Is this worth the money?

[Blusey]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Full-Aluminum-Keyboard-Housing-with-USB-2-0-HUB-for-Topre-Realforce-87U-/161133900415?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item258454327f

Been looking at getting some Topre Clacks and things like the GasMasks etc but obviously need a Topre keyboard.  Was wondering if this is worth the money they are charging? If not and someone can help me find a nice Topre keyboard at a reasonable price, I might be willing to send a couple KeyCaps of mine for free to people (:

[Dgsbllx]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

[Fragil1ty]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

wouldn't say it's worth it just for the housing to be honest with you.

If you're desperate for a good looking house for your topre, maybe, but imo? nope.

[Blusey]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

Actually misread and didn't see this . Thing is, I want either a custom painted QFR case with switches in (obviously I can pay what I have to ) or to find a nice Topre keyboard already made up, then for me to just change the keycap

[Photekq]

Yes, it's worth it. For a high quality housing like that $199 is a very good price.

[Dgsbllx]

The Leopold FC660c is generally regarded as decent and cheaper entry to topre. It might also be worth checking out the classifieds for a hhkb/realforce but it depends on your preference of TKL, 60% etc

[SpAmRaY]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

Actually misread and didn't see this . Thing is, I want either a custom painted QFR case with switches in (obviously I can pay what I have to ) or to find a nice Topre keyboard already made up, then for me to just change the keycap

There are not a lot of options for topre key caps just an FYI.

[Blusey]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

Actually misread and didn't see this . Thing is, I want either a custom painted QFR case with switches in (obviously I can pay what I have to ) or to find a nice Topre keyboard already made up, then for me to just change the keycap

There are not a lot of options for topre key caps just an FYI.

I usually see more Topre keycaps than MX ones (: for customs anyways

[Beca]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

Actually misread and didn't see this . Thing is, I want either a custom painted QFR case with switches in (obviously I can pay what I have to ) or to find a nice Topre keyboard already made up, then for me to just change the keycap

There are not a lot of options for topre key caps just an FYI.

I usually see more Topre keycaps than MX ones (: for customs anyways

Which keycaps are you talking about? There are very little options for keysets and keycaps.

[eth0s]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

Actually misread and didn't see this . Thing is, I want either a custom painted QFR case with switches in (obviously I can pay what I have to ) or to find a nice Topre keyboard already made up, then for me to just change the keycap

There are not a lot of options for topre key caps just an FYI.

I usually see more Topre keycaps than MX ones (: for customs anyways

I think you're a bit confused.  All Topre keyboards come with excellent PBT dye sublimated keycaps (except the Type Heaven, which you should avoid.)   You do not need replacement keycaps with a Topre keyboard.  You can, if yoy wish, get replacement Topre sets, but that's only to have pretty colors like pink, green, blue, red, yellow or orange. You can buy those colored keycaps (when you can find them), but you don't need them.  With MX keyboards, it's a different story.  Usually they come with very cheap and crappy ABS pad printed keycaps, which nobody likes, and which wear out quickly.  So with a new MX keyboard, you really do need to buy a replacement set if keycaps.  People either opt for double shot ABS (because they look great) or PBT (because they last a long time).  Some wise souls look for POM (because it's way more kewl). 

As for Clacks, those are special novelty keycaps made by Clack Factory owner and founder Click Clack.  There are more MX Clacks than Topre Clacks, AFAIK, out there in the wild.  But you have to hunt them down, and usually have to pay a pretty high price for just one.  Like $100 (USD) or more.

Finally, as for aluminum cases, you DO NOT need one.  Aluminum cases, IMO, are too heavy and add nothing to the keyboard.  They do not improve the function or feel of the keyboard, and are purely for aesthetic purposes, and e-peen.  (does anybody say e-peen anymore?)  Basically, they are a luxury item meant for conspicuous consumption.  There is nothing wrong with aluminum cases, mind you, but they are not necessary to having a truly great keyboard.

[Blusey]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

Actually misread and didn't see this . Thing is, I want either a custom painted QFR case with switches in (obviously I can pay what I have to ) or to find a nice Topre keyboard already made up, then for me to just change the keycap

No that's fair enough, I can avoid going for a Topre then. However I do really want something like a Custom QFR though. Maybe in purple. I'm due to buy a nice one in red but want another kinda glossy color also. Just hard to find sellers of a whole keyboard. Most sell cases and I for sure couldn't put one together lol.
There are not a lot of options for topre key caps just an FYI.

I usually see more Topre keycaps than MX ones (: for customs anyways

I think you're a bit confused.  All Topre keyboards come with excellent PBT dye sublimated keycaps (except the Type Heaven, which you should avoid.)   You do not need replacement keycaps with a Topre keyboard.  You can, if yoy wish, get replacement Topre sets, but that's only to have pretty colors like pink, green, blue, red, yellow or orange. You can buy those colored keycaps (when you can find them), but you don't need them.  With MX keyboards, it's a different story.  Usually they come with very cheap and crappy ABS pad printed keycaps, which nobody likes, and which wear out quickly.  So with a new MX keyboard, you really do need to buy a replacement set if keycaps.  People either opt for double shot ABS (because they look great) or PBT (because they last a long time).  Some wise souls look for POM (because it's way more kewl). 

As for Clacks, those are special novelty keycaps made by Clack Factory owner and founder Click Clack.  There are more MX Clacks than Topre Clacks, AFAIK, out there in the wild.  But you have to hunt them down, and usually have to pay a pretty high price for just one.  Like $100 (USD) or more.

Finally, as for aluminum cases, you DO NOT need one.  Aluminum cases, IMO, are too heavy and add nothing to the keyboard.  They do not improve the function or feel of the keyboard, and are purely for aesthetic purposes, and e-peen.  (does anybody say e-peen anymore?)  Basically, they are a luxury item meant for conspicuous consumption.  There is nothing wrong with aluminum cases, mind you, but they are not necessary to having a truly great keyboard.

[Linkbane]

Not too sure on the quality, I'm sure someone on here can comment on that
You are aware this is just for the case though and no keyboard included?

Actually misread and didn't see this . Thing is, I want either a custom painted QFR case with switches in (obviously I can pay what I have to ) or to find a nice Topre keyboard already made up, then for me to just change the keycap

There are not a lot of options for topre key caps just an FYI.

I usually see more Topre keycaps than MX ones (: for customs anyways

I think you're a bit confused.  All Topre keyboards come with excellent PBT dye sublimated keycaps (except the Type Heaven, which you should avoid.)   You do not need replacement keycaps with a Topre keyboard.  You can, if yoy wish, get replacement Topre sets, but that's only to have pretty colors like pink, green, blue, red, yellow or orange. You can buy those colored keycaps (when you can find them), but you don't need them.  With MX keyboards, it's a different story.  Usually they come with very cheap and crappy ABS pad printed keycaps, which nobody likes, and which wear out quickly.  So with a new MX keyboard, you really do need to buy a replacement set if keycaps.  People either opt for double shot ABS (because they look great) or PBT (because they last a long time).  Some wise souls look for POM (because it's way more kewl). 

As for Clacks, those are special novelty keycaps made by Clack Factory owner and founder Click Clack.  There are more MX Clacks than Topre Clacks, AFAIK, out there in the wild.  But you have to hunt them down, and usually have to pay a pretty high price for just one.  Like $100 (USD) or more.

Finally, as for aluminum cases, you DO NOT need one.  Aluminum cases, IMO, are too heavy and add nothing to the keyboard.  They do not improve the function or feel of the keyboard, and are purely for aesthetic purposes, and e-peen.  (does anybody say e-peen anymore?)  Basically, they are a luxury item meant for conspicuous consumption.  There is nothing wrong with aluminum cases, mind you, but they are not necessary to having a truly great keyboard.

He's just asking for an opinion on whether a metal case is worth it or not, not for you to recite the Bible of Personal Keyboard Beliefs at them.
In my opinion, it wouldn't really be worth it. The feel of Topre doesn't really change much in aluminum and it will be very heavy.

[Pacifist]

OP has everything wrong. He wants a topre board, NOT the case

obviously need a Topre keyboard.  Was wondering if this is worth the money they are charging? find a nice Topre keyboard

nowhere does he say case. he even says he needs a keyboard first. so the ebay item he linked is almost completely wrong for what he actually wants

[eth0s]

OP has everything wrong. He wants a topre board, NOT the case

obviously need a Topre keyboard.  Was wondering if this is worth the money they are charging? find a nice Topre keyboard

nowhere does he say case. he even says he needs a keyboard first. so the ebay item he linked is almost completely wrong for what he actually wants

^ +1 to this.  This is what I meant to say. 

The OP also said he wants to buy a Topre Keyboard so he has a place to put all the Clacks he plans to buy.  And I guess I conflated in my mind what he was asking with the PM's I get from nubs asking me where they can buy Clacks like mine.  I also thought he sounded a bit confused about what kind of keycaps come standard with a Topre Keyboard. 

Apparently in my attempt to impart some useful info to a nub, I struck a nerve with Linkbane.  I guess he doesn't like me, or my attempt to help someone.  LOL.  Bible of Personal Keyboard Beliefs?  wtf? 

From the Book of eth0s 1:337

Now when eth0s saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.  Same as when the ABS pad printed keycaps become shiny.  How can they be made good again?  They cannot.  They shalt be thrown out, and trample underfoot as well.  Go forth and buy Topre.  So sayeth me."

[BucklingSpring]

Regardless of what the OP wants... 199 for a case like this seams like a nice finding.
3Kg... Now that's heavy.

[sth]

i am selling a WAY cooler realforce case than that one

[eisenhower]

i would say so

[Pacifist]

To the OP, just get the 87u off of EK for http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se1700
for $225. Its cheaper than the case (including shipping from korea) and its the actual board that you dont have yet

[terran5992]

It was selling at almost 500 before. So Yeaaaaa

199 is a good price

[tp4tissue]

It was selling at almost 500 before. So Yeaaaaa

199 is a good price

idk if that's a good justification..

they used to sell 40" tvs for $20,000, now they're $200..  Still.. I wouldn't say that $200 tv is a good buy.

[tbc]

$200 for an aluminum case is pretty damn nice by itself.

not to mention the inclusion of the external connector and the usb hub.


the most important question is:  is a metal case worth anything to you in the first place?  if not, then any price for that case is too much.

[Wildcard]

I think the case is pretty nice myself. The Realforce boards already have a very solid feel without the case, but no one can argue that a block of aluminum usually isn't going to move around much. It adds a layer of heft to the Realforce which makes a solid keyboard that much more solid. And aesthetically, it is very pleasing.

[SpAmRaY]

To the OP, just get the 87u off of EK for http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se1700
for $225. Its cheaper than the case (including shipping from korea) and its the actual board that you dont have yet

But if the OP is in the UK (since the ebay listing he listed is for the UK) then he will also have a nice big shipping charge from EK as well.