Can't decide on which keyboard to buy next!

[TimIsABat]

So I just bought an IBM Model M from TheFlyingRaccoon (thanks bud)! And now I am already deciding on which board to get next!

So far I have almost every board to satisfy my trying needs:

FC660M with MX Reds (satisfying my linear taste)
Poker X with ergoclears (tactile heavier needs but out of commission at the moment)
IBM Model M (classic, heavy, tactile, buckling spring)
Dell AT101 (tactile ALPS feel need)
Compaq RT101 (good quality stock rubber dome need)

Now its time for my next switch: Topre...

I like a small form factor like my Poker X and FC660M because I can easily travel and rotate them On-The-Go, but I have yet to use a 87 keyboard.

I am debating on getting a Realforce 87u in white with 55g springs or a HHKBPro2 in white blank which has 45g springs.

I am split because I am really used to the uber light switches on my mx red because I am stuck using this ATM (didn't get my model m yet), but I also really like the ergoclears on my poker x before i screwed it up somehow.

I'm asking for some reasons to pick one over the other.

[ishpeck]

I am debating on getting a Realforce 87u in white with 55g springs or a HHKBPro2 in white blank which has 45g springs.

I'm fond of having CTRL where capslock tends to be.  It's one of the first things I do when I install a system.  The Happy Hacking keyboard would save me that effort.

[TimIsABat]

I am debating on getting a Realforce 87u in white with 55g springs or a HHKBPro2 in white blank which has 45g springs.

I'm fond of having CTRL where capslock tends to be.  It's one of the first things I do when I install a system.  The Happy Hacking keyboard would save me that effort.

I used to do this until I switched to Colemak where capslock is backspace which is far more efficient than capslock as CTRL imo.

[rowdy]

Compromise and get FC660C?

It has dedicated arrow keys, the one biggest thing I miss on HHKB2Pro.

[TimIsABat]

Compromise and get FC660C?

It has dedicated arrow keys, the one biggest thing I miss on HHKB2Pro.

I was thinking about it, but I am using a FC660M right now, and the one thing that I really don't like on this is the awkward spacing on the board. the keys seem to be really squished together causing a lot more errors made than when I use my Poker X.

[rowdy]

Then if you want very non-standard layout - HHKB2Pro.

If you want standard layout: RealForce.

[TimIsABat]

Then if you want very non-standard layout - HHKB2Pro.

If you want standard layout: RealForce.

That's the problem x.x . IDK XD. I have time to decide though. Let's see how I feel about standard layout again when I get my Model M

[jameslr]

I am debating on getting a Realforce 87u in white with 55g springs or a HHKBPro2 in white blank which has 45g springs.

I'm fond of having CTRL where capslock tends to be.  It's one of the first things I do when I install a system.  The Happy Hacking keyboard would save me that effort.

You can do this with the Realforce as well.

[rowdy]

Then if you want very non-standard layout - HHKB2Pro.

If you want standard layout: RealForce.

That's the problem x.x . IDK XD. I have time to decide though. Let's see how I feel about standard layout again when I get my Model M

FWIW I've just temporarily gone from HHKB to Model M at home.  I had just about gotten used to the HHKB layout and size, now I find myself reaching all over the place to press keys on the M.

[jabar]

I was thinking about it, but I am using a FC660M right now, and the one thing that I really don't like on this is the awkward spacing on the board. the keys seem to be really squished together causing a lot more errors made than when I use my Poker X.

Is that really true? I have noticed more typos with the FC660C but I'm not sure if the spacing between keys was altered. It doesn't have a different row offset like the Minila which is terrible for that reason, and the layout, and the case...

[czarek]

I noticed you don't have blue mx in your collection May be a step before going Topre?

[TimIsABat]

I noticed you don't have blue mx in your collection May be a step before going Topre?

Not really blue fan. I've tried it and it just sounded high pitched and cheap to me.

[vsdubstep]

I cast my vote for 60%

[thebeargentile]

I have an HHKB and 87U, and in my opinion, the HHKB is the more "fun" of the boards... the 87U has a fantastic build quality, and feels solid to type on, but the HHKB has a "crispness" and sound that I really think would make it a great choice if you're wanting the Topre experience.  It really was not bad at all getting used to the non-standard layout.

[oTurtlez]

HHKB if you want something radical and iconic, 660C if you want something cheaper but just as great. I found myself typing fine on the 660C coming from a 103U, so I don't think that matters. And RF actually follows IBM spacing spec EXACTLY, down to the 1/100th of a millimeter. It's crazy.

[Thimplum]

All of them.

[TimIsABat]

All of them.

The moneys though

[rowdy]

All of them.

The moneys though

If it turns out you really like Topre, there isd a good chance you will end up owning all of them anyway.

[TimIsABat]

All of them.

The moneys though

If it turns out you really like Topre, there isd a good chance you will end up owning all of them anyway.

Prolly lol. I might first start off with a Realforce, just cause I don't have a 87 keys board yet.

[rowdy]

All of them.

The moneys though

If it turns out you really like Topre, there isd a good chance you will end up owning all of them anyway.

Prolly lol. I might first start off with a Realforce, just cause I don't have a 87 keys board yet.

Good idea.

It is a standard layour (more or less), so your Topre experience won't be overshadowed by struggling to find arrow keys and the like.

[TimIsABat]

All of them.

The moneys though

If it turns out you really like Topre, there isd a good chance you will end up owning all of them anyway.

Prolly lol. I might first start off with a Realforce, just cause I don't have a 87 keys board yet.

Good idea.

It is a standard layour (more or less), so your Topre experience won't be overshadowed by struggling to find arrow keys and the like.

That is a good point. Gonna wait on getting it though because of other priorities, but if I have some left over money...well then XD.

[TimIsABat]

Okay. Bringing this topic up again because the ErgoDox groupbuy is up again, and I am debating to jump on that bandwagon.

All three boards come out to about the same price (over $250), so I really need to decide what to get. I won't have a job for a bit after next week (camp ends), so this needs to be a decision to make that will impact my typing experience for a while. If I were to go with the ErgoDox, I would get it with clears and do a spring swap to 62g.

My real concern is the weight of the springs fro the RF and the HHKB. I am wondering how light the 45g in comparison to 62g and mx reds on cherry switches. I've also read somewhere that the tactility of the switches wear away after use on 45g, which would defeat a good portion of reason in getting the HHKB. I love the portability and it would make a great substitute for my Poker X with ergoclears.

I am just wondering if it is really worth getting these two boards instead of an ergodox. I know they are completely different, but I need to really think about this investment.

[findingthelimit]

http://deskthority.net/news-reviews-f4/topre-introduces-new-type-heaven-keyboard-at-computex-t5903.html

I just saw this, I think it could be a good gateway from mx to topre! i've actually never used topre yet, and i can't afford it either as i'm trying to save up some money to buy an imac for my parents. this would probably be my first topre keyboard though, as long as the upcoming reviews don't give it too much crap!