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Author Topic: Realforce 87U Questions  (Read 10042 times)

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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 13:28:20 »
Hi everyone,

I just ordered a Leopold Tenkeyless (FC200R) w/ Cherry Browns from EK yesterday and I'm patiently waiting for it to come. It'll be my first mechanical keyboard - having been intrigued after redescovering a family IBM Model M and playing on a friends Cherry keyboard (w/ reds).

The bug has certainly bit me as I'm already looking at other keyboards! I've been intrigued by the Topre-switched Realforce 87U, particularly the black model with variable weighted keys. That being said I have a few questions:

  • Where can I purchase the 87U in the USA (if possible)? [or just the cheapest way to get a US layout board]
  • Will the variable weight affect my gaming or transition between uniform weighted keyboards?
  • Suggestions on wristrests for my tenkeyless?


BR,
David
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Offline RiGS

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 14:29:02 »
You can't buy it in the US. However you can get the 86UB from EK.
You can also buy the 87UB directly from Japan.
Get the filco wristrest from the Keyboard Company.
The variable is ok for gaming, however the uniform would be better.
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline mmmty

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« Reply #2 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 14:40:03 »
There is one for sale right now on Ebay. It's slightly used but seems to be in good condition. Asking price is $300 + $20 shipping but you can make an offer. Also, check in the classified section to see if there is one for sale.
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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 14:47:13 »
RiGS, I just can't decide between variable/uniform! The 55gm seems too heavy, no?

mmmty, I saw that keyboard on eBay... but its uniform weight.

As I'm still an undergrad student in my 3rd year, I've got a ton of typing to do... while I do play games I don't know if I would want a keyboard dedicated to just gaming. mmmty, do you have experience with both types? (variable/uniform)
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Offline foliolio

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 14:49:32 »
Get the 45g uniform. ::smoke
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Offline david

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« Reply #5 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 14:51:05 »
Is that even available in black/US layout? I think I saw a 45g uniform but it was in the JP layout.
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #6 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 15:13:41 »
Quote from: foliolio;348103
Get the 45g uniform. ::smoke

What!? That's the same as browns and I like browns.
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Offline noodles256

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« Reply #7 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 15:22:57 »
not exactly the same.
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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 15:32:03 »
Haha...so where can I get these mythical 45g'd 87Us? Damn this keyboard bug. I've got too many "bugs" that my wallet is sobbing.
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #9 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 15:37:45 »
Well, it's Topre 45g vs Cherry brown 45g. I think 45g is how I like my keyboards. I don't even like blues 50g but that probably has to do more with blues bigger bumps.
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #10 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 15:56:26 »
I don't see a version with all 45g.

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Offline david

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« Reply #11 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 16:14:13 »
Yeah I've been looking for it...

I have however been able to find the Japanese tenkeyless in black with all 45g switches:

http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=588

Anyone wanna chime in on if there is a US type?

@mmmty, how do you like them variable switches?
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #12 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 16:37:33 »
I like it. I got that version because my pinkies are kind of weak. I keep missing a whole bunch of a's when I type :)
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Offline ironman31

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« Reply #13 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 16:41:12 »
There is an all 45g fullsize US layout available on leopold
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Keyboards:
IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard (Used), HHKB Pro 2 (White, Lettered), Realforce 87U all-45g in White, Filco Majestouch 2 TKL with Cherry MX Browns, Model F PC/AT,  Noppoo Choc Mini (MX Browns), Model F XT, IBM Model M 1397735 (bought NIB), (2) Siig Minitouch (GHSS) one with XM, one with complicated ALPs (modded),2 Dell AT101W, Cherry G80-11900HRMUS (modded with MX browns)


Pointing Devices:
Logitech G500, Evoluent VerticalMouse 3, Logitech G5, CST 2545W, Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball, Logitech M570, Logitech MX revolution

Offline RiGS

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #14 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 16:41:21 »
I prefer the variable for typing. However I'm gonna buy the 45g uniform strictly for gaming.
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline litster

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 16:45:41 »
david, let us know what you end up getting, and how.
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #16 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 16:59:57 »
Wow, they even have all 30g for full size. That's even lighter than cloud of boobs. You may have to hold your breath when you type.
http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=650
« Last Edit: Wed, 18 May 2011, 17:03:03 by mmmty »
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Offline RiGS

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 17:13:02 »
The all 30g is awesome keyboard for RTS games.
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline ironman31

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #18 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 17:44:34 »
Quote from: mmmty;348166
Wow, they even have all 30g for full size. That's even lighter than cloud of boobs. You may have to hold your breath when you type.
http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=650

I wouldn't mind having one of these.
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Keyboards:
IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard (Used), HHKB Pro 2 (White, Lettered), Realforce 87U all-45g in White, Filco Majestouch 2 TKL with Cherry MX Browns, Model F PC/AT,  Noppoo Choc Mini (MX Browns), Model F XT, IBM Model M 1397735 (bought NIB), (2) Siig Minitouch (GHSS) one with XM, one with complicated ALPs (modded),2 Dell AT101W, Cherry G80-11900HRMUS (modded with MX browns)


Pointing Devices:
Logitech G500, Evoluent VerticalMouse 3, Logitech G5, CST 2545W, Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball, Logitech M570, Logitech MX revolution

Offline HaveANiceDay

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #19 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 18:00:16 »
Yuck, I would hate those.
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Offline mmmty

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #20 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 19:10:40 »
So, there's only 1 55g on the ESC key. The rest are 45g except for the keys you normally use your pinkies to type. Awesome!! that's how I like it. Oh! the ring finger on the L column are also 35g.
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Offline litster

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #21 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 19:34:47 »
Quote from: ripster;348218
87U is 35/45/55.  See the Topre wiki for details.

Yes to 87U model SE1700 and SE170S.  87U SE1800 is all 55g.
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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #22 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 19:52:52 »
I was looking through the Wiki and noticed there are models that say "quiet", apparently making them different from the standard 87Us. Does anyone have experience with them and how do I differentiate them from the normal 87U? It seems like the name and product code is the same...
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Offline litster

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« Reply #23 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 20:16:51 »
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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #24 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 21:24:23 »
litster, thanks!

Now, I'm having some trouble figuring out whether or not I want 55gs...
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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #25 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 23:00:50 »
Just got an email from Leopold's Bambi... the 87U will be restocked in full around the end of June. Prices are approx $320 for the non-silent and $328 for the silent.
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Offline litster

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« Reply #26 on: Wed, 18 May 2011, 23:29:09 »
I heard the same thing from Bambi.  That matches with the Rakuten shop's story (no stock).  Will have to wait now.

David, the pricing I got is this:
SE1700 JPY23800 + EMS cost JPY4000
SE170S JPY26800 + EMS cost JPY4000
SE070S JPY26800 + EMS cost JPY4000

The low noise version is 3,000 yen more, which is about US$37.  This is different than they pricing you got.  Weird.
« Last Edit: Wed, 18 May 2011, 23:52:21 by litster »
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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #27 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 00:14:00 »
Litster, my apologies you are absolutely correct! My tired eyes/brain made a mistake :(

Pretty sure I'll be sticking with Variable weights...now the decision boils down to SE1700 vs SE170S. I wonder if anyone's had the chance to try both out?
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Offline litster

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« Reply #28 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 00:36:22 »
Unless noise is absolutely prohibited at where you type, or you have to type while you are on the phone or video conference, I would get the regular one.  Topre is already pretty quiet, comparing to MX blue or even brown.  Muting the sound is only going to lower the enjoyment of the awesome keyboard you are going to spend a lot of money to buy.  In my own opinion of course.
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Offline Crazy9000

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #29 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 00:59:07 »
Is the right windows key that important to you? If you do go with a variable force one I'd just get it from EK. 86u is missing the right windows key, otherwise the same layout as 87u.

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless
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Offline litster

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #30 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 01:41:38 »
Not that these are super important, but the 86U doens't have the embedded numpad and LEDs that 87U has.
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Offline HaveANiceDay

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #31 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 09:51:24 »
One does not buy a tenkeyless to miss having a numpad!
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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #32 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 10:46:44 »
Honestly, I love having a numpad, but my deskspace at school/work is super limited. I'd rather have a separate numpad that I can drag in when I really need it. I hate having my mouse so far out right :(
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Offline chongyixiong

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« Reply #33 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 11:31:49 »
Quote from: HaveANiceDay;348483
One does not buy a tenkeyless to miss having a numpad!

 
Quote FTW!

Also, it makes more sense when you spend another US$130 to buy the Realforce 23UB Numpad.
Heh
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Offline RiGS

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #34 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 11:36:45 »
Quote from: chongyixiong;348538
Quote FTW!

Also, it makes more sense when you spend another US$130 to buy the Realforce 23UB Numpad.
Heh

 
Appearantly this guy doesn't agree with you.
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #35 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 12:22:41 »
Haha I don't mind paying extra for a Numpad - heck it doesn't even have to be a Topre switched one! Sure makes doing my Finance & Accounting homework easier. Damn college dorm desks are tiny at my school...

Anyhow - I'll probably be going through Leopold directly to get my keyboard. I'll let everyone know how that goes. I wonder what else I can buy - too impatient as friggin EK's 10keyless is going to take over 10 days total to get to me (possibly the slowest domestic shipping I've experienced in a while).
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #36 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 12:38:02 »
I want ripster's red num pad. What's the name of it? Something Japanese made but I saw it on Amazon too.
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #37 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 13:40:52 »
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #38 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 13:51:35 »
What are the orange stuff on the keys? Anyway, it's too expensive for me. For $75 you can almost buy another mechanical keyboard.
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Offline squarebox

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« Reply #39 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 13:53:28 »
Quote from: mmmty;348609
What are the orange stuff on the keys? Anyway, it's too expensive for me. For $75 you can almost buy another mechanical keyboard.

It's called reflection
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Offline redpill

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #40 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 14:57:26 »
Quote from: mmmty;348100
There is one for sale right now on Ebay


Not any more ;)
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^ Current Favorite ^  Topre Realforce 87UB 55g  |  Topre Realforce 103UB 55g | KBC Poker/Browns/Sanded Keycaps |  Ducky 1087 | Filco MajesFoam-2 | IBM Model M 1390131 Feb '87 | Still Love: Microsoft Trackball Explorer x3 | Now Unused:  Microsoft Natural Ergo 4k x2

Offline mmmty

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« Reply #41 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 15:11:14 »
Who bought it - you? How much was it sold for?
I found it. It was sold for $270 + $20 shipping. 87U uniform 55g.
« Last Edit: Thu, 19 May 2011, 15:13:51 by mmmty »
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Offline redpill

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« Reply #42 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 15:21:48 »
You're pretty sharp mmmty, I don't care what Ripster says about you
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^ Current Favorite ^  Topre Realforce 87UB 55g  |  Topre Realforce 103UB 55g | KBC Poker/Browns/Sanded Keycaps |  Ducky 1087 | Filco MajesFoam-2 | IBM Model M 1390131 Feb '87 | Still Love: Microsoft Trackball Explorer x3 | Now Unused:  Microsoft Natural Ergo 4k x2

Offline mmmty

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« Reply #43 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 15:28:02 »
What!?? Well, he does have better calculators. This is my calculator.
Almost forgot. So you did buy it. Congratulations! I hope you like your new keyboard.

« Last Edit: Thu, 19 May 2011, 15:30:14 by mmmty »
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Offline redpill

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« Reply #44 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 15:40:38 »
Thanks, I hope I like it too.  If not, something tells me I wouldn't have a hard time getting rid of it anyway :)
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^ Current Favorite ^  Topre Realforce 87UB 55g  |  Topre Realforce 103UB 55g | KBC Poker/Browns/Sanded Keycaps |  Ducky 1087 | Filco MajesFoam-2 | IBM Model M 1390131 Feb '87 | Still Love: Microsoft Trackball Explorer x3 | Now Unused:  Microsoft Natural Ergo 4k x2

Offline mmmty

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« Reply #45 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 15:49:37 »
These keyboards do have amazing resale values, especially Realforce and HHKB keyboards, as long as you're not asking for some ridiculous prices like $400.
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Offline redpill

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #46 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 16:20:40 »
Definitely not interested in trying to gouge people, but it's nice to know I can probably come close to covering my costs if it doesn't work out.  Lots of products out there aren't like that!
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^ Current Favorite ^  Topre Realforce 87UB 55g  |  Topre Realforce 103UB 55g | KBC Poker/Browns/Sanded Keycaps |  Ducky 1087 | Filco MajesFoam-2 | IBM Model M 1390131 Feb '87 | Still Love: Microsoft Trackball Explorer x3 | Now Unused:  Microsoft Natural Ergo 4k x2

Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #47 on: Thu, 19 May 2011, 17:29:59 »
So apparently... a friend of a friend was the guy who sold you that keyboard. Hope you enjoy it - I almost bought it myself after exchanging some messages in bringing down the price ;)
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Offline david

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Realforce 87U Questions
« Reply #48 on: Tue, 24 May 2011, 10:11:14 »
Alright guys - gonna buy the 87U this week woohoo! Does anyone have feedback/comments ont he 87U Silent version? I'm afraid it would feel significantly different...
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Offline mmmty

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« Reply #49 on: Tue, 24 May 2011, 11:11:31 »
Sorry, I'm not a pretty girl like you  :)
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