should I get another Filco tenkeyless Browns or a Realforce 87U All-45g

[LifeIsGooD2]

I really dont mind the realforce price if it is worth it ... is it similar to cherry brown switch ? is it worth the extra money ? what are the pros and cons ?

[jdcarpe]

Realforce uses Topre keyswitches, which are not at all similar to any kind of Cherry MX switches. Whether it is worth the price you pay for it is up to you. You can't really describe how they feel without actually typing on one, I don't think. It's a capacitive switch under a rubber dome (individual, not a membrane sheet), with a conical spring for smooth resistance. To me, they feel like a really high quality rubber dome keyboard. Which is exactly what they are. So, if you like typing on a rubber dome, you'll like the Topre switches.

FYI, I have sold every Topre board I've ever owned. I currently have 4 Filco TKL's.

Also, keycap sets are harder to find and more expensive for Topre boards. You can get them at EK, for about $110 for a full set. There are no GB custom sets for Topre.

Edit: There is also concern that, over time, the rubber in the Topre switches will degrade, causing the board to feel less responsive. Some people have claimed they have evidence of this, while others think it is only speculation.

[daerid]

Just to present the other side of the coin, so to speak, I've sold every Cherry board I've owned. I currently have 3 Topre boards and am probably going to buy a white HHKB as well.

Personally, I find the 45g RF to be a bit too light for me (oddly enough, the HHKB is just right. They feel quite different). However, I have pretty large hands. Others swear by their 45g 87u.

The good part about trying out a RealForce is that the resale value is pretty high if you find you don't like it. You should be able to sell it for close to what you paid, making the testing experience fairly inexpensive.

[singaporean123]

if you like a topre switch you'll love it. if you hate it you'll sell within 30minutes

[LifeIsGooD2]

hmm its a shame no one sells them around here to try them .. I'll have to keep thinking about it

[LifeIsGooD2]

I should probably also mention that I game a lot if that makes any difference

[CPTBadAss]

hmm its a shame no one sells them around here to try them .. I'll have to keep thinking about it

Kmiller8 might be selling some Topre keychains as a switch tester. I'm also running an IC to test out keycaps but I also got an offer to get a switch try bag which has a Topre switch in it. If you want to try out Topre but don't want to shell out the pricing, maybe you can contribute to the IC and help get some more support so I can make it a reality.

[daerid]

I personally found the 45g a bit too light to game on. It was causing my left fingers to cramp slightly due to having to exert extra energy to lift my finger back up when pressing the same key rapidly.

Once I moved to the 55g, that problem went away.

[dreamingftw]

I wanted to sell mine right away when I first got it, but after a few weeks of using it, I found that I really loved it. You need to give the switch at least a week before you decide if you love it or hate it. RF45g BTW.

[Fawley]

I have both and love them both.  I use the RF at work and like using it there precisely because it is not too dissimilar from a rubber dome; it feels natural and functions more behind the scenes, which is good for work so I am not constantly reminded of using a "special" keyboard.  I use the Filco (browns) at home.  Each is satisfying in its own way, but if forced to choose I would take the RF.  It is smooth and comfortable and makes lovely sounds.

[Polymer]

If you already have a Filco Brown I'd definitely give the RF a  try...

It'll be completely different than what you're used to..and like people said,  you have to give it some time.  At first you  might think, well, this is just like rubber dome..and really, it is...But after using it for awhile you start realizing, wow, this feels better, more stable and smoother than any other rubber dome I've ever tried...I don't even consider them in the same class (and they aren't). 

Then you'll try your Cherry and think your Cherry board feels a little cheap....After some time with both you'll start appreciating both again...

[sth]

there are so many great keyboards out there; wait to buy duplicates until you've tried more!

and of course you should buy a topre.

[tp4tissue]

Everyone here has taken the topre plunge.....

However, unlike everyone else, I don't idolize and put my purchases on pedestals.

Topre makes good quality solid keyboards.

They are rubber dome, that's what they feel like.

The key shafts are designed well, such that it travels evenly from all angles.

So, in the end, you get a familiar rubber dome keyboard that is smoother and more reliable...


That's what you can expect.....


There are no cons except the rip-off price, and loose top fitting, WHICH others purportedly claim does "not" affect the stability of the keyboard or key switches..

Though I disagree....


There is however still a chance that you get a slightly "warped" top cover which will fit very snuggly, so in this case warped is good. Pray that you get a warped top cover

[LifeIsGooD2]

does anyone here play sc2 and have a topre keyboard ?

would you say just stick with browns instead of topre for sc2  ? or still give the topre a try ?

[tp4tissue]

does anyone here play sc2 and have a topre keyboard ?

would you say just stick with browns instead of topre for sc2  ? or still give the topre a try ?

the keyboard makes no difference in gaming performance.. that should not be a factor in your decision..

[lazerpointer]

Honestly, I just recently decided that MX browns were my favorite switch. But a certain part of my inner keyboard freak, can not resist the temptation of typing on this thing of such controversy and ridiculous expense. And besides... It will sell on ebay Geekhack like others have said, fairly easily, should I decide it's not worth the cost. It's gonna get here aaaany day now

[jabar]

I think I can confidently say that Topre switches feel the most stable of any switch I've tried. However even as nice as they can be, they still are quite overpriced.

[LifeIsGooD2]

does anyone here play sc2 and have a topre keyboard ?

would you say just stick with browns instead of topre for sc2  ? or still give the topre a try ?

the keyboard makes no difference in gaming performance.. that should not be a factor in your decision..

thats your opinion...I disagree

if I am going to be playing for hours a keyboard that I am more comfortable with could make a huge difference

[simingma]

Don't try to compare them, they are orange and apples, both very interesting. get them both and you will see what I mean!

[LifeIsGooD2]

Ok I finally decided on a realforce 87u ... has anyone bought from elitekeyboards.com ?

its going to be 284 with two day shipping is that about right ?

If I like my browns would you recomend 45g I believe browns are 45g correct ?

[daerid]

I've bought 2 RF's from EK, they're awesome. Fast shipping, great service.

[lazerpointer]

Had my 55g for a couple days now and I have to admit the quality is unmatched. It just feels so damn PERFECT but the linear nature of the switch is very strange to get used to after coming from MX browns....

I have decided to exclusively either type on the Topre board, and no other mechanicals (used to use a cherry browns board at work but once you acclimate to the browns, Topre is just plain strange.) So I'm limiting myself to either the Topre or mediocre rubber domes / laptop scissor switch until I can truly truly justify spending the other 250 to get a 55g for work. It still seems insane to me, even after feeling how awesome and solid the Topre board is. I have a strong feeling I'll end up with yet another 55g for work though.... DAMN this obsessive compulsive disorder.

[ValerieV]

Can't you bring the same keyboard to work and then take it home at night? 

[lazerpointer]

It's heavy... and I'd be the only guy doing it in a 14 story building

[flacman]

Having now used a Leopold FC700R with browns, I'd say I still prefer the Topre switch on my HHKB. While my HHKB isn't really suited for gaming (it can be done though), I use the Leopold for gaming/casual typing.

I'm planning to get a RF 87U 45g uniform later this year, so I'd say go get the Topre board; you'll be impressed.