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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: awhitedev on Fri, 04 December 2015, 07:43:52

Title: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: awhitedev on Fri, 04 December 2015, 07:43:52
Looks like Massdrop just dropped the price again on the Realforce 87u with PBT spacebars. At $205 you can't really go wrong. I already have one of these boards and I want another! One of the best keyboards I've ever used.

If you're in the market anyways, might be something to consider.

Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: jerue on Fri, 04 December 2015, 07:48:54
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/topre-realforce-87u?mode=guest_open

I think this is $10 lower than the last drop! And for any lurkers...yes, you want those PBT spacebars.  ^-^
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: reallifetim on Fri, 04 December 2015, 08:50:58
Black 55g sold out bummer!
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: jerue on Fri, 04 December 2015, 10:03:45
Black 55g sold out bummer!

I'd get one from Elitekeyboards, then see if anyone has a PBT spacebar for sale. You'd certainly have it a lot quicker. :P
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: mikes41720 on Fri, 04 December 2015, 10:06:12
For anyone thinking about getting the 55g Realforce 87U, splurge a bit on your Christmas gift. It's amazing and totally worth every penny. You can sell the extra PBT spacebars for a bit of profit too, if you're not going to use the other ones. :)
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: romevi on Fri, 04 December 2015, 10:06:49
This is the best price I've seen for a brand new one. Considering the space bars are around $10 without shipping, you're getting a really, really good deal.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: gabba-gool on Fri, 04 December 2015, 12:33:16
I'm thinking about picking one of these up for work. Especially with those space bars included mmmmm.

Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: O(logn) on Sat, 05 December 2015, 07:09:29
Damn that sucks for me. I purchased mine on the last drop which sold at $ 215. Oh well... >:D
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: captaineleven on Sat, 05 December 2015, 13:54:40
It's also pretty crazy cheap if you get the variable version because it's 5 dollars less so you would ultimately just pay 200 bucks for a brand new RF variable AND pbt spacebars. That's practically a steal which is super tempting because I'd love to get a RF someday but I just honestly can't figure out if variable would be worth it since it seems to be a rather polarizing point about RF where people either love them or hate them.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: chipotle on Sat, 05 December 2015, 17:06:05
Several Realforce 87U models are in stock at Elite Keyboards right now -- variable weighting for $199 and 55g for $205, both in white/grey and black models. So even if you missed the Massdrop (or like me, didn't know about it) you can still get one at a pretty good price.

I'm typing on a variable weight white/grey right now and trying to decide just what I think of it. It's been all of three hours since I got it set up, though, so it might be a bit early for any conclusions.  ;D
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: mobbo on Sat, 05 December 2015, 17:56:24
Oh man...want blue spacebar.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: mikes41720 on Sat, 05 December 2015, 19:42:09
I've got a RF87U with 55g domes from Massdrop (which I am using to type right now) and I love it. It's very tactile and bouncy and is really fun to use. But I also have a Realforce 91U with variable weighting, and I really like it as well. I will say I prefer the 55g version, but it's not like I hate the variable weighted version by any means. It's a lot friendlier to use in the office when you're typing e-mails and drafts all day, and your fingers will be less fatigued at the end of the day. I will say the 30g domes feel mushy but that's if I really intentionally try to test each dome from 45g to 40g (?) to 30g from E to W to Q respectively. But when you start typing and get into a rhythm, you don't really notice it as much for sure.

But if you want to go for that bouncy springback and a louder thock, 55g is the way to go. Variable weighting for the office and 55g for home and gaming.  :p
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: ATXTider on Sun, 06 December 2015, 21:20:00
I want to checkout a Topre board, but I just can't get past the legends or the bottom row.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: chipotle on Mon, 07 December 2015, 10:33:59
The legends seem just fine to me. I'd love to be able to get Command and Option key caps to replace the Alt and Win keys respectively, but I'm not holding my breath...
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: toxicdrift on Mon, 07 December 2015, 13:21:23
i joined the drop for a white 55g .. this will be my first topre keyboard, had a cm rapid-i brown but ended up selling it..  anyplace where i can get a red pbt ESC keycap for cheap?
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 08 December 2015, 04:00:27
i joined the drop for a white 55g .. this will be my first topre keyboard, had a cm rapid-i brown but ended up selling it..  anyplace where i can get a red pbt ESC keycap for cheap?

For Topre?

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=hh_redesc
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: crj3012 on Wed, 30 December 2015, 13:51:57
I may just buy it for the spacebars. They really need to drop them again.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: derb2k2 on Wed, 30 December 2015, 14:08:24
I may just buy it for the spacebars. They really need to drop them again.


I whole-heartedly agree. I've requested and am hopeful, since I want ot with PBT spacebar but i'm seriously abouy to pull the trigger on EK since I have to ise it at work (no more HhKB fun)
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: daerid on Wed, 30 December 2015, 15:01:31
Have one of these too. Would highly recommend.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: flaming_june on Wed, 30 December 2015, 17:05:05
Why do people say it's a good deal?  Aint the keyboards on eleetkbs 205 as well?
feeels like im' taking crazy pills
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: neverused on Wed, 30 December 2015, 17:32:46
Why do people say it's a good deal?  Aint the keyboards on eleetkbs 205 as well?
feeels like im' taking crazy pills
****, that's bad grammar.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: romevi on Wed, 30 December 2015, 17:40:35
Why do people say it's a good deal?  Aint the keyboards on eleetkbs 205 as well?
feeels like im' taking crazy pills

EK sells 'em for $215, and I'm not sure what the shipping charges are. Massdrop had it at $205 *with* four PBT space bars, which are about $10 each, and free shipping in the US.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Solo on Wed, 30 December 2015, 18:11:18
Lmao I had no idea all four of the spacebars came with the boards. I thought you had to just choose one.  :blank:
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Vittra on Wed, 30 December 2015, 18:53:22
EK has had the 45G & 55G up for $205 for awhile now, though the 45G is out of stock.

I noticed the Massdrop doesn't mention how long the warranty is. Does anyone know?

EK offers 2 year warranty for their products.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Macsmasher on Wed, 30 December 2015, 19:40:11
Several Realforce 87U models are in stock at Elite Keyboards right now -- variable weighting for $199 and 55g for $205, both in white/grey and black models. So even if you missed the Massdrop (or like me, didn't know about it) you can still get one at a pretty good price.

I'm typing on a variable weight white/grey right now and trying to decide just what I think of it. It's been all of three hours since I got it set up, though, so it might be a bit early for any conclusions.  ;D


I have both an 87U variable and a 55g. I much prefer the variable.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: flaming_june on Wed, 30 December 2015, 23:10:40
I specifically crapped out on that grammer for comedic reasons, hence crazy pills.

Just saying, even if it is 20 dollar discount, it's not a great deal.  It's just retail.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: toxicdrift on Thu, 31 December 2015, 04:49:17
was a good deal for international buyers like me, as massdrop shipping internationally was only 10$ which made it same price as buying from EK in the U.S.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: toxicdrift on Sat, 09 January 2016, 08:15:50
back on massdrop incase anyone wants to order

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/topre-realforce-87u
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: derb2k2 on Sat, 09 January 2016, 08:21:00
yup. This thing will sell out pretty quick. There were already 3 purchases a few minutes ago.

I got mine from EK but am missing out on the PBT spacebars. I hope those are brought back quick by Matt.

It's a damn good deal but the shipping date (wait time) are big turn offs. I'm glad I got mine quickly from EK.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Jeftha on Sat, 09 January 2016, 08:54:31
Oh MD is doing another drop for these already? Nice. I got my RF87U 55G (white unfortunately as black was sold out) the last time they dropped and it was well worth it for that price, plus 4 PBT spacebars. Typing this message on it right now. Best feeling keyboard ever.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Elrick on Mon, 11 January 2016, 04:56:33
Typing this message on it right now. Best feeling keyboard ever.

YES, very few have ever experienced it yet, pity them fools  8) .
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: axtran on Mon, 11 January 2016, 06:59:42
I recommend also picking up Hypersphere's silencing rings on eBay as well as some thick lube for the Topre sliders. If you think you love Topre's out-of-box-experience, you'll beam at how good it feels silenced and lubed!
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 11 January 2016, 07:11:13
as well as some thick lube for the Topre sliders.

MechLube 2 (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,misc&pid=mechlube_2)?
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: axtran on Mon, 11 January 2016, 07:13:11
as well as some thick lube for the Topre sliders.

MechLube 2 (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,misc&pid=mechlube_2)?


That's my lube of choice, but I'm sure thick Krytox would work great too.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Bevo on Mon, 11 January 2016, 07:20:04
Still waiting for them to drop a HHKB
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: derb2k2 on Mon, 11 January 2016, 08:15:14
Still waiting for them to drop a HHKB

I wonder if this has ever been done on MD?

In any case, if HHKB does get dropped, I hope it's for the Type-S with a significant drop in price. I'm sure the lowest price will be reached.  :) :)
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Bevo on Mon, 11 January 2016, 08:18:41
Still waiting for them to drop a HHKB

I wonder if this has ever been done on MD?

In any case, if HHKB does get dropped, I hope it's for the Type-S with a significant drop in price. I'm sure the lowest price will be reached.  :) :)
Yes! I'd def be in for a type s. Or maybe a massdrop special edition storm trooper?  =)
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Vittra on Mon, 11 January 2016, 08:58:36
Anyone familiar with how Canada would ship this particular item to Canada based on experience from a previous round of this drop?

Would it be USPS?
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: frogthejam19 on Tue, 12 January 2016, 10:28:06
Would be so much better if they just sold the pbt spacebars. I wish elite would start to carry those because it's way more convenient than mass drop. Would rather pay the extra few dollars and get it quicker than wait a month or more for mass drop.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: cryptokey on Tue, 12 January 2016, 10:31:13
Anyone familiar with how Canada would ship this particular item to Canada based on experience from a previous round of this drop?

Would it be USPS?

Mine should be arriving from MD this week, so I can let you know once I get it.  I'm expecting to pay about $30 in customs like the last board I bought though. 

EDIT:  Yes, USPS. 
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Vittra on Tue, 12 January 2016, 12:06:43
Thanks for the update.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: BLaZe on Wed, 13 January 2016, 12:21:45
I have been wondering, sometimes I see realforce 87u and sometimes 87ub, Is there any difference between those 2 keyboards ?
Also on Massdrop post it's mentioned that you can choose either 55g switches or variable switches. Does that mean that variables switches are 45g switches and you can change the value to 55g or am I wrong ?
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: cryptokey on Wed, 13 January 2016, 12:28:29
I have been wondering, sometimes I see realforce 87u and sometimes 87ub, Is there any difference between those 2 keyboards ?
Also on Massdrop post it's mentioned that you can choose either 55g switches or variable switches. Does that mean that variables switches are 45g switches and you can change the value to 55g or am I wrong ?

Realforce 87U Variable has 30g and 45g switches on most of the board, according to which fingers are stronger and the esc has a 55g switch.  This is for ergonomics.  The 87U Uniform has 55g throughout.  You can change the weighting only if you do a rubber dome swap, since the springs are ~5g and do not really affect the weighting.  I am unaware of a difference between 87U and 87UB.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: romevi on Wed, 13 January 2016, 12:29:05
I have been wondering, sometimes I see realforce 87u and sometimes 87ub, Is there any difference between those 2 keyboards ?
Also on Massdrop post it's mentioned that you can choose either 55g switches or variable switches. Does that mean that variables switches are 45g switches and you can change the value to 55g or am I wrong ?

87UB is an 87U, just that people put B (and sometimes W) to indicate Black or White.
Variable means it's got different weightings all across the board. A lot of people don't like it, but those that do claim it's excellent for long typing sessions as the weaker fingers press switches with lower weightings.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: BLaZe on Wed, 13 January 2016, 12:35:20
Thank you two for the quick replies.
Ok so the "B" is just for the color  ;D couldn't find any explanations on google.
30g on some keys seems pretty low to me, since I'm mostly using mx black and blues.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: toxicdrift on Thu, 14 January 2016, 10:32:27
get the 55g  :thumb:
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: romevi on Thu, 14 January 2016, 10:38:53
get the 55g  :thumb:

I agree.
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: pchatterjee on Fri, 15 January 2016, 11:23:05
A few questions for you experts on topres:

1) can you get an aluminum case replacement or is that a pain to do?

2) How does this compare to my other favorite switch buckling spring and alps Apple AEK 2 keyboards (I have a feeling its close to the old apple m0113 keyboards)  -- if its close to the apple I will get this in a heartbeat. 

3) Any particular reason to get this versus the cm novatouch?

4) the only full sized keyboard in this space is the from 104 from elitekeyboards?
Title: Re: Realforce on Massdrop
Post by: Vittra on Fri, 15 January 2016, 11:42:59
1) A few years ago, 3 cases existed that were being made. Now, you'd have to find one used. Digilog made 2 of them.

2) Can't help here

3) Realforce is the official brand for boards made by Topre, and uses typical Topre switches. The Novatouch uses a modified Topre MX-compatible slider. The often voiced concern with the Novatouch is that it doesn't provide the tactile feel and sound typically associated with a Topre switch. Some will argue with some necessary modifications, it will come close.

4) If you are referring to the variable board, then yes. Otherwise, Mechanicalkeyboards is selling "Ducky Taiwan" editions of Realforce boards in all 30G and all 45G currently. They are silenced versions. Beyond this, you may need to review the Japanese market for more options, but keep in mind those are primarily JIS boards.