My Fall to the Dark Side is Complete (Topre Praise)

[OnTheBrink]

So I received my WASD Code in the mail today (Cherry MX Clear) and it was the last switch I needed to try.

I think it is safe to say that I am a Topre fanboy now. I loved my FC660C when I got it (still do) but it was my first Topre board. However, I needed to try every switch before I decided it was my end-game switch. I did everything from typing a lot to gaming. Even though gaming is what I do the most, I needed a switch that was both fun to game with and gave me a crisp, engaging typing experience. Especially since I play mostly social games.

With all that said, Topre is the switch for me. I have since decided to spring for an HHKB just to test it side by side with an FC660C since I hear most people still praise HHKB over the FC660C. Luckily, using a proxy saves quite a bit of money ($350 for a type-s, the Christmas bundle and a spare set of keys).

I will likely be taking apart the HHKB Type-S to compare the silencing with the at-home modded silencing I did to the FC660C.

The thing I do like about the Clear switches is the stiffness. Perhaps I will mod the HHKB with Realforce plungers and domes to make it 55g? Who knows!

Anyway, the moral of this story, Topre is the master race. For me anyway.

[Xowie]

Nice, I have been wanting to try clears. (I have a keypad coming that I might put clear switches in).

Oh and:

[Kmynis]

Similar situation here. I got a HHKB type-s a few days ago as my first topre and I simply love it.

It is like that rainymood thingy, but for my fingers.

[OnTheBrink]

Haha, yeah. I am eager to try the Type-S and see how much different it is from an at home modded Topre. The main thing I don't like about the mod is the reduction in key travel. If a Type-S fixes this, I will be one happy enthusiast.

[osi]

Luckily it only took me 1 MX board before I took the topre plunge and have no regrets whatsoever.

I do however prefer MX reds for gaming but I'm an FPS gamer primarily.

It took me two months to decide if I wanted to spring for the type-s--and so it begins for you...

[Puddsy]

My favorite Topre is 45g. Smooth af.

[OnTheBrink]

Luckily it only took me 1 MX board before I took the topre plunge and have no regrets whatsoever.

I do however prefer MX reds for gaming but I'm an FPS gamer primarily.

It took me two months to decide if I wanted to spring for the type-s--and so it begins for you...

I am still on the fence if I should get the HHKB and mod it myself or if I should get the Type-S. I really like the black case of a regular HHKB with white and grey caps. More than the white body. God, why couldn't they just make a damn black Type-S!

[exitfire401]

Luckily it only took me 1 MX board before I took the topre plunge and have no regrets whatsoever.

I do however prefer MX reds for gaming but I'm an FPS gamer primarily.

It took me two months to decide if I wanted to spring for the type-s--and so it begins for you...

Same here. I started with a ducky shine 2, then got my Realforce. I'm now down to my Race 2, my Realforce, and my HHKB. These three boards aren't going anywhere. However, the HHKB is going to get 55g modded soon enough.

[OnTheBrink]

Luckily it only took me 1 MX board before I took the topre plunge and have no regrets whatsoever.

I do however prefer MX reds for gaming but I'm an FPS gamer primarily.

It took me two months to decide if I wanted to spring for the type-s--and so it begins for you...

Same here. I started with a ducky shine 2, then got my Realforce. I'm now down to my Race 2, my Realforce, and my HHKB. These three boards aren't going anywhere. However, the HHKB is going to get 55g modded soon enough.

I am debating maybe I should get both and HHKB Type-S white and a black HHKB and switch the cases, then sell the HHKB with a white case... hmmm

[iAmAhab]

Got a hhkb waiting for me at the local post office. Can't pick it up before after work tomorrow. Anxious to try out topre for the first time.

[exitfire401]

Luckily it only took me 1 MX board before I took the topre plunge and have no regrets whatsoever.

I do however prefer MX reds for gaming but I'm an FPS gamer primarily.

It took me two months to decide if I wanted to spring for the type-s--and so it begins for you...

Same here. I started with a ducky shine 2, then got my Realforce. I'm now down to my Race 2, my Realforce, and my HHKB. These three boards aren't going anywhere. However, the HHKB is going to get 55g modded soon enough.

I am debating maybe I should get both and HHKB Type-S white and a black HHKB and switch the cases, then sell the HHKB with a white case... hmmm

I didn't think I'd like the white case on the type-s for a long time, which is why I put off buying it for so long. The white has really grown on me the last few days though.

Got a hhkb waiting for me at the local post office. Can't pick it up before after work tomorrow. Anxious to try out topre for the first time.

Nice pick up! I love the layout so far, and highly suggest the board from my experience. My only complaint is that there's no 55g from the factory.

[UnlikeAny]

My first mechanical keyboard is/was HHKB Pro 2 (don't judge). It feels very good to type on and I'm a happy hacker with it, but I REALLY want to try cherry mx blues. Especially on Poker II.

My HHKB is cleaned and packed. I'm counting my posts until I will be able to post in classifieds. Gonna sell it for low, I think, as I don't want to wait too long.

[osi]

I am debating maybe I should get both and HHKB Type-S white and a black HHKB and switch the cases, then sell the HHKB with a white case... hmmm

Had all these quandaries too. Eventually I'll buy a pro 2 black for the case swap. I'll just keep an eye on classifieds when the time comes.

[dante]

My favorite Topre is 45g. Smooth af.

In terms of feel and sound the 660C destroys the RealForce.  If there was an engineer involved that tweaked the materials in favor of acoustics they deserve a pat on the back.

[Puddsy]

My favorite Topre is 45g. Smooth af.

In terms of feel and sound the 660C destroys the RealForce.  If there was an engineer involved that tweaked the materials in favor of acoustics they deserve a pat on the back.

Nah man, my realforce sounds exactly like rain. It's awesome.

[OnTheBrink]

Got a hhkb waiting for me at the local post office. Can't pick it up before after work tomorrow. Anxious to try out topre for the first time.

Nice! You will love it, trust me!

Luckily it only took me 1 MX board before I took the topre plunge and have no regrets whatsoever.

I do however prefer MX reds for gaming but I'm an FPS gamer primarily.

It took me two months to decide if I wanted to spring for the type-s--and so it begins for you...

Same here. I started with a ducky shine 2, then got my Realforce. I'm now down to my Race 2, my Realforce, and my HHKB. These three boards aren't going anywhere. However, the HHKB is going to get 55g modded soon enough.

I am debating maybe I should get both and HHKB Type-S white and a black HHKB and switch the cases, then sell the HHKB with a white case... hmmm

I didn't think I'd like the white case on the type-s for a long time, which is why I put off buying it for so long. The white has really grown on me the last few days though.

Got a hhkb waiting for me at the local post office. Can't pick it up before after work tomorrow. Anxious to try out topre for the first time.

Nice pick up! I love the layout so far, and highly suggest the board from my experience. My only complaint is that there's no 55g from the factory.

This makes me feel better about my purchase. Now if only I can decide to get it WITH legends are WITHOUT.

My favorite Topre is 45g. Smooth af.

In terms of feel and sound the 660C destroys the RealForce.  If there was an engineer involved that tweaked the materials in favor of acoustics they deserve a pat on the back.

I haven't tried a RF, but I have to say that the sound of the FC660C is quite beautiful. The reason I am getting a Type-S is because I don't like the reduction in travel from modding it, but I doubt I will sell this. I will probably take out the ironed landing pads and switch to this board occasionally and test the difference in actuation between this board and the Type-S. The keycaps on this are also quite nice (I have the grey body and grey geys) so I might see how they look on the HHKB and vice versa.

I am debating maybe I should get both and HHKB Type-S white and a black HHKB and switch the cases, then sell the HHKB with a white case... hmmm

Had all these quandaries too. Eventually I'll buy a pro 2 black for the case swap. I'll just keep an eye on classifieds when the time comes.

I am with you on this for sure.

My first mechanical keyboard is/was HHKB Pro 2 (don't judge). It feels very good to type on and I'm a happy hacker with it, but I REALLY want to try cherry mx blues. Especially on Poker II.

My HHKB is cleaned and packed. I'm counting my posts until I will be able to post in classifieds. Gonna sell it for low, I think, as I don't want to wait too long.

Any idea on a price? Maybe I will buy it from you just for the case.
 
I have the same plans with my keyboards as well. I still love blues albeit, I like Topre more, so my keyboard setup will likely be my two Topres (LC660C unsilenced and an HHKB Type-S) with a Poker II that I ordered on Massdrop. I also got the acrylic case and the Poker I ordered has blue LED so I am eager to customize that board.

After moving to 60% boards, I don't think I will ever go back to TKL.

[AKIMbO]

Haha, yeah. I am eager to try the Type-S and see how much different it is from an at home modded Topre. The main thing I don't like about the mod is the reduction in key travel. If a Type-S fixes this, I will be one happy enthusiast.

The ONLY difference between a stock HHKB and the HHKB Type S is the foam silencing ring. The switch isn't redesigned to alleviate the reduction in travel the silencing ring causes.  There may be a lesser reduction in travel than the silencing mod you attempted, but the Type S has a slight reduction in travel compared to a stock HHKB.

The stock silenced Realforce is the ONLY topre board with a redesigned plunger to alleviate the reduction in travel caused by the foam silencing rings.

[exitfire401]

This makes me feel better about my purchase. Now if only I can decide to get it WITH legends are WITHOUT.

I got mine with legends to learn the fn layer, but if you print a picture of the fn layer, you'll be fine without them (assuming you already touch type on qwerty)

[OnTheBrink]

Haha, yeah. I am eager to try the Type-S and see how much different it is from an at home modded Topre. The main thing I don't like about the mod is the reduction in key travel. If a Type-S fixes this, I will be one happy enthusiast.

The ONLY difference between a stock HHKB and the HHKB Type S is the foam silencing ring. The switch isn't redesigned to alleviate the reduction in travel the silencing ring causes.  There may be a lesser reduction in travel than the silencing mod you attempted, but the Type S has a slight reduction in travel compared to a stock HHKB.

The stock silenced Realforce is the ONLY topre board with a redesigned plunger to alleviate the reduction in travel caused by the foam silencing rings.

Yeah, I am aware of this. This is a big reason I contemplated buying an HHKB and a RF silent to do this mod while in the process making the board a 55g which would be nice to have along side my already 45g uniform LC660C. However, that route is going to cost me quite a bit more of money instead of just using a proxy to get the HHKB Type-S and a spare set of keys. I still can't believe I am getting an HHKB Type-S, a spare set of blank black keys and the Christmas bonus for $350 USD.

This makes me feel better about my purchase. Now if only I can decide to get it WITH legends are WITHOUT.

I got mine with legends to learn the fn layer, but if you print a picture of the fn layer, you'll be fine without them (assuming you already touch type on qwerty)

Yeah, I am pretty certain I will go with blanks and keep a copy of the keyboard's layout on my desk for reference. I do like the legends on the HHKB, but the legends with the side print is a little meh to me. I am getting a spare set of black blanks so my goal is to get the keyboard to look something like this to help me with the FN layer:

However, since I am able to get the Christmas bonus for so cheap on Amazon/jp, my escape key will be blue and my CTRL key red. I'll likely keep my orange clack on my LC660C unless it goes cleanly with the Type-S color arrangement I will have. I wouldn't mind getting a new novelty key to celebrate my induction into the HHKB family. 

[osi]

For what it's worth, what tipped the scales for me on the pro2 vs the type-s :

From this thread - http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34972.0

The original pictures do not display for me in that thread, otherwise I would link the original. o2dazone was OP.

LEFT - RIGHT
pro2 - type-s



Also the fact that the pro2 will never be a type-s. Of course the pro2 can be modded with o-rings or ironed down pads to try to replicate the type-s. I can't speak from experience on that but what I've gathered from other reviews is that the feel and upstroke dampening can be quite similar. Mixed reviews on whether the reduced key travel is detectable--too many unknowns here.

My heart was set on the pro2 and while stacking the cash up for it, I just thought, why not just wait and save a little more for the s? And that's what I did. Plus I would have never been satisfied by NOT having the type-s. Getting that thought out of my mind was worth the premium.

Good luck bro!

[OnTheBrink]

For what it's worth, what tipped the scales for me on the pro2 vs the type-s :

From this thread - http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34972.0

The original pictures do not display for me in that thread, otherwise I would link the original. o2dazone was OP.

LEFT - RIGHT
pro2 - type-s

(Attachment Link)

Also the fact that the pro2 will never be a type-s. Of course the pro2 can be modded with o-rings or ironed down pads to try to replicate the type-s. I can't speak from experience on that but what I've gathered from other reviews is that the feel and upstroke dampening can be quite similar. Mixed reviews on whether the reduced key travel is detectable--too many unknowns here.

My heart was set on the pro2 and while stacking the cash up for it, I just thought, why not just wait and save a little more for the s? And that's what I did. Plus I would have never been satisfied by NOT having the type-s. Getting that thought out of my mind was worth the premium.

Good luck bro!

LMAO, dude we think EXACTLY alike. This is why I HAD to start obsessing over a Type-S. I knew that unless I tried both an HHKB and a factory silenced board, I would forever go crazy over the fact that I don't know what it feels like and the actuation difference.

I just completed my purchase. HHKB Type-S blank with blank black replacements and the Christmas bundle (light blue escape key and red row 3 CTRL key). $360 USD. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

Worst case scenario I can always mod it later to a 55G if I want and change the case and I will always have the FACTORY dampeners to put on those new purple plungers if I ever decide to do so.

Another thing I'd like to mention that I didn't see anyone say when discussing the Topre mods. It is something I recently realized that is now driving me crazy. The keys have more wobble now. If I place my finger over the key and move slightly the key does not feel as tight as it did when I first received the board. I didn't silence the stabilized keys because I didn't want to go through all the trouble if I didn't like it so I decided to take the key off the modded ones and a stabilizer key and realized the plunger is more stiff on the ones I didn't mod. I can ONLY attribute this to taking the plungers out. In order to do so I had to stick my fingernail where the small plastic piece is that holds the plunger in the switch housing and push it through the housing. After I did this to the keys I noticed the plunger were much easier to take out of the housings I had previously removed the plungers from.

This is another thing I want to take note of. The silencing on the Type-S is factory so there should be less wobble on the keys.

Maybe I have sensitive fingers or I am just a perfectionist who stares at his keyboards, but it is something I think people should be aware of before modding their Topre board.

[UnlikeAny]

--

Any idea on a price? Maybe I will buy it from you just for the case.

--

I was thinking about 120GBP (201.62USD), but I'm not to certain about shipping anywhere else than Europe.

-

So the only difference between these two is that ring? Or I'm not seeing something?

Moderation note: no sales are allowed outside of the Marketplace section as per the ToS.  Please do not discuss direct sales until you can post them properly in the Marketplace.

[OnTheBrink]

--

Any idea on a price? Maybe I will buy it from you just for the case.

--

I was thinking about 120GBP (201.62USD), but I'm not to certain about shipping anywhere else than Europe.

-

So the only difference between these two is that ring? Or I'm not seeing something?

Yeah, the only difference is that silencing ring. But the thing is, people try to replicate that ring by cutting pieces of rubber or using dental bands and there are flaws with both those methods. Cutting the rubber foam is A LOT OF WORK and usually results in a ring that is slightly thicker than that. With the dental band mod, the bands are made of harder rubber than those foam rings so it doesn't give the same silencing. It is close, but just not the same. The bands are also said to be a tad too thick and do affect the actuation quite a bit. I know "Glissant" used 1/8" Light dental bands instead of the 3/16" most use and he reported no noticeable travel distance difference.

There is another method which requires you to iron landing pads from EK. This is the method I tried and which brought me to a Type-S because I didn't like the difference in travel. One of my favorite thing about Topre is how the keys bounce back quite nicely and there is no way to actuate a key without completely pressing it unlike a Cherry switch. With the silencing mod it took part of that away from me. It made the switches feel borderline linear to me.

All of this does not include the fact that I noticed modding yourself leaves little to be desired about the stiffness of the keys like I mentioned in the earlier post.

[UnlikeAny]

-

Seems fair enough. A lot of people think that type-s is not worth it and if you want silenced, you can mod it yourself cheaply. But small differences like that can be a line between an excellent keyboard and a perfect one. We are keyboard enthusiasts after all.

[AKIMbO]

--

Any idea on a price? Maybe I will buy it from you just for the case.

--

I was thinking about 120GBP (201.62USD), but I'm not to certain about shipping anywhere else than Europe.

-

So the only difference between these two is that ring? Or I'm not seeing something?

Yeah, the only difference is that silencing ring. But the thing is, people try to replicate that ring by cutting pieces of rubber or using dental bands and there are flaws with both those methods. Cutting the rubber foam is A LOT OF WORK and usually results in a ring that is slightly thicker than that. With the dental band mod, the bands are made of harder rubber than those foam rings so it doesn't give the same silencing. It is close, but just not the same. The bands are also said to be a tad too thick and do affect the actuation quite a bit. I know "Glissant" used 1/8" Light dental bands instead of the 3/16" most use and he reported no noticeable travel distance difference.

There is another method which requires you to iron landing pads from EK. This is the method I tried and which brought me to a Type-S because I didn't like the difference in travel. One of my favorite thing about Topre is how the keys bounce back quite nicely and there is no way to actuate a key without completely pressing it unlike a Cherry switch. With the silencing mod it took part of that away from me. It made the switches feel borderline linear to me.

All of this does not include the fact that I noticed modding yourself leaves little to be desired about the stiffness of the keys like I mentioned in the earlier post.

I can speak to the o2 mod.  I did it to my stock HHKB and ended up reversing it as it felt inconsistent when compared next to a stock type-s.  The silencing was much more effective than stock silencing though.

[osi]

Congrats on the purchase. I think you will be pleasantly satisfied.

=]

[OnTheBrink]

--

Any idea on a price? Maybe I will buy it from you just for the case.

--

I was thinking about 120GBP (201.62USD), but I'm not to certain about shipping anywhere else than Europe.

-

So the only difference between these two is that ring? Or I'm not seeing something?

Yeah, the only difference is that silencing ring. But the thing is, people try to replicate that ring by cutting pieces of rubber or using dental bands and there are flaws with both those methods. Cutting the rubber foam is A LOT OF WORK and usually results in a ring that is slightly thicker than that. With the dental band mod, the bands are made of harder rubber than those foam rings so it doesn't give the same silencing. It is close, but just not the same. The bands are also said to be a tad too thick and do affect the actuation quite a bit. I know "Glissant" used 1/8" Light dental bands instead of the 3/16" most use and he reported no noticeable travel distance difference.

There is another method which requires you to iron landing pads from EK. This is the method I tried and which brought me to a Type-S because I didn't like the difference in travel. One of my favorite thing about Topre is how the keys bounce back quite nicely and there is no way to actuate a key without completely pressing it unlike a Cherry switch. With the silencing mod it took part of that away from me. It made the switches feel borderline linear to me.

All of this does not include the fact that I noticed modding yourself leaves little to be desired about the stiffness of the keys like I mentioned in the earlier post.

I can speak to the o2 mod.  I did it to my stock HHKB and ended up reversing it as it felt inconsistent when compared next to a stock type-s.  The silencing was much more effective than stock silencing though.

Interesting indeed. So the dampening was more effective on the mod but the Type-S gave less travel distance reduction and more uniformity?

[AKIMbO]

--

Any idea on a price? Maybe I will buy it from you just for the case.

--

I was thinking about 120GBP (201.62USD), but I'm not to certain about shipping anywhere else than Europe.

-

So the only difference between these two is that ring? Or I'm not seeing something?

Yeah, the only difference is that silencing ring. But the thing is, people try to replicate that ring by cutting pieces of rubber or using dental bands and there are flaws with both those methods. Cutting the rubber foam is A LOT OF WORK and usually results in a ring that is slightly thicker than that. With the dental band mod, the bands are made of harder rubber than those foam rings so it doesn't give the same silencing. It is close, but just not the same. The bands are also said to be a tad too thick and do affect the actuation quite a bit. I know "Glissant" used 1/8" Light dental bands instead of the 3/16" most use and he reported no noticeable travel distance difference.

There is another method which requires you to iron landing pads from EK. This is the method I tried and which brought me to a Type-S because I didn't like the difference in travel. One of my favorite thing about Topre is how the keys bounce back quite nicely and there is no way to actuate a key without completely pressing it unlike a Cherry switch. With the silencing mod it took part of that away from me. It made the switches feel borderline linear to me.

All of this does not include the fact that I noticed modding yourself leaves little to be desired about the stiffness of the keys like I mentioned in the earlier post.

I can speak to the o2 mod.  I did it to my stock HHKB and ended up reversing it as it felt inconsistent when compared next to a stock type-s.  The silencing was much more effective than stock silencing though.

Interesting indeed. So the dampening was more effective on the mod but the Type-S gave less travel distance reduction and more uniformity?

Yes, exactly. The rubber/silicon used in the o2 mod was very very effective at muffling the sound.  The Type S has more of a resonance that I believed the rubber from o2's mod killed.

[Justintoxicated]

I'd love to try one of these options but I use the F keys way too much to want to have to kit a function key as I step through code in my debuggers. and 4 keys for a crlt-alt insert would be annoying as well when working with VM's

[OnTheBrink]

--

Any idea on a price? Maybe I will buy it from you just for the case.

--

I was thinking about 120GBP (201.62USD), but I'm not to certain about shipping anywhere else than Europe.

-

So the only difference between these two is that ring? Or I'm not seeing something?

Yeah, the only difference is that silencing ring. But the thing is, people try to replicate that ring by cutting pieces of rubber or using dental bands and there are flaws with both those methods. Cutting the rubber foam is A LOT OF WORK and usually results in a ring that is slightly thicker than that. With the dental band mod, the bands are made of harder rubber than those foam rings so it doesn't give the same silencing. It is close, but just not the same. The bands are also said to be a tad too thick and do affect the actuation quite a bit. I know "Glissant" used 1/8" Light dental bands instead of the 3/16" most use and he reported no noticeable travel distance difference.

There is another method which requires you to iron landing pads from EK. This is the method I tried and which brought me to a Type-S because I didn't like the difference in travel. One of my favorite thing about Topre is how the keys bounce back quite nicely and there is no way to actuate a key without completely pressing it unlike a Cherry switch. With the silencing mod it took part of that away from me. It made the switches feel borderline linear to me.

All of this does not include the fact that I noticed modding yourself leaves little to be desired about the stiffness of the keys like I mentioned in the earlier post.

I can speak to the o2 mod.  I did it to my stock HHKB and ended up reversing it as it felt inconsistent when compared next to a stock type-s.  The silencing was much more effective than stock silencing though.

Interesting indeed. So the dampening was more effective on the mod but the Type-S gave less travel distance reduction and more uniformity?

Yes, exactly. The rubber/silicon used in the o2 mod was very very effective at muffling the sound.  The Type S has more of a resonance that I believed the rubber from o2's mod killed.

I know exactly what you mean. When I listen to the Type-S via videos, it is almost like it muffles the sound JUST ENOUGH to where it makes a MORE SATISFYING up stoke sound as opposed to completely silencing it.

[rowdy]

Why is this the dark side, when you have seen the light?

[daerid]

I think I might buy a RF Type-S and swap out the variable domes with my 55g domes. I could deal with the dental band mod on the RF, key travel was too short.

[tp4tissue]

Topre is NOT the dark-side..   If anything... anyone who uses Topre is merely spinning-in-place..

Since most of us started on Rubber domes.. using topre is using rubber domes... w/ marginally better sliders..


So... if you want Dark-side...  Cherry - MX is where it's at... Germans made it.

[daerid]

I'll agree that Cherry is the dark side

[cmadrid]

Does that make Alps the twilight zone? lol

[OnTheBrink]

Lol, I love my Cherry MX and pretty much anything German made. But I think I will stick with my Poker II in Blues and everything else Topre.

I just feel like the tactile feel is better than any tactile I have felt in any MX board. Although they still use rubber domes, I can only base my opinion on what I feel. The things can run on imaginary fairy dust, as long as the feel satisfies me, there really is no debate. Personally, I feel that should be the case with anyone.

The reason I fell in love with mechanical keyboards was the fact that they felt better than any rubber dome keyboard I ever tried. Not simply because they are "mechanical". If someone feels like scissor switches are the end all switch for them, then so be it.

At the end of the day, it is all about what you like. You're the one who is going to be using the keyboard.

That's my opinion at least. I respect any one's opinion on what the best switch is for them. It's subjective and I don't "disagree" with anyone who feels like their Cherry MX board is better than a Topre. I am actually happy they found the board/switch for them because I know how great the feeling is of enjoying every single press of a key.

[Latin00032]

I thought the domes create the weight. Not the springs.

[OnTheBrink]

I think I might buy a RF Type-S and swap out the variable domes with my 55g domes. I could deal with the dental band mod on the RF, key travel was too short.

I'm actually thinking of doing this down the road along with getting an HHKB for the black case to swap and sell. I feel like having the purple plungers with the type-S pre-cut dampeners will make for a nice mod I don't think anyone has done yet.

[Smasher816]

The reason I fell in love with mechanical keyboards was the fact that they felt better than any rubber dome keyboard I ever tried. Not simply because they are "mechanical". If someone feels like scissor switches are the end all switch for them, then so be it.

At the end of the day, it is all about what you like. You're the one who is going to be using the keyboard.

That's my opinion at least. I respect any one's opinion on what the best switch is for them. It's subjective and I don't "disagree" with anyone who feels like their Cherry MX board is better than a Topre. I am actually happy they found the board/switch for them because I know how great the feeling is of enjoying every single press of a key.

Agreed. People can argue that "mechanical" keyboards are objectively better for some reason (ex: midstroke activation and the ability to not bottom out) but at the end of the day GH shows that keyboards really are a subjective thing. If someone prefers the feel of a Topre keyboard why does it matter that it might technically be a rubber dome keyboard. People find what they like and use it

[OnTheBrink]

The reason I fell in love with mechanical keyboards was the fact that they felt better than any rubber dome keyboard I ever tried. Not simply because they are "mechanical". If someone feels like scissor switches are the end all switch for them, then so be it.

At the end of the day, it is all about what you like. You're the one who is going to be using the keyboard.

That's my opinion at least. I respect any one's opinion on what the best switch is for them. It's subjective and I don't "disagree" with anyone who feels like their Cherry MX board is better than a Topre. I am actually happy they found the board/switch for them because I know how great the feeling is of enjoying every single press of a key.

Agreed. People can argue that "mechanical" keyboards are objectively better for some reason (ex: midstroke activation and the ability to not bottom out) but at the end of the day GH shows that keyboards really are a subjective thing. If someone prefers the feel of a Topre keyboard why does it matter that it might technically be a rubber dome keyboard. People find what they like and use it

Yup. It is actually funny you mentioned the ability to actuate without fully pressing the key. The opposite is actually what I like most about Topre. The fact that there is no room to push down on a key without completing the tactile bump. The fact that there is no 'in between' on a Topre key stroke makes the keys feel more crisp in my opinion. It also adds to the bounce back and the feel of moving my fingers from one key to another.

One last thing which is for certain, I have way less typos on my Topre than I did on my Cherry boards. Even the stiff MX Clears I had did not result in such precise strokes.

[Smasher816]

One last thing which is for certain, I have way less typos on my Topre than I did on my Cherry boards. Even the stiff MX Clears I had did not result in such precise strokes.

Yeah, I made a lot less typos after switching to Topre from browns. Even if they are rated at the same 45g "weight" the browns feel like they are much lighter and easier to accidently press. If I ever decide to pick up another MX board for work or something I think clears would be my choice.

[Elrick]

Yeah, I made a lot less typos after switching to Topre from browns. Even if they are rated at the same 45g "weight" the browns feel like they are much lighter and easier to accidently press.

True the Thorpie Switch is extremely good at actuation compared to the MX system.  I make less mistyped words with a REALFORCE than with any Filco, Leopold or WASD keyboard.  In fact most X-Logitech users seem to love HHKB or Realforce keyboards because they remind them of what they have used for the past few years, hence the thorpie switch wins new supporters everyday  .

[Smasher816]

Yeah, I made a lot less typos after switching to Topre from browns. Even if they are rated at the same 45g "weight" the browns feel like they are much lighter and easier to accidently press.

In fact most X-Logitech users seem to love HHKB or Realforce keyboards because they remind them of what they have used for the past few years, hence the thorpie switch wins new supporters everyday  .

Well I did come from a logitech G15. I would never go back to it though. I have to say, there are differences between the different domes. The random ones at school feel nothing like my HHKB. I really don't know how to describe the difference, I guess one seems more "cripsp" instead of mushy.

[sleepy916]

I'm one of the few that tried Topre with a HHKB Type S and eventually went back to BS. I did not convert even though it was nice.

[Smasher816]

I would love to the a BS board sometime (pretty sure I used my dads as a small kid). The tactility seems like it would be great but I don't know if I could get used to the noise - especially if I want to bring it to work or something like that. I just love the sound of my Type S...

[TacticalCoder]

I have a few keyboards (buckling springs, Cherry MXes, White ALPS, Topre, ...) and after many years using buckling springs (IBM Model M) I eventually bought a HHKB Pro 2 (two years ago or so I think). For me it's the best switch I ever used. My (professional) life requires quite some typing (software dev and, in a previous life, books author) and Topre switch are close to perfect IMHO.

It took me some time to get used to Topre because when I'm not typing I like to actually rest my fingers on the keyboard (in the home position). I used to trigger a few keys by mistake while "resting" at first: I think 'd' and 'k' but I'm not too sure anymore... Took me a few weeks / months to get rid of that issue 

I now moved the HHKB Pro 2 to the living room (hooked to a Mac Mini which is used to play series / movies and to listen to music) and I rarely use it but it's convenient that it is so tiny. For my main keyboard I bought an HHKB JP (the japanese model)... For the smaller space bar and the additional modifiers.

Now of course my quest ain't over: my "dream" would be a split ergo keyboard using Topre switches. Something like the Mark 12 or Mark 13 but with Topre switches (I think the "thumb keys" on the Mark 12 / Mark 13 just make so much more sense than a regular Ergodox but YMMV).

Welcome to the club!

[JinDesu]

Yeah, I made a lot less typos after switching to Topre from browns. Even if they are rated at the same 45g "weight" the browns feel like they are much lighter and easier to accidently press.

True the Thorpie Switch is extremely good at actuation compared to the MX system.  I make less mistyped words with a REALFORCE than with any Filco, Leopold or WASD keyboard.  In fact most X-Logitech users seem to love HHKB or Realforce keyboards because they remind them of what they have used for the past few years, hence the thorpie switch wins new supporters everyday  .

My RF 101 has variable weights, and while the 45g keys have great actuation feel (and I assume the 55g keys in other RF keyboards would be even better), the 35g keys like Q, A, P activate so easily that I often have my left hand resting on Q and it would start typing qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq without even thinking. My Q is probably on the lower end of weight tolerance too. Just a warning to people that the 35g keys activate really easily.

[redskull]

one of us! one of us! 

that said, i'm loving my 55g hhkb pro2. i did the o-ring silencing treatment, it was quiet but the key travel was reduced and i didn't like it. took the o-rings off and just enjoyed the noise they make. 55g is where it is bro and now for me, cherry mx switches are just for collection purposes only.

[OnTheBrink]

one of us! one of us! 

that said, i'm loving my 55g hhkb pro2. i did the o-ring silencing treatment, it was quiet but the key travel was reduced and i didn't like it. took the o-rings off and just enjoyed the noise they make. 55g is where it is bro and now for me, cherry mx switches are just for collection purposes only.

How did you mod it to 55g? You just used the rubber domes from a RF?

[Smasher816]

one of us! one of us! 

that said, i'm loving my 55g hhkb pro2. i did the o-ring silencing treatment, it was quiet but the key travel was reduced and i didn't like it. took the o-rings off and just enjoyed the noise they make. 55g is where it is bro and now for me, cherry mx switches are just for collection purposes only.

How did you mod it to 55g? You just used the rubber domes from a RF?

AFAIK, that is the only way to do it.