Topre switch w/ MX Compatible Stem.....

[Polymer]

I think a lot of people when first trying Topre when they've made that switch to Cherry MX, think it feels too much like Rubber Dome which turns them off a bit...but there is a reason why so many people start liking it after awhile...

I really like Topre for typing..it is just enjoyable to use..and for work that is what I like to use...

Gaming wise though..I've tried and tried but there is something that bothers me about it and something that feels right about Cherry...which is why I use both switches...Maybe it the feel when I mash or spam a key or something...or the fact that it feels easier to do that on Cherry..I'm not 100% sure..

[demik]

Can't wait to see the price on these. Not super happy about the 45g or the size (I really want a poker layout topper board), but if it's cheapish, CM has a buy from me.

I have already come to the conclusion that CM is probably going to have to keep the prices low even if they don't want to, since they are putting it out there as a gaming keyboard and presumably most mechanical keyboards are bought by gamers I don't see how a gamer can justify a big price tag without your standard gamer backlighting. I am thinking they should ask $110-$120 for it, if it's higher I don't see how they can sell it to your average person. Just think QFR vs Filco for pricing hopefully.

\

even $200 is fine by me. f660c is at that price, and this is better

Wow, its neat that you've gotten to try both of them already.

 

form factor is better. You get the more common tkl vs the irregular shape of the 660 and the hhkb.
The CM topre is better because it takes cherry caps, meaning all those cherry mx GBs can be used on it vs 660c or hhkb

opinions != facts

[Novus]

Can't wait to see the price on these. Not super happy about the 45g or the size (I really want a poker layout topper board), but if it's cheapish, CM has a buy from me.

I have already come to the conclusion that CM is probably going to have to keep the prices low even if they don't want to, since they are putting it out there as a gaming keyboard and presumably most mechanical keyboards are bought by gamers I don't see how a gamer can justify a big price tag without your standard gamer backlighting. I am thinking they should ask $110-$120 for it, if it's higher I don't see how they can sell it to your average person. Just think QFR vs Filco for pricing hopefully.

\

even $200 is fine by me. f660c is at that price, and this is better

Wow, its neat that you've gotten to try both of them already.

 

form factor is better. You get the more common tkl vs the irregular shape of the 660 and the hhkb.
The CM topre is better because it takes cherry caps, meaning all those cherry mx GBs can be used on it vs 660c or hhkb

opinions != facts

Death to the non believers!!!

[Zeal]

Here's a pic of the "stabilizers"


Photo credits: CM Bram @Deskthority

edit: bleh already posted a couple pages back.

how does the other two stems sit on the stabilizer switches? Does it fit on the other side of the semi-circle?

[terran5992]

Hmm looks like it uses normal topre stabilizers

[bueller]

Yeah i'm guessing they've just made inserts for the caps like Costar does. Good news for people wanting to strip these for parts hopefully.

[Linkbane]

Here's a pic of the "stabilizers"

Show Image

Photo credits: CM Bram @Deskthority

edit: bleh already posted a couple pages back.

how does the other two stems sit on the stabilizer switches? Does it fit on the other side of the semi-circle?

The stabilizer appears to have sort of clamps or grips on the side which would hold onto the keycap, but I'm not certain. Otherwise I wouldn't know how it stays on the key.

[MJ45]

Here's a pic of the "stabilizers"

Show Image

Photo credits: CM Bram @Deskthority

edit: bleh already posted a couple pages back.

how does the other two stems sit on the stabilizer switches? Does it fit on the other side of the semi-circle?

The stabilizer appears to have sort of clamps or grips on the side which would hold onto the keycap, but I'm not certain. Otherwise I wouldn't know how it stays on the key.

I believe the the key stem is attached in the switch center only the other two just rest on the nubs in the center of the opening, that move with the center stem. The notches are clearance for ribs that support the cherry style stem. On Topre caps all of the stabilized keys have only 1 stem with the exception of the spacebar. But in order to accommodate cherry keys 2 additional posts I think that's how they did it. 

[Linkbane]

Here's a pic of the "stabilizers"

Show Image

Photo credits: CM Bram @Deskthority

edit: bleh already posted a couple pages back.

how does the other two stems sit on the stabilizer switches? Does it fit on the other side of the semi-circle?

The stabilizer appears to have sort of clamps or grips on the side which would hold onto the keycap, but I'm not certain. Otherwise I wouldn't know how it stays on the key.

I believe the the key stem is attached in the switch center only the other two just rest on the nubs in the center of the opening, that move with the center stem. The notches are clearance for ribs that support the cherry style stem. On Topre caps all of the stabilized keys have only 1 stem with the exception of the spacebar. But in order to accommodate cherry keys 2 additional posts I think that's how they did it.

That's exactly what I meant, hah. The center stem is the same, while the extra two are used as grips for the extra stems on both sides. I wonder how it feels..

[IPT]

Here's a pic of the "stabilizers"

Show Image

Photo credits: CM Bram @Deskthority

edit: bleh already posted a couple pages back.

how does the other two stems sit on the stabilizer switches? Does it fit on the other side of the semi-circle?

The stabilizer appears to have sort of clamps or grips on the side which would hold onto the keycap, but I'm not certain. Otherwise I wouldn't know how it stays on the key.

I believe the the key stem is attached in the switch center only the other two just rest on the nubs in the center of the opening, that move with the center stem. The notches are clearance for ribs that support the cherry style stem. On Topre caps all of the stabilized keys have only 1 stem with the exception of the spacebar. But in order to accommodate cherry keys 2 additional posts I think that's how they did it.

That's exactly what I meant, hah. The center stem is the same, while the extra two are used as grips for the extra stems on both sides. I wonder how it feels..

prob pretty similar to how realforce feels.
I know the spacebar has those types of stabs on my rf

[quake4mhg]

[kelske]

Let's get down to brass tacks here...

Who's pulling one of these apart and selling off plungers for $10 a piece? I'll take one, Gumrot is hungry for my HHKB 

[Abortion0]

Damn can't wait for these things, can anyone with a topre keyboard tell me how they are for starcraft? (I know they aren't supposed to be the best, but I remember seeing one of the Korean pros with a realforce 87u a whil back and he seemed to be just fine.)

[terran5992]

Damn can't wait for these things, can anyone with a topre keyboard tell me how they are for starcraft? (I know they aren't supposed to be the best, but I remember seeing one of the Korean pros with a realforce 87u a whil back and he seemed to be just fine.)

Its all about preference

[Linkbane]

Damn can't wait for these things, can anyone with a topre keyboard tell me how they are for starcraft? (I know they aren't supposed to be the best, but I remember seeing one of the Korean pros with a realforce 87u a whil back and he seemed to be just fine.)

Some pros use clicky switches or rubber domes, which are supposed to be the worst for gaming, but they're fine too. The effect isn't particularly significant; experience on this site will tell you that it's really all about personal preference.

[demik]

i hope they don't ruin these boards by giving them full back lighting.

so ****ing tacky.

[Coreda]

So the OP was in the end teasing about the CM Novatouch? Would be worthwhile updating the thread title perhaps.

[Puddsy]

i hope they don't ruin these boards by giving them full back lighting.

so ****ing tacky.

Can you even do backlighting on topre?

[The_Beast]

i hope they don't ruin these boards by giving them full back lighting.

so ****ing tacky.

Can you even do backlighting on topre?

You can

[Sniping]

i hope they don't ruin these boards by giving them full back lighting.

so ****ing tacky.

Can you even do backlighting on topre?

But the LED placement is off to the side, it would be hard to make backlighting look even under the keycaps.
You can

[swill]

i hope they don't ruin these boards by giving them full back lighting.

so ****ing tacky.

It is not backlit. That is specified in one of the videos at the very end.  They brought it up as a potential negative of the board, but the details are there.

[Oobly]

I guess it's time for me to start saving.. Let's see.

1. Buy HHKB Pro JP
2. Buy CM Novatouch
3. Swap stems from Novatouch to HHKB while lubing and silent modding
4. Install alternate controller board with Hasu's TMK firmware
5. Put Blank black Cherry profile PBT caps on from Ivan's GB....
6. Enjoy oneness with cup rubber AND cherry profile PBT on a custom layout..... 

Of course that will be a rather expensive HHKB, but....

[Linkbane]

I guess it's time for me to start saving.. Let's see.

1. Buy HHKB Pro JP
2. Buy CM Novatouch
3. Swap stems from Novatouch to HHKB while lubing and silent modding
4. Install alternate controller board with Hasu's TMK firmware
5. Put Blank black Cherry profile PBT caps on from Ivan's GB....
6. Enjoy oneness with cup rubber AND cherry profile PBT on a custom layout..... 

Of course that will be a rather expensive HHKB, but....

I'm actually super excited to know about the pricing on these. I think that CM can't price it too highly, because the consumers aren't all just geekhack members, so hopefully this will be our chance to get affordable Topre. And then I can try that dental band mod and not be sad that I can't get an HHKB.

[SpAmRaY]

I want that full size 55g board they were talking about.

[Air tree]

HHKB with 55g rubber with Cherry mx stems lubed and silenced= Heaven

[terran5992]

The novatouch should be relatively cheap

I would guess its below the $200 mark

[bueller]

HHKB with 55g rubber with Cherry mx stems lubed and silenced= Heaven

Did you finally buy one?

[Air tree]

HHKB with 55g rubber with Cherry mx stems lubed and silenced= Heaven

Did you finally buy one?

About too! I still have to make up my mind if i want to  buy a phone (I don't have one) or a HHKB this month. Hard choice.

[yasuo]

Feel will different......
modding dental band+Orings )

[damorgue]

I feel as if a big part of why people like Topre switches is because of the fine tolerances and excellent build quality which comes with their high price. I am not saying that CM won't succeed in making a copy, but if they make them cheaper then odds are that the build quality won't be as excellent and they won't spend the same meticulous attention to detail. If they aren't as perfect and a slight wobble and scratchiness is introduced, that can essentially make or break the impression of the Topre switch since I believe that to be the reason why a lot of people like them.

Edit: Read this description for instance

I believe that getting it absolutely right will be crucial to its popularity.

[1pq]

HHKB with 55g rubber with Cherry mx stems lubed and silenced= Heaven

Did you finally buy one?

About too! I still have to make up my mind if i want to  buy a phone (I don't have one) or a HHKB this month. Hard choice.

lol if you keep talking about dat cup rubber with experiencing the oneness you might be a little disappointed when you get your HHKB. It honestly took me about a month for me to like my 660C

[do_Og@n]

I want that full size 55g board they were talking about.

Is it bad that I only want the full size so I can get more 55gr Topre spings for my F660c?

[SpAmRaY]

I want that full size 55g board they were talking about.

Is it bad that I only want the full size so I can get more 55gr Topre spings for my F660c?

You need domes....not springs...

[keymaster]

The novatouch should be relatively cheap

I would guess its below the $200 mark

That's my guess, too. CM tends to put out affordable products, even in the upper tiers. I'm going to guess it will be around $150.

[do_Og@n]

I want that full size 55g board they were talking about.

Is it bad that I only want the full size so I can get more 55gr Topre spings for my F660c?

You need domes....not springs...

Yeah those...more rubber nips!!! 

[SpAmRaY]

The novatouch should be relatively cheap

I would guess its below the $200 mark

That's my guess, too. CM tends to put out affordable products, even in the upper tiers. I'm going to guess it will be around $150.

Maybe even better with rebates.....I'm looking at you NEWEGG!!

[VesperSAINT]

The novatouch should be relatively cheap

I would guess its below the $200 mark

That's my guess, too. CM tends to put out affordable products, even in the upper tiers. I'm going to guess it will be around $150.

This I would love to see. Instabuy, if so. If this does happen, I wonder how RF will deal with it. I understand that HHKB has the different form factor, but RF, even if they are higher quality, it'll be hard to persuade people to buy their keyboards for $90-110 more.

[kenmai9]

I would definitely buy the CM topre board, especially if its TKL or 60%.

Not necessary to convert to HHKB, because too much work/$$$. Also aren't the sizes non standard on the HHKB?

What sets would you need to buy to equip a HHKB with MX caps?

[Puddsy]

I would definitely buy the CM topre board, especially if its TKL or 60%.

Not necessary to convert to HHKB, because too much work/$$$. Also aren't the sizes non standard on the HHKB?

What sets would you need to buy to equip a HHKB with MX caps?

A tsangan set and a 1.75x right shift.

[tjcaustin]

I would definitely buy the CM topre board, especially if its TKL or 60%.

Not necessary to convert to HHKB, because too much work/$$$. Also aren't the sizes non standard on the HHKB?

What sets would you need to buy to equip a HHKB with MX caps?

You'd need a tsangan kit.

And I would bet, priced right, people would buy the stem swapped novatouches here.  Hell, I plan to use mine as a second keyboard after the swap.

I would definitely buy the CM topre board, especially if its TKL or 60%.

Not necessary to convert to HHKB, because too much work/$$$. Also aren't the sizes non standard on the HHKB?

What sets would you need to buy to equip a HHKB with MX caps?

A tsangan set and a 1.75x right shift.

Good thing one includes the other.

[Puddsy]

Really? I didn't know that.

[VesperSAINT]

TekSyndicate just released a video on this thing, and you actually get to hear the thing at certain points. Sounds decent.

Also, strange how easily that cap popped off...

[kenmai9]

TekSyndicate just released a video on this thing, and you actually get to hear the thing at certain points. Sounds decent.

Also, strange how easily that cap popped off...

omgg can't wait to try it with thick pbt

[Puddsy]

TekSyndicate just released a video on this thing, and you actually get to hear the thing at certain points. Sounds decent.

Also, strange how easily that cap popped off...

Stems are probably loose. Same problem the 3D printed stems have/had.

[VesperSAINT]

omgg can't wait to try it with thick pbt

Agreed. Wanna put thick PBTs and GMK on there. Maybe even SA.

Stems are probably loose. Same problem the 3D printed stems have/had.

Ah, I see. Would hate to have to sticky tape mod on all of the switches

[SigLogical]

TekSyndicate just released a video on this thing, and you actually get to hear the thing at certain points. Sounds decent.

Also, strange how easily that cap popped off...

is it just me or is the capslock and scroll lock gonna have it's own backlit? because the printing looks very different from looking at the Capslock keycaps at 1:17

[Linkbane]

is it just me or is the capslock and scroll lock gonna have it's own backlit? because the printing looks very different from looking at the Capslock keycaps at 1:17

Off-topic but what's that in your signature?

[Puddsy]

is it just me or is the capslock and scroll lock gonna have it's own backlit? because the printing looks very different from looking at the Capslock keycaps at 1:17

Off-topic but what's that in your signature?

Looks like and OSU! score

[Linkbane]

is it just me or is the capslock and scroll lock gonna have it's own backlit? because the printing looks very different from looking at the Capslock keycaps at 1:17

Off-topic but what's that in your signature?

Looks like and OSU! score

Ooh, coolio. My cynical side is in incredulity that they wouldn't put some sort of self-advertising logo on it.

[samwisekoi]

I have been SO good. I haven't bought a new keyboard in almost a year now. But an MX-compatible Topre? Resistance is futile. Just futile.

Well played, Carter, well played.

I am looking forward to yet another keyboard in the house. Hopefully there won't be any from OTHER vendors!

Good job.

 - Ron I samwisekoi