Author Topic: Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent  (Read 2145 times)

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Offline magictoaster

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« on: Sat, 28 August 2010, 20:21:54 »
Thanks to geekhack, I've convinced myself I need a Realforce 103UB keyboard. The Das is nice, but I'm not so fond of the glossy finger print magnet case. While I'm waiting for it to arrive, I'll try to rationalize paying that much for a keyboard! :)

Offline patrickgeekhack

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 28 August 2010, 20:47:33 »
Quote from: magictoaster;217738
Thanks to geekhack, I've convinced myself I need a Realforce 103UB keyboard. The Das is nice, but I'm not so fond of the glossy finger print magnet case. While I'm waiting for it to arrive, I'll try to rationalize paying that much for a keyboard! :)


But, you'll have both, right? I like having more than one type of switch around because I like various switches depending on my mood.
Cherry MX Blue: Cherry G80-3000, Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate
Cherry MX Brown: Filco Majestouch, Compaq MX11800
ALPS: AEK, AEK II, Northgate Omnikey Ultra, Matias Tactile Pro 4
Topre: Realforce 103UB
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M 1390120
Previous owned: Unicomp Customizer 104, IBM Model M 1390141, ABS M1

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 28 August 2010, 21:00:10 »
Quote from: magictoaster;217738
Thanks to geekhack, I've convinced myself I need a Realforce 103UB keyboard. The Das is nice, but I'm not so fond of the glossy finger print magnet case. While I'm waiting for it to arrive, I'll try to rationalize paying that much for a keyboard! :)


In my experience, once you start typing on it you don't need to rationalize much anymore ;)

Offline magictoaster

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 28 August 2010, 21:42:13 »
Quote from: patrickgeekhack;217741
But, you'll have both, right? I like having more than one type of switch around because I like various switches depending on my mood.


I will probably keep the DAS (and the 7G that went back in it's box after I received the DAS). I'll have a little collection. :)

Offline mrsone

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 28 August 2010, 22:40:58 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;217744
In my experience, once you start typing on it you don't need to rationalize much anymore ;)


That pretty much sums up my experience getting the 103UB keyboard. When I finally caved into temptation and got it, I was stunned that I paid so much.

Once I pulled it out of the box, however, and started using it, I was surprised I did not just bite the bullet and get one sooner. The way this thing feels is indescribable. It's like you don't type--your fingers just fall into the keys. Truly amazing.

Good purchase. Once you get it there will be no going back.
Keyboards currently in my possession:
Filco Majestouch Cherry MX Brown 104 key, Unicomp Spacesaver 104, Rosewill RK-9000RE (Cherry MX Red), Leopold 660C Mini Capacitive keyboard, HHKB Type S, Logitech Illuminated Keyboard

Keypads:
Leopold 210TP Mechanical Keypad (Cherry MX Red), Leopold FC210TP/NB Mechanical Keypad (Cherry MX Brown)

Other Keyboards I have tried:
Filco Majestouch Cherry MX Red, Leopold  FC500RR/AB Linear Touch Cherry MX Red, Razer Blackwidow Ultimate, Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth Edition, Realforce 103U/UB, Realforce 103U Black All 55g, Noppoo Choc Mini 84 Mechanical Cherry MX Black keyboard, Noppoo Choc Mini 84 Mechanical Cherry MX Red keyboard (white and black color versions), PLU G3000 NKRO keyboard (white w/ Cherry MX Red switches), Dell 101AT (black Alps switches), Mattias Mini Quiet Pro (modified white Alps switches), KBT Pure Pro, (2)Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2, Leopold FC210TP/CB Tactile Click Cherry MX Blue Tenkey pad

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 29 August 2010, 10:44:35 »
Quote from: mrsone;217762
Once I pulled it out of the box, however, and started using it, I was surprised I did not just bite the bullet and get one sooner. The way this thing feels is indescribable. It's like you don't type--your fingers just fall into the keys. Truly amazing.

Good purchase. Once you get it there will be no going back.


Yea...it's also seeing/feeling the build quality and attention to detail and whatnot. No doubt they are built to last.

Offline magictoaster

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 29 August 2010, 11:14:27 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;217855
Yea...it's also seeing/feeling the build quality and attention to detail and whatnot. No doubt they are built to last.


I sure hope it will last! ;-) The first keyboard I used was an original IBM model M that my father got from work. Loved the thing! I'll probably get the Unicomp Customizer or the SpaceSaver at some point (the price is actually really good).

With any luck, the keys on the Topre will not "fade" like the ones on the 7G. From what I understand, they should not.

Offline itlnstln

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 30 August 2010, 07:46:36 »
If the keys on the Topre fade, I would suggest seeing a doctor.  Topre uses the same printing process IBM used on the Model M.  If you didn't have any problems with the M, you won't have any problems with the Topre.


Offline magictoaster

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 30 August 2010, 08:18:44 »
Quote from: itlnstln;218191
If the keys on the Topre fade, I would suggest seeing a doctor.  Topre uses the same printing process IBM used on the Model M.  If you didn't have any problems with the M, you won't have any problems with the Topre.


The information contained in the Wiki about the different types of keys reassured me! Now I'm anxiously waiting for the keyboard to arrive! :)

Offline magictoaster

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 30 August 2010, 10:15:44 »
They did fade somewhat (in the WASD cluster). They are not dirty, and they did not turn yellow, they are just more pale than the other keys. I tried cleaning them with alcohol and mild soap, without any luck. I'll try to take some pictures when I get home tonight.

Offline itlnstln

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Realforce 103UB to replace Das S Silent
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 30 August 2010, 10:31:42 »
Quote from: ripster;218228
Thanks.  I'm thinking it might be time to do a wiki/review entitled "Not All Lasered Keys Are The Same".


Or "How to make your own Ducky laser-etched, black keycaps."