How do MX Browns compare to Topres?

[sinefault]

First, hello everyone, I'm new (to mechanical keyboards and to these forums. Discounting the buckling spring keyboard I last used 10 years ago).

Now for the reason I'm here...

I was considering purchasing a Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 Tenkeyless with Brown switches, and nearly ordered one... but then I hesitated. Wasn't sure I was making the right choice, and it is a significant investment, so I decided I would think about it for a little bit longer.

Well, yesterday I walked into a store, which happens to have Topre Realforces. So I tried it out, for a while. And it just felt incredibly... mushy? Like a keyboard that I would love to rest my face against if I were to fall asleep during a late night programming session. Which would be great if I was looking to buy a somewhat more functional pillow. But it just felt frustrating to type on, and somehow lacked... personality. Kind of like a Thai green curry that's too mild, or like sports training with a partner that isn't fighting back, or like a high five that goes just slightly wrong, and there's no smacking sound, so you both feel a little awkward... or if you want it as a MLP:FiM analogy, I would imagine that this is what poking Fluttershy feels like.

So what I'm wondering is how do Browns compare? Because I haven't had the chance to try them out. Do they provide more feedback? And by feedback I don't just mean the "tactile bump", but rather the experience of the entire key press. I don't need it to be quite as dramatic as a buckling spring, but something more than the Topre would be nice.

Just to add, I might eventually learn to enjoy the Realforce, but for now, transitioning from rubber domes and scissor switches, I'd like something that isn't so much like a miniature luxury mattress. (And I figured browns because: gaming + typing + not so noisy).

[duncan]

The MX Brown and the Topre are very different in feel.

If you don't like the Topre for the reasons you give then you have a really good chance of loving the Browns for the very same reason you dislike the Topre.

Great to have found someone who would let you play with a Real Force. Very rare to be able to avoid spending all that cash sight unseen.

[sinefault]

Thanks for the welcome!

And no, this was in Finland. What I find weird is that they have them on display right next to all the "budget" (knock-off) keyboards. Not sure why Topre either, and not much else, apart from the typical Logitech/Microsoft/Razer keyboards. And then they also sell that really expensive keyboard which has OLED displays for each key (forgot the name). Weird selection.

Oh, and looks like I'll be getting a Filco Brown, so thanks to both of you for helping clear that up. Too bad The Keyboard Company doesn't seem to sell Ninja or Otaku versions for their ISO layout keyboards, guess I'll have to buy a set of keycaps as well... or maybe I'll just replace the Windows keys to start off with.