Author Topic: Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW  (Read 9085 times)

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Offline drozzy

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 07:20:23 »
First of all I wanted to say thanks to this forum with helping me gt my first mechanical. I got Das Keyboard Silent. It's excellent. (I must say "silent" is really meant as "soft" and not "quite").

QUESTION!
I am looking at Topre Realforce listing here:
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=special&filter=fullsize

and for the life of me I can't figure out what is the difference between 103UB and the one they have on "sale" - 103U-UW?
Am I loosing something if I get the 103U-UW?

Also I am not sure why would anyone get black on black - that seems like a bad idea.

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 08:16:43 »
The color is different and the 103u-uw comes with some extra stuff. That's about it.

Welcome to Geekhack!

Offline drozzy

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 09:04:14 »
So you mean its white, comes with extra stuff and cheaper? I don't know why would they have a sale on it... Seems fishy.

Offline Engine

  • Posts: 250
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 17:58:02 »
Only difference is color.  The price difference is due to a(and I got this answer here on GH and feel it makes complete sense) model close out(103U-UW) and is being replaced with a new model(the same really), the 103U, also white.  I wanted white and asked the same question you're asking except that I was comparing the two "white" keyboards that had no apparent difference, except the cheaper one had extra goodies.  By the way, I ordered the 103U-UW and expect it's arrival on Friday.
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 18:06:55 »
What you have to understand about elitekeyboards is that they do it for the lulz.

At one point the 103U-UW was priced at $199 for about about a week, then went back up to $215. Lolwut?

Offline Engine

  • Posts: 250
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 19:36:32 »
Do you think you'll ever try the 55g Topre?
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 20:06:47 »
Quote from: Engine;312963
Do you think you'll ever try the 55g Topre?


Who, me? I used to own 2 of them. Liked them a lot, overall.

However I ultimately preferred the variable-force and I had too many Realforces and had to sell some of them.

At the moment I'm really liking my custom keyboards (cherry reds and clears).

Offline Engine

  • Posts: 250
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 20:42:20 »
Do you think the Topre variable at 45g, is about the same typing experience as Cherry Browns, also 45g?  Or is there a note-worthy difference?  I know that the Topre is a different animal from anything else but still...
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 20:54:58 »
Huge difference. The entire feel of the switch is different. The Cherry browns feel more mechanical and are a bit louder...really hard to describe the difference better than that.

Also, the tenkeyless Filco with browns that I used to own had a really annoying 'ping' sound whenever I typed. I've heard that only some of those boards had that issue. Could be PEBKAC but I'm usually better at pointing out that issue with others...

Offline BucklingSpring

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 21:13:14 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;312997
Huge difference. The entire feel of the switch is different. The Cherry browns feel more mechanical and are a bit louder...really hard to describe the difference better than that.


Yes hard to describe... Very different switches.
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 keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 21:17:59 »
FWIW, I liked the feel of cherry browns a LOT better on the Compaq MX11800 (PCB-mounted) than on the Filco (Plate-mounted).

Offline Engine

  • Posts: 250
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 21:18:24 »
Do you guys see the "ergonomic" side to the Topre variable board?
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 21:20:42 »
To some extent I do see the ergonomic value in the variable weighting. It's subtle enough but can be noticeable (seems like an oxymoron but it's true). I don't know how to explain it; it just feels really nice to type on for long periods of time.

Actually I'm more interested to hear what YOU think when you get it! :D

Offline Engine

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 21:33:41 »
If Surly73 is "wrong", I'll have it by Friday and test it all weekend.  Otherwise, I'll report back in the "it came" thread asap.
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #14 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 21:40:54 »
Nice! Bet you can't wait =)

Offline Engine

  • Posts: 250
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 21:46:40 »
You're right!
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline BucklingSpring

  • Posts: 1613
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #16 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 21:50:08 »
Quote from: Engine;313009
Do you guys see the "ergonomic" side to the Topre variable board?


If ergonomic means healthier and improved performance. I can't feel it.
By seat of the pants measurements - No noticable difference in term of fatigue or wpm.

I prefer all 55g...
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 Engine

  • Posts: 250
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 22:14:30 »
BS,
You may be typing too hard?  Like you would on your BS?
I feel that it may mean a different typing approach to benifit from a Topre variable but I'm not sure.
I think I prefer a more tactile feel/click but am hoping to find a good writer's board for me and my wrists.  I'll see.  I do wish that GH would offer an all 55g white some day.  I'd like to try both.  
BS and KL and anyone else, I'd like to hear from you on what you find different between the two boards?  I mean, I know the obvious will be the "tactile feel".  Is there more click?  Also, in general, what is the over-all experience?
« Last Edit: Wed, 16 March 2011, 22:16:50 by Engine »
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline nigritude

  • Posts: 65
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #18 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 00:51:48 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;312911
What you have to understand about elitekeyboards is that they do it for the lulz.

At one point the 103U-UW was priced at $199 for about about a week, then went back up to $215. Lolwut?


love this post

Offline Surly73

  • Posts: 425
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #19 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 07:01:46 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;312997
Huge difference. The entire feel of the switch is different. The Cherry browns feel more mechanical and are a bit louder...really hard to describe the difference better than that.


I'll second this.  I have a Realforce 55g (for less than a week) and a Cherry brown Filco (for about 2-3 weeks).  There's a lot more different about them than how many nickels it would take to depress the key.  The switch feel, key feel, sound, everything is different.

I hate to say it, but my Filco feels like a toy compared to my Realforce (and my model M), and it's not just a subliminal effect because of the price of the Realforce.  I don't dislike the Filco, so I don't want Cherry lovers burning me at the stake.  I still plan on trying a board with Cherry clears.  I have also not compared browns in PCB vs. plate mounted - only the Filco.  I'd love to try PCB-mounted browns as well.

When I first started typing on my Realforce an analogy came to mind.  I find the Realforce is kind of like a sport package BMW or a Porsche.  It's a fairly capable and responsive car but they also manage to keep it from being harsh and jarring despite tightness and lots of road communication - it just works.  There are other cars out there that reviewers say are faster, or handle better, or "do the same thing" for less money but when you actually drive them you can tell the difference.  I'm not talking about price tag, I'm talking about character.  If I just wanted to say it was expensive I could say it was the Ferrari or Rolls of keyboards - that's not my point.  It has a solid, quality feel with easy to press but tactile keys, no binding and a muted "thocky" sound that's a pleasure to use.  It's responsive, yet sophisticated, and communicates "quality" all around without bling or unnecessary flashiness.  

My wife, who has been "meh" about all of the keyboards I've been fooling around with since getting serious about this said "ooh, this is nice" when I hooked up the Realforce.  She's stated a clear preference for the Realforce.

Geez, Topre should pay me...
« Last Edit: Thu, 17 March 2011, 07:11:16 by Surly73 »

Offline drozzy

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #20 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 07:17:17 »
I refuse to believe that the lower priced keyboard is exactly the same as another, more expensive one, with more stuff.

I emailed elite - and asked if I could buy the white - for the same price $215. And they said yes. This makes me feel less suspicious. But my mind still cannot process the logic behind the pricing... I ... feel.... madness ... rising

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #21 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 07:49:35 »
Lol. Because its the EXACT SAME KEYBOARD!

I told you they do it for the lulz. But you didn't believe me! Why didn't you believe me!!

Offline ch_123

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #22 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 07:57:00 »
Companies end up with old stock and they need to shift it off, often for tax reasons. In some cases, the old model may be completely equivalent to the new one, with some subtle changes that no one will notice.

Offline BucklingSpring

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #23 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 19:26:52 »
"You may be typing too hard?  Like you would on your BS?"
I know I do... Guilty as charged

"I'd like to hear from you on what you find different between the two boards? I mean, I know the obvious will be the "tactile feel".  Is there more click?"

Topres are somewhat tactile but certainly not clicky, 55g or not. The lighter switches on the variable are almost linear. The tactile bump is next to none. That's what I don't like about the variable, some switches are practically linear. Apparently it's not getting any better over time.

Quote from: Engine;313030
BS,
You may be typing too hard?  Like you would on your BS?
I feel that it may mean a different typing approach to benifit from a Topre variable but I'm not sure.
I think I prefer a more tactile feel/click but am hoping to find a good writer's board for me and my wrists.  I'll see.  I do wish that GH would offer an all 55g white some day.  I'd like to try both.  
BS and KL and anyone else, I'd like to hear from you on what you find different between the two boards?  I mean, I know the obvious will be the "tactile feel".  Is there more click?  Also, in general, what is the over-all experience?
« Last Edit: Thu, 17 March 2011, 19:29:20 by BucklingSpring »
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 RiGS

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #24 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 19:31:19 »
Quote
That's what I don't like about the variable, some switches are practically linear.

Those are my favourite switches. I wish they were a tad stiffer, but linear.
Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline BucklingSpring

  • Posts: 1613
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #25 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 19:45:25 »
Quote from: RiGS;313632
Those are my favourite switches. I wish they were a tad stiffer, but linear.


Personal taste is something I'll never challenge.
Have you tried MX Reds? Linear, light and reliable. Something "you" apparently don't notice in a Topre.:biggrin:

Then for a tad stiffer, MX Black are tha best.
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 RiGS

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #26 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 20:09:47 »
Cherry switches have a progressive force curve as opposed to topre which are constant.
However I don't like the friction in the Cherry mx switches.
Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline BucklingSpring

  • Posts: 1613
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #27 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 20:55:56 »
Quote from: RiGS;313653
Cherry switches have a progressive force curve as opposed to topre which are constant.
However I don't like the friction in the Cherry mx switches.


How can it be constant and tactile at the same time?

Do this looks like a strait line to you?


image taken from the Topre wiki
« Last Edit: Thu, 17 March 2011, 20:58:01 by BucklingSpring »
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 Engine

  • Posts: 250
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #28 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 21:07:09 »
I'll be getting the Leo Browns and Blues soon.  I want all my first wave of kbs to test/review in quick order.  I'll come back with the poop on the comparisons later.
Right now, my new Topre should arrive tomorrow, unless Surly is right and it comes Monday.
I'll put my order in at GH for my new Leo Blues and Browns tonight and hope to get those with in the next couple of weeks.
I have to admit that I only briefly tried and reboxed my new Space Saver the same night it arrived because I thought I'd be delivering that to my Mom right after that but it didn't happen yet, so I may play with that in the meantime too.
Ultimatley, I want to test/review BS, Cherry Blues, Cherry Browns, Topre variable and possibly Topre uniform 55g but the later depends on how I feel about this first Topre.
I'm also comparing tenkeyless with full size for ergo as well as the switches themselves.  Whew!
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline BucklingSpring

  • Posts: 1613
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #29 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 21:48:04 »
Quote from: ripster;313692
?  They are all in the Wiki.  RiGS is quite correct that Topres have a subtle rubber dome like tactile hump.


I'm fine with the hump. As the graphic shows, the force is not constant. Otherwise you can't have the hump... In other words, it's the "constant" in his statement that got my attention.

But to RiGS credit, On average the non-constant force in the Topre switch is flat as opposed to progressive in the Cherry linear.
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 keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #30 on: Thu, 17 March 2011, 21:49:57 »
I like humping my Topres. But I don't hump them for 12 hours straight like RiGS. No wonder they're worn out!

Offline RiGS

  • Posts: 1594
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #31 on: Fri, 18 March 2011, 07:02:18 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;313725
I like humping my Topres. But I don't hump them for 12 hours straight like RiGS. No wonder they're worn out!


It took me 3 days. They are not worn out, I would say they just feel a slightly different.
« Last Edit: Fri, 18 March 2011, 07:04:31 by RiGS »
Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline drozzy

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  • Posts: 11
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #32 on: Fri, 18 March 2011, 07:32:32 »
Hey hey... bring my thread back! I want my thread B A C K!!!

But boy - is Topre expensive. I'm having second thoughts.
« Last Edit: Fri, 18 March 2011, 07:39:54 by drozzy »

Offline XiP

  • Posts: 10
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #33 on: Fri, 18 March 2011, 13:29:08 »
I just received my 103UB in the mail and it's now my favorite keyboard :-)
I don't know anything about the 103U-UW.
NEC APC-H412
Focus FK-5001
Northgate Omnikey Ultra
Realforce 103UB
Filco Majestouch Brown Tenkeyless

[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Offline Surly73

  • Posts: 425
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #34 on: Fri, 18 March 2011, 16:08:50 »
Quote from: XiP;314002
I just received my 103UB in the mail and it's now my favorite keyboard :-)


It took me about that long too.  :)

Offline mrsone

  • Posts: 70
  • Location: Charlotte, NC
  • Recovering Rubber Dome User
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 18 March 2011, 20:34:49 »
I have had both the all 55g Realforce and the variable weighted one, and I did end up preferring the variable weighted one as I use my Realforce at work for extended typing. Also the dark color of the all 55g did get to me after awhile. The only thing I would change about the variable weighting is the 30g weighed keys. It is a little too easy for my pinky to press down on those keys unintentionally but otherwise I love it.
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 Engine

  • Posts: 250
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #36 on: Fri, 18 March 2011, 21:55:40 »
I'm wondering if an all 45g board is in order period, as far as the "variable" is concerned?
Keep "55g" the same I suppose.
My thoughts before trying it of course =)
In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline thrasymedes

  • Posts: 9
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #37 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 13:32:08 »
First post... proud new owner of a 103u-uw and I can't figure out for the life of me how to use the key stoppers. I like to put them under the F1 and F3 keys (regular Excel user and they get in the way of F2 / F4) and the keys won't pop on when I put them under them. Am I missing something here? Thanks.
Topre Realforce 103 U-UW | IBM 1390131 Model M (1986) | Noppoo Choc Mini (Red)
CST L-TracX | Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical 1.1a

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #38 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 15:30:56 »
Just pull up very lightly. They should POP off. Welcome to Geekhack!

Offline thrasymedes

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #39 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 15:39:59 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;315396
Just pull up very lightly. They should POP off. Welcome to Geekhack!


Thanks for the welcome.

I can get the keys off fine with the key puller - by key stoppers, I mean the little black plastic things that look like they should go UNDER the keys.
These things: http://en.item.rakuten.com/filco/10000219/
Topre Realforce 103 U-UW | IBM 1390131 Model M (1986) | Noppoo Choc Mini (Red)
CST L-TracX | Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical 1.1a

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #40 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 16:19:36 »
Oh...I have no clue about those :/

Offline BucklingSpring

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #41 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 16:26:47 »
Quote from: thrasymedes;315402
Thanks for the welcome.

I can get the keys off fine with the key puller - by key stoppers, I mean the little black plastic things that look like they should go UNDER the keys.
These things: http://en.item.rakuten.com/filco/10000219/


I have no clue either... Got my 103UW last week and still wondering what are those... And too shy to ask since I'm supposed to be a Keyboard expert ;-)

Picture from the link above:
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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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #42 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 16:32:19 »
It was too obvious... Wanna kill a key... Such as the Windows Key...



Slide the stopper under and the key is now disabled.
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 panda-R

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #43 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 16:33:15 »
This thread is awesome. I have the keystopper!
DO YOU FEEL THE BEAT? I DO.
One Keyboard to DOOM them all, REALFORCE.

Offline keyboardlover

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #44 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 17:20:25 »

Offline thrasymedes

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Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #45 on: Mon, 21 March 2011, 21:40:52 »
Quote from: BucklingSpring;315426
It was too obvious... Wanna kill a key... Such as the Windows Key...

Show Image


Slide the stopper under and the key is now disabled.


Call me stupid, but this doesn't work. You can't just 'slide' it under the key as the key sits too low, and when I pull the cap off and put the stoppper over the switch, I can't replace the keycap (it won't click back on... obviously). Can any realforce owner confirm that this works?
Topre Realforce 103 U-UW | IBM 1390131 Model M (1986) | Noppoo Choc Mini (Red)
CST L-TracX | Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical 1.1a

Offline marvkip

  • Posts: 26
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #46 on: Tue, 22 March 2011, 02:33:07 »
did you guys even scroll down the page? Take off a key next to the one that you want to stop (ex. take off alt if you want to put the stopper on the left windows key) and slide it under from the right.



i made a pretty picture

Offline Disposable Hero

  • Posts: 32
Realforce 103UB vs 103U-UW
« Reply #47 on: Mon, 06 February 2012, 15:02:44 »
where do you get these key stoppers?...i want one for my caps lock..