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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: cmadrid on Thu, 11 February 2016, 16:13:21

Title: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Thu, 11 February 2016, 16:13:21
Got my first Topre keyboard in the mail today!  Realforce 87u 55g.  So far I'm really enjoying it. I guess the dark side really does have cookies.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: romevi on Thu, 11 February 2016, 16:20:17
Got my first Topre keyboard in the mail today!  Realforce 87u 55g.  So far I'm really enjoying it. I guess the dark side really does have cookies.

You mean the light side? Haven't you felt the awakening?
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: xondat on Thu, 11 February 2016, 16:21:36
What are your previous MX boards?

And when do we get some pics :-*
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: ripwallet on Thu, 11 February 2016, 17:30:31
Currently typing on the same realforce did you get the white or black one? I've got the black one cant wait to get some maroon/black blanks to compliment it
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: derb2k2 on Thu, 11 February 2016, 17:40:08
Congrats and:

Welcome.

(http://media1.giphy.com/media/qjq62rckgi2as/200_s.gif)


It's probably the sleekest stock board there is and it being TKL is a huge plus. Definitely my favorite form factor.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Thu, 11 February 2016, 18:06:39
Currently typing on the same realforce did you get the white or black one? I've got the black one cant wait to get some maroon/black blanks to compliment it

Also went with the black one!

What are your previous MX boards?

And when do we get some pics :-*

My only previous board was a CM Storm QFR with blues.. I didn't think there was much point in posting pics of it, it is completely stock.. I need to get a Topre artisan or two :)
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: jerue on Thu, 11 February 2016, 18:11:52
Welcome, brother.

The cookies...you can feel them with every stroke of your finger.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: demik on Thu, 11 February 2016, 18:16:42
i told you we had cookies!!!
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Thu, 11 February 2016, 18:22:09
My wife is especially excited to learn I need all new artisan keycaps for my new board, lol
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: MoarCoffeePlzzz on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:01:28
Been thinking about making the switch myself. How does it fare for gaming?
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:02:17
I haven't done any gaming yet, but the typing experience is really great, I don't see why it would be a problem to game on
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:05:53
There is the 45g version if you're worried about 55g being too heavy, but 55g feels really nice to me
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: demik on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:09:31
There is the 45g version if you're worried about 55g being too heavy, but 55g feels really nice to me

that's because 55g RF is untouchable. you can game on it just fine
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: 1391406 on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:16:11
Been thinking about making the switch myself. How does it fare for gaming?

I've consistently heard Topre isn't suited for gaming, but I totally disagree. I play BF4 quite a bit and it's absolutely great for gaming. In fact, I think I prefer it over my Logitech G710+. I use 45g. I just got a 104U in the mail today and I'm pretty sure the variable weighting won't be a problem either.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: clacktalk on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:19:29

Been thinking about making the switch myself. How does it fare for gaming?

I've consistently heard Topre isn't suited for gaming, but I totally disagree. I play BF4 quite a bit and it's absolutely great for gaming. In fact, I think I prefer it over my Logitech G710+. I use 45g. I just got a 104U in the mail today and I'm pretty sure the variable weighting won't be a problem either.

i can't agree with anything u said

from both personal and friendly experiences
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: whmeltonjr on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:24:41
I game on my HHKB occasionally, but still prefer my G910 for gaming over any other switch. I'm still waiting on my Realforce to show up. Looking forward to comparing it to my HHKB.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: romevi on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:44:19
Must join the Romer-G gaming master race.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: slickmamba on Thu, 11 February 2016, 19:58:40
Welcome to the dark side!  Also playing on 55g for gaming is sluggish for sure. Rebound time feels much slower. But it could be mental
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Jokrik on Thu, 11 February 2016, 20:21:02
(http://i.giphy.com/EsfkYoDAqa2mk.gif)

#sadday
Title: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: clacktalk on Thu, 11 February 2016, 20:21:55
Welcome to the dark side!  Also playing on 55g for gaming is sluggish for sure. Rebound time feels much slower. But it could be mental

mentally true

only games that could handle topre are mobas and non-fp games that don't require the utmost precision control-wise
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: derb2k2 on Thu, 11 February 2016, 20:31:22
Welcome to the dark side!  Also playing on 55g for gaming is sluggish for sure. Rebound time feels much slower. But it could be mental

mentally true

only games that could handle topre are mobas and non-fp games that don't require the utmost precision control-wise

agreed! I can't quite explain why topre isn't optimal for gaming but I've tried enough to have a good idea. There's nothing better for typing imo, but Topre for gaming is a no-no. I play FPS from time to time and moving laterally very quickly is limited by the rebound time of the dome, I think.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: slickmamba on Thu, 11 February 2016, 20:39:19
Welcome to the dark side!  Also playing on 55g for gaming is sluggish for sure. Rebound time feels much slower. But it could be mental

mentally true

only games that could handle topre are mobas and non-fp games that don't require the utmost precision control-wise

agreed! I can't quite explain why topre isn't optimal for gaming but I've tried enough to have a good idea. There's nothing better for typing imo, but Topre for gaming is a no-no. I play FPS from time to time and moving laterally very quickly is limited by the rebound time of the dome, I think.
Ya csgo and SC feel really sluggish on topre but if you aren't highly ranked it won't matter
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Hyde on Thu, 11 February 2016, 20:42:55
lol while I really like my Topre but for gaming MX Red is still best.  But everything else Topre is amazing.

:thumb:
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Thu, 11 February 2016, 20:51:18
We welcome you.

Next up is the HHKB, the last board you will ever need.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: 1391406 on Thu, 11 February 2016, 21:17:34
My playing actually improved in BF4 since using an RF87U, and that's coming from someone who used MX Browns consistently.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: appleonama on Thu, 11 February 2016, 21:20:46
Got my first Topre keyboard in the mail today!  Realforce 87u 55g.  So far I'm really enjoying it. I guess the dark side really does have cookies.

Dark side? woah be careful what cherry troopers tell you. They try to display cherry as the right side but those with wisdom are pro topre. Don't stop at the rf87u we also have many other boards.

(http://i.imgur.com/Rsyxqpt.jpg)
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: derb2k2 on Thu, 11 February 2016, 21:24:23
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Rsyxqpt.jpg)


(http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfg4fk7hbz1qa0q8j.gif)
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Altis on Thu, 11 February 2016, 21:25:20
My playing actually improved in BF4 since using an RF87U, and that's coming from someone who used MX Browns consistently.

Could it be that you've just gotten better?

I don't think a keyboard makes a huge difference in gaming for the most part unless you're using one that makes you prone to pressing the wrong key, fatigues you easily, is uncomfortable, or leaves you short of mouse space.

From my experience, Topre doesn't feel very pleasant to game on though my performance doesn't seem affected (except HHKB because of where Ctrl is).
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: 1391406 on Thu, 11 February 2016, 22:28:23
My playing actually improved in BF4 since using an RF87U, and that's coming from someone who used MX Browns consistently.

Could it be that you've just gotten better?

I don't think a keyboard makes a huge difference in gaming for the most part unless you're using one that makes you prone to pressing the wrong key, fatigues you easily, is uncomfortable, or leaves you short of mouse space.

From my experience, Topre doesn't feel very pleasant to game on though my performance doesn't seem affected (except HHKB because of where Ctrl is).

I can't speak for anyone else, but in my case the key travel is smoother and feels more natural and that alone seemed to improve my immersion.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: nubbinator on Thu, 11 February 2016, 22:35:13
You haven't joined the dark side, you've just transitioned from pre-enlightenment to post-enlightenment.   Now just get a HHKB so you can fully ascend.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: skitty on Thu, 11 February 2016, 22:54:31
My playing actually improved in BF4 since using an RF87U, and that's coming from someone who used MX Browns consistently.

I don't think a keyboard makes a huge difference in gaming for the most part unless you're using one that makes you prone to pressing the wrong key, fatigues you easily, is uncomfortable, or leaves you short of mouse space.


I've played games with MX Clears, Blues, and rubber domes and I feel like it doesn't really affect how I play. Being able to disable the win key is the only advantage I've gotten from certain keyboards.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: studentben on Thu, 11 February 2016, 23:24:46
Congrats on the Topre, personally I didn't like using a Novatouch since it was too heavy for me :(

Also regarding gaming performance from the people who commented above me, I've played with a bunch of switches and I feel that the heavier the switch, the worse I am. So I think there is some relation there.

Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: grav3serker on Thu, 11 February 2016, 23:38:16
Congrats on the new board! Topre is definitely going to be my next switch for sure. I've seen so many HHKBs lately, it's making me want to splurge on one already haha. Enjoy my dude!
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Fri, 12 February 2016, 12:23:30
I don't see myself getting a HHKB, I really like the TKL form factor, can't see myself using a 60%
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Dext on Fri, 12 February 2016, 13:45:14
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
YOU TRAITOR
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 13:46:14
I don't see myself getting a HHKB, I really like the TKL form factor, can't see myself using a 60%

They say once you try it, however, you really can't part with it.

Still awaiting trying demik's board.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Fri, 12 February 2016, 14:03:28
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
YOU TRAITOR


They had cookies Dext
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Macsmasher on Fri, 12 February 2016, 14:15:41
Been thinking about making the switch myself. How does it fare for gaming?

I've consistently heard Topre isn't suited for gaming, but I totally disagree. I play BF4 quite a bit and it's absolutely great for gaming. In fact, I think I prefer it over my Logitech G710+. I use 45g. I just got a 104U in the mail today and I'm pretty sure the variable weighting won't be a problem either.


I have both the RF 55g and variable. I prefer gaming on the variable. Gaming on my HHKB is great as well.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: whmeltonjr on Fri, 12 February 2016, 14:18:27
I don't see myself getting a HHKB, I really like the TKL form factor, can't see myself using a 60%

TKL is my favorite form factor as well, but the layout of the HHKB is really good. I use mine at work frequently, and never find myself missing the extra keys that a TKL has over it.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Fri, 12 February 2016, 14:49:23
My work is staying home with my son, not much call for a keyboard for that ;)
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: whmeltonjr on Fri, 12 February 2016, 14:51:47
My work is staying home with my son, not much call for a keyboard for that ;)

I was only stating I used it at work from time to time to express it's versatility. Plus, how will you know which Topre board feels better if you don't get them both?  :))
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Fri, 12 February 2016, 16:07:13
TKL for life!
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:40:09
Topre just seems to linger in the background and then one day you're addicted and you didn't even know it was going to happen.  Like meth.

Not that I know anything about meth.  Except that Indiana is a national leader is meth lab busts.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Sat, 13 February 2016, 18:58:15
Missouri is pretty active in the meth scene too!  Lol
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 13 February 2016, 23:41:52
Congratulations :)

If you're not getting an HHKB, then all you need now is a Digilog case.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Sun, 14 February 2016, 15:39:01
And a BroBot or maybe a Clack if I can get ahold of one ;)
Congratulations :)

If you're not getting an HHKB, then all you need now is a Digilog case.

Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Ovrclck on Sun, 14 February 2016, 18:17:30
So when is your HHKB also coming in?  ;)
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Sun, 14 February 2016, 19:33:53
I'm not getting one, I don't want a 60% size board..
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Elrick on Mon, 15 February 2016, 02:34:29
I'm not getting one, I don't want a 60% size board..

Exactly, why would you need something built for a Doll's House  :)) ?

The smallest you should go is always TKL and nothing less than that.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Tue, 16 February 2016, 15:48:15
Yeah, TKL is perfect for me.. my wife still thinks I'm crazy for getting rid of the ten-key and going TKL
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: demik on Tue, 16 February 2016, 16:14:13
Yeah, TKL is perfect for me.. my wife still thinks I'm crazy for getting rid of the ten-key and going TKL

It's a good thing they sell those separately.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Tue, 16 February 2016, 20:13:00
no regrets going 60 percent.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Wed, 17 February 2016, 15:58:18
Yeah, TKL is perfect for me.. my wife still thinks I'm crazy for getting rid of the ten-key and going TKL

It's a good thing they sell those separately.

Yeah, I won't need one for anything, but my wife would want one if she was on a TKL
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 20 February 2016, 23:57:16
I'm not getting one, I don't want a 60% size board..

Exactly, why would you need something built for a Doll's House  :)) ?

The smallest you should go is always TKL and nothing less than that.

If your desk is about the size to fit in a doll's house?

I got my HHKB originally to sit in front of my HP MicroServer over in the corner, but ended up liking it so much it is one of my daily drivers now.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: jamster on Sun, 21 February 2016, 02:28:28

If your desk is about the size to fit in a doll's house?

I got my HHKB originally to sit in front of my HP MicroServer over in the corner, but ended up liking it so much it is one of my daily drivers now.

Isn't a HHKB a bit overkill for a machine that seems to be designed to run headless?
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 21 February 2016, 03:13:06

If your desk is about the size to fit in a doll's house?

I got my HHKB originally to sit in front of my HP MicroServer over in the corner, but ended up liking it so much it is one of my daily drivers now.

Isn't a HHKB a bit overkill for a machine that seems to be designed to run headless?

Yes, but I do occasionally use the server as is, mainly to change mounts for my external backup drive once a week, and sometimes it's quicker to just use the server than power on one of the workstations.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Polymer on Sun, 21 February 2016, 05:12:36
Been thinking about making the switch myself. How does it fare for gaming?

I've consistently heard Topre isn't suited for gaming, but I totally disagree. I play BF4 quite a bit and it's absolutely great for gaming. In fact, I think I prefer it over my Logitech G710+. I use 45g. I just got a 104U in the mail today and I'm pretty sure the variable weighting won't be a problem either.

Uniform will be fine for gaming..I just like the mashability of cherry a bit more when gaming...

Variable sucks though....If you like it for gaming fine..but the light keys are way too light and that just sucks bad...I love variable for typing though...
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Bevo on Sun, 21 February 2016, 05:51:06
It's always greener on the dark side
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: 1391406 on Sun, 21 February 2016, 08:17:13
If you like it for gaming fine..but the light keys are way too light and that just sucks bad.

Like I said in another thread, I consistently heard this before buying a 104U. I fully expected it to suck for gaming, but I was a convert after trying it. Now I prefer it.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: Polymer on Sun, 21 February 2016, 08:46:58
If they work for you great...I just don't see how anyone using WASD is going to like that (I hate it) or anything using QWER which also feels terrible...When keys are buttons, it isn't the same thing as typing..

The greatness of variable is completely lost on gaming...Same way variable would suck for someone that uses two fingers to type...
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: 1391406 on Sun, 21 February 2016, 10:06:37
If they work for you great...I just don't see how anyone using WASD is going to like that (I hate it) or anything using QWER which also feels terrible...When keys are buttons, it isn't the same thing as typing..

The greatness of variable is completely lost on gaming...Same way variable would suck for someone that uses two fingers to type...

I respect that you hate variable weighting for games. Personally, after having tried the variable weighted 104U for myself, I've come to the conclusion that the vast majority of criticisms I've read are overblown. For example, I'm not a touch typist and I don't notice the variable weighting when typing, nor when I'm in the middle of a game. Unless I consciously and methodically focus my attention on pressing each individual key, I don't notice the difference in weighting at all. I can tell the difference if I take my time and press, oh say the A and D keys in turn. But I have to consciously and intentionally focus my attention on the differences in order to notice. Otherwise, it's not distracting in real-world typing / gaming situations for me.

The only downside of the variable weighting that I've noticed is that I tend to actuate keys unintentionally when my fingers are resting on the keyboard.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: jamster on Sun, 21 February 2016, 21:25:09
The only downside of the variable weighting that I've noticed is that I tend to actuate keys unintentionally when my fingers are resting on the keyboard.


That in itself sounds like a pretty major downside! I've only tried 45g Topre, I can't imagine how easy it must be to depress 30g.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: 1391406 on Sun, 21 February 2016, 23:51:51
The only downside of the variable weighting that I've noticed is that I tend to actuate keys unintentionally when my fingers are resting on the keyboard.


That in itself sounds like a pretty major downside! I've only tried 45g Topre, I can't imagine how easy it must be to depress 30g.

In all fairness only 4 alphanumerics are 30g, but the overall feel more than makes up for any shortcomings.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: jamster on Mon, 22 February 2016, 03:55:18
The only downside of the variable weighting that I've noticed is that I tend to actuate keys unintentionally when my fingers are resting on the keyboard.


That in itself sounds like a pretty major downside! I've only tried 45g Topre, I can't imagine how easy it must be to depress 30g.

In all fairness only 4 alphanumerics are 30g, but the overall feel more than makes up for any shortcomings.

http://i.imgur.com/X6g6Y.jpg

Just checked the key weighting, they go down to 35 rather than 30, but the variable keys fall under WASD. I find the 45g keys almost disturbingly soft already, a variable weighted board would probably drive me nuts :)

Regardless, every time I use my RF I am amazed at how high quality it is compared to other modern boards.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 22 February 2016, 04:20:09
The only downside of the variable weighting that I've noticed is that I tend to actuate keys unintentionally when my fingers are resting on the keyboard.


That in itself sounds like a pretty major downside! I've only tried 45g Topre, I can't imagine how easy it must be to depress 30g.

In all fairness only 4 alphanumerics are 30g, but the overall feel more than makes up for any shortcomings.

http://i.imgur.com/X6g6Y.jpg

Just checked the key weighting, they go down to 35 rather than 30, but the variable keys fall under WASD. I find the 45g keys almost disturbingly soft already, a variable weighted board would probably drive me nuts :)

Regardless, every time I use my RF I am amazed at how high quality it is compared to other modern boards.

Oddly enough, some charts list 30g while others list 35g:

(http://i.imgur.com/p84MTbE.png)

(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=44497.0;attach=25147;image)

After methodically and carefully taking my time slowly pressing keys, it seems like the weighting is both, 30g and 35g, but the differences disappear and are imperceptible when typing, in my opinion. You really have to pay close attention when pressing a key to even notice. The uninitiated probably wouldn't be able to tell any difference at all, even when paying careful attention. It's a fairly subtle distinction.
Title: Re: I've finally gone over to the dark side
Post by: cmadrid on Fri, 26 February 2016, 21:05:01
I'm liking the all 55g, not sure how I would feel about variable weighting.. I guess I would need to try it out to see