Two Topre boards, seeking advice

[Krunchy]

I'll keep it simple.  I've been eyeing the Realforce 87U for quite some time and decided that I wanted to try the variable model.  Now I've been presented with an opportunity to possibly acquire an 87U for around 50 dollars less than on EK.  The thing is that it's the 55g weighted version.  Basically, I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the extra 50 bucks to get the variable weight version I originally wanted or should I stop overthinking it and just go for the 55g version?  I'd love to pocket the extra cash, but I'd hate to spend that much on a Topre board and regret it later every time I sit down to use it.

Any Topre owners have a bit of wisdom they might be willing to share?

[Quarzac]

Buy it. If you don't like it, sell it. Topre boards hold their value well. You will be able to make your money back with little trouble. Then buy the variable if you think it would better suit you.

[fstop]

Im on the hunt for a realforce as well. Here's a general summary of what I've researched.

55g - noticeable feedback and obviously stiffer, pretty much a perfect fit for anyome accustomed to a IBM model m. But might be too stiff for some, which is why the uniform 45g is sometimes preffered.

87u variable (35g, 45g, 55g) - 35g addresses the issue tthat the 86u had with accidental keypresses on the 30g pinky keys. Excellent for typing and overall provides a better typing experience if you type properly.  Not so great for WASD gaming obviously due to variable weights and not that useful for someome like me who doesn't touch type.

[Krunchy]

Hmm, yeah sounds a lot like what I've read.  I will admit it never occurred to me about how the variable might affect the WASD movement keys and I do use those, so that's something else to consider.  I'm not so worried about the stiffness since my usual everyday board is a model M and I like how it feels.

I dunno.  It seems like it just comes down to whether I want to get something closer to what I'm already used to using or whether I want to try something noticeably different.  That's the core of my internal debate.

[fstop]

Hmm, yeah sounds a lot like what I've read.  I will admit it never occurred to me about how the variable might affect the WASD movement keys and I do use those, so that's something else to consider.  I'm not so worried about the stiffness since my usual everyday board is a model M and I like how it feels.

I dunno.  It seems like it just comes down to whether I want to get something closer to what I'm already used to using or whether I want to try something noticeably different.  That's the core of my internal debate.

Like quarzac said, I really don't think you can go wrong with buying the used one, and then selling it if you end up not liking it. I've been looking at the used prices for realforces dating back to the last 2-3 months and I can tell you that ones in good condition usually sell between $40-80 less than retail. For example most 87u variables go for around $285 + shipping (basically $300). You might end up losing $10-15 in the end due to fees/shipping but that's a pretty small price to pay to test out a realforce. You could probably even test it out for a good month and only have to lose that much in the end.

And while the 55g is most often related to the feel of Model M's, I'm pretty sure the topre switch will provide you with something completely different that should still be very interesting to try.

[Krunchy]

I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger on that used 87u, then.  As both of you mentioned, the fact the value of the board keeps so well really takes a lot of the burden off my mind since I can turn around and sell it if worse comes to worse.

Nothing like being surrounded by a bunch of keyboard-buying enablers, right?

[Quarzac]

That's half the problem, man. But also half the solution.