HPE 87 or something completely different

[nescio]

I am considering the HPE 87 as my first mechanical keyboard, but it would have to ship to Europe from China. Has anyone used the HPE 87 and was it considered a success?

Does anyone have an idea on the amount of force required to activate the keys? For my current keyboard it's between 70 and 80 grams to activate. The Das Keyboard requires less pressure to press the 'a' key, but even more (80g) to activate the control key.

I reside in The Netherlands, but AFAICT, I can only buy one type of mechanical keyboard which isn't a 'gamers' keyboard. I would be interested in the 'brown switches', because they are more intended for office work and are one of the lightest switches around, AFAIK.

There is one review on Youtube

about it, but since it is about the only review, it might be that this guy has some incentive other than "OMG, I am a keyboard fan", so I would like to cross validate a bit.

I also find it rather inconvenient that I cannot try out these kinds of high-end keyboards anywhere, other than by apparently participating in sending these keyboards by mail to eachother like is done on this forum, which seems a bit awkward

On the HPE 87 there is only one year warranty, which is also not a lot for keyboards which are intended to be use for 50 million key keystrokes and doesn't give much trust in its build quality. Moreover, shipping back to China is also not going to happen.

All in all, it seems quite a hassle to get a suitable mechanical keyboard. 

Short preferences list in no particular order: TKL, n key rollover, low activation force, reliable, couldn't care less about backlighting, ships easily to The Netherlands, it would be nice if I could actually put an ID card or whatever on who ships it to me so that I don't get conned...

I also have fairly large hands, in case that is relevant. About 23 cm or so from start of hand (near wrist) to outer point of middle finger.

I wouldn't mind paying for quality, but since I am only used to 30 euro and cheaper keyboards, I will probably be happy no matter which one I will use in the end.

[Human]

For international shipping, find those reputable sellers. QTAN carry lots of those China boards.

Among them, Keycool is quite a good choice.

If you are seeking for even more specs or features per price, then you may look for PLUM96. It is a 96 keys keyboard with wireless ability + come default with POM/PBT keycaps.


Sidenote: If you are getting a board from China, you must had already decided to give up on the warranty claim already.

[BucklingSpring]

I haven't actually seen one in real life but captured this photo from someone who did a review on a competitor's site


My only concern is the keycaps... iOne flaky style.

But at that price you can probably get nice pbt replacement keycaps

[nescio]

I haven't actually seen one in real life but captured this photo from someone who did a review on a competitor's site
(Attachment Link)

My only concern is the keycaps... iOne flaky style.

But at that price you can probably get nice pbt replacement keycaps

I had seen that picture before, but I can't see what's wrong with it. Can you go into more detail about what is wrong with that image?

[freestyler]

I have one with red switches and i also used one with brown for 2 weeks.
Loved them both but they were my first keyboards so take that with a grain of salt.

Costar stabilizers, 21-key rollover @ usb or n-key @ ps/2, better board quality and better white color than keycools, compatible with key cap replacements (spacebar is not for keycool).
The long keys feel great, media keys and "disable window key" work great, comes with some accessories, heavy & sturdy and cheap.
I think it's clean and good looking.

If i had to say something something bad, then maybe key caps could be better. More specific: the printing and their "style". I'd prefer them more wide at the top.
All in all, if you like that exact layout go for it if you can't find the quickfire rapid. You won't be disappointed.

Here are some photos.



rest as links to not spam the thread.

http://i.imgur.com/3nMOZ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3mIsY.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/t04Wu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ju2Ni.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FBg3W.jpg

[BucklingSpring]

I had seen that picture before, but I can't see what's wrong with it. Can you go into more detail about what is wrong with that image?

The small amount of material around the "+" = Wobbling prone.
The tiny little insert (black piece) holding the space bar stabilizer. Ugh...

[freestyler]

What's wrong with the black piece? Isn't that the standard costar stabilizer insert?
It looks shiny cause of the grease. Mine have grease as well.

I didn't understand what you mean in the first sentence. The little bumb on the key?
They don't hit the plate anyway. They bottom out earlier.

[BucklingSpring]

What's wrong with the black piece? Isn't that the standard costar stabilizer insert?
I didn't understand what you mean in the first sentence.

1 - Costar stabilizer inserts are bigger.
2 - On Costar the diameter of the cylinder around the "+" is also bigger. (Left cheap TVS Gold, Right Filco's)
     The ones on the HPE looks even smaller