Something Around $200

[Justintoxicated]

So I have given up of comparing the Maxkeyboard Blackbird with the Deck keyboard.

I really don't need back-lighting at work, so I'm open to options.  Right now I'm loving the Cherry Browns on the blackbird. Keycaps seem better quality than other mechanicals I have typed on (Corsair, Tt, etc), although they are only doubleshot ABS.  I'm REALLY tempted to grab another one at only $130 shipped.  But then I would have two of the same thing....

Still, I hear the Blackbird isn't all that (although I'm loving mine), so what will be better?  I can't decide between TK or TKL, but I'm leaning towards TKL due to the stupid tray thing at work I have to keep my keyboard and mouse on. I do miss that TK sometimes when using a calculator, or writing a bunch of IP addresses, but 90% of the time I'm way more comfortable without it.

Should I get a Filco instead of a deck?  A Filco plus new PBT keycaps will be alot more expensive though right?  Maybe just get one of these and call it a day?  http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,tenkeyless&pid=fc200rtab

[dustinhxc]

The Filco or that Leopold would be nice, But Topre 45G FC660C Is best: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,compact&pid=fc660c

There is an MX version if you prefer that.

[tjcaustin]

Or wait just a smidge and be one of the first to get a new CM Novatouch.

Or, since tp4 isn't here to wave the flag, spend that $200 on an ergodox.

And a third option since you mention missing a keypad, try the Quickfire TK, TKL form, tk functionality.

[rowdy]

RealForce 87U black $199?

http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se1700

[Justintoxicated]

The Filco or that Leopold would be nice, But Topre 45G FC660C Is best: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,compact&pid=fc660c

There is an MX version if you prefer that.

I wish there was a way I could test a topre switch before throwing down that kind of coin for a board.  I know I can get by without a number pad, but those arrow keys and lack of Function Keys would drive me nuts at work since I rely on them constantly.

The new CM board coming out sounds pretty interesting.

[Belfong]

But you already budgeted $200 for a new keyboard. Why not go with the best, which is Topre. Almost everyone here will tell you Topre is the best. I can understand if your budget is around $100 and then we asked you to consider Topre - then your statement about "wishing you could test it first" is valid. AT $200 budget, this is a no-brainer choice

[dustinhxc]

If you need the F Row Id go with the Filco TKL, Leopold TKL, or Realforce all 45g 87U.

[RESPRiT]

Go Topre and never look back

[Justintoxicated]

Are the keycaps on the topre replacable?

I was kind of liking the wasd keyboards for a little customization, but they seem expensive for having ABS keycaps?  I mean at least you could sawp out the caps as you wear them in though.  I mean I can get a blackbird with backlighting and doubleshot keycaps for less money than the wasd, so the wasad MUST be alot nicer to type on?  Botha re made in Taiwan I beleive?

Topre sounds nice, but I'm just not sure if I can justify the cost.  I don't even know if I would like the ergonomic weighting, or all 45g.  I'm thinking I would want all the keys to be the same, but I'm probably not worthy enough to know the difference.  Also not sure about the silent option, is that something I would want for work?

[atlas3686]

Topre is quite silent in general especially compared to cherry boards so I wouldn't worry about it much. Keycaps are reasonably expensive but they are all PBT and really nice, not a lot around though. As Dustin suggested the FC660 is a good bet, if you absolutely must have something bigger then try get a Realforce. I just got my first one, a 55g and it is absolutely phenomenal, easily my favourite board, comes with great PBT caps as well. I do prefer heavier switches though so you might like a 45g if you happy with brown switches.

[Justintoxicated]

Topre is quite silent in general especially compared to cherry boards so I wouldn't worry about it much. Keycaps are reasonably expensive but they are all PBT and really nice, not a lot around though. As Dustin suggested the FC660 is a good bet, if you absolutely must have something bigger then try get a Realforce. I just got my first one, a 55g and it is absolutely phenomenal, easily my favourite board, comes with great PBT caps as well. I do prefer heavier switches though so you might like a 45g if you happy with brown switches.

Yes I work with a lot of VM's and debuggers that require the additional keys. (Home, end etc) and I constantly use the F-keys when developing in an IDE.  All 45g or Ergonopmic the preference?  Will the new CM board use existing Cherry style keycaps?  if so it sounds like that might be worth waiting for.

Should I just get it out of my head to buy a WASD TKL keyboard then?

[Justintoxicated]

I know it is a bit too early to tell but would I be better off waiting for the CM Novatouch to be released or go ahead and buy the realtouch.  I'm going to guess that the realtouch will be better quality but hard to order keycaps for?  I'm not a big fan of the factory keycap colors but I guess I could live with them.

[Oobly]

Wait for a Novatouch if you want aftermarket caps. Or get a Filco TKL if you don't want to wait. AFAIK all the Topre space bars are ABS and aftermarket Topre sets / caps are hard to find.

I just ordered one of these for the office (I use Visual Studio a lot): http://www.amazon.co.uk/KBTalking-backlight-Mx-Brown-International-Mechanical/dp/B00ATESTWS

I chose it because I like the arrow key placement and the Fn layout in general, I can mod the switches easily, I can use many standard keycap sets (only the right hand shift and key next to it are non-standard, the Nostalgia 60% set of caps I ordered will look awesome on it), it has an aluminium case and my favourite MX switches.

[rowdy]

I know it is a bit too early to tell but would I be better off waiting for the CM Novatouch to be released or go ahead and buy the realtouch.  I'm going to guess that the realtouch will be better quality but hard to order keycaps for?  I'm not a big fan of the factory keycap colors but I guess I could live with them.

Rumours are that Novatouch will be release in about a month.  Don't quote me on that, I have either read it somewhere here or kind of gathered that timeframe from various posts.

If you don't mind waiting, it could be an interesting board to get.

There is already a review of it here.

[Justintoxicated]

Thanks guy's I will wait for the novatouch then.  I have to have arrow and Function keys so those 60% are not going to cut it.  I never understood the name Happy Hacker when the majority of programming and development these days are done in IDE's, not file editors, not vim, where it's much faster to use arrow keys than the mouse for shifting lines around or moving around in files and debugging mans constantly using the function keys....

[Linkbane]

Thanks guy's I will wait for the novatouch then.  I have to have arrow and Function keys so those 60% are not going to cut it.  I never understood the name Happy Hacker when the majority of programming and development these days are done in IDE's, not file editors, not vim, where it's much faster to use arrow keys than the mouse for shifting lines around or moving around in files and debugging mans constantly using the function keys....

The HHKB really has been supplanted by the FC660C in everything besides cosmetics. It has so much more functionality and is quite a lot more affordable. Most everything I've seen these days are Leopolds, not HHKB.

[dustinhxc]

Are the keycaps on the topre replacable?

I was kind of liking the wasd keyboards for a little customization, but they seem expensive for having ABS keycaps?  I mean at least you could sawp out the caps as you wear them in though.  I mean I can get a blackbird with backlighting and doubleshot keycaps for less money than the wasd, so the wasad MUST be alot nicer to type on?  Botha re made in Taiwan I beleive?

Topre sounds nice, but I'm just not sure if I can justify the cost.  I don't even know if I would like the ergonomic weighting, or all 45g.  I'm thinking I would want all the keys to be the same, but I'm probably not worthy enough to know the difference.  Also not sure about the silent option, is that something I would want for work?

You could also get the WASD with no keyset and order a PBT or ABS DCS or DCA profile keyset. The WASD keys are OEM, I dont like them at all.

[C5Allroad]

Ducky leds are really bright. But if you don't want any lights at work, you can go with Ducky's Premier series. Or Filco, WASD, etc.

I bet if tp were here, he would be screaming ergo....

[Justintoxicated]

Ducky leds are really bright. But if you don't want any lights at work, you can go with Ducky's Premier series. Or Filco, WASD, etc.

I bet if tp were here, he would be screaming ergo....

I almost bought an ergo before on massdrop but it looked harder to learn / use for games since i don't type correctly, then again perhaps it would be even better when gaming.  I think it would be  great way to stop my right hand from hitting "b" though, or skimming num row lol.  I'm taking the online lessons now though because i have hit my peak using unorthodox approaches and want to improve. 

It's not that I do not want leds at work they are just not a requirement since it is always a well light environment.  Im thinking build quality is more important.

[berserkfan]

But you already budgeted $200 for a new keyboard. Why not go with the best, which is Topre. Almost everyone here will tell you Topre is the best. I can understand if your budget is around $100 and then we asked you to consider Topre - then your statement about "wishing you could test it first" is valid. AT $200 budget, this is a no-brainer choice

As someone who does not agree Topre is the best, I'd suggest you go for a Model F. Nowadays they're going for $100 on ebay and a teensy won't cost much. Coat of paint, new USB cable, alcohol and cotton swabs - total cost will be far less than $200 and you'll love it. Now where's fohat.digs when you need him? Fohat, come in and say a few words for the Big F!

[metalliqaz]

Not everyone prefers Topre over MX.  Me, for example

[yuktsi]

a filco tkl would be nice for starter. good build quality and brand history

[Justintoxicated]

But you already budgeted $200 for a new keyboard. Why not go with the best, which is Topre. Almost everyone here will tell you Topre is the best. I can understand if your budget is around $100 and then we asked you to consider Topre - then your statement about "wishing you could test it first" is valid. AT $200 budget, this is a no-brainer choice

As someone who does not agree Topre is the best, I'd suggest you go for a Model F. Nowadays they're going for $100 on ebay and a teensy won't cost much. Coat of paint, new USB cable, alcohol and cotton swabs - total cost will be far less than $200 and you'll love it. Now where's fohat.digs when you need him? Fohat, come in and say a few words for the Big F!

Wouldn't that be  too noisy for an open work environment?  Not sure it would fit well on my keyboard tray either unfortunately.

a filco tkl would be nice for starter. good build quality and brand history

Filcos sure are expensive, is the quality that much better than a blackbird for $130?  seems like you get less for alot more?  I do like the feet on the filco better though and that it is made in japan instead of taiwan.

[Linkbane]

Filco quality isn't really particularly special. It's not very much better than a QFR, and for sometimes twice the price. But about Model Fs, they're actually not very loud, less loud than a Blue even. There's a refined, and rather quiet spring sound. Definitely is overly large and the layout isn't good, though.

My recommendation would be a Leopold (like you have, they're very professional looking with excellent keycaps), QFR/TK, depending on if you'd like numpad functionality, or perhaps an FC660C/Type Heaven if you're looking for a budget Topre board. In my opinion, the FC660C is much better (PBT keycaps and an excellent, compared to the crap Type Heaven, case), if you can get used to the form factor.

[jacobolus]

As someone who does not agree Topre is the best, I'd suggest you go for a Model F. Nowadays they're going for $100 on ebay and a teensy won't cost much. Coat of paint, new USB cable, alcohol and cotton swabs - total cost will be far less than $200 and you'll love it. Now where's fohat.digs when you need him? Fohat, come in and say a few words for the Big F!

Wouldn't that be  too noisy for an open work environment?  Not sure it would fit well on my keyboard tray either unfortunately.

It would be loud as heck. Your coworkers will super jealous, and whenever you type it will sound like you’re working really hard!

I agree with berserkfan that you’ll love it though. Really nice to type on.

[Justintoxicated]

As someone who does not agree Topre is the best, I'd suggest you go for a Model F. Nowadays they're going for $100 on ebay and a teensy won't cost much. Coat of paint, new USB cable, alcohol and cotton swabs - total cost will be far less than $200 and you'll love it. Now where's fohat.digs when you need him? Fohat, come in and say a few words for the Big F!

Wouldn't that be  too noisy for an open work environment?  Not sure it would fit well on my keyboard tray either unfortunately.

It would be loud as heck. Your coworkers will super jealous, and whenever you type it will sound like you’re working really hard!

I agree with berserkfan that you’ll love it though. Really nice to type on.

Haha I already get that now with the cherry brown board I bring in every day.  Management walks by and says they can hear the productivity.  Other  people around me do not seem to mind the browns too much so far, but something quieter might be better.

[berserkfan]

As someone who does not agree Topre is the best, I'd suggest you go for a Model F. Nowadays they're going for $100 on ebay and a teensy won't cost much. Coat of paint, new USB cable, alcohol and cotton swabs - total cost will be far less than $200 and you'll love it. Now where's fohat.digs when you need him? Fohat, come in and say a few words for the Big F!

Wouldn't that be  too noisy for an open work environment?  Not sure it would fit well on my keyboard tray either unfortunately.

It would be loud as heck. Your coworkers will super jealous, and whenever you type it will sound like you’re working really hard!

I agree with berserkfan that you’ll love it though. Really nice to type on.

Haha I already get that now with the cherry brown board I bring in every day.  Management walks by and says they can hear the productivity.  Other  people around me do not seem to mind the browns too much so far, but something quieter might be better.

looks like no ffing M for you then.

Since your budget is good sized, it's got to be Tope. Then there's less productivity to hear.

[YuukiHaruto]

For 200$ It's gotta be a novatouch 
Here's my review
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

[Linkbane]

Since your budget is good sized, it's got to be Tope. Then there's less productivity to hear.

Surprised that I haven't seen the Matias Quiet recommendation. Quieter than a dome board, and apparently has nice tactility. Alps-style switches though, so there won't be any customization.

[Justintoxicated]

For 200$ It's gotta be a novatouch 
Here's my review
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

So the cm board offers only all-45g switches?  Is there any advantage to get the ergonomically weighted switches? The concept is foreign to me and I'm not sure I would like it.  Hard to compare to a board that isn't out yet but are realforce boards generally better quality than CM?  I mean you get better keycaps with the realforce right?  It's just that you can't change them out as easy later?

[YuukiHaruto]

For 200$ It's gotta be a novatouch 
Here's my review
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

So the cm board offers only all-45g switches?  Is there any advantage to get the ergonomically weighted switches? The concept is foreign to me and I'm not sure I would like it.  Hard to compare to a board that isn't out yet but are realforce boards generally better quality than CM?  I mean you get better keycaps with the realforce right?  It's just that you can't change them out as easy later?

I'd rather have a uniform 45g really.
I can't say realforce is better or not since both are equally solid AND you can't get the realforce everywhere. You don't get better keycaps. All topres are ABS
You can change them out but you can't change with any keycap apart from topre's collection

[mougrim]

Why don't try 60%? With Poker II or Keycool 84?
If you'd choice Poker, you'll ged highly customizable and compact board with good build quality. And they come in all MX flavours.

[Linkbane]

For 200$ It's gotta be a novatouch 
Here's my review
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

So the cm board offers only all-45g switches?  Is there any advantage to get the ergonomically weighted switches? The concept is foreign to me and I'm not sure I would like it.  Hard to compare to a board that isn't out yet but are realforce boards generally better quality than CM?  I mean you get better keycaps with the realforce right?  It's just that you can't change them out as easy later?

I'd rather have a uniform 45g really.
I can't say realforce is better or not since both are equally solid AND you can't get the realforce everywhere. You don't get better keycaps. All topres are ABS
You can change them out but you can't change with any keycap apart from topre's collection

That's not correct, the only Topre-based boards using ABS is the Type Heaven.

[Justintoxicated]

For 200$ It's gotta be a novatouch 
Here's my review
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

So the cm board offers only all-45g switches?  Is there any advantage to get the ergonomically weighted switches? The concept is foreign to me and I'm not sure I would like it.  Hard to compare to a board that isn't out yet but are realforce boards generally better quality than CM?  I mean you get better keycaps with the realforce right?  It's just that you can't change them out as easy later?

I'd rather have a uniform 45g really.
I can't say realforce is better or not since both are equally solid AND you can't get the realforce everywhere. You don't get better keycaps. All topres are ABS
You can change them out but you can't change with any keycap apart from topre's collection

That's not correct, the only Topre-based boards using ABS is the Type Heaven.

And the new novatouch when it is released right? 

Why don't try 60%? With Poker II or Keycool 84?
If you'd choice Poker, you'll ged highly customizable and compact board with good build quality. And they come in all MX flavours.

that layout is terrible for software development IMO.  As in it would destroy productivity.  And why would I want to use the FN+some key for some of the most used keys?  I constantly use arrow keys for shifting around code and scrolling through logs, I used ctr-alt-(ins, del, home, end) when in vms the the Function keys are used by every debugger for next line, run till, step over, step into etc.

Anyways, what I am thinking about is how much I really want to spend.  I can get a realforce 55g for $225, but if the novatouch is $200 then I also need to buy a set of nicer keycaps for another $50 then will it's quality be as good or better than the realforce?

[Pacifist]

For 200$ It's gotta be a novatouch 
Here's my review
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

So the cm board offers only all-45g switches?  Is there any advantage to get the ergonomically weighted switches? The concept is foreign to me and I'm not sure I would like it.  Hard to compare to a board that isn't out yet but are realforce boards generally better quality than CM?  I mean you get better keycaps with the realforce right?  It's just that you can't change them out as easy later?

I'd rather have a uniform 45g really.
I can't say realforce is better or not since both are equally solid AND you can't get the realforce everywhere. You don't get better keycaps. All topres are ABS
You can change them out but you can't change with any keycap apart from topre's collection

That's not correct, the only Topre-based boards using ABS is the Type Heaven.

And the new novatouch when it is released right? 

Novatouch is all ABS

Type heaven is all ABS

Spacebar on hhkb and realforce is abs, everything else is pbt

[missalaire]

With the Novatouch though, you'll be able to replace the caps more easily since it is Cherry MX compatible for key caps.

[Justintoxicated]

For 200$ It's gotta be a novatouch 
Here's my review
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

So the cm board offers only all-45g switches?  Is there any advantage to get the ergonomically weighted switches? The concept is foreign to me and I'm not sure I would like it.  Hard to compare to a board that isn't out yet but are realforce boards generally better quality than CM?  I mean you get better keycaps with the realforce right?  It's just that you can't change them out as easy later?

I'd rather have a uniform 45g really.
I can't say realforce is better or not since both are equally solid AND you can't get the realforce everywhere. You don't get better keycaps. All topres are ABS
You can change them out but you can't change with any keycap apart from topre's collection

That's not correct, the only Topre-based boards using ABS is the Type Heaven.

And the new novatouch when it is released right? 

Novatouch is all ABS

Type heaven is all ABS

Spacebar on hhkb and realforce is abs, everything else is pbt

Well that's an interesting design decision, the one key ap I wear out the fastest is abs lol.

[Pacifist]

For 200$ It's gotta be a novatouch 
Here's my review
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

So the cm board offers only all-45g switches?  Is there any advantage to get the ergonomically weighted switches? The concept is foreign to me and I'm not sure I would like it.  Hard to compare to a board that isn't out yet but are realforce boards generally better quality than CM?  I mean you get better keycaps with the realforce right?  It's just that you can't change them out as easy later?

I'd rather have a uniform 45g really.
I can't say realforce is better or not since both are equally solid AND you can't get the realforce everywhere. You don't get better keycaps. All topres are ABS
You can change them out but you can't change with any keycap apart from topre's collection

That's not correct, the only Topre-based boards using ABS is the Type Heaven.

And the new novatouch when it is released right? 

Novatouch is all ABS

Type heaven is all ABS

Spacebar on hhkb and realforce is abs, everything else is pbt

Well that's an interesting design decision, the one key ap I wear out the fastest is abs lol.

pbt warps too easily. its for quality reasons

[Oobly]

Personally I would like an all 55g Novatouch. The 45g is just a little too light, but I'm sure I would get used to it. Variable weighted doesn't suit me. The 30g keys press too easily and I don't like the feeling for gaming, typing one handed, etc.

With the Novatouch you can get ALL thick PBT keycap sets (including space bar). The stock caps may be okay, but I'd swap them out straight away for thick PBT or POM.

You have an almost infinite variety of keycaps to choose from if you get a board with MX-compatible stems (you can even start a group buy for a set you design yourself). If you get a "normal" Topre board, you better like the caps the board comes with (including that ABS space bar), cos the aftermarket options are VERY limited.

The Matias quiet is also a good option (and there quite a few GH members who love the Alps style switches), but again you have limited keycap options. More than with Topre, but far less than MX.

[Justintoxicated]

Personally I would like an all 55g Novatouch. The 45g is just a little too light, but I'm sure I would get used to it. Variable weighted doesn't suit me. The 30g keys press too easily and I don't like the feeling for gaming, typing one handed, etc.

With the Novatouch you can get ALL thick PBT keycap sets (including space bar). The stock caps may be okay, but I'd swap them out straight away for thick PBT or POM.

You have an almost infinite variety of keycaps to choose from if you get a board with MX-compatible stems (you can even start a group buy for a set you design yourself). If you get a "normal" Topre board, you better like the caps the board comes with (including that ABS space bar), cos the aftermarket options are VERY limited.

The Matias quiet is also a good option (and there quite a few GH members who love the Alps style switches), but again you have limited keycap options. More than with Topre, but far less than MX.

Yea I was thinking about getting the 55g one.  However I think the CM will likely only be released with the 45g switches.  So then I need to decide if mx keycaps or 55g weight is more important (which is virtually impossible to do without being able to handle both.)  Elite keyboards is a good 2-3 hour drive from my house.  It does sound like it might be a fun place to visit though, then maybe I could try them all and decide.  But 6 hours of driving to play with keyboards it a bit much so I will have to lookup some breweries or something.



hmmmm maybe this place my friend just opened up.
http://absolutionbrewingcompany.com/

M-F only for elitekeyboards would be kinda tuff though...

[YuukiHaruto]

Personally I would like an all 55g Novatouch. The 45g is just a little too light, but I'm sure I would get used to it. Variable weighted doesn't suit me. The 30g keys press too easily and I don't like the feeling for gaming, typing one handed, etc.

With the Novatouch you can get ALL thick PBT keycap sets (including space bar). The stock caps may be okay, but I'd swap them out straight away for thick PBT or POM.

You have an almost infinite variety of keycaps to choose from if you get a board with MX-compatible stems (you can even start a group buy for a set you design yourself). If you get a "normal" Topre board, you better like the caps the board comes with (including that ABS space bar), cos the aftermarket options are VERY limited.

The Matias quiet is also a good option (and there quite a few GH members who love the Alps style switches), but again you have limited keycap options. More than with Topre, but far less than MX.

Yea I was thinking about getting the 55g one.  However I think the CM will likely only be released with the 45g switches.  So then I need to decide if mx keycaps or 55g weight is more important (which is virtually impossible to do without being able to handle both.)  Elite keyboards is a good 2-3 hour drive from my house.  It does sound like it might be a fun place to visit though, then maybe I could try them all and decide.  But 6 hours of driving to play with keyboards it a bit much so I will have to lookup some breweries or something.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cooler_Master_Novatouch

Cooler Master have suggested that additional models may be released in future with different layouts, and uniform weights of 30g or 55g

Also, from somewhere I have read that if the 45g does well the 55g will be put into production.

[mougrim]

Why don't try 60%? With Poker II or Keycool 84?
If you'd choice Poker, you'll ged highly customizable and compact board with good build quality. And they come in all MX flavours.

that layout is terrible for software development IMO.  As in it would destroy productivity.  And why would I want to use the FN+some key for some of the most used keys?  I constantly use arrow keys for shifting around code and scrolling through logs, I used ctr-alt-(ins, del, home, end) when in vms the the Function keys are used by every debugger for next line, run till, step over, step into etc.

Anyways, what I am thinking about is how much I really want to spend.  I can get a realforce 55g for $225, but if the novatouch is $200 then I also need to buy a set of nicer keycaps for another $50 then will it's quality be as good or better than the realforce?

Thats about Poker II. But Keycool 84 has both arrow keys and function keys.

[rowdy]

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cooler_Master_Novatouch

Cooler Master have suggested that additional models may be released in future with different layouts, and uniform weights of 30g or 55g

Also, from somewhere I have read that if the 45g does well the 55g will be put into production.

Hooray!

[ynrozturk]

It's annoying to hear people saying that Topre is the "best" - there is no such thing as "best", there is only preference. Stop being such a bunch of fanboys. One is not better than the other.

I hope you realize that some of you are suggesting this guy spend more than $200 for a board which he may end up disliking, and $200 isn't exactly pocket change.

[YuukiHaruto]

It's annoying to hear people saying that Topre is the "best" - there is no such thing as "best", there is only preference. Stop being such a bunch of fanboys. One is not better than the other.

I hope you realize that some of you are suggesting this guy spend more than $200 for a board which he may end up disliking, and $200 isn't exactly pocket change.

And it's also annoying to hear people talk about preference, we are listing our preference and anyone else can talk about their preference for blues too. Just not browns. JUST NOT BROWNS.

You're also forgetting most here agree topres are the best.

[Linkbane]

It's annoying to hear people saying that Topre is the "best" - there is no such thing as "best", there is only preference. Stop being such a bunch of fanboys. One is not better than the other.

I hope you realize that some of you are suggesting this guy spend more than $200 for a board which he may end up disliking, and $200 isn't exactly pocket change.

And it's also annoying to hear people talk about preference, we are listing our preference and anyone else can talk about their preference for blues too. Just not browns. JUST NOT BROWNS.

You're also forgetting most here agree topres are the best.

You're making a lot of assumptions. Definitely less than half the members of the site own a Topre, and not even all of them think that they are the best. It's totally wrong to say that any switch is better than another except for purpose. Topres are worse than linear for double-tap intensive game, and are worse than Blues and Browns for typing because you're forced to bottom out.

[Schwarz]

Filco. Ignore the Topre fangirls. Leopold is also pretty nice.

[Justintoxicated]

I leaning towards trying one of the CM novatouches for work, I'm hoping it will be a little quieter than the brown's on the blackbird I have been using.  Then I can leave the brown board at home for gaming / typing.  I'm not sure I will like having to bottom out the keys though and it makes we wonder if learning to type  on the topre will get me into the habit of bottoming out on the browns.

Blues are out as from the description they will be too noisy for my work environment.  Browns don't get a lot of love on this forum but i am really enjoying them for my purpose (combo typing / gaming), However, I have not typed on anything else for a significant amount of time, but I like the light force required to actuate them and the slight bump seems useful as well.  Pretty sure I would love the blues but they would not be as great at home for gaming and they would unfortunately likely be too noisy for typing at work where everyone has rubber domes except me now (I may have started something though lol), otherwise I would probably just get blues and be done.  Topre sounds like a good fit due to the noise reduction but no idea if I will like them or not.  I typically do not need to type super fast when coding unless im stuck doing documentation.

Leopold is only 1/2 as expensive as filco, just curious but in which ways is the filco better?  For the price the Leopold is very very tempting, but I'm leery due to my dislike for the Tt poseidon I had which I bought to save some money.  Worried I might regret just not getting another blackbird (the doubleshot backlighting caos are crystal clear and easy on the eyes).