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Author Topic: Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived  (Read 3237 times)

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Offline BucklingSpring

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« on: Mon, 29 March 2010, 21:36:33 »
I made myself couple gifts last week. Got some fancy mags to pimp my car a little and stop by EliteKeyboards to order 2 tenkeyless boards. Topre 87U 55g keys and a Filco tenkeyless with MX blue.

The VIP ride now glides on wide ubercool wheels but who gives a damn here.

The two babies from EliteKeyboards just arrived. For all these years I ear about Topre, I finally get the chance to type this message on one.

Two words: Oh Lord!!!
I love it and the colleagues at the office will love it too. Such a great feel and so little noise. What a marvelous input device.

I already own couple Blue MX boards, the Filco is worthy addition to the list. I like the heavy plate at the bottom and its ultra small footprint.

I’m a very happy camper and now totally addicted to the Topre RealForce.

Alleluia!!!
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Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline skcheng

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 29 March 2010, 21:41:28 »
Since you just received both of the keyboards, how would you compare the 55g Realforce to the Filco Blue??  

Thx
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Offline BucklingSpring

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 29 March 2010, 23:34:39 »
Quote from: skcheng;167995
Since you just received both of the keyboards, how would you compare the 55g Realforce to the Filco Blue??  

Thx


The Topre has a much softer feel and is not as clicky as the MX Blue.
I think the blue is also a 55grams switch (confirmation required by a Geekhack expert)



The actuation seams higher on the Topre. Also the key travel on the Topre is smoother. It is a very quiet board. It feels a bit less tactile than the MX blue.

Two different animals.
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Boards I own, click ->
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Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline maxlugar

  • Posts: 379
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 30 March 2010, 01:34:13 »
Quote from: BucklingSpring;168005
The Topre has a much softer feel and is not as clicky as the MX Blue.
I think the blue is also a 55grams switch (confirmation required by a Geekhack expert)

Show Image


The actuation seams higher on the Topre. Also the key travel on the Topre is smoother. It is a very quiet board. It feels a bit less tactile than the MX blue.

Two different animals.


The Cherry MX Blue key switches require less than 55g of force.  The Wiki may have the exact specifications.

I'd be interested in you feedback after you've had the chance to type on your 55g 87U for a while.  I have the 87U with variable weighting and enjoy typing on it for hours on end.  A 55g keyboard without mechanical clicky key switches seems like it would feel stiff after a while, but perhaps your experience will be different.

Edit:  The Wiki lists the Cherry MX Blue key switches as requiring 50g.  I haven't measured the required force but my Blue Cherry Filcos seem lighter than 50g.  It might be time to pull out the ripometer to see if the ligher key presses on the Filco are just an illusion.
« Last Edit: Wed, 31 March 2010, 15:58:09 by maxlugar »
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Offline ch_123

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 30 March 2010, 03:27:32 »
45g is just an average, you'll find that there's a great variance in the exact force required by each switch, even on new keyboards.
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Offline BucklingSpring

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 30 March 2010, 06:34:03 »
Quote from: maxlugar;168016

I'd be interested in you feedback after you've had the chance to type on your 55g 87U for a while.  I have the 87U with variable weighting and enjoy typing on it for hours on end.  A 55g keyboard without mechanical clicky key switches seems like it would feel stiff after a while, but perhaps you're experience will be different.


I’ll be glad to report back later but I don’t think I’m a good candidate for the test. I’m a rather slow typist (~70 wpm) with small and strong fingers (Thanks to Judo/Jujitsu) and a die hard IBM-M buckling spring user since over 20 years. I love a stiff board. It took me a while to get used to the soft and light feel of the Blue MX’s. I actually prefer the White MX in my Deck tactile over the Blue and the Brown.

For now, I find those capacitive switches amazing. Incredible feel, ZERO key flex (I can’t stand key flex – search for my TVS Gold comment if you want to know how much I can badmouth a board with too much key flex). Plus the Topre is very well mannered and civilized in a working environment.

I can’t believe I’ve waited all these years to get one. Probably simply because I didn’t know what I was missing. Until now it was just a prohibitively expensive rubber dome board with only 30M cycles lifespan switches. Of course, I never dared to say something like that here. I’m a troll with integrity. Couldn’t voice my opinion without having one in my collection.

Oh one bad thing about the RealForce. The material it is made of has a lot of static that attracts cat’s hair. I wouldn’t be surprised if my board pukes a fur ball before soon. I hope it is only because it's new. EliteKeyboards were out of roofs. I'll probably order one when they go back in stock. Speaking of roofs, the Filco came with one (well, sort of) it's packaging grade plastic but it will do the trick for a while.
« Last Edit: Tue, 30 March 2010, 06:38:50 by BucklingSpring »
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In memory of smallfry 1996-2013
Boards I own, click ->
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Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline BucklingSpring

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 06:17:01 »
Worked late on the 87U yesterday. While working in the dark, I noticed that I'm not used to the black on black fonts on the keycaps. Blind, I can't hit the top row and the functions...

I guess I'm not ready yet for Otaku style.
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In memory of smallfry 1996-2013
Boards I own, click ->
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Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline HaaTa

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 06:28:26 »
Lol, time to learn to touch type?

Only reason I started was to type in the dark (and to learn Colemak, but that was secondary).
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Offline test157

  • Posts: 85
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 07:55:16 »
yeah, I have blank HKKB, and now few months later I still doing some mistakes.

first month was absolute horror to type, too lot of mistakes. right now problems are mostly shortcuts related. and also, during all first month near me was usuall keyboard, another usb with printed keys. it was for those times when I tired or when I have to type some passwords or hidden info.

I'am thinking about white printed keyset for HHKB, just because of SHORTCUTS. anyone have issues with shortcuts and blank keys? or with time this problem will expire as well?
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Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 08:48:10 »
I used the legends on my black HHKB for a few days, but I don't need them anymore.  When I use the function keys, I still need to look at what key I'm pressing from time to time (not the legend, but to get the hand position right).  I use a lot of pagenav, so it didn't take me too long to learn the shortcuts.
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Offline itlnstln

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 11:24:55 »
My office is dark, so I have a hard time seeing the black-on-charcoal legends anyway.  My HHKB might as well be blank.
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Offline elbowglue

  • Posts: 583
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 15:02:43 »
I got 11 nickels for cherry blues on my filco.  I might be doing it wrong of course but I would be interested what other people get.

11 nickels + a keyboard tap that is.

http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=166012&postcount=61
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My keyboards: Filco Cherry Blue Tenkeyless(daily home), Compaq MX11800 (modded to blacks), Compaq "MX 84u",  Wellington\'s Dampened Endurapro, Pinkalicious Filco Blue Cherry, Chicony KB-5191, Chicony KB-5181, Desko MOS 5023 UP "elbowglue" spos (modded to blues), Siig Minitouch (monterey blue), SMK-88 (blue cherries), Ricercar SPOS
Smallest to biggest keyboards in inches (Length X Height) - Length is most important for a midline mouse position
KBC Poker: 11.6 x 3.9 - HHKB: 11.6 x 4.3 - Siig Minitouch (Geekhack Space Saver): 11.6 x 6 - Deck/Tg3 82: 12 x 6 - Noppoo Choc Mini 12.4 x 5.3 - Compaq "MX 84u": 13.1 x 7.5 - Filco Tenkeyless: 14 x 5.3 - Cherry "ricercar spos" G86-62410EUAGSA: 14 x 7.75 - Topre Realforce 86u: 14.4 x 6.65 - Desko "elbowglue spos" MOS 5023 UP: 14.5 x 8.4 - IBM Model M Spacesaver: 15.3 x 7 - G80-1800: 15.9 x 7.1 - Adesso MKB-125B: 16 x 7.3 - Compaq Mx11800, Cherry G80-11900: 16.25 x 7.5 - Filco Standard: 17.3 x 5.4 - Unicomp Endurapro: 17.9 x 7.1 - Adesso MKB-135B: 18.3 x 6.0 - Cherry G80-3000: 18.5 x 7.6 - IBM Model M, Unicomp Customizer: 19.3 x 8.27

Offline itlnstln

  • Posts: 7048
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 15:05:40 »
11 sounds right.  The switches are rated to activate at 55g.
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Offline maxlugar

  • Posts: 379
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 16:10:49 »
Quote from: test157;168243
yeah, I have blank HKKB, and now few months later I still doing some mistakes.

first month was absolute horror to type, too lot of mistakes. right now problems are mostly shortcuts related. and also, during all first month near me was usuall keyboard, another usb with printed keys. it was for those times when I tired or when I have to type some passwords or hidden info.

I'am thinking about white printed keyset for HHKB, just because of SHORTCUTS. anyone have issues with shortcuts and blank keys? or with time this problem will expire as well?


I got the dark gray HHKB Pro 2 with the virtually Otaku key caps.  Although I am a touch typist, my error rate was excessive due to the unconventional layout.

I ended up replacing all the key caps with an off-white/light gray printed set from EliteKeyboards.com.  Yes, it only cost another 70 bucks to make my HHKB fully functional.  ($250 + $70 = $320, such a deal!).  Now I can't travel without it.  The dark gray base and lighter key caps look just fine, dare I say even cool.

The black on charcoal key caps on my Realforce 87U have not been much of a problem due to the more conventional key layout not to mention that I primarily use it in my home office with a desk lamp shining directly over the keyboard!
« Last Edit: Wed, 31 March 2010, 16:13:36 by maxlugar »
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Offline ch_123

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #14 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 16:13:19 »
Is that to say that you have a set of black lettered keycaps that you're not using? (and therefore might be interested in selling)
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Offline maxlugar

  • Posts: 379
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 16:19:58 »
Quote from: ch_123;168434
Is that to say that you have a set of black lettered keycaps that you're not using? (and therefore might be interested in selling)


You are correct sir, I have a complete set of black lettered HHKB Pro 2 keycaps repackaged in the replacement key set box.

My original intent was to switch back to the charcoal key caps after I became comfortable and confident enough with the HHKB layout.  Now, I doubt that will ever happen.  I will probably continue to use my HHKB with the lighter printed key caps.
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Offline itlnstln

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #16 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 16:37:31 »
My bad.  I never doubt Chloe.
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Offline BucklingSpring

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Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 17:11:57 »
Quote from: HaaTa;168232
Lol, time to learn to touch type?

Only reason I started was to type in the dark (and to learn Colemak, but that was secondary).


My technique already covers most of the keyboard.

I'll rather learn how to play Scrabble.



Not to mention the power of adaptation... I'll probably get over it after a while and like others are saying -> improve my typing skills.
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In memory of smallfry 1996-2013
Boards I own, click ->
More
Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline BucklingSpring

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  • Posts: 1613
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #18 on: Wed, 31 March 2010, 18:17:04 »
Quote from: ripster;168478
I just noticed my pic has the 4 and the 5 reversed.


That's funny, I thought is was done on purpose.
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In memory of smallfry 1996-2013
Boards I own, click ->
More
Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline BucklingSpring

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  • Posts: 1613
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #19 on: Thu, 01 April 2010, 09:42:51 »
Yet another first impression comment on the 87U.

The spacebar is a bit stiff. I'm missing spaces here and there when I'm not paying attention.

I'm not use to the distinctive tactile feel of it and when the spacebar registers.
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In memory of smallfry 1996-2013
Boards I own, click ->
More
Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline salcan

  • Posts: 113
Topre 87U and Majestouch tenkeyless just arrived
« Reply #20 on: Thu, 01 April 2010, 12:00:47 »
Quote from: BucklingSpring;168639
Yet another first impression comment on the 87U.

The spacebar is a bit stiff. I'm missing spaces here and there when I'm not paying attention.

I'm not use to the distinctive tactile feel of it and when the spacebar registers.


My first thought when I got mine-- I thought it would louder.
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