How is the Realforce YK2100?

[ViciousWhiskers]

There is a Topre YK2100 on sale at NCIX for 225$ in Canada right now. Haven't owned a Topre yet, and would like to try one, but this is the only Topre readily available in Canada with uniform keys (87 are all variable). I really like typing on Reds right now, so I figured I'd try some Topres, but I'm not sure if this is a good idea for a first time Topre purchase. Should I just wait for a better opportunity, try something else, or should I just go for it?

I would really appreciate some opinion on this! What would you guys say and recommend?

[CPTBadAss]

That's the Hi-Pro with the Spherical caps right? If I were going to buy a Topre board, I'd buy the Hi-Pro or a Realforce 10th Anniversary Edition. Those caps are lovely; I got to play with one while I visited GitHub.

[Flyersfan1]

The Hi-Pro looks really intriguing, if I were to grab another topre board, it would probably be this one.  I've really been a big fan of high profile caps since I first tried an SA profile set from signature plastics.  I'm not quite sure how these compare measurement wise with SA caps, but they look somewhat similar.  EK actually listed these as optimized for "data entry" but I'm sure they would be great for typing/general use too.  Here's a pretty comprehensive review I found which should help you learn more about things, hope this helped!
http://listx.github.io/post/2013-06-06-realforce-104ug-hi-pro.html

[jalaj]

Haven't tried the high profile spherical Realforce KBs, but if you're not concerned with swapping out keycaps for different colors, etc. then it might be good for you. The market accessories for the high profile topre replacement keycaps are either very limited or not available. Whereas the normal profile topre keyboards have options for you to customize your keycaps to some extent, either OEM keycaps or novelty keycaps can be found through the resellers here and other places.
You can always buy, do a review and resell it back on these forums for little to no loss if you don't care for it. Test drive re-sales are very common here, how green of us all.

[ViciousWhiskers]

Yes, it is the Hi-Pro with spherical keycaps, and thank you for the input.

I am indeed not concerned about swapping out keycaps for different colours - as long as the material is PBT and the legends last for a long time, I'm good with it. Should I, however, be concerned with "wobbly" keycaps (stated from the review that Flyersfan1 linked me)?

[Flyersfan1]

All of the keys would be PBT with the exception of the spacebar which is ABS.  The keycap wiggle does seem to be a common issue seen with this keyboard based on another review I found from a member here.  While it obviously wouldn't take away from the keyboard functioning, I could see how it might be bothersome for some people.

[ViciousWhiskers]

Do you guys think it would be a good idea to play games with this keyboard?

[Halverson]

Do you guys think it would be a good idea to play games with this keyboard?

I would game on any topre board.

[LouisHjelmslev]

Can't remember where, but I thought I read someone stating that spherical keycaps are usually better for data entry, as opposed to continuous touch-typing. Any thoughts for those that have had to type for a  while on sphericals?

[ViciousWhiskers]

A question: would I be able to take keycaps off this high profile board and switch in normal realforce keycaps if I wanted to?

[CPTBadAss]

Honestly, any keyboard is fine for gaming or typing as long as you're comfortable with it. It's mainly personal preference.

A question: would I be able to take keycaps off this high profile board and switch in normal realforce keycaps if I wanted to?

Yes, but I thought the whole point of the Hi-Pros was the keycaps.

[ViciousWhiskers]

I was merely asking. I'll probably purchase this, and I just wanted to know if it could be taken off or put back on - out of curiosity. I'd love to try meself some spherical keycaps, so I'll probably go put an order on it tomorrow

[MJ45]

A question: would I be able to take keycaps off this high profile board and switch in normal realforce keycaps if I wanted to?

I don't think standard Realforce caps will fit on the YK2100 (Hi-Pro), but the caps will work on standard RF keyboards. The switch housings on the YK2100 are taller and will not work with standard RF caps. This can be seen on Elite Keyboards YK2100 product description.

[Puddsy]

I wouldn't play quake/tf2/cs with it, but for everything else it's good.

[ViciousWhiskers]

I wouldn't play quake/tf2/cs with it, but for everything else it's good.

Hmm, could you possibly explain why it's not a good idea to play competitive FPS games with it?

[Xowie]

I wouldn't play quake/tf2/cs with it, but for everything else it's good.

Hmm, could you possibly explain why it's not a good idea to play competitive FPS games with it?

I play CS 1.6 on my HHKB and do fine. My other board has MX blues, which I do not like for FPS.

[tribade]

I wouldn't play quake/tf2/cs with it, but for everything else it's good.

Hmm, could you possibly explain why it's not a good idea to play competitive FPS games with it?

I play CS 1.6 on my HHKB and do fine. My other board has MX blues, which I do not like for FPS.

I played CS on greens, and I didn't think it was too bad.  I generally use blacks, but I like Topre for gaming, too.  I guess what I'm saying is it's really all personal preference.  There is no real "gaming" switch.

[Oobly]

Feel free to play any game with any switch you like.

HOWEVER... Switches with hysteresis (MX clicky) or hard reset bumps (Topre and MX Clears) make it harder to do certain moves in FPS games, assuming you can actually do them. With linear MX switches you don't have to move your fingers as much to actuate / deactuate switches (by keeping them partially pressed, "hovering"), so you can be a little quicker with changes in movement. MX Browns almost allow this, but I find I tend to go just past the bump / just above the bump. There is a linear section before the bump, so you get close-ish to the actuation point. It's good enough for me (very casual gamer who doesn't like the feeling of typing on linear switches), but not some others. Reds and Blacks really do allow super fast changes as long as you are used to where they actuate.

This is why I say that Browns are a good compromise, but if you are really into gaming AND want a nice board for typing, get 2 keyboards. I find I game okay even on Clears, but if I'm feeling just the slightest bit competetive I'll switch to Browns. Considering putting together a board with Reds just for gaming, though. It really depends how important gaming is to you.