How do topre feel?

[ilmis]

Many people in reviews and forum posts struggle to describe how Topre feels compared to other switches. I'm gonna try to describe it and use Cherry MX switches to compare because I do not have experience with ALPS or Hall Effect or any other "exotic" switches and Cherries are available widely so people will be able to have a better idea.
So how do Topre's feel? People who say that they feel like rubber dome are half right. Indeed a Topre switch when pressed in isolation feels very very similar to a good, clean and new rubber dome keyboard plus it has that nice thock sound to it some people adore, also the tactility is there and there's no mush compared to rubber dome, it feels more solid and defined with a lack of a better word for that. The other side of things is that you probably never buy a keyboard to press one key only in isolation to others and this is where the biggest differences from a rubber dome keyboard come in. When using Topre keyboard in daily tasks people use keyboards for, it feels very different to a rubber dome. The technology of capacitive switches gives Topre the actuation without bottoming out the key so typing on it is a much more pleasant experience since you do not have to make sure every time that you've bottomed out the key and missing a keystroke is very unlikely since on Topre the tactile point is very near the top of the press and after the dome collapses there's very little resistance so the chance that you pressed a key and it didn't register is close to zero. Topre's also feel very smooth compared to other mechanical switches and even without lubrication they feel like there's none or very close to none grinding on mechanical elements of the key. It's way easier to compare them to rubber dome keys without a capacitive element than Cherry MX'x since the design of the key is so different from Cherries, the one similarity they have compared to Cherries is that Topre also actuates without bottoming out the key, other than that they feel very different from any Cherry key I have ever tried both in tactility department and in key springback. The tactile Cherries have a tactile point in the middle of traveling distance and the tactile point is sharp and short, best described as a snap they feel: linear-->tactile point-->linear-->bottom out, Topre's tactile point starts right at the top of the key and the tactile element of the key is stretched out to the middle of the keypress, there is no sharp "snap" anywhere in the press so Topre feel: tactile resistance-->linear-->bottom out, they also spring back very quickly compared to Cherries so you can type really quickly. The sound of Topre also adds to overall typing experience, it feels very smooth and seamless with very little hinderance.
All in all I woudn't say Topre or Cherry is better than the other switch type and they are too different to compare them directly to each other.

[chyros]

Like rubber domes. But more high-quality.

[hking0036]

Describing feel is sort of a fool's errand, sort of like trying to describe a color to a blind person. You can make comparisons to help, but at the end of the day you can't define a feel without having felt it yourself.

[ilmis]

Describing feel is sort of a fool's errand, sort of like trying to describe a color to a blind person. You can make comparisons to help, but at the end of the day you can't define a feel without having felt it yourself.

If someone hasn't tired anything similar - yes. But I highly doubt that someone who looks into mechanical keyboards hasn't ever tried a rubber dome. Also the feel of the switch and the feel you get from using a unit with a lot of switches are very different things. I find a lot of people shy away from topre because they are afraid that the keyboard will feel the same as a rubber dome keyboard they are trying to upgade from. I want to assure those people that a topre keyboard deffinetly feels like an upgrade over any rubber dome I have ever layed my hands on and this comes through not only pressing one key individually but actually typing on a keyboard.

[Entropia]

Like a quality rubber dome with longer and softer travel, and better sound in general. These are my impressions from a switch tester.

[hking0036]

Describing feel is sort of a fool's errand, sort of like trying to describe a color to a blind person. You can make comparisons to help, but at the end of the day you can't define a feel without having felt it yourself.

If someone hasn't tired anything similar - yes. But I highly doubt that someone who looks into mechanical keyboards hasn't ever tried a rubber dome. Also the feel of the switch and the feel you get from using a unit with a lot of switches are very different things. I find a lot of people shy away from topre because they are afraid that the keyboard will feel the same as a rubber dome keyboard they are trying to upgade from. I want to assure those people that a topre keyboard deffinetly feels like an upgrade over any rubber dome I have ever layed my hands on and this comes through not only pressing one key individually but actually typing on a keyboard.

But the comparison itself will drive people away. When someone is going strong with mx having come off a cheap rubber dome board, comparing topre as "like rubber dome but better" isn't extremely flattering. The barrier to entry in terms of cost can drive people off, but short of trying one at a meet up or buying a tester off of ebay (which is still unrepresentative), there's no way to really know. What defines a "quality rubber dome"? What models are quality in the first place? I agree that a rubber dome us a more apt comparison than an mx switch but with the sheer breadth of rubber dome boards out there it's hard to form a solid comparison, let alone an objective one with one of the "more quality" boards. When connotation comes into play with a reference it gets more tricky. You also have to take into account the difference between topre boards which are different themselves, the weighting of it at 45 or 55 and even the spring under the space bar.

[yuppie]

Feels good man.

[zslane]

Describing feel is sort of a fool's errand, sort of like trying to describe a color to a blind person. You can make comparisons to help, but at the end of the day you can't define a feel without having felt it yourself.

If someone hasn't tired anything similar - yes. But I highly doubt that someone who looks into mechanical keyboards hasn't ever tried a rubber dome. Also the feel of the switch and the feel you get from using a unit with a lot of switches are very different things. I find a lot of people shy away from topre because they are afraid that the keyboard will feel the same as a rubber dome keyboard they are trying to upgade from. I want to assure those people that a topre keyboard deffinetly feels like an upgrade over any rubber dome I have ever layed my hands on and this comes through not only pressing one key individually but actually typing on a keyboard.

But the comparison itself will drive people away. When someone is going strong with mx having come off a cheap rubber dome board, comparing topre as "like rubber dome but better" isn't extremely flattering. The barrier to entry in terms of cost can drive people off, but short of trying one at a meet up or buying a tester off of ebay (which is still unrepresentative), there's no way to really know. What defines a "quality rubber dome"? What models are quality in the first place? I agree that a rubber dome us a more apt comparison than an mx switch but with the sheer breadth of rubber dome boards out there it's hard to form a solid comparison, let alone an objective one with one of the "more quality" boards. When connotation comes into play with a reference it gets more tricky. You also have to take into account the difference between topre boards which are different themselves, the weighting of it at 45 or 55 and even the spring under the space bar.

Yes. Very well said.

Topre may use a rubber dome to deliver its signature tactile feel, but that is as far as the comparison goes with cheap mass-market consumer keyboards. In fact, the comparison is so shallow that it really shouldn't even be made. Describing Topre as "like rubber dome but better" is misleading at best and insulting at worst.

[ilmis]

Describing feel is sort of a fool's errand, sort of like trying to describe a color to a blind person. You can make comparisons to help, but at the end of the day you can't define a feel without having felt it yourself.

If someone hasn't tired anything similar - yes. But I highly doubt that someone who looks into mechanical keyboards hasn't ever tried a rubber dome. Also the feel of the switch and the feel you get from using a unit with a lot of switches are very different things. I find a lot of people shy away from topre because they are afraid that the keyboard will feel the same as a rubber dome keyboard they are trying to upgade from. I want to assure those people that a topre keyboard deffinetly feels like an upgrade over any rubber dome I have ever layed my hands on and this comes through not only pressing one key individually but actually typing on a keyboard.

But the comparison itself will drive people away. When someone is going strong with mx having come off a cheap rubber dome board, comparing topre as "like rubber dome but better" isn't extremely flattering. The barrier to entry in terms of cost can drive people off, but short of trying one at a meet up or buying a tester off of ebay (which is still unrepresentative), there's no way to really know. What defines a "quality rubber dome"? What models are quality in the first place? I agree that a rubber dome us a more apt comparison than an mx switch but with the sheer breadth of rubber dome boards out there it's hard to form a solid comparison, let alone an objective one with one of the "more quality" boards. When connotation comes into play with a reference it gets more tricky. You also have to take into account the difference between topre boards which are different themselves, the weighting of it at 45 or 55 and even the spring under the space bar.

Yes. Very well said.

Topre may use a rubber dome to deliver its signature tactile feel, but that is as far as the comparison goes with cheap mass-market consumer keyboards. In fact, the comparison is so shallow that it really shouldn't even be made. Describing Topre as "like rubber dome but better" is misleading at best and insulting at worst.

Even tho they work differently to rubber domes but the feel of the keypress is closest to that of a rubber dome and anyone who says otherwise either uses a very different rubber dome to any I have used in my lifetime. If you would blindfold someone and put sound canceling headphones and give two keyboards identical in everything but the switch, I highly doubt anyone could immediatly tell witch one is witch, of course there's no denying that Topre is way more pleasant to use but it still feels like a rubber dome, because it is a variation of rubber dome and the feel comes from rubber dome collapsing so I have no idea why you are telling that comparing Topre to rubber dome is such a crime when Topre is a rubber dome? Yes it's a high quality rubber dome but it's still a rubber dome

[9fiftyfive_]

Like heaven.

The switches feel like rubber domes, but smoother, more rigid, more comfortable, and have a "bouncy" feeling when you bottom them out. They are significantly better than rubber domes, however.

[romevi]

Underwhelming at first. But give it a couple of weeks and you will love it or hate it. Every keyboard I get now I automatically compare it to 55g Topre, even if it's a completely different switch type.
I grew up using buckling springs, so I was used to heavier switches for years; then I got my Topre and it's spoiled me. Can't use switches too heavy anymore.

[Wingklip]

Cross a linear switch with a rubber dome in a slider 60x smoother than cherry and you have a topre

[Dyaems]

an MX-type of switch with jspacers is probably closest if one does not want to describe it as a "better rubber dome"

...but it still feels that there is something missing from mx+jspacers comparing to topre

[hking0036]

Describing feel is sort of a fool's errand, sort of like trying to describe a color to a blind person. You can make comparisons to help, but at the end of the day you can't define a feel without having felt it yourself.

If someone hasn't tired anything similar - yes. But I highly doubt that someone who looks into mechanical keyboards hasn't ever tried a rubber dome. Also the feel of the switch and the feel you get from using a unit with a lot of switches are very different things. I find a lot of people shy away from topre because they are afraid that the keyboard will feel the same as a rubber dome keyboard they are trying to upgade from. I want to assure those people that a topre keyboard deffinetly feels like an upgrade over any rubber dome I have ever layed my hands on and this comes through not only pressing one key individually but actually typing on a keyboard.

But the comparison itself will drive people away. When someone is going strong with mx having come off a cheap rubber dome board, comparing topre as "like rubber dome but better" isn't extremely flattering. The barrier to entry in terms of cost can drive people off, but short of trying one at a meet up or buying a tester off of ebay (which is still unrepresentative), there's no way to really know. What defines a "quality rubber dome"? What models are quality in the first place? I agree that a rubber dome us a more apt comparison than an mx switch but with the sheer breadth of rubber dome boards out there it's hard to form a solid comparison, let alone an objective one with one of the "more quality" boards. When connotation comes into play with a reference it gets more tricky. You also have to take into account the difference between topre boards which are different themselves, the weighting of it at 45 or 55 and even the spring under the space bar.

Yes. Very well said.

Topre may use a rubber dome to deliver its signature tactile feel, but that is as far as the comparison goes with cheap mass-market consumer keyboards. In fact, the comparison is so shallow that it really shouldn't even be made. Describing Topre as "like rubber dome but better" is misleading at best and insulting at worst.

Even tho they work differently to rubber domes but the feel of the keypress is closest to that of a rubber dome and anyone who says otherwise either uses a very different rubber dome to any I have used in my lifetime. If you would blindfold someone and put sound canceling headphones and give two keyboards identical in everything but the switch, I highly doubt anyone could immediatly tell witch one is witch, of course there's no denying that Topre is way more pleasant to use but it still feels like a rubber dome, because it is a variation of rubber dome and the feel comes from rubber dome collapsing so I have no idea why you are telling that comparing Topre to rubber dome is such a crime when Topre is a rubber dome? Yes it's a high quality rubber dome but it's still a rubber dome

I have an issue with the comparison, you're correct in saying that it's a rubber dome yes but the reference you refer to can be any rubber dome, it could be the cheap $10 logitech k120 or some BTC dome-with-slider board from the 90's. It's hard to make an accurate comparison to either if you don't refer to anything specifically, just saying "like a rubber dome" is pretty vague considering the breadth of options out there. If you mean "like a rubber dome" just in the sense that the tactile bump is at the top then I guess sure but even then I'm sure there are plenty of dome boards that have the bump at the top and feel nothing like topre. To be clear though, this isn't really a Topre #1 best thing so much as it is just to say that it's hard to put a feel into reference because references aren't necessarily easy to make. referring to an mx red when talking about an mx black board makes a degree of sense yes, but you also have to take into consideration the boards that you use to compare, whether they're plate or pcb mounted, and more. Granted, those are still a little closer but it's just strange to describe a feel in words.

[Polymer]

I have an issue with the comparison, you're correct in saying that it's a rubber dome yes but the reference you refer to can be any rubber dome, it could be the cheap $10 logitech k120 or some BTC dome-with-slider board from the 90's. It's hard to make an accurate comparison to either if you don't refer to anything specifically, just saying "like a rubber dome" is pretty vague considering the breadth of options out there. If you mean "like a rubber dome" just in the sense that the tactile bump is at the top then I guess sure but even then I'm sure there are plenty of dome boards that have the bump at the top and feel nothing like topre. To be clear though, this isn't really a Topre #1 best thing so much as it is just to say that it's hard to put a feel into reference because references aren't necessarily easy to make. referring to an mx red when talking about an mx black board makes a degree of sense yes, but you also have to take into consideration the boards that you use to compare, whether they're plate or pcb mounted, and more. Granted, those are still a little closer but it's just strange to describe a feel in words.

I disagree..Topre's main mechanism is a rubber dome.  It collapses just like any normal rubber dome keyboard because it IS a rubber dome.  The difference is the stability, responsiveness and solid feel.  There's no weird give, no cheapness, no squishiness..they're rock solid on off center strikes, they're smooth at all angles and you get this nice hypnotic thock. 

Unfortunately, starting off with calling it with a rubber dome is the most accurate way of describing it...but who cares? 

Some people will want to discount Topre because of it...their loss..

[Entropia]

We all agree Topre is different, but I think the point is: is it better than other mechanisms sush a Cherry MX simply because it's more expensive? In other words: is being more expensive what makes it better or what make people believe it's better?

[ilmis]

The question which is better Topre or Cherry MX is as irrelevant as a question if apples or oranges are more delicious. It's a preference thing and both designs are viable since they do what they are supposed to do.

[zslane]

We all agree Topre is different, but I think the point is: is it better than other mechanisms sush a Cherry MX simply because it's more expensive? In other words: is being more expensive what makes it better or what make people believe it's better?

Being more expensive only makes it more expensive. However, quality costs money.

Topre switches are better than MX (tactile) switches simply because their design and construction are superior, and the resulting sound, feel, and performance is superior, at least in my experience. This would be true even if Topre decided to make their switches cost half as much as MX browns/clears. But Topre can get away with charging premium prices because their product is good enough to fetch premium prices, and there are enough buyers out there willing to pay that premium to get the Topre experience.

[Dyaems]

I also have not seen a post regarding a broken topre switch or board where as MX (and other similar) switches has problems on various keyboards.

[zslane]

There is the prevailing belief that contemporary MX switches aren't constructed as well as they once were, making vintage MX switches in good condition highly valued (just like Alps switches). I've not heard a similar belief among Topre users that the quality of Topre switches has declined over the years. This may be due to Topre choosing not to participate in the race to the bottom, both in terms of price and quality.

[chyros]

Underwhelming at first. But give it a couple of weeks and you will love it or hate it. Every keyboard I get now I automatically compare it to 55g Topre, even if it's a completely different switch type.
I grew up using buckling springs, so I was used to heavier switches for years; then I got my Topre and it's spoiled me. Can't use switches too heavy anymore.

To be honest, the more I use mine, the less I like them. But I can still see the appeal.

Personally, I'd say the best feature of Topre compared to normal rubber domes is that they actuate part-way down, while normal rubber domes don't. And that's really significant, because it's one of the worst things about normal rubber domes.

[zpcomstock17]

Like a quality rubber dome with longer and softer travel, and better sound in general. These are my impressions from a switch tester.

Switch testers are gimmicky, they made me believe MX Blacks were my destined switch.

But when I got my first mechanical keyboard full of these switches, they felt like garbage in a full set and were my least favorite keyboard.

[ArchDill]

I am a linear guy and I just got my first HHKB. I am enjoying the feel of Topre. I do not feel they as tactile as I have heard. I feel a little bit but not as much as other people have stated. It feels like there is a bubble at the top of the press and then it feels like it closes in as you press. Over all, I am enjoying it. Still does not beat Gateron Blacks though!!

[daerid]

They feel like oneness with cup rubber

derh

[Entropia]

I think the comparison with a piano key is right. The point is: is a piano good for typing?

[Tom_Kazansky]

I have only used Type Heaven so I don't know about HHKB or Real Force.

my impression is that it's very similar to rubber domes.
to clarify: before Type Heaven, I have only used MX Brown, at this point I don't even know about "not bottom-out".

after that Type Heaven, I tried MX Blue and in love with them ever since. 

right now, I'm considering a linear board (Black switch) for office use. (right now I'm using rubber dome at my office)

Personally, I'd say the best feature of Topre compared to normal rubber domes is that they actuate part-way down, while normal rubber domes don't. And that's really significant, because it's one of the worst things about normal rubber domes.

true! 

[Polymer]

They're not better..just different..

But they are more reliable...they don't rely on contact of any sort...so the only part that can really fail is the rubber dome...

Not that it really matters...MX are plenty reliable as well...

I'd love for Topre to be cheap...if they were 10 dollars a keyboard I'd love them even more..

[pomk]

They're not better..just different..

But they are more reliable...they don't rely on contact of any sort...so the only part that can really fail is the rubber dome...

Not that it really matters...MX are plenty reliable as well...

I'd love for Topre to be cheap...if they were 10 dollars a keyboard I'd love them even more..

What testing data are you using in your conclusion on the reliability of the Topre switch mechanism? I'd be very interested in having a look at such a huge dataset. 

[davkol]

Well, Topre cap sense _cannot_ chatter to begin with.

[pomk]

The chatter is very limited in Cherry mx switches and is dealt with de-bouncing. Even Topre requires a software implemented de-bouncing and/or hysteresis in order to remove problems that people would normally associate with chattering.

[Findecanor]

They cost and feel like Made in Japan. That's what I always say.

[rowdy]

They are rubber dome keyboards, so it's not surprising that they feel like rubber dome keyboards.

Mine does!

[DALExSNAIL]

How do sex feel?

[Joey Quinn]

How do sex feel?

Like a high quality rubber dome board

[SBJ]

How do sex feel?

Like a high quality rubber dome board

I am so confused.

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

A lot of people say that it is like "high quality rubber domes".. which for the most part is true.

But it has a more unique feel than that to me, and definitely worth the price-tag.

I use 45g topre, and the collapsing sensation upon each key press is just so great, and the thockity sound is quite delightful.

[kasakka]

For me the great thing about Topre is the sound and the feel. There's a pleasant feel to the rubber domes that you don't get from any other keyboard. The sound is a deep "thock" instead of the higher pitched "clack" you get with MX switches.

Since now some models can have the controller replaced with a fully programmable one, I might end up getting a FC660C eventually and possibly selling one or two of my current keyboards.

[Joey Quinn]

For me the great thing about Topre is the sound and the feel. There's a pleasant feel to the rubber domes that you don't get from any other keyboard. The sound is a deep "thock" instead of the higher pitched "clack" you get with MX switches.

Since now some models can have the controller replaced with a fully programmable one, I might end up getting a FC660C eventually and possibly selling one or two of my current keyboards.

If you're talking about Hasu controllers they're totally worth the price.

[mrduul]

mechanical rubber dome.

Like the best rubber domes on planet earth.

Love it.