Realforce / Deck ?

[wakakaa]

Hi all,

I just bought Ducky 9008 Blue switch yesterday, because my previous keyboard was "Microsoft Internet Keyboard" which was dead after 10 years of service....
(For more details, please see http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?23945-Replacement-for-my-quot-Microsoft-Internet-Keyboard-quot-%28what-kind-of-switches%29)

However, the Ducky is just too noisy and I realized I hate that clicky sound.
I heard that my previous MS Keyboard was made by rubber domes.... I really don't know what should I go for....


So, i have only 2 questions:

1. Regardless budget, which type of switches suit me most?
Topre switch (RealForce???)
Cherry MX Clear switch (Deck Legend???)

2. Any other better suggestion?



Thank you so much!
Cheers!!!!!

[jrockroll]

happy hacking!

[ktkr]

If you liked your rubber dome, definitely Topre. Good feeling of oneness with cup rubber, which Cherry users can only dream of.

[fossala]

Once again, I think topres are for people that are too 1337 to own a rubber dome so the convince thereselves that spending $300 on there rubber dome makes it less of one.

[drsauced]

I think a MX Brown board would be more to your liking, a Filco, Rosewill, or a Leopold.

[ktkr]

Once again, I think topres are for people that are too 1337 to own a rubber dome so the convince thereselves that spending $300 on there rubber dome makes it less of one.

Have you ever typed on one? Let me guess, you haven't. It makes your argument null and void.

Whether a keyboard is oh-so-mechanical or a $300 rubber dome, it does not matter. I happen to be much more content with my rubber domes than my buckling spring, Alps, or Cherry keyboards. You mad?

[Trueepower]

Hi all,

I just bought Ducky 9008 Blue switch yesterday, because my previous keyboard was "Microsoft Internet Keyboard" which was dead after 10 years of service....
(For more details, please see http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?23945-Replacement-for-my-quot-Microsoft-Internet-Keyboard-quot-%28what-kind-of-switches%29)

However, the Ducky is just too noisy and I realized I hate that clicky sound.
I heard that my previous MS Keyboard was made by rubber domes.... I really don't know what should I go for....


So, i have only 2 questions:

1. Regardless budget, which type of switches suit me most?
Topre switch (RealForce???)
Cherry MX Clear switch (Deck Legend???)

2. Any other better suggestion?



Thank you so much!
Cheers!!!!!

You are talking about two opposite type of switches, as far as the force gradient. Clears use a black spring, and require 55 grams to actuate, but as you press them the force becomes even more than a black switch. They are suitable for people who like to touch type, and prefer a heavier switch. Most people wouldn't like them, and its much easier to recommend a light switch. Whether you will think a Topre is worth it, is tough to say. I can tell you that the main difference is the force gradient, as the force of Topre's domes have their weight on top of the stroke and less on the bottom. Where as a cherry switch increases in force as you press down. That is the main difference. There is no better switch, just a matter of preference. Those two swiches as I said, are quite opposite though. Good luck!

[Internetlad]

Have you ever typed on one? Let me guess, you haven't. It makes your argument null and void.

Whether a keyboard is oh-so-mechanical or a $300 rubber dome, it does not matter. I happen to be much more content with my rubber domes than my buckling spring, Alps, or Cherry keyboards. You mad?

Yes.

That said, i've been fully happy with my G15 for the past 5~ years Looking to upgrade to a Leopold TKL soon (brown/red) but a good rubber dome is still a good rubber dome.

[wakakaa]

Sigh.... every one has different feelings and preferences.....

I am just wondering which type of switch is the closest to my previous Microsoft Internet Keyboard (it is rubber dome?)

[ktkr]

I am just wondering which type of switch is the closest to my previous Microsoft Internet Keyboard (it is rubber dome?)

Yes, it's a rubber dome board.

Topre Realforce and PFU Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional (Topre OEM) lines are the closest because they essentially are rubber dome boards. It's a bit misleading though, because they're nothing like your average rubber domes.

There are other Topre boards too but they're kind of rarities, and the above mentioned ones (Realforce / HHKB) are what people here at GH typically use. Give this a read if you haven't done so yet: http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Topre+Realforce+Reference+-+all+things+topre

[DanGWanG]

Sigh.... every one has different feelings and preferences.....

I am just wondering which type of switch is the closest to my previous Microsoft Internet Keyboard (it is rubber dome?)

You would enjoy a Topre switch keyboard if you liked the Microsoft keyboard.  It is the closest to the rubber dome you felt, but I wouldn't exclude Cherry Browns or Red out of your selection either.

If you liked the full size keyboard, try the 103UB/UW.  It's a variable switch keyboard, which means the switches differ in weight based on which fingers are using them.  For example, your typical pinky keys (Q, A, etc.) would be 30g.  The next weight is 45g (for your 4th or middle finger) and 55g for your middle and index fingers.  The rest of the keys (F row, numpad, etc.) I believe is just 55g, but I may be wrong here.  But weight aside, variable Realforces feel like you're typing on a slab of butter.  Really smooth transition from one key to the next, and the keys and overall material of the board are of extremely high quality.

[pitashen]

just go for realforce if your pocket is deep. save you some extra trouble

[IvanIvanovich]

Topre is really the best option for you. You have tried 2 MX switch, and did not like either, so I doubt you will like any of them. If budget is a concern, perhaps a good rubber dome keyboard like PFU Fujitsu (Parent of HHKB(Topre)), Keytronic, or Dell Quietkey would suit you.

[ktkr]

To clarify the post above, PFU offers two kinds of Happy Hacking Keyboards:
- Lite which has generic rubber domes, "cheap"
- Professional which has Topre capacitive switches, expensive. Also has very high quality keycaps made of PBT, I doubt the Lite has PBT caps.

[Mazora]

typing on my topre (realforce 87UW) makes me feel like a king. Seriously though, topre in my opinion gives the impression of being "less plastic". Its just more solid keyboard compared to even the godly Filco majestouch 2.

[fossala]

I have not typed on one and I am not saying that they are bad (FYI I may get a HHKB in the future). I am just sick of people masking the fact that they are overpriced rubber domes.
Also be aware that the spacebar is not pbt it is abs.
And the fact that I haven't tried it is irrelivant to what I said, It wasn't a comment on the 'board it was a comment on the users.

[IvanIvanovich]

No the HHKB lite sucks, but PFU Fujitsu does (or has) make other RD boards that don't. I'm not sure which model it was but I used one at an internet cafe that was pretty decent feeling standard 105 board.

[wakakaa]

Most reviewers wouldn't even put the HHKB Lite in the "good rubber dome" category.

How about the Apple Aluminum?

It's also white like the Microsoft Internet.
(Attachment Link) 32224[/ATTACH]

That's the main point.

Where can i get a "good rubber dome" with proper "tactile"


thanks!

[Exoverture]

Have you ever typed on one? Let me guess, you haven't. It makes your argument null and void.

Whether a keyboard is oh-so-mechanical or a $300 rubber dome, it does not matter. I happen to be much more content with my rubber domes than my buckling spring, Alps, or Cherry keyboards. You mad?

Shouldn't bother you so much that people think that about topre, trying to justify it it seems. I've owned more than I can count and end up selling them, even after 6 month stretches with topre. It feels exactly like a longer lasting rubber dome.

Its funny how people go full circle here -> Rubber dome -> Cherry keys -> overpriced rubber dome.

[TheProfosist]

I dont get how people can say things about Topre switches being like and expensive rubber dome rubber dome. I have to regularly use both and The are many things that make a topre mechanical and nothing like a rubber dome. Also just because it uses a rubber dome doesnt mean that is what defines it as a switch. For those people who mash keys im pretty sure its not going to mater what switch they have or will go with what ever feels the best after a good mashing. There are people that like Cherry MX, Alps, Buckling spring, and Topre but none of their reasoning is because it feels like or close to a rubber dome. If you want that feel and style of switch, just get a rubber dome, not everyone needs or likes mechanical keyboards.

[ktkr]

Shouldn't bother you so much that people think that about topre, trying to justify it it seems. I've owned more than I can count and end up selling them, even after 6 month stretches with topre. It feels exactly like a longer lasting rubber dome.

Its funny how people go full circle here -> Rubber dome -> Cherry keys -> overpriced rubber dome.

Justify what? My Filco (with a set of PBT keycaps) cost more than my HHKB Pro 2, by a considerable margin.

[TheProfosist]

Justify what? My Filco (with a set of PBT keycaps) cost more than my HHKB Pro 2, by a considerable margin.

Ouch, how much did you pay for those caps?

[ktkr]

Ouch, how much did you pay for those caps?

Didn't pay a fortune for the caps (imsto's group order), but I got a minty, barely-used HHKB for ~50% of the normal price.

[TheProfosist]

Didn't pay a fortune for the caps (imsto's group order), but I got a minty, barely-used HHKB for ~50% of the normal price.

o ok that would explain then....