geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: meltie on Mon, 21 December 2009, 11:30:04
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Hi,
finally, resistance was futile and I ordered a Topre Realforce 87U of elitekeyboards.com as a christmas present for myself. With shipping to Germany that is 315 USD. OMFG. I can't believe I did this. Still shocked, but also full of anticipation. I think I'll cry if it isn't any good. Will take 1 to 2 weeks with express shipping to arrive here.
Just wanted to share this with somebody, because if I tell anyone else that I spent so much on a simple keyboard, they'll stare at me with disbelief.
Bye,
meltie
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That's a lot of money for a regular old rubber dome keyboard
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That's a lot of money for a regular old rubber dome keyboard
Whether or not you like it, it's a rubber dome, yes, but because the actual mechanism is capacitive, it's in its own league of switch.
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Whether or not you like it
I think I would probably like it.
Looking forward to a Topre purchase of my own. Think I'll wait for tax refund.
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Congrats on the 87U!
Unlike Prisoner I actually own one because I'm worthy.
Or just have a lot of money to waste...
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220€ ?? nice.
other people spent almost 200€ for a cheap Logi G19 rubber dupper dome keyboard.
or more idealo (http://httphttp://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/ProductCategory/3047.html?param.resultlist.order=desc¶m.resultlist.sortKey=minPrice://)
If you dont like it PM me:love:
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Don't worry - I just did the same, but ordered to the UK. Something to look forward to in the New Year. :-)
Oh, and add to the fact that I just imported an HHKB Pro 2 from Japan at the beginning of December!
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Don't worry - I just did the same, but ordered to the UK. Something to look forward to in the New Year. :-)
Realforce in UK? witch shop??
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Ordered to the UK, not from.
That's a lot of money for a regular old rubber dome keyboard
Zomg! MS Windows has a second disciple!
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Realforce in UK? witch shop??
Nope, no one in the UK stocks them as apparently they don't meet Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) rules - probably something to do with still using lead solder or some chemical or other in the plastic.
I'm importing the 87U from elitekeyboards.com, I bought my HHKB from a reseller in Japan, via eBay.
Simon.
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Ordered to the UK, not from.
Ohh, I had looked forward. You just have destroy my dream of a realforce dealer in UK.
Zomg! MS Windows has a second disciple!
???????????
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I'm importing the 87U from elitekeyboards.com, I bought my HHKB from a reseller in Japan, via eBay.
Simon.
stlensbar or smartimports?
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???????????
That was in reference to Prisoner, not you.
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stlensbar or smartimports?
smartimports
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Glad to see I'm not the only one. So we can wait together for the arrival of our mutual bankruptcy.
I own boards with all kinds of Cherry MX, ML and MY Switches and a lot of Model Ms. My favorite switches are Cherry blues but I'm a big fan of the browns also. And of course I like the buckling spring, but compared to the Cherrys they are relatively hard to type on. I wanted to try something new, so I went for a Topre.
I chose the Realforce over the HHKB Pro 2 for the layout. I have the HHKB Lite and though I like the layout, I never got used to it because of the crappy switches. They are even crappier than those Cherry uses in their G83 keyboards. I was scared to spend so much money on a board not knowing if I would get used to the layout, so I chose the 87U. I chose tenkeyless simply because the fullsize layout wasn't in stock.
I'm looking forward to my new board, and if I don't like it (that I hope not) will offer it on this board to all these europeans craving it.
Bye,
meltie
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Ordered to the UK, not from.
Quote:That's a lot of money for a regular old rubber dome keyboard
Zomg! MS Windows has a second disciple!
My views are gaining some popularity. Maybe I'll make a political party and run for president.
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Congrats! I also ordered my 87U sight unseen and untested, but it's really a fantastic keyboard and I'm sure you will love it.
I'm contemplating another one in the full sized layout but am running into obstacles. To quote the significant other, "this feels like one of those old IBM keyboards... why did it cost $250?" :dance:
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I'd rather not tell my significant other about this purchase, and if I will, I'll keep the price tag to myself. Since I already got about 25 to 30 keyboards (obviously, I lost count) and about 40 mice, it's getting harder and harder to find at least remotely believable excuses for buying even more, not to mention expensive ones.
Generally, new mice are easier to hide from spouses due to their size. :-)
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Early Christmas present... my Realforce 87U has just turned up from EliteKeyboards, which is pretty good - posted on Saturday in the US and delivered on Wednesday in the UK. However, the bill for import duty was less welcome!
I'm typing on it at this moment and so far I'm not sure that I prefer it to my Happy Hacking Pro 2.
I certainly prefer the layout with separate arrow keys, page up/down and home/end keys, but the keys don't have quite the same satisfying "thock" "thock" feeling/sound that the HHKB has. Oh, and the Shift key makes a clicking sound when released - which I don't like!
I wonder what the Happy Hacking Lite 2 is like in comparison?
Simon.
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Doesn't the Happy Hacking Pro 2 have the same key switches as the Realforce?
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Doesn't the Happy Hacking Pro 2 have the same key switches as the Realforce?
Yes, the switches are from Topre.
AFAIK, the keyboards aren't built by the same OEM though.
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Not mine.
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The Realforce is made by Topre Corporation and the HHKB Pro 2 is made by PFU (Fujitsu).
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I'd rather not tell my significant other about this purchase, and if I will, I'll keep the price tag to myself. Since I already got about 25 to 30 keyboards (obviously, I lost count) and about 40 mice, it's getting harder and harder to find at least remotely believable excuses for buying even more, not to mention expensive ones.
Generally, new mice are easier to hide from spouses due to their size. :-)
One day there will be a Jerry Springer show about this.
"Jerry, I made my husband promise to throw out his stash of peripherals. I told him the Logitechs I bought him last Christmas should be enough to keep him satisfied. But I'm still finding computer mice in his sock drawer, under the bed, and in the garden shed. The final straw was when I found a World of Warcraft mouse hidden in the kids' bedroom. Enough is enough!"
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I constantly promise to get rid of some keyboards, throw them away or put on ebay, and I made a start by giving my Qtronix to sixty from this board. But of course, with my new Realforce, the numbers won't change at all ...
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Early Christmas present... my Realforce 87U has just turned up from EliteKeyboards, which is pretty good - posted on Saturday in the US and delivered on Wednesday in the UK. However, the bill for import duty was less welcome!
I'm typing on it at this moment and so far I'm not sure that I prefer it to my Happy Hacking Pro 2.
I certainly prefer the layout with separate arrow keys, page up/down and home/end keys, but the keys don't have quite the same satisfying "thock" "thock" feeling/sound that the HHKB has. Oh, and the Shift key makes a clicking sound when released - which I don't like!
I wonder what the Happy Hacking Lite 2 is like in comparison?
Simon.
The steal plate in the 87U changes the sound a little but not a whole lot and the cavity under the PCB is shaped different so it sounds a little different. The clicking sound on the shift key is the stabiliser let the grease work in a little and that should go away.
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The Realforce is made by Topre Corporation and the HHKB Pro 2 is made by PFU (Fujitsu).
As far as I know Topre makes both the HHKB Pro and the Realforce. The Realforce board is their branded product while the HHKB Pro is a OEM board.
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Congrats on the new 87U for the original poster and all of yall that have ordered one. My last two Topre boards should be shipping out of Japan in a couple of weeks (OEM Sun short type keyboard and a OEM NEO Counter Strike) those should be my last ones until I can get a μTRON.
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Wow, the μTRON looks awesome!
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Wow, the μTRON looks awesome!
Yea it looks great till you figure out how much it costs. It makes a 87U look cheap. It has taken me about 3 months to convince myself that I'm willing to pay what they want for it. Much less how much they want for those custom wrist rests for it. For the price of the wrist rests alone you could buy a Filco board and have change left.
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Those μTRON keyboards have an interesting lay out. What does the Menu key in Caps-Lock's spot do?
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So, tempt me - how much are they?
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So, tempt me - how much are they?
you know the saying: if you have to ask the price....
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you know the saying: if you have to ask the price....
Yes, it means I don't know the price!
Ok, so approximately $580 is a fair amount for a keyboard, but I've spent more than that in the last month on keyboards.
So, who has actually used one? Are they easy to get on with given their rather "unique" layout?
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Same as the Menu key right of your right windows key.
Do you mean the right-click button?
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Yes, it means I don't know the price!
Ok, so approximately $580 is a fair amount for a keyboard, but I've spent more than that in the last month on keyboards.
So, who has actually used one? Are they easy to get on with given their rather "unique" layout?
lol, go man go!
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TDK should become a legislator. The Democrats would be jealous of his spending habit. And, when you're the in the government, you can spend make-believe money instead!
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So now the Realforce 87U finally arrived (after I spend two hours waiting at customs), and I like it a lot.
I love the matte finish compared to my Das, the tenkeyless footprint and how the leds are integrated in the respective keys. And I am really impressed by the way this board feels. Very nice action and a very unintrusive sound makes me almost want to take it to work with me to replace my Cherry Evolution Stream. But I relly can't bring myself to put such an expensive item into my workplace, where it may get stolen or abducted by a coworker.
But I noticed that it doesn't sit evenly on my desk and wiggles a bit, but since I have the same problem with my Das and my G84 numpad, I believe that is the fault of IKEA rather than Topre. Definately one of the best boards I ever bought. At the moment, I do make some typos, but I believe I will get used to it quickly.
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So now the Realforce 87U finally arrived (after I spend two hours waiting at customs), and I like it a lot.
I love the matte finish compared to my Das, the tenkeyless footprint and how the leds are integrated in the respective keys. And I am really impressed by the way this board feels. Very nice action and a very unintrusive sound makes me almost want to take it to work with me to replace my Cherry Evolution Stream. But I relly can"t bring myself to put such an expensive item into my workplace, where it may get stolen or abducted by a coworker.
But I noticed that it doesn"t sit evenly on my desk and wiggles a bit, but since I have the same problem with my Das and my G84 numpad, I believe that is the fault of IKEA rather than Topre. Definately one of the best boards I ever bought. At the moment, I do make some typos, but I believe I will get used to it quickly.
I doubt you will run into theft issues at work. I leave my keyboards on my desk all the time, and I work in an open, cubicle environment. The understated look of Topres isn't really going to attract any attention. When I go on vacation, though, I lock my keyboards in a drawer in my desk.
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We found that out the hard way. We bought a book shelf from them, and my Dad assembled it, then couldn't find the back of the shelf, which we assumed would be a piece of wood. Nope, turns out that you were meant to slide the packaging that the parts came in to the back and that that was your backing. Of course, by the time we figured this out, we had mashed up the packaging and put it outside. I think they were able to get us another one or something... but yeah, frugal stuff.
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I do not really think that it would be stolen, but I'm afraid of it because it cost so much and cannot be easily replaced. So I'd rather not take the risk.
But let's wait and see. On tuesday, I ordered a HHKB Pro 2, Filco Tenkeyless with browns and Filco Tenkeyless with Fukkas from Elitekeyboards, now that this stuff is in stock again. And my Deck Legend with clears will arrive beginning of next week. One of these boards will definitely end up at my workplace.
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But let's wait and see. On tuesday, I ordered a HHKB Pro 2, Filco Tenkeyless with browns and Filco Tenkeyless with Fukkas from Elitekeyboards, now that this stuff is in stock again. And my Deck Legend with clears will arrive beginning of next week. One of these boards will definitely end up at my workplace.
Damn. That's how you stimulate the global economy.
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That guy needs a shirt. This is a family forum.
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That wouldn't be Helvectica, would it? Posh Spice just doesn't really do it for me anymore.
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That's what I thought; it might be some like Arial bold. I was a little more interested in his left arm. It looks like it's something written in Hindi, or something.
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I think that font may be Arial Black.
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Yea, i was worried about that at as well, but it the fear of getting it stolen was realy just a fear, there is alot of expensive stuff where i work already, the employer trusts us to arm and disarm the alarm, and the people I work with make a good living, i doubt they would do something silly like that, I wouldnt be surprised if it even has security cameras,
I'm about to bring it at work because the keyboard i have there is bad,
I'm more concerned about jokes they'll make about my non-print happy hacking keyboard pro...
the people I showed it to already baptised it "The Fail Keyboard" because it has no letters, they've threaten to poop on it :(
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I'm not worried about one of my co-workers stealing it, they might take it when I'm on vacation or business trips, but if I label it as my personal property, I doubt even that.
What I am more worried about is the guests that visit our office, and on their way through the building might feel stimulated to take my laptop, cell phone, or - even it it is unlikely - my Topre.
Some of my co-workers use kensington locks on their laptops and screens already, I might want to get some, too.
I should get a white 103 key Realforce, they look so ordinary I doubt someone will take it, though. Maybe later this year.
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People don't tend to steal keyboards on a regular basis.
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People don't tend to steal keyboards on a regular basis.
Better safe than sorry.
Attach a cable to the keyboard, make sure it is discrete so people won't think you are crazy for locking down that "$10 keyboard" that is really $300 OMG that is so expensive!!
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Attach a cable to the keyboard, make sure it is discrete so people won't think you are crazy for locking down that "$10 keyboard" that is really $300 OMG that is so expensive!!
I will probably do that. If I know how expensive that thing is, random thief may know it, too.
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Just unplug it at the keyboard and stick it in one of your desk drawers at night.
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And don't forget to lock the drawer.
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Wahey! Another troll!
EDIT: Oh, just a spambot...
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But I noticed that it doesn't sit evenly on my desk and wiggles a bit, but since I have the same problem with my Das and my G84 numpad, I believe that is the fault of IKEA rather than Topre.
Actually my 87U has the same problem, it does not quite sit flush aginst my desk. We're not talking about a huge gap, just a tiny wiggle if you press on the lower-right corner. I've put a tissue under the upper-left corner - problem fixed.
The desk surface is flat btw, my Filco sits on it, and it absolutely won't budge.
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it's flat as Nicole Richie before breast surgery.
I'd be concerned. Ribs aren't very flat.
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Wahey! Another troll!
EDIT: Oh, just a spambot...
Take a look at who just said that.
Most of the comments you direct at me are quite nasty in nature. Why do you go through all this effort to be disrespectful and present this community gathering place as a hostile environment? I have found your arrogance and immaturity to have been quite excessive recently.
If you don't like me, that's OK. Everyone is entitled to the right to have their own opinion. But that doesn't mean that everyone's entitled to the right to be mean. If you hate me that much, just put me on your ignore list instead of causing a scene.
Your comments are what I would expect to frequent n a web site for young children, all bickering and brawling.
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That comment was directed at an advertising spambot whose posts have since been deleted. You can see another example of people referencing the now deleted posts here. (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=156168#post156168)
And quite frankly good Sir, you are the probably the least qualified person around here to give lectures on immaturity.
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*Throws some popcorn in the microwave*
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*tumbleweed rolls by*
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That comment was directed at an advertising spambot whose posts have since been deleted. You can see another example of people referencing the now deleted posts here. (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=156168#post156168)
And quite frankly good Sir, you are the probably the least qualified person around here to give lectures on immaturity.
I understand. I thought you were calling me the spam bot. Since the root of the problem was a simple misunderstanding, that book is closed.
I'm not the least qualified person to give lectures on maturity. I may not share all of your opinions, but that does not mean I'm some old 10-year-old coming here to cause trouble.
So how about you put yourself in a better position to talk about maturity and try to be politer. I'm not sure if you mean to be unpleasant, but that's what's happening. I don't want to start some war or anything; all I wish to do is provide information to others based on my experience, and engage in interesting discussions.
So, do you want to close this book?
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*tumbleweed rolls by*
Damnit. I was hoping for more.
*Goes back to work*
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Oh man Where is LaL when I want to have some fun :( But guys come on at least argue about keyboards it's more fun that way and we can all join in :)
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Lal had a traumatic experience with a Topre when he was young.
Link. (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1663825/translated_angry_german_kid_correct_translation/)
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Here's something to start off a keyboard discussion:
Did you know that IBM spent roughly $25 apiece to manufacture its Model M keyboards?
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interesting... how did you find out?
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I read it in a newspaper article Webwit posted a while ago.
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So you mean they actually made a large profit on them back when they sold them new for around $200-$250. Or is that just the cost of direct labor and parts (my bet this is the case) the overhead (buildings, eng, equipment, R&D, ect...) really add to the actual cost of a product. This is one of the things that really makes me laugh about all these wild ass guess as to how much something costs to produce they never take into account how much it cost you to actually design the product or how much all the over head costs (shipping, packaging, warehousing, ect...)
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Model M's used to cost 200 bucks new? Really?!?!?
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When they first came out they did. They dropped to around $100 around the time Lexmark started making them.
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I think I got the articles mixed up then. There was an article on-line from the early 1990's about IBM getting hurt by a demand for lower-priced computers, which included a brief section about the cost of their keyboards and other periferals, and its effect on the price of whole computer units.
It sounds probable that replacement Model M's and F's cost a lot of money, since there was probably little production dedicated to field replacement.
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Lal had a traumatic experience with a Topre when he was young.
None that I remember. And actually I think Topres are exceptionally nice keyboards. For rubber domes. They're just waaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy overpriced. And they're rubber dome >:)
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*Goes and gets the popcorn he popped yesterday*
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You don't buy a car for braking. ;P
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*Goes and gets the popcorn he popped yesterday*
Na I'm not in the mood to play today. Yesterday I was. So I will let LaL slide this time :) Besides he did say it was a good board it's just that he is too cheap to buy one that is all so no big deal.
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Damnit! I really want some popcorn.
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None that I remember. And actually I think Topres are exceptionally nice keyboards. For rubber domes. They're just waaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy overpriced. And they're rubber dome >:)
Nobody is forcing you to buy them. But, I bet they're top-notch quality and probably have one of the best warrantees out there. But that doesn't mean they're worth hundreds of dollars.
I don't really understand what makes the Topre keyboards so much better than any good rubber dome keyboard, but there's got to be something special if people lay big bucks for them.
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You don't buy a car for braking. ;P
But when you do buy a car, you're broke!
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But when you do buy a car, you're broke!
Yet, another win.
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Damnit! I really want some popcorn.
I got some cub scout Kettle corn sitting right here on my desk. Much better to munch on than candy and I have to admit much more addicting.
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I with you. I keep a ton of popcorn at work. It's a great, fairly healthy snack.
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That's pretty much how I make popcorn (minus the curry powder). I use a hot air popper, though.
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I like potato chips better than popcorn. Especially the nice, crunchy kettle chips.
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I see you've made a Kishy list. I'm surprised you didn't put me on there.
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is it too early for popcorn? (7:33am).............oh, and jerky!
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I see you've made a Kishy list. I'm surprised you didn't put me on there.
Not only a Kishy list but apparently a list of Kishy as well.
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Mmm... Bob'b Habanero Kettle Chips.