ago. Here are my thoughts:What does it mean to change between 2mm and 3mm? Is that when the trigger activates in each switch?Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/gB26oyZ.jpg)
-Seems like good build-quality, solid feeling-although time is the only true test
-Keys feel very smooth (and lighter then 45g imo because of this)
-Has a soft pleasant sound
-Keys are fantastic quality, although I wish in a different color, but easily replaceable because of cherry mx stems
-Hard coded program keys work great (toggle 2mm to 3mm trigger is an interesting option, I prefer 3mm)
-Has space for LED's, might be a good future project later if you want a full LED board instead of just caps/num lock etc
-Love the track at the back for the cord, I know quite a few other keyboards have this as well.
-Fully programmable: this I have yet to experience because so far I can't find the software. It's been referenced in a few places with this pictureShow Image(https://i.imgur.com/wqxFkuo.png)
If anyone has any info on where to get this program please let me know!
This is my first 'topre' keyboard so can only compare to Mx switches brown/red/black/blue. That being said, I love it, switches feel much much smoother then Mx but it still has a good tactile 'bump' for feedback (important since browns are my fav Mx switches).
Got my 45g from massdrop a couple days ago. Here are my thoughts:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/gB26oyZ.jpg)
-Seems like good build-quality, solid feeling-although time is the only true test
-Keys feel very smooth (and lighter then 45g imo because of this)
-Has a soft pleasant sound
-Keys are fantastic quality, although I wish in a different color, but easily replaceable because of cherry mx stems
-Hard coded program keys work great (toggle 2mm to 3mm trigger is an interesting option, I prefer 3mm)
-Has space for LED's, might be a good future project later if you want a full LED board instead of just caps/num lock etc
-Love the track at the back for the cord, I know quite a few other keyboards have this as well.
-Fully programmable: this I have yet to experience because so far I can't find the software. It's been referenced in a few places with this pictureShow Image(https://i.imgur.com/wqxFkuo.png)
If anyone has any info on where to get this program please let me know!
This is my first 'topre' keyboard so can only compare to Mx switches brown/red/black/blue. That being said, I love it, switches feel much much smoother then Mx but it still has a good tactile 'bump' for feedback (important since browns are my fav Mx switches).
If Noppoo wants to take a bite out of Topre's business they need to come out with a EC108 55g.Seriously. My 45g is my first Topre-style board and I am happy with it, but if I knew then what I know now and a 55g option were available I would have gotten that.
What does it mean to change between 2mm and 3mm? Is that when the trigger activates in each switch?
If Noppoo wants to take a bite out of Topre's business they need to come out with a EC108 55g.Seriously. My 45g is my first Topre-style board and I am happy with it, but if I knew then what I know now and a 55g option were available I would have gotten that.
Is there an instruction manual somewhere for this board? When I first got it my left control wasn't activating control- had to use the right one for control-alt delete. Now the LED under the top right key (has an M with a circle around it) is on, pressing said key doesn't turn it off, and left control functions as normal. I'm not worried about it because the board is working great, but I would like to know what's going on (and how to change the actuation point etc.)
Maybe Mac compatibility mode? I'll have to try that at work tomorrow. I'll let you know what I discover.Is there an instruction manual somewhere for this board? When I first got it my left control wasn't activating control- had to use the right one for control-alt delete. Now the LED under the top right key (has an M with a circle around it) is on, pressing said key doesn't turn it off, and left control functions as normal. I'm not worried about it because the board is working great, but I would like to know what's going on (and how to change the actuation point etc.)
If you hold down the the "M with a circle" key for 3 seconds the LED should turn off. I don't know what it's purpose is however. I'm also looking for an instruction manual and the programming software. Checked some Chinese forums and the people there were also having trouble finding the software, it's definitely not a language issue that's making this hard to find.
Hi, I've been interested in a cheaper Topre alternative and this appears to hit all the notes! I'm really keen to get in on this for the next MassDrop, but I was wondering if anyone can shed a little more light on nuances between the 35g and 45g switches. Coming from a Cherry MX red board, I'm looking for something around its sensitivity but with the satisfying "thock"s. The various videos of 35g don't seem to be consistent (some are more higher pitched than others). At this point, I'm leaning toward the 35g just because I prefer lighter switches and reviews indicate that there's more upfront resistance so I can actually rest my fingers. Open to any insights!
Some glorious person found the software, its in the discussion tab pg. 5: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-ec-108-proWonderful! I've downloaded a copy so feel free to PM me if the share link dies or exceeds the limit or something.
Direct link: https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=3e16b3e5d185827e&id=3E16B3E5D185827E%211049
Can confirm it looks like the print screen I posted previously. Haven't had enough time to mess around with it though, but let me know if you guys figure it out before:D
This software is awesome, and there's an english button which makes life easier. Here's a break down of how it works:
1. hit 'readall' and it will read what you're keys are currently programmed to do
2. select a key, program box will open up, select what you want it to do
3. hit 'writekeys' and it will write it to you're keyboard
-levelup/leveldn switch on the top right of the software is to program normal layer/fn layer.
-hold circle M button on the keyboard (until light turns on/off) to turn on/off programmable keys.
Lastly, ofc this writes over the firmware, so it stays if you move from pc to pc. I love this keyboard.
Does anyone know if these domes can be used on other topre keyboards and vice-versa?
Well I'm talking about the stems as well as the domes.Does anyone know if these domes can be used on other topre keyboards and vice-versa?
Are you referring to the stems?
At a glance they appear to be just like the Cherry-compatible stems in the NovaTouch. That fits with China's M.O., to reverse-engineer something that already exists. And if they're NovaTouch-compatible, they're Topre compatible.
However, I do not have another Topre board to test this with.
Well I'm talking about the stems as well as the domes.Does anyone know if these domes can be used on other topre keyboards and vice-versa?
Are you referring to the stems?
At a glance they appear to be just like the Cherry-compatible stems in the NovaTouch. That fits with China's M.O., to reverse-engineer something that already exists. And if they're NovaTouch-compatible, they're Topre compatible.
However, I do not have another Topre board to test this with.
This software is awesome, and there's an english button which makes life easier. (Ofc virus check was the first thing I did, looks clean). Here's a break down of how it works:
1. hit 'readall' and it will read what you're keys are currently programmed to do
2. select a key, program box will open up, select what you want it to do
3. hit 'writekeys' and it will write it to you're keyboard
-levelup/leveldn switch on the top right of the software is to program normal layer/fn layer.
-hold circle M button on the keyboard (until light turns on/off) to turn on/off programmable keys.
Lastly, ofc this writes over the firmware, so it stays if you move from pc to pc. I love this keyboard.
I wonder how long it will take before some gher designs his own capacitative PCB and starts buying these boards for the sliders. I just tried one out, and must say that I rather like the feel. Dunno why but Topre never did it for me.
Would you recommend this for someone who wants a Topre-like feel for cheap?
Would you recommend this for someone who wants a Topre-like feel for cheap?
That's the idea. I own one of these (45g) and while I haven't tried genuine Topre for comparison's sake, I do like the Noppoo just fine. I'm sending mine to Melvang's house for the Midwest Meetup this weekend, because I want to get the opinions of other GH'ers who have actually used genuine Topre. I'm eager to hear everyone's feedback.
There is also the Royal Kludge RC930 which is another MX-compatible Topre clone made by the same OEM, but with backlighting. Massdrop is selling one now, 5 days left to join: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/royal-kludge-rc930-87
Would you recommend this for someone who wants a Topre-like feel for cheap?
That's the idea. I own one of these (45g) and while I haven't tried genuine Topre for comparison's sake, I do like the Noppoo just fine. I'm sending mine to Melvang's house for the Midwest Meetup this weekend, because I want to get the opinions of other GH'ers who have actually used genuine Topre. I'm eager to hear everyone's feedback.
There is also the Royal Kludge RC930 which is another MX-compatible Topre clone made by the same OEM, but with backlighting. Massdrop is selling one now, 5 days left to join: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/royal-kludge-rc930-87
Looking forward to the feedback. Not the Kludge tho, it looks gimmicky as hell. Like the SS Apex.
Would you recommend this for someone who wants a Topre-like feel for cheap?
Are the keycaps thick/feel good enough, or should I swap them out for like, lasered(Cherry dyesubs are so expensive nowadays) or Imsto PBTs?
Glad to hear that!Are the keycaps thick/feel good enough, or should I swap them out for like, lasered(Cherry dyesubs are so expensive nowadays) or Imsto PBTs?
These caps are very thick, and feel very nice. I think you'll be very happy with them.
I am almost exclusively an MX red user, which means I like a soft linear response, but I find that the response of my 45g Noppoo is too soft even for me. It is like typing on pillows. I can't imagine what the 35g version is like.I'm starting to think Noppoo did themselves a disservice by putting relatively thick caps on this board. Lighter caps make switches feel heavier, so this board's light touch nearly disappears under the weight of such substantial caps.
Many wonder how its tactility compares to a RealForce, and as others have said there is no comparison. There is so little tactile response from the Noppoo that one could be forgiven for thinking it had MX reds in it. Except that the Noppoo is much quieter than any MX switch. In fact, it is so quiet that there is barely any sense of that "thock" you expect from a Topre-style dome switch. There is no bottom-out or up-stroke clack, but neither is there any prominent "thock". At most you get a soft "shup" or "fup" sound. But not a satisfying "thock".
The stock keycaps are irrelevant to me since I have not met a stock keycap I like better than my DSAs or SAs. The first thing I did was put Granite on, and while it sure looked nice, I kind of felt that in the end, it just wasn't worthy to host keycaps as sublime as Granite. So now the Granite set graces my Pok3r connected to my iPad (which I'm typing on right now). Meanwhile, the Noppoo sits in its box without any keycaps at all; I couldn't be bothered to put the stock ones back on.
I honestly don't know what I'm going to do with my Noppoo. I mean, I didn't expect it to feel or sound just like my RealForce HiPro, but by the same token, it wouldn't have such an uncertain future with me if it was at least a little bit like an actual Topre, or even a little bit like a NovaTouch. Unfortunately, in my view, it is neither.
Out of curiosity, does your box have any markings on the outside that say 40g instead of 45g? I ordered the 45g but my box is marked 40g. Not sure if it's a typo or what...
If you get a chance to try Gateron blacks, I think you would like them. I hate MX blacks but the Gaterons are so ridiculously smooth that there's really no comparison.Out of curiosity, does your box have any markings on the outside that say 40g instead of 45g? I ordered the 45g but my box is marked 40g. Not sure if it's a typo or what...
Oh, that's an interesting observation. My box has the 40g +/- 5g option marked with a barely perceptible red X. I keep thinking and referring to it as 45g because that's how they always refer to it online in for-purchase ad copy. But you're right, the box does specify 40g as the baseline. My Noppoo easily falls towards the -5g side of their margin of error, which would put it closer to 35g. That's just too soft for me.
But 55g-60g is too stiff for me. I tried a board with MX blacks and didn't like it. I guess 45g really is the sweet spot for me, whether we're talking MX reds or Topre (as on my RealForce HiPro board).