letter 'a' on the 87u variable

[tbc]

is the letter 'a' supposed to be the lightest key on the entire 87u variable board?

I've tried typing on the q and z and they work right.  On the 'a' key though, there is no thock or resistance what so ever.  it feels like there is no dome or spring underneath; I just feel and hear plastic grinding.  is this just a 30g and thats what it's supposed to feel like?

[Valis]

All the keys meant to pressed by pinky should be weighted the same. If the A key feels different than the others, the switch might be defective in some way.

[Emospence]

Topres have a high switch weight variance (+- 15g IIRC)

So for 30/35g, that could go down to 15/20g

 )

[Valis]

Topres have a high switch weight variance (+- 15g IIRC)

As far as I know, that's 15 %, not 15 g.

[terran5992]

Its really hard to tell 15% apart

[Valis]

Its really hard to tell 15% apart

Not really. For the 45 g switch that's almost 7 g, and as you can compared the switches in situ, it wouldn't be hard to notice a difference. Also, in the worst case that could be ~38 g switch vs. ~52 g on the same keyboard, which would be very easy to differentiate between (as you can easily feel the weight differences on the variable keyboard).

I think that the +/-15 g figure is a misunderstanding, as it would make little sense to build separate 30 and 45 g switches, if the tolerances were so high: 30 g + 15 g extra would make it the 45 g switch, and vice versa. Simple QC at the factory for the domes could sort those easily. I also think that the +/-15 % figure is some worst-case scenario. However, the exact info on the Topre switch tolerances doesn't seem to be easy find.

[goobus]

Well just to get back on topic, I have a 104UB and the a key feels the same way. Since I use it mainly for typing at work I actually don't mind the lighter keys so much.

If it really bothers you I suggest you switch to 45g! Those are quite pleasant too

[Valis]

Well just to get back on topic, I have a 104UB and the a key feels the same way. Since I use it mainly for typing at work I actually don't mind the lighter keys so much.

I have 88UB variable, which is fine for me both for typing and gaming; I don't really notice the variable force in gaming.

The fact that the A key seems to have a very different feel and make a different sound would point to a faulty switch, so I'd contact the seller for RMA.

[czarek]

It's definitely 15G, and I have experienced this kind of differences on brand new Uniform 45G so don't be surprised.
Here's the proof for the tolerance:
http://www.topre.co.jp/e/products/comp/key_point.html
I'm really sensitive to inconsistency between the keys, that's why I get frustrated about Model Fs after minutes of using them, and with Model Ms days after using them. With RF I couldn't stand it after a day, despite being excited about getting it after paying a lot (yes shipping and import duties mean double the price pretty much) and waiting long for overseas shipping.

[Valis]

It's definitely 15G, and I have experienced this kind of differences on brand new Uniform 45G so don't be surprised.
Here's the proof for the tolerance:
http://www.topre.co.jp/e/products/comp/key_point.html
I'm really sensitive to inconsistency between the keys, that's why I get frustrated about Model Fs after minutes of using them, and with Model Ms days after using them. With RF I couldn't stand it after a day, despite being excited about getting it after paying a lot (yes shipping and import duties mean double the price pretty much) and waiting long for overseas shipping.

Yes, that's the only real source found for the 15 g figure. As said, the QC is really bad if you allow 50 % variance for the lightest dome. If you high sensitivity, there's no problem with sensing 15 % variance on the keys either, but did you do an objective test with external weights (like coins)?

[tbc]

okay, I found the issue.  the cap was somehow misaligned.  after reseating it, it feels correct li just happen to hate the 30g feeling.

[eth0s]

okay, I found the issue.  the cap was somehow misaligned.  after reseating it, it feels correct li just happen to hate the 30g feeling.

30g is super light in Topre.  It's also super annoying for gaming, with the A-key at 30g and the D-key at 45g.  However, you need to do multiple hours of typing at a time, before you can really appreaciate what that 30g is all about.  Variable weighting really shines when your hands are getting tired from typing, but it takes a few hours to really appreciate it.  You will not feel the same fatigue in your hands and fingers that you do from typing continuously on a 45g uniform keyboard. 

But, based on your thread, it sounds like you're a candidate for the 45g, or maybe 55g uniform keyboards. 

[tbc]

yes, topre does smooth very well.  But I don't like smooth; i want ALOT of feedback that something is happening.

I do love the very easy bottoming out action (mx/rd bottoming out is a horrible feeling); so it's something I'm thinking about right now: 55g topre for comfort or more tactile switches so I can actually feel what I paid for.

[Linkbane]

yes, topre does smooth very well.  But I don't like smooth; i want ALOT of feedback that something is happening.

I do love the very easy bottoming out action (mx/rd bottoming out is a horrible feeling); so it's something I'm thinking about right now: 55g topre for comfort or more tactile switches so I can actually feel what I paid for.

You seem to have a strange decision of what to get based on what you wanted. If you want tactile feedback, and a lot, it would make much more sense to get an MX Clear. Why on earth would you get such a light switch keyboard if you wanted more feedback? It just makes no sense whatsoever.

[tbc]

because it's my first topre board and I would rather know for sure that I don't like it rather than assume?

I'm doing clears and ergodox together too lol.

[tuxsavvy]

yes, topre does smooth very well.  But I don't like smooth; i want ALOT of feedback that something is happening.

I do love the very easy bottoming out action (mx/rd bottoming out is a horrible feeling); so it's something I'm thinking about right now: 55g topre for comfort or more tactile switches so I can actually feel what I paid for.

You seem to have a strange decision of what to get based on what you wanted. If you want tactile feedback, and a lot, it would make much more sense to get an MX Clear. Why on earth would you get such a light switch keyboard if you wanted more feedback? It just makes no sense whatsoever.

I guess some people are quite fond of the typing on rubber feeling, that and few other somewhat trivial factors such as the fact that it is rare (Topre boards vs Cherry MX boards), etc.

[tbc]

I think it's safe to assume that I type with invisible ink lol. that must be the reason that people get to make up the reasoning behind my purchases and thensay I was stupid for buying for the reason they just came up with?