I've read that after using Topre keys I might not be able to settle for the cherry switches.
Keep one Cherry MX with linears for display, get both of those Topre boards. Then get a good buckling spring board and you're set for life.Don't forget alps man! And yeah romevi was right, Keep 1 linear cherry board and get HHKB.
Keep one Cherry MX with linears for display, get both of those Topre boards. Then get a good buckling spring board and you're set for life.Don't forget alps man! And yeah romevi was right, Keep 1 linear cherry board and get HHKB.
U need to try it man! Get an AEK 2 with orange alps and see how you like it there are some on ebay thoKeep one Cherry MX with linears for display, get both of those Topre boards. Then get a good buckling spring board and you're set for life.Don't forget alps man! And yeah romevi was right, Keep 1 linear cherry board and get HHKB.
Haven't tried Alps yet. :(
I thought AEK IIs had salmon or dampened white.I'm wrong man I mean to say original AEK
I'm using a 45G Uni 87u and a Variable weight 87u. I have wussy fingers, so my fingers get tired with even the 45g. I didn't like my var weight at first, but it grew on me. I'm now using the 45 at work at the var at home. I DO sometimes press "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" because of how light it is on the variable weight.
Much better typing experience than my two filcos, but quite terrible for gaming IMO.
Keep one Cherry MX with linears for display, get both of those Topre boards. Then get a good buckling spring board and you're set for life.
Keep one Cherry MX with linears for display, get both of those Topre boards. Then get a good buckling spring board and you're set for life.
A little off topic, but is there a budget friendly buckling spring board recommended to start out with?
45g EK edition of the realforce 87u is back in stock as well (elitekeyboards)
Keep one Cherry MX with linears for display, get both of those Topre boards. Then get a good buckling spring board and you're set for life.
A little off topic, but is there a budget friendly buckling spring board recommended to start out with?
I've got an HHKB and I quite like it, that being said, I'm also incredibly interested in the 87u in 55g. My only concern is that I find 45g already decently heavy (at least up until activation, after that it's buttery goodness).
Best of luck in the decision! You honestly can't go wrong with either one.
I've got an HHKB and I quite like it, that being said, I'm also incredibly interested in the 87u in 55g. My only concern is that I find 45g already decently heavy (at least up until activation, after that it's buttery goodness).
Best of luck in the decision! You honestly can't go wrong with either one.
I've read somewhere that "vintage" hhkb pro 1 models from cca 2003-2005 require more force on downstrokes because of the aging 45g domes, which became a tad stiffer through the years. Will test that theory soon when that "oldie" arrives ;)
45g EK edition of the realforce 87u is back in stock as well (elitekeyboards)
Oh wow. If I were looking for a 45G Topre board, this would be it.
To the OP, scratch my previous comment. Forget the HHKB and grab this. Uniform 45G Realforce TKL's aren't easy to find.
45g EK edition of the realforce 87u is back in stock as well (elitekeyboards)
Oh wow. If I were looking for a 45G Topre board, this would be it.
To the OP, scratch my previous comment. Forget the HHKB and grab this. Uniform 45G Realforce TKL's aren't easy to find.
That seems to be the most enticing alternative, although it looks like it is on back order until early next month.
I don't mind the wait, and it could give me a chance to try out the HHKB first as you originally suggested.
45g EK edition of the realforce 87u is back in stock as well (elitekeyboards)
Oh wow. If I were looking for a 45G Topre board, this would be it.
To the OP, scratch my previous comment. Forget the HHKB and grab this. Uniform 45G Realforce TKL's aren't easy to find.
That seems to be the most enticing alternative, although it looks like it is on back order until early next month.
I don't mind the wait, and it could give me a chance to try out the HHKB first as you originally suggested.
The only thing to bear in mind is that Elite Keyboards doesn't offer returns on HHKB's (or RF's), so if you can't visit them first and happen to buy one and don't like it, you'll have to re-sell it yourself.
45g EK edition of the realforce 87u is back in stock as well (elitekeyboards)
Oh wow. If I were looking for a 45G Topre board, this would be it.
To the OP, scratch my previous comment. Forget the HHKB and grab this. Uniform 45G Realforce TKL's aren't easy to find.
That seems to be the most enticing alternative, although it looks like it is on back order until early next month.
I don't mind the wait, and it could give me a chance to try out the HHKB first as you originally suggested.
The only thing to bear in mind is that Elite Keyboards doesn't offer returns on HHKB's (or RF's), so if you can't visit them first and happen to buy one and don't like it, you'll have to re-sell it yourself.
Wait, really? I thought that was one of the things people kept mentioning, that if you don't like it you can return it.
Just got a Realforce 87UW55 and its nice. The 55g's are definitely different. I am still in that getting used to it phase. Its not clicky. Its hard to describe the sound. I think its more of a lack of sound. Either way I think I like it.
I gain a lot of desk spaceCome on now :rolleyes:
Thank you to everyone for the great insight into these products!Either way a popular Topre keyboard is basically a liquid asset. I really don't think you would lose much if you ended up selling it. Especially if stock in a particular model dries up.
I've setup an appointment with Brian at Elite Keyboards, he is awesome and informative.
I decided to wait for the Uniform 45g Realforce TKL restock, so I should have this purchase wrapped up by March 12th.
This purchase is my birthday splurge, which was yesterday, so I will have to exercise some patience.. :-X
I decided to wait for the Uniform 45g Realforce TKL restock, so I should have this wrapped up by March 12th.
Realforce 87U TKL 55g. endgame board, period. :thumb:
I decided to wait for the Uniform 45g Realforce TKL restock, so I should have this wrapped up by March 12th.
An awesome choice indeed. I have a white 45g 87U and love it. Not quite as much as my variable weighted 104U silent but it's my second favorite board to date.
I decided to wait for the Uniform 45g Realforce TKL restock, so I should have this wrapped up by March 12th.
An awesome choice indeed. I have a white 45g 87U and love it. Not quite as much as my variable weighted 104U silent but it's my second favorite board to date.
I have a similar variety pack of keyboards and I too consider the 45g 87U to be one of, if not my favorite of them all.
I'm curious though -- you prefer the variable to the 45g uniform?
I decided to wait for the Uniform 45g Realforce TKL restock, so I should have this wrapped up by March 12th.
An awesome choice indeed. I have a white 45g 87U and love it. Not quite as much as my variable weighted 104U silent but it's my second favorite board to date.
I have a similar variety pack of keyboards and I too consider the 45g 87U to be one of, if not my favorite of them all.
I'm curious though -- you prefer the variable to the 45g uniform?
Oddly enough, I do. Based on all of the negative reviews I'd read I was fully expecting the variable weighting to be mushy, inconsistent in feel, and far too light. In fact, when I ordered my silenced 104U, I'd already made up my mind to mod it with 45g domes. But after trying it, I was so impressed with the feel, I decided to keep it stock. In fact, I've been seriously considering buying another silenced 104U from EK to swap the domes and stems into my 45g 87U.
I originally got the 55g 87U since everyone speaks so highly of it, but I do find it too heavy so I got a 45g uniform that's pretty much perfect (as is the 45g HHKB for the most part).
I can't help but wonder what the variable is like to type on though.
I've been pondering for a while about swapping the 55g out for variable weight at some point since I have barely used the 55g since getting the 45g.
Why not get both, wash your hands and keep them clean, and if you find that you prefer one over the other, then sell the other one.These is the right answers but yeah just keep both of the board man :p
You routinely find Model M's in decent condition for reasonably cheap on Ebay, around $50 to $80, just look up the model number first so you don't accidentally get one of the rubber dome variants or an incompatible Terminal version.Keep one Cherry MX with linears for display, get both of those Topre boards. Then get a good buckling spring board and you're set for life.
A little off topic, but is there a budget friendly buckling spring board recommended to start out with?
Nah don't go for some MX programmable if you're happy with the HHKB, instead, get one of Hasu's TMK converters and use that in your HHKB!
I've got an HHKB and I quite like it, that being said, I'm also incredibly interested in the 87u in 55g. My only concern is that I find 45g already decently heavy (at least up until activation, after that it's buttery goodness).
Best of luck in the decision! You honestly can't go wrong with either one.
As mentioned previously, I don't think I could have made a mistake choosing between the Realforce and HHKB, after comparing the products I don't think it is fair to say one is better than the other. Both keyboards are great in their own respect. I think for most it may come down to form factor and intended purpose.
As mentioned previously, I don't think I could have made a mistake choosing between the Realforce and HHKB, after comparing the products I don't think it is fair to say one is better than the other. Both keyboards are great in their own respect. I think for most it may come down to form factor and intended purpose.
Many people end up getting one of each.
I have an HHKB, and I'd get a RF 87U 55g uniform if I could afford one.
HHKB.
I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?
I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?
but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB :p
I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?
but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB :p
The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.
The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. :-X
It's the end-all, be-all 60% to me. Like a drug, some people get addicted after their first hit and some don't. Just wanted to warn OP that maybe he should try other options before potentially getting hooked like me.I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?
but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB :p
The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.
The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. :-X
In terms of switch, 87u 55g is godlyI will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?
but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB :p
The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.
The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. :-X
Personally, I like the 87U more. But that's because it is plate-mounted and 55g. HHKB is also reaaaalllyy good, though.
In terms of switch, 87u 55g is godlyI will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?
but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB :p
The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.
The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. :-X
Personally, I like the 87U more. But that's because it is plate-mounted and 55g. HHKB is also reaaaalllyy good, though.
But in terms of layout and complete package, hhkb. Tkl is just too damn big.
Nah don't go for some MX programmable if you're happy with the HHKB, instead, get one of Hasu's TMK converters and use that in your HHKB!
I started with the HHKB and fell in love with the layout / form factor. Then I couldn't resist the 55g Realforce I kept hearing so much about. It's as good as people say. But then you miss the layout of the HHKB. Finally I gave in and did a dome swap along with silencing. The silenced 55g HHKB is the ultimate Topre board in my opinion. But not a cheap one...lol.
bust, easily. boobs are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than any keyboard.
It's not too tough as long as you take your time and are careful not to lose any of the springs in the process. KeyChatter has a good little write up on the mod that I used as a reference.I started with the HHKB and fell in love with the layout / form factor. Then I couldn't resist the 55g Realforce I kept hearing so much about. It's as good as people say. But then you miss the layout of the HHKB. Finally I gave in and did a dome swap along with silencing. The silenced 55g HHKB is the ultimate Topre board in my opinion. But not a cheap one...lol.
How do you do a dome swap actually?
bust, easily. boobs are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than any keyboard.
It's not too tough as long as you take your time and are careful not to lose any of the springs in the process. KeyChatter has a good little write up on the mod that I used as a reference.I started with the HHKB and fell in love with the layout / form factor. Then I couldn't resist the 55g Realforce I kept hearing so much about. It's as good as people say. But then you miss the layout of the HHKB. Finally I gave in and did a dome swap along with silencing. The silenced 55g HHKB is the ultimate Topre board in my opinion. But not a cheap one...lol.
How do you do a dome swap actually?
https://www.keychatter.com/2015/07/21/how-to-moddifying-an-hhkb-with-55g-domes/ (https://www.keychatter.com/2015/07/21/how-to-moddifying-an-hhkb-with-55g-domes/)