Topre-like switches

[cool-RR]

Hi guys!

I want to get Topre switches for my custom keyboard, but I'm put off by the fact that they're not sold by piece.

Do you know of any company that manufactures Topre-like switches, using the same principle? If I understand correctly the patent is expired on the design.


Thanks,
Ram.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I am fairly certain no such keyswitches exist.  The only way to make a Topre custom board is to cannibalize another Topre board and harvest the components from that.

[thebeargentile]

The PCB is a vital part of how topre switches funciton... the rubber cups are there mostly for tactility and to retain the springs, which work with the PCB to create a capacitive change, in place.  So I don't think we will see true topre-esque individual switches for sale, as they would have to include the PCB component to work.  The closest switch I have found to matching the topre feel are Ergo clears. 

[cool-RR]

So I don't think we will see true topre-esque individual switches for sale, as they would have to include the PCB component to work.

Can you please explain what the difficulty is in creating a Topre-like PCB?

[esoomenona]

I'm fairly certain the difficulty isn't so much in creating the PCB, but obtaining the components needed to complete the keyboard. They're not individually found, such as MX switches. Thus, the only reasonable way to obtain them is to purchase a keyboard to get them, in which case, you already have a PCB.

[thebeargentile]

If you're designing a pcb from the ground-up, and have the skill to create a topre-compatible board, then you would be in theory be able to use the cup and spring from another topre board.  I think that the problem that you might run into would be if you were creating a unique layout... cups from most boards are molded in sheets, so you would likely need to cut the cups to assemble them into a pattern that suited you, which isn't a huge issue.  You would then have to make a custom plate to hold the switch component in place, which again, depending on your skills may or may not be a problem.  As CLIB stated, I've never seen topre components sold loosly, so you would likely have to buy donor boards to get the cups/springs/switches from. 

[morpheus]

I don't know if this will answer your question, but I think this is a Topre Alternative:

Fujitsu Libertouch

http://gizmodo.com/275582/fujitsu-libertouch-rearrangeable-keyboard

http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/29/fujitsu-libertouch-keyboard-lets-you-have-it-your-way/

http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/B002SDFEOY/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP

[jwaz]

In the meantime, we're going to contemplate why Fujitsu named their product to resemble a 25-cent bowling alley bathroom sex lube.

 


My Japanese isn't all that great but I think he said it comes in 45g and 55g customizeable domes?

[AKIMbO]

In the meantime, we're going to contemplate why Fujitsu named their product to resemble a 25-cent bowling alley bathroom sex lube.

 

Because it's silky smooth but still lets you feel all the tactile bumps.

[thebeargentile]

In the meantime, we're going to contemplate why Fujitsu named their product to resemble a 25-cent bowling alley bathroom sex lube.

 

Because it's silky smooth but still lets you feel all the tactile bumps.

The wife tried some of my keyboards the other night... she kept saying she preferred the reds over the browns and clears, even after I explained to her her that the tactile bumps were there for her pleasure......

Edit:  She did end up liking my topre boards the best 

[cool-RR]

Thanks for your help everybody.

I don't think that the Libertouch is a good replacement for the Topre, at least for myself.

[ch_123]

So I don't think we will see true topre-esque individual switches for sale, as they would have to include the PCB component to work.

Can you please explain what the difficulty is in creating a Topre-like PCB?

Topres use a capacitive contact mechanism, unlike Cherry or Alps switches which are standard electrical switches. A PCB for a Cherry or Alps keyboard just has a series of electrical traces, and all the switching is performed inside the switching module. In a Topre keyboard, the contacts on the PCB sense the movement of the spring in the Topre switch, and as such, all the switching is carried out at the PCB, and so the switches are not self contained.

I think there are some obscure old switches where the capacitive contacts are located inside the switch, but I'd say that A) these are expensive to make and that B) it may introduce complications that make the capacitive sensing harder to implement. Either way, on a Topre keyboard, most of the magic happens in the PCB, and you'd also need controller electronics capable of driving and sensing the capacitive contacts (although this has been done, particularly in order to convert beam springs and certain Model Fs to modern usage.)

[cool-RR]

Thanks! I understand now!

[gameaholic]

Topre ErgoDox plz. 

Oh and while you're at it, buckling spring ErgoDox.

[dorkvader]

Topre ErgoDox plz. 

Oh and while you're at it, buckling spring ErgoDox.

The utron is pretty close to a "topre ergodox".
Buckling spring ergodox I'm sure will be made eventually.

[laffindude]

I don't know if this will answer your question, but I think this is a Topre Alternative:

Fujitsu Libertouch

http://gizmodo.com/275582/fujitsu-libertouch-rearrangeable-keyboard

http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/29/fujitsu-libertouch-keyboard-lets-you-have-it-your-way/

http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/B002SDFEOY/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP

That doesn't feel anything like a Topre. It is not even nice for a rubber dome. It plops down and feels very sluggish popping back up.

[MKULTRA]

I don't know if this will answer your question, but I think this is a Topre Alternative:

Fujitsu Libertouch

http://gizmodo.com/275582/fujitsu-libertouch-rearrangeable-keyboard

http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/29/fujitsu-libertouch-keyboard-lets-you-have-it-your-way/

http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/B002SDFEOY/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP

That doesn't feel anything like a Topre. It is not even nice for a rubber dome. It plops down and feels very sluggish popping back up.

Why do you have to ruin our hopes and dreams?

[noisyturtle]

Lubed panda/ergo clears are kinda like topre. No one manufactures them though. Get a rubber dome?