If you could only use one keyboard the rest rest of your life, why would it be Topre?

[nubbinator]

Kidding with the title, but I think I'm starting to get it, at least with the HHKB.  I just don't understand the fanaticism still.  What drives the almost religious fervor around it? 

[Halverson]

Rubberdomes, mechs are a waste of money

[jacobolus]

With its reliance on a rubber sheet, the big advantage of lifetime use of a single Topre keyboard would be that the keyboard would age as you do. It would start out supple and over time get old and crotchety. By the time you hit retirement, your keyboard would basically be retired too, and just as your knees start giving out and your hands start uncontrollably shaking, your keyboard would start refusing to actuate some keys at all.

Better plan ahead by saving grandpa’s model M for your grandchildren to type on when you are stuck dictating everything because your Topre board won’t type.

[digi]

use them both =) cupped rubber at work, mx at home!

[Grim Fandango]

1. Not as loud. So I can use it anywhere.

2. Feels nice.

[Hypersphere]

Not sure I could do it. Might have to smuggle in my IBM XT once in a while to get my capacitive buckling spring fix.

But if it could be only one, and a Topre, I suppose it would have to be one of my HHKBs. With the HHKB, it is not so much the Topre switches as it is the form factor, style, elegance, symmetry, design, and layout of the board. I also like its dye-sub PBT keycaps. Strictly speaking the HHKB is not a Topre board, it is a Fujitsu with Topre switches.

So, if it had to be a Topre board through and through, my next choice would be my Topre RF 87u 55g. I like the simple classic elegance and the smooth, solid, quiet sound and feel of the board. It also has beautiful dye-sub PBT keycaps. It gets the job done with understated sophistication while at the same time being highly pleasurable to look at, hear, and feel under the fingertips.

[terrpn]

it wouldn't be..............sorry

[tp4tissue]

Ergodox.. because I've already decided..

[Puddsy]

it would be the KUL

[jameslr]

At this time it would have to be a realforce 55g. If they end up making a novatouch 55g with dip switches then I would use that.

[FrostyToast]

I like the tactile pop of the switches much more than clears.  The sound is so very audible which provides wonderful feedback, but it is a very nice "thock" compared to the click that you would have to get with other keys.

[ComradeSniper]

For me it's a combo of the HHKB layout being awesome and also the switches feeling great. Now that I've put 55g domes in my HHKB, I would be content with it being my only keyboard.

[fohat.digs]

Because when you get old and weak you will only be able to lift a cheap plastic keyboard instead of a real solid model with plenty of steel in it.

[Polymer]

I'd pick Cherry board..only because I hate using Topre for gaming and I'm perfectly fine with Cherry for typing..

BUT

I strongly prefer Topre for typing....which is why I use it for work, etc...and Cherry for gaming...

[kalrand]

I think you misspelled "buckling spring".

[cherpalla]

I use an HHKB at work, because I much prefer typing on Topre over all of the Tactile cherry switches. For my home PC (gamebox basically), I use linear switches, so Cherry MX Reds/Blacks it is.

[Novus]

cuz cherry mx peasants suck

[GL1TCH3D]

Cherry mx is too mainstream.



Just need to get a converter and you're set

[bazh]

Ergodox.. because I've already decided..

Show Image

but, but... what if you can have ErgoThorpe      :(

[HPE1000]

I do really like the 55g topre switches on my realforce because they are so snappy and soft, I can't really describe it. Although if I had to only use one keyboard/switch for the rest of my life, it would have to be some really nice broken in lubed black switches with ~65-70g springs in them.

Topre is too much hype, that isn't to say that they aren't nice, but that hype... (perhaps if I liked tactile switches a lot my opinion would be different)

[rowdy]

Why would it be Topre?

Are you assuming that I would select Topre?  Or are you telling me that I have to use a Topre keyboard for the rest of my life and would I please invent something to justify it?

Actually I'd probably be quite happy to use RealForce 87U 55g uniform.

[Novus]

Why wouldn't it be?

[Oobly]

Kidding with the title, but I think I'm starting to get it, at least with the HHKB.  I just don't understand the fanaticism still.  What drives the almost religious fervor around it?

Attempting to justify the fact that you spent so much on a rubber dome board? I don't know, I don't like Topre, so I certainly don't get it.

If you were to say "Model F" or "full custom with your favourite modified MX switch" instead, well... different story.

[Novus]

Kidding with the title, but I think I'm starting to get it, at least with the HHKB.  I just don't understand the fanaticism still.  What drives the almost religious fervor around it?

Attempting to justify the fact that you spent so much on a rubber dome board? I don't know, I don't like Topre, so I certainly don't get it.

If you were to say "Model F" or "full custom with your favourite modified MX switch" instead, well... different story.

Objection, argumentative.

[snoopy]

I think it would be a Model F for me.

[paicrai]

because then i could get a hhkb type s and jerklecirc on gh and be absolved of all my sins by the elitists

[strict]

because then i could get a hhkb type s and jerklecirc on gh and be absolved of all my sins by the elitists

Holy annoying signature

[paicrai]

because then i could get a hhkb type s and jerklecirc on gh and be absolved of all my sins by the elitists

Holy annoying signature

[Lurch]

because then i could get a hhkb type s and jerklecirc on gh and be absolved of all my sins by the elitists

Holy annoying signature

[paicrai]

now go back to the topic i didnt post to derail with my sig i posted to derail with jabs at hhkb nerds

[Lurch]

(Attachment Link)
now go back to the topic i didnt post to derail with my sig i posted to derail with jabs at hhkb nerds

Herb life best life?

On topic, Grim Fandango put it well,  "feels nice"

[paicrai]

(Attachment Link)
now go back to the topic i didnt post to derail with my sig i posted to derail with jabs at hhkb nerds

Herb life best life?

On topic, Grim Fandango put it well,  "feels nice"

nice

true topre feels nice but imo topre would be my choice, it's too soft and quited

[Xowie]

The good feeling of oneness with cup rubber.

[Hypersphere]

Recently, there have been a number of different threads here on GH and over on DT about Topre boards and comparing Topre with others.

I saw one thread comparing and contrasting the HHKB Pro 2 with the Poker II. Poker II advocates were challenging HHKB Pro 2 aficionados who also owned Poker IIs to remap their Pokers to a HHKB layout. I did this on my Poker II with Karabiner remapping software for the Mac, remapping Right Control as Fn and setting up the HHKB pattern of arrow keys. This was imperfect, because it left two dead keys on the Poker: the original Fn and Pn keys. In any event, the remapping on the Poker II was not too bad. However, the feel and sound of the Poker II was just not as pleasing as the feel and sound of the HHKB (or the RF, for that matter). In my view, a Cherry mx board is just not in the same league as a Topre-switch board. It was a relief to get back to my HHKB Pro 2 and RF 87u 55g boards -- the typing experience with the Topres is much better. Moreover, I find that my speed and accuracy are better on the Topre boards than on any Cherry mx board that I own.

[Binge]

The layout is key with any keyboard.  I would feel really terrible using the same keyboard all the time unless somehow I found my prefect switch.  I'm really close with MX whites.

After getting into the ergo boards there isn't a cell in my body that wants staggered any longer.  When I did rock staggered layouts 24/7 the hhkb appealed to me greatly.  I love alphas, mods, fn, and all the desk space a 60% brings to the table.

So yeah I dunno if I could commit.  I do know I love lightweight and smart layouts which are best achieved with a fully programmable controller.

[jacobolus]

After getting into the ergo boards there isn't a cell in my body that wants staggered any longer.  When I did rock staggered layouts 24/7 the hhkb appealed to me greatly.  I love alphas, mods, fn, and all the desk space a 60% brings to the table.

What kind of ergo board do you use?

Edit: this one apparently:


Nice palmrest!

[rowdy]

because then i could get a hhkb type s and jerklecirc on gh and be absolved of all my sins by the elitists

Holy annoying signature

I turned signatures off - makes things a whole lot cleaner

[Binge]

After getting into the ergo boards there isn't a cell in my body that wants staggered any longer.  When I did rock staggered layouts 24/7 the hhkb appealed to me greatly.  I love alphas, mods, fn, and all the desk space a 60% brings to the table.

What kind of ergo board do you use?

Edit: this one apparently:

Show Image

Nice palmrest!

This the kinesis advantage and the truly ergonomic keyboard.

Noko makes the best wrist rests.

[Oobly]

Binge brings up an important point. For an "endgame" keyboard I can't choose a standard layout board.

I use this (Mark II is a work-in-progress):



It's not Topre.... Cherry MX is the king of "customisability". It use a mix of trampoline and latex modded Browns and 62g ErgoClears with medium thickness PBT and POM caps.

You can't fine tune the feeling of Topre switches to personal taste like you can with MX.

[ConscienceDrop]

Topre boards usually feel more quality in general; which goes with the cost. But that being said, they barely feel different than a high end rubber dome to me. They are barely mechanical(feedback) feeling at all when compared to buckling spring or MX greens.

I seriously can't understand the love for cupped rubber+.

The "thonk" sounds nice, I will give you that. But it's not enough for me.

[Hypersphere]

Detractors of Topre-switch keyboards tend to use descriptions such as, "it seems like nothing more than a high-end rubber dome to me." I have often wondered what is meant by "high-end rubber dome". Are there any examples of such a keyboard other than those that employ Topre switches?

Having compared many different types of keyboard switches in addition to Topre, including Alps of various kinds, Cherry mx of various kinds, membrane buckling springs, capacitive buckling springs, beam springs, Hi-Tek space invaders (tactile and clicky), Matias tactile clicky, Honeywell Hall effect, various linear switches in terminal keyboards, and rubber dome keyboards packaged with modern PCs, I find that the aural and tactile feedback of Topre switches is distinctive. To me, the tactile feedback from a Topre switch might be likened to that of a weighted piano key on a "real" piano (as opposed to an electronic piano keyboard).

I happen to like Topre switches, especially the heavier variety in my RF 87ub 55g, but I would not expect everyone to like them. Moreover, Topre is not the only switch that I like.

Periodically, I do a reality check by rotating through various keyboards in my collection to see if my preferences have changed. I really want to like Cherry mx switches, because I wish to take advantage of the abundant styles, colors, and textures of keycaps for them. Unfortunately, each time I try or re-try a Cherry mx board I am disappointed, and returning to a Topre-switch board is refreshing. In fairness, returning to a buckling spring keyboard (especially a capacitive buckling spring, such as the IBM XT) is also refreshing. Despite the differences between my IBM XT and RF 87ug 55g, I like each of these equally well, and either one is greatly preferable to any Cherry mx board I have tried.

We keyboard enthusiasts are fortunate to live in the midst of many excellent choices among keyboards and switch types. There is also no accounting for taste, and advocates of one particular switch or another will likely continue to remain baffled by the contrasting preferences of others.

[jacobolus]

Periodically, I do a reality check by rotating through various keyboards in my collection to see if my preferences have changed. I really want to like Cherry mx switches, because I wish to take advantage of the abundant styles, colors, and textures of keycaps for them. Unfortunately, each time I try or re-try a Cherry mx board I am disappointed, and returning to a Topre-switch board is refreshing.

You’re right, Topre switches are distinctive, and while they’re not for everyone (e.g. me), they do feel very solid and well made.

You’re also right, MX switches are pretty uninspiring to type on. They just happen to be more common because everyone else got pushed out of the mechanical keyboard switch game circa 1995.

[MJ45]

because then i could get a hhkb type s and jerklecirc on gh and be absolved of all my sins by the elitists

Holy annoying signature

I turned signatures off - makes things a whole lot cleaner

Thanks, rowdy,
I'm glad you brought that option to my attention!!

[paicrai]

Binge brings up an important point. For an "endgame" keyboard I can't choose a standard layout board.

I use this (Mark II is a work-in-progress):

(Attachment Link)

It's not Topre.... Cherry MX is the king of "customisability". It use a mix of trampoline and latex modded Browns and 62g ErgoClears with medium thickness PBT and POM caps.

You can't fine tune the feeling of Topre switches to personal taste like you can with MX.

oobly shut the **** up we've seen your ergocock

[Novus]

Binge brings up an important point. For an "endgame" keyboard I can't choose a standard layout board.

I use this (Mark II is a work-in-progress):

(Attachment Link)

It's not Topre.... Cherry MX is the king of "customisability". It use a mix of trampoline and latex modded Browns and 62g ErgoClears with medium thickness PBT and POM caps.

You can't fine tune the feeling of Topre switches to personal taste like you can with MX.

oobly shut the **** up we've seen your ergocock

QFT

[Oobly]

Binge brings up an important point. For an "endgame" keyboard I can't choose a standard layout board.

I use this (Mark II is a work-in-progress):

(Attachment Link)

It's not Topre.... Cherry MX is the king of "customisability". It use a mix of trampoline and latex modded Browns and 62g ErgoClears with medium thickness PBT and POM caps.

You can't fine tune the feeling of Topre switches to personal taste like you can with MX.

oobly shut the **** up we've seen your ergocock

QFT

[pbtforever]

Because the keys are PBT.   )

[Hypersphere]

Periodically, I do a reality check by rotating through various keyboards in my collection to see if my preferences have changed. I really want to like Cherry mx switches, because I wish to take advantage of the abundant styles, colors, and textures of keycaps for them. Unfortunately, each time I try or re-try a Cherry mx board I am disappointed, and returning to a Topre-switch board is refreshing.

You’re right, Topre switches are distinctive, and while they’re not for everyone (e.g. me), they do feel very solid and well made.

You’re also right, MX switches are pretty uninspiring to type on. They just happen to be more common because everyone else got pushed out of the mechanical keyboard switch game circa 1995.

Yes, it is unfortunate sometimes how market forces operate. Regarding switches, I would rather type on Topre, IBM capacitive buckling spring, IBM membrane buckling spring, IBM beam spring, Alps blue Monterey, Matias tactile/clicky, or NMB Hi-Tek black space invader switches than on any Cherry mx switch I have tried.

However, I have yet to try Cherry mx clears -- I've ordered a Kul ES-87 with clears, and I am eager for it to arrive so that I can try it out.

[nubbinator]

Periodically, I do a reality check by rotating through various keyboards in my collection to see if my preferences have changed. I really want to like Cherry mx switches, because I wish to take advantage of the abundant styles, colors, and textures of keycaps for them. Unfortunately, each time I try or re-try a Cherry mx board I am disappointed, and returning to a Topre-switch board is refreshing.

You’re right, Topre switches are distinctive, and while they’re not for everyone (e.g. me), they do feel very solid and well made.

You’re also right, MX switches are pretty uninspiring to type on. They just happen to be more common because everyone else got pushed out of the mechanical keyboard switch game circa 1995.

Yes, it is unfortunate sometimes how market forces operate. Regarding switches, I would rather type on Topre, IBM capacitive buckling spring, IBM membrane buckling spring, IBM beam spring, Alps blue Monterey, Matias tactile/clicky, or NMB Hi-Tek black space invader switches than on any Cherry mx switch I have tried.

However, I have yet to try Cherry mx clears -- I've ordered a Kul ES-87 with clears, and I am eager for it to arrive so that I can try it out.

Ergo  Clears and Ghost Blacks are love.


Err, I mean Topre 5ever.

[Hypersphere]

@nubbinator: A "ghost black" is a black switch (linear) with a clear spring, correct? Therefore, a ghost black would be a lighter version of a black linear switch, whereas a clear is a tactile non-clicky switch. Although Topre and Cherry are not really comparable, I would suppose that a Cherry mx clear might be the closest Cherry mx switch to a Topre. In any event, I shall soon be able to test a keyboard with clears for myself.