Ping! Or, from Topre to Cherry

[Daniel Beardsmore]

Having just got my FILCO Majestouch FKBN105M/UKB back (Cherry MX brown Majestouch 1, if you've not learnt Diatec's codes yet ;-) my first impression of using it again is – ping!

You don't notice until you've been back on domes, how much ping you get from Cherry and/or FILCO.

Ping-ping-ping-ping-ping-ping-ping-ping!

Ping!

It's certainly a lot crisper in feel than Topre, which after all is still domey, even if they're very succulent domes. I'm now wondering whether I should order a Cherry with clears from Germany, as I do think that MX browns are a bit on the light side.

The other thing that's nice about Topre is the anti-glare keys. I didn't realise this until now, but even the original slate finish keys (the F keys, which are barely worn) are still pretty shiny from new on a FILCO, where Topre's keycap material is particularly matte. With the shine from keywear, my FILCO keyboard reflects a lot of the overhead light back in my face. It would be interesting to see how two years of heavy use affects the reflectivity of the keycaps. Obviously they'll start to wear smooth, but will they become really shiny and reflective, or remain dull?

Now I have to decide which keyboard gets to remain on my desk :)

[fossala]

Topre > Cherry.

[Djuzuh]

Topre > Cherry.

No questions asked… If we talk about the price.

[Daniel Beardsmore]

Find me a clicky Topre keyboard ;-)

[limmy]

Or.. you can get a custom made heavily modded keyboard.

Here is typing sound of The Cheat(OTD project keyboard) with switch mod (sticker, lube, and etc.).
http://cfile1.uf.tistory.com/media/155AF4414F48C108079885

And.. here is how a acrylic custom made keyboard without any switch mod sound like.
http://cfile22.uf.tistory.com/media/133FFD414F48C1052A6012

Both files are from http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/3678925 by Keypl.

My modded poker sounds pretty close to the first one, but with softer sound.

[Daniel Beardsmore]

Those dudes need to transmit a filename in their HTTP headers, you know, one that includes the correct file extension ;-)

I wouldn't call that sound clicky. It's clacky, and sharper than the inherently mushy sound of domes; it's possibly quieter than Cherry, depending on their levels.

I do like Topre now – I consider MX browns and Topre equals but different: neither one is better, they're just different (and one of them pings a lot). It's Cherry MX blue that sound a bit rubbish, which is why I'd like that FILCO Zero 105

[oneproduct]

I prefer the sharp feel and sound of an MX brown, but I think for actual typing purposes that I do better on a Topre. But by far my one favorite thing about Topres are the variable weight Realforces, variable weight just makes sense, unless perhaps you're just gaming.

[Daniel Beardsmore]

I do type better on Topre, but that's probably simply due to being "stiffer" (the concentrated force curve).

Perhaps it's time that FILCO sold variable weight keyboards? I don't know if we could use grey/green switches for the middle keys? (I don't perceive the green switch in my spacebar to be any stronger though) As in, do we need to convince Cherry to create a new switch type (like with red), or could we use existing switches?

[Squelos]

Topre > Cherry.

Just got my first topre, and all I can say is Blues > Reds > Browns > Topre 45g

Maybe I dont have the right Topres ...

[fossala]

Just got my first topre, and all I can say is Blues > Reds > Browns > Topre 45g

Maybe I dont have the right Topres ...

Give it a week.

[Squelos]

Yeah, well I got a realforce, that might be why, but they still are topre's ...

I'm not a gamer, so i thought that topre would be great for me. But I dont find anything to them. Find the keys mushy, no particular feedback, only when you bottom out, and the feel is just ... mushy, dull. Only good thing about it, is the noise. Far less noise than non o-ringed keyboards. Ill give it a week, but the blues are sitting right next to the topres right now.

[urbanus]

Find the keys mushy, no particular feedback, only when you bottom out, and the feel is just ... mushy, dull.

It's true, you don't feel the point of activation specifically.  So it's quite different from buckling springs, where you feel a very pronounced SNAP when the spring buckles (similar thing applies to MX blues).  With Topres you feel the "curve": the change in force throughout the key stroke.  This gives your fingers feedback so over time they learn to adjust to the pressure.

Perhaps that's why everyone says it takes a little while to get used to them.

[ch_123]

Even as someone who loves buckling springs and clicky Alps, I prefer the Topre to Blue Cherry switches for the simple reason that they are far smoother. Blue Cherry switches sort of feel like you're crushing a cheap plastic toy with your fingers. Topres may not be the most exciting switch to type on, but at least they're smooth and they bottom out nicely unless you are pounding them.

As with any new switch, you need some time to adjust your fingers to typing on a Topre. If I type on a Model M/F for a long time, the Topre feels unpleasant to type on because I end up bottoming out hard on it. On the flipside...after a while of typing on a Topre, the buckling springs feel awfully clunky.

[zirb]

It's certainly a lot crisper in feel than Topre, which after all is still domey, even if they're very succulent domes. I'm now wondering whether I should order a Cherry with clears from Germany, as I do think that MX browns are a bit on the light side.

There's nothing wrong with trying it, right?

I make less mistakes on my G80 with Clears than on my Filco with Browns, but I like the Browns just more in general. It's a bit more relaxing for me to type on them. I don't find the Clears too stiff but there is clearly more force required to use them. People with tendency to fatigue in hands/wrists may not be advised to buy them I think.

It's true, you don't feel the point of activation specifically.  So it's quite different from buckling springs, where you feel a very pronounced SNAP when the spring buckles (similar thing applies to MX blues).  With Topres you feel the "curve": the change in force throughout the key stroke.  This gives your fingers feedback so over time they learn to adjust to the pressure.

Perhaps that's why everyone says it takes a little while to get used to them.

Yeah it's just completely different to other switches, I love it thus far (have it for a little longer than two weeks) and got used to it pretty quick.

[_js_]

Indeed.  I went from an IBM Model M to a Topre Realforce 103U Variable.  It definitely took a full week before I had begun to make the adjustment and start to really "get" the Topre action.  But once I did--once my fingers started to "learn" how to be one with the Topre, I started to really appreciate this keyboard.  And I found I could type faster and better than on my AEK II or M.

At this point, I love the Topre action so much that I doubt anything else will knock it off the top of my list.  Obviously, I NEED to try the Cherry boards of various colors.  It's possible I may find I like one or more of them better than my Topre.  Although, I have to second the thought about the matte nature of the keys of the RF.  And the quality feel of them.  And the quality feel of the board as a whole.  Solid.  Exudes quality.  I wish the cord weren't permanently attached, though.  I would prefer it if it were like the HHKB, with detachable cord.  But other than that, everything about my 103U says "quality".  It's been an amazing and wonderful journey, going from mechanical AEK II/IBM M --> Topre.

But, it does take a little time to adjust!  Don't cheat yourself out of a possible golden opportunity!  Give it a little time.  You certainly may decide that you don't like it after all, of course.  And that's fine!  But . . . you may find, like I did, that it becomes your favorite board.