Author Topic: Topre vs Mx? (Read 24461 times)

sushi · « **on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 07:36:36 »

Does anyone use and love both?

I got to try a realforce 55g Topre board today and was really surprised how different it felt from the MX switches I'm used to using... I've read a lot about how folks here really like the 'thock' of the switches, but this one just felt mushy. Maybe it's not my thing, or is this how the boards are supposed to feel?

Curious to hear from folks that switch between using Topres and not on your experience.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 07:43:41 »

I own multiples of both. They are OK.

need · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 07:53:16 »

Topre feels so boring to type on.

Bucake · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 07:54:34 »

it's gotten very hard for me to enjoy MX

losing_ctrl · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 08:20:02 »

I use and like both, but wouldn't say love both. I'd say I love buckling springs. However these days I am using mostly my HHKB JP Type-S and RealForce 87u 55 g, just because I am appreciating the quietness and high quality of those boards. That being said, I'ved owned and liked a CODE with MX Clears, and I still own a board with MX Greens which is quite satisfying to type on, very nice. I see no reason to take sides in Topre vs MX, but it's fun to read all the posts generated by subjective comparisons between the two.

Olumin · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 09:22:42 »

The MX I've tried felt scratchy and, idk, cheap? But what they all had in common is that they where new. The only MX board I've owned myself is a MX clear, which I had the same experience with, and therefore returned it. MX needs a lot of time to "break in" and to get smooth, but that literally takes years of use, you could lube them, but that's not my thing. That is also the reason why so many people like vintage MX switches, because these are mostly already broken in.

Topre dosan't have that "break in" period, it's only a "semi-mechanical" switch, a slider over rubber dome over capacitive spring over PCB. They feel vastly different from mechanical switches like MX or alps. I've liked Topre right away, for me there is noting better for typing, work and casual multimedia like surfing the internet. For gaming, they work, but that's about it. I do not recommend them for gaming, but that is also not what they are made for.

mike52787 · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 09:32:05 »

well I know mx kinda sucks, but ive never tried topre. All I know is alps or model f buckling spring is my endgame

phoible · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 10:19:34 »

I prefer Matias Quiet Clicks, and have a couple of boards with them. With that said, I pulled my silenced Novatouch out of the drawer the other day, and I've actually been enjoying using it.

Haven't used my Leopold with Browns in quite a while, but it wasn't half bad either. The only board I don't really like is my CM Storm with Blues - for some reason Blues feel like cheap versions of buckling springs to me (probably in the same way that some people find Browns to be scratchy, which I've never noticed).

drewba · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 15:43:55 »

I alternate between browns, clears, ergo clears & buckling spring at home and work. I picked up a RF variable weight a couple weeks ago and really had no expectations other than a "thock". I lasted a full work week before putting it back in the box. Mushy is a good way of describing the key feels, it just seems sluggish. I type quickly and was finding myself frustrated at the amount of time the key needed to reset before I could hit it again. For instance, backspacing several times in a row to delete an entire word felt like an eternity. Admittedly I'm being dramatic but considering the price of topre I wasn't impressed. The majority of people seem to say that variable weight is like 55g's uglier, dumber brother so I would like to get my hands on a 55g board before I stick with MX/BS forever. My only reference point is the Esc key on the variable weight which is 55g, it's hard to say from that one key if it's that much better than 30/45g but it sure doesn't seem like it.

Needless to say I have a variable weight to sell if you're interested

)

klennkellon · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 15:55:55 »

MX are kind of lame once you try other switches. I have a soft spot for MX Blues.

Tangtawan · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 10 June 2016, 16:25:36 »

I currently own all types of MX switches (linear,clicky,tactile), Topre (45g), and original Model M buckling spring and still couldn't decide which one is my end game or which one i like the most, as I still switch my daily driver once or twice a month. Typing on one type of switch can be boring after awhile.

rowdy · « **Reply #11 on:** Sun, 12 June 2016, 01:24:38 »

I regularly alternate between various MX switches, buckling springs, and Topre in an HHKB.

I like the variety

_PixelNinja · « **Reply #12 on:** Sun, 12 June 2016, 08:10:41 »

Topre is my favorite switch but I enjoy bringing out the MX Reds every now and then.

need · « **Reply #13 on:** Sun, 12 June 2016, 14:35:42 »

Quote from: _PixelNinja on Sun, 12 June 2016, 08:10:41

Topre is my favorite switch but I enjoy bringing out the MX Reds every now and then.

Cool story bro

Polymer · « **Reply #14 on:** Sun, 12 June 2016, 15:54:46 »

Quote from: sushi on Fri, 10 June 2016, 07:36:36

Does anyone use and love both?

I use and love both...for different reasons and for different applications...

For work, and general typing...I prefer Topre...Just more enjoyable to use...
For gaming I prefer MX by a LOT...just feels better when using it for gaming and Topre doesn't feel right...With MX I get that very hard, almost arcade like feel...

I use my Topre boards more in general...but if for some reason I had to choose one it would be MX..simply because I could do both and be happy with both..whereas I'm just not happy using Topre for gaming..

Zhuni · « **Reply #15 on:** Sun, 12 June 2016, 16:05:24 »

Love topre for typing but feels laboured for fps games in comparison to reds so still use reds. If I ever stopped gaming though it would be topre all day!

zslane · « **Reply #16 on:** Sun, 12 June 2016, 16:13:50 »

I like the feel of Topre switches, and in fact they are the only tactile switch I like (no MX browns/clears for me, nothankyou). However, until I can put my SA/DSA keycaps onto a Topre keyboard with an ANSI 104/108 or 60% layout, I will continue to use MX reds. 45cN is the perfect resistance for my typing style, and I simply can't abide "clicky" switches (I hate buckling springs with the white hot fury of a thousand suns).

So it's MX reds for me until Topre releases their MX-stemmed RealForce board to the public. Even then, I will continue to use my Pok3rs with MX reds since I'm not holding my breath for a 60%er from them.

supamesican · « **Reply #17 on:** Sun, 12 June 2016, 17:50:49 »

mx are okay, but any other mechanical switch type is better.

opensecret · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 13 June 2016, 21:16:40 »

I use Topre (Realforce variable), MX (Corsair K95 with o-ringed Cherry reds), Alps (Northgate and Mattias), and Buckling Spring (IBM Model M) on a fairly regular basis. I like ‘em all, though the BS is my least favorite (requires too much force for my taste), and I’m about equally comfortable typing on any of them. Going from one to another has very little effect on speed, accuracy, fatigue or my enjoyment of the typing experience.

I think this all comes down to personal preferences. There are many keyboard connoisseurs on Geekhack who have very distinct preferences for one board or switch over another, but I haven’t found a mech board that I don’t like.

demik · « **Reply #19 on:** Mon, 13 June 2016, 21:17:41 »

hhkb squad. topre gang 4 lyfe.

we beat up nerd mx switches for fun.

sushi · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 14 June 2016, 02:39:45 »

Wow! Thanks guys - that's a lot topre love

I've been on the fence with getting the Topre HHKB - might just need to get hold of one and try an extended typing session to see how I feel about it.
Currently running browns and blues, and finding that I'm using the browns a lot more. The love the clickyness of the blues, but just a touch too light and do have a slight cheap-ish feel.

Really wish there could be a netflix style keyboard rental to try boards out!

chyros · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 14 June 2016, 02:42:20 »

I can definitely see the appeal in Topre, but not the HHKB. I'm starting to think it's like the Apple of keyboards

.

need · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 14 June 2016, 10:07:48 »

Quote from: chyros on Tue, 14 June 2016, 02:42:20

I can definitely see the appeal in Topre, but not the HHKB. I'm starting to think it's like the Apple of keyboards .

Good. At least it's not like Microsoft.

jerue · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 15 June 2016, 13:14:25 »

55g Realforce is my favorite out of the box experience.

I use both MX and Topre almost daily. HHKB lubed with silenced purple sliders, or a board with vintage MX switches is how I prefer to go

Marshal · « **Reply #24 on:** Wed, 15 June 2016, 21:52:16 »

Topre has been a real game changer for me. Many people like it and many people don't. Another user had a great explanation that it really is just a rubber dome board and it's got the rubber dome feel with some extra features to make it more enjoyable to type on. It does take a bit to get used to but after a week or two of using it, a lot of people convert to Topre boards. They really are fantastic and I love my 55g HHKB!

Bucake · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 16 June 2016, 17:23:36 »

ohhh dat RF87U
mmmmm
ohhhh
yeahhh

Hypersphere · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 16 June 2016, 18:18:25 »

Cherry mx switches are my least favorite of the many switch types I have tried, but I keep some Cherry mx boards in my collection for variety and as platforms for various keycap sets.

Silenced and lubed 45g and 55g Topre switches are my favorites after IBM capacitive buckling springs (Model F).

Recently, I have tried some of the Cherry mx clones, and I find that Gaterons are generally smoother than their Cherry counterparts. In addition, Gateron black and Gateron yellow are linear switches that do not have direct Cherry counterparts. I am considering a custom build using Gateron yellow switches.

I also have a CM Novatouch. When silenced and lubed, it rivals the sound and feel of my RF87UB55, and it provides the novelty of Cherry mx-compatible switch stems. At the moment, I have the SA Carbon set on it, which sets this board quite apart from any other in my collection.

Although I enjoy some variety, the board I use most often is a silenced and lubed HHKB Pro 2, which has 45g Topre switches. This board also embodies my favorite form factor (60%) and layout (HHKB).

9fiftyfive · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 17 June 2016, 17:04:48 »

I prefer Topre, but Cherry MX aren't bad by any means. I like Blues

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

drducc · « **Reply #28 on:** Wed, 04 April 2018, 18:02:08 »

During my visit in Korea, I decided to pick up a Leopold FC660C, a topre board after hearing that it was 45g switches.
As soon as I received the board, I realized the alphas were all 55g domes, and I realized that this wasn't only me who was feeling it.
And because of this, I really don't like this board. If it truly had all 45g, then maybe I would have liked it.
But I really can't see all the type about topre. It thocks and clacks, and yeah it makes a satisfactory noise, but I would have spent my money on a nice MX Red board.
I don't really recommend topre that much. It feels okay, but is it worth 200$+? No.
Does it feel awesome? Not really. It just feels different.
Is it worth a try? I mean, yeah, but the cost is just too much.
Type on one yourself and decide. So far, I really am not enjoying my FC660C. It just doesn't feel as great as MX Reds and Browns for me. It just really doesn't.
But you know what the weird thing is? It's like everyone is just so inexplicably hyped over topres! I can't find a single post or forum post dedicated for some negative viewpoints about topre.
Haha, hope you have a nice day.

pr0ximity · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed, 04 April 2018, 19:25:12 »

I said it before, Topre is like comfy pajamas. Good on a rainy lazy day when you want somethhing to snug up on.

I usually get a little bored of them after a day and have to go back to something else, but I have a short attention span anyway so I always come back eventually.

HotRoderX · « **Reply #30 on:** Thu, 05 April 2018, 03:32:17 »

Quote from: drducc on Wed, 04 April 2018, 18:02:08

During my visit in Korea, I decided to pick up a Leopold FC660C, a topre board after hearing that it was 45g switches.
As soon as I received the board, I realized the alphas were all 55g domes, and I realized that this wasn't only me who was feeling it.
And because of this, I really don't like this board. If it truly had all 45g, then maybe I would have liked it.
But I really can't see all the type about topre. It thocks and clacks, and yeah it makes a satisfactory noise, but I would have spent my money on a nice MX Red board.
I don't really recommend topre that much. It feels okay, but is it worth 200$+? No.
Does it feel awesome? Not really. It just feels different.
Is it worth a try? I mean, yeah, but the cost is just too much.
Type on one yourself and decide. So far, I really am not enjoying my FC660C. It just doesn't feel as great as MX Reds and Browns for me. It just really doesn't.
But you know what the weird thing is? It's like everyone is just so inexplicably hyped over topres! I can't find a single post or forum post dedicated for some negative viewpoints about topre.
Haha, hope you have a nice day.

Honestly I think its common for people to walk into topre thinking! its a holy grail of all switches. Personally I love love topre! is topre my end game switch... it be hard to say its not but just as hard to say it is. I think of it like this Coca-Cola (MX) vs Pepsi (Topre) both have there pros and cons and both have a colt following. I would say neither is superior and I enjoy both from time to time equally. I just have to be in the mood and yes there huge flavor difference between Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

futurecrime · « **Reply #31 on:** Thu, 05 April 2018, 04:36:15 »

I love both with all my heart, they're like children from different marriages.

Sup · « **Reply #32 on:** Thu, 05 April 2018, 05:19:40 »

Topre is a pretty good feeling switch. It's smooth and bottoming out is soft. Other then Topre i love Alps switches they are smooth and they feel amazing to type on. MX switches on the other hand is boring as can be.

mustcode · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 05 April 2018, 05:21:03 »

I do love Topre, but "MX" is a little too broad... There are some MX compatible switches that I love as much as Topre and some that I think are terrible switches... I also love Alps switches.

tp4tissue · « **Reply #34 on:** Thu, 05 April 2018, 06:25:04 »

Quote from: futurecrime on Thu, 05 April 2018, 04:36:15

I love both with all my heart, they're like children from different marriages.

Yea, but then the audience is left wondering.

Are you a the crummy dead beat dad to two families.

Hahahahahaha..

Of course alternatively, you could've been victim to 2 gold-diggn' xwives..

bizzy11 · « **Reply #35 on:** Thu, 05 April 2018, 22:35:11 »

I got to try topre recently and now I'm selling all my mx stuff lol.

Rayoui · « **Reply #36 on:** Thu, 05 April 2018, 22:36:25 »

I prefer modded Cherry switches over Topre. A nice custom with tuned switches has a much more precise and premium feel than a Topre board. That said, I'd take Topre over almost any commercially available Cherry boards.

I've pretty much relegated my HHKB Type S to use at work because it's relatively quiet and it's easy to carry back and forth. At home I use my Mira SE with 62g lubed Clears.

saxophone · « **Reply #37 on:** Fri, 06 April 2018, 01:26:27 »

I use topre clones for typing at work, while reds at home for gaming.

Different tools different uses.

nguyenhimself · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 06 April 2018, 03:25:36 »

I have a Zealio 67g board and a Realforce 55g. One funny thing is that for some reasons, these Topre domes feel A LOT NICER once I get in the groove and start typing continuously for a bit.

And the sound, just whoa. That's some new ASMR level ****. I'm that kinda guy who values both the switch feel and the sound when it comes to keyboards (also why I'm looking into an orange Alps build).

So yeah, different priorities and such.

Polymer · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 06 April 2018, 05:13:56 »

Quote from: drducc on Wed, 04 April 2018, 18:02:08

During my visit in Korea, I decided to pick up a Leopold FC660C, a topre board after hearing that it was 45g switches.
As soon as I received the board, I realized the alphas were all 55g domes, and I realized that this wasn't only me who was feeling it.
And because of this, I really don't like this board. If it truly had all 45g, then maybe I would have liked it.
But I really can't see all the type about topre. It thocks and clacks, and yeah it makes a satisfactory noise, but I would have spent my money on a nice MX Red board.
I don't really recommend topre that much. It feels okay, but is it worth 200$+? No.
Does it feel awesome? Not really. It just feels different.
Is it worth a try? I mean, yeah, but the cost is just too much.
Type on one yourself and decide. So far, I really am not enjoying my FC660C. It just doesn't feel as great as MX Reds and Browns for me. It just really doesn't.
But you know what the weird thing is? It's like everyone is just so inexplicably hyped over topres! I can't find a single post or forum post dedicated for some negative viewpoints about topre.
Haha, hope you have a nice day.

Keep using it for a month or so...and then go back to MX.

A lot of people will try Topre at first and be underwhelmed because they're looking for something similar to what they have on MX and for many Topre will remind them of what they used to use before (normal rubber dome).

If at the end of the month you still hate topre, just sell it....but when you start switching back and forth a lot of people just end up sticking with Topre because it just feels great..the sound feels great..the stability and overall feel is just really nice to type on.

EugeneYap83 · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 06 April 2018, 10:30:14 »

I think you start with MX-Cherry until you know what you truly want from a keyboard.

Nine years ago when I was still using MX Cherry Blues, I was not impressed by Topre keyboard.
I even laughed at the keyboard and the people who use the Realforce keyboard because it was dumb to me as it's just overpriced Ruber dome Keyboards.

It's only about two years ago, I know what I needed something smooth, not springy but able to recover fast, "tactilely and actuate point" from the beginning(not during the downstroke.) Realforce seems to fit my requirements and never look back since.

Everybody would end up differently, I have some friends stick to Cherry MX and others switched to Alps.

Blaise170 · « **Reply #41 on:** Fri, 06 April 2018, 10:34:47 »

I like Cherry linear switches but the others leave a lot to be desired. I've only tried Topre once and it felt like typing on a rubber dome - nothing special at all. I much prefer Alps and Matias.

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Author Topic: Topre vs Mx? (Read 24461 times)