Where to go next?

[trees]

Alright guys, I normally like to give help when people don't know what to buy, but this time I'm asking for it.

After using and testing a bunch of key boards, I have set my 2 current daily drivers, a HHKB & a FC660C. I love them, 45g Topre is great but now I'm looking for my next venture.

I have around 250-300$ or so. I was considering:

• an SSK
• possibly try 55g topre with a realforce
• I saw you can order completely custom boards from winkeyless's website (would go over my 300$).
• attempt to build one
• Get a PCB/Parts and have someone build one for me (I don't own soldering equipment, and don't have the steadiest hands)
• join a GB of some sort of keyboard

What do you think? What fun new mech type experience should I go with next? I'm not too picky, I only really don't like browns or super heavy switches, and would prefer TKL or smaller.

[iamtootallforthis]

I just got myself a 55g HHKB Type-S and a 55g 23U and I love them. My next board I plan on getting is something with clears. Will most likely be a 75% board or a 1800 type board. I also have my eye on Ellipse's custom F62 and F77 IC.

[trees]

My next board I plan on getting is something with clears. I also have my eye on Ellipse's custom F62 and F77 IC.

The one cherry switch i never tried was clears, but i think they may be too heavy for me (i thought blacks were overly stiff). I would love to use something with ergo-clears.

I'm watching Ellipse's thread as well, but I've never used BS before. How are they?

[jerue]

I'd go for the 55g Realforce. I picture the SSK feeling rather similar to the Model M (smaller form factor would mean lighter, but still), and most custom boards will definitely go over your budget. You could probably get the Realforce and a Model M for within your budget.

[iamtootallforthis]

My next board I plan on getting is something with clears. I also have my eye on Ellipse's custom F62 and F77 IC.

The one cherry switch i never tried was clears, but i think they may be too heavy for me (i thought blacks were overly stiff). I would love to use something with ergo-clears.

I'm watching Ellipse's thread as well, but I've never used BS before. How are they?

I need to order some stock cherry clears as well to see and then possibly mod them to ergo clears.

I have never used BS boards before but figure I might as well go off the deep end and grab one as they look like they will turn out to be great boards. I just hope it comes to fruition.

[trees]

I'd go for the 55g Realforce.

How much stiffer is the 55g domes compared to the 45? I know the '10g' is obvious, but how is it real world, as someone who wasnt a fan of stiffer cherrys for being too heavy, is that going to be an issue?

[CPTBadAss]

How much stiffer is the 55g domes compared to the 45? I know the '10g' is obvious, but how is it real world, as someone who wasnt a fan of stiffer cherrys for being too heavy, is that going to be an issue?

Do you have a Microcenter near you? You can try the Novatouch there and figure it out for yourself.

[trees]

How much stiffer is the 55g domes compared to the 45? I know the '10g' is obvious, but how is it real world, as someone who wasnt a fan of stiffer cherrys for being too heavy, is that going to be an issue?

Do you have a Microcenter near you? You can try the Novatouch there and figure it out for yourself.

I owned and just recently sold a Novatouch and it had 45g domes?

[Lurch]

I would go with a Model F resto over a SSK or 55g RF.

[CPTBadAss]

I owned and just recently sold a Novatouch and it had 45g domes?

Thought it had 55g my bad.

[fishcola]

Just a thought, but if you're still curious about clears, you could pick up a KUL ES-87 and save towards something grander in the future?

[pr0ximity]

Depends on how deep you want to go into BS land. If you're serious about that, I highly recommend grabbing an F. There's a 107-key 4704 on eBay for $250 right now that just needs an xwhatsit to work with USB, f you have the interest. It's huge but imo it's difficult to get much better in terms of tactile, clicky switches. Full die-cast aluminum case, so the free shipping is key 

Otherwise, 55g Realforce, since you seem to be really into Topre.

[demik]

55g RF

[rowdy]

If you like Topre, then 55g RF, although using 55g might spoil you for the HHKB and FC660C.

Or SSK if you want to try something completely different.

[TastaturenAuslese]

If you don't like heavy switches, I wouldn't suggest going with an SSK. It's quite stiff, ~70g or something I've read? And yes, they feel a lot stiffer than my HHKB.

I'd recommend Ergo Clears. I love my Model M at home, and my HHKB at work, but my girlfriend has an Ergo Clear, and I always love the sound of them typing. They feel great too! Kind of like bubble wrap, and not too far from HHKB, but still a very different experience.

[rf87]

You mentioned that you don't prefer heavy switches. In that case, wouldn't you rather consider a Realforce 45g? If you want to try a different flavor of Topre and if you type a lot, then maybe you would like to ponder over buying a Realforce variable type-S.

[trees]

I am expanding my budget to closer to 500$ because I have to agree with people that the SSK will be too stiff, and I really want to try something different, so i am looking at a custom board with lubed ergo-clears.