Keyboard for work

[dgreekstallion]

Hi guys! I am back from the dead. After going through a number of jobs, I have finally settled on one, a very good one. One I have free reign on what kind of keyboard I can use.

That's actually why I am here.

Do you guys have any good recommendations  specifically for an office environment? I an thinking of a Cherry Mechanical, I think the brown switches are quiet, I don't really know. I am rather inexperienced regarding Cherry keyboards.

I have also thought about an ole Model M, with a floss mod.

Ideally I am just looking for something quiet enough so it won't disturb my neighbors.

Thanks again guys.

Dan.

[dgreekstallion]

Edit: I have also thought of the Matias Quiet Pro keyboards... But in recent searching I've seen some good and bad feedback...

[mreverything]

FWIW I kept my HHKB Pro 2 in shared office for a while and my neighbors didn't mind. At least they never mentioned anything -- well, aside from insisting I was "such a hipster," because my caps are blank.

[absyrd]

What form factor? Do you need a fullsize? TKL? More compact?

[dorkvader]

Depends on your co-workers. I would use a model F at work if I could, but tis' too loud for them. They even complained about cherry brown.

So I settled on 30g topre. They are quite hard to get in ANSI (only available in the 10'th anniversary, I think), so a matias quiet pro is a good option.

I recommend taking in keyboards of various loudnesses and seeing if anyone complains.

[digi]

Yea, I would have to say some type of Topre board to keep your coworkers happy...

I really like the RF 55u, not sure which Topres you've tried yet.

[Hypersphere]

Regarding keyboards with Cherry mx switches, if you bottom out, even a non-clicky switch can be loud. Moreover, I have yet to try a Cherry mx board that I like. However, I have not yet tried Cherry mx clears; I have a Kul ES-87 with clears on order to see if I like the clear switches.

IBM capacitive buckling springs (Model F) or membrane buckling springs (Model M) are still loud, even after a floss mod. The floss mod mostly takes care of the "ping".

I like the Matias tactile/clicky switch, but it is really loud. I have not tried the Matias quiet switch. I have a high opinion of the Matias boards, although I do not like the styling or choice of materials.

Have you considered Topre? I have a HHKB Pro 2 and a Realforce 87u black 55g. I love the form factor and layout of the HHKB Pro 2, and I like the solid sound and feel of the RF. The RF is substantially quieter than the HHKB. The RF is also available in a silent version, but it has variable key weighting -- I have not tried this, but I think I would prefer a uniform weighting. I have tried both, 45g and 55g weighting, and I prefer the sound and feel of the heavier switch.

[dgreekstallion]

FWIW I kept my HHKB Pro 2 in shared office for a while and my neighbors didn't mind. At least they never mentioned anything -- well, aside from insisting I was "such a hipster," because my caps are blank.

Interesting. I've never used a HHKB before... They do like quite nice.

What form factor? Do you need a fullsize? TKL? More compact?

Honestly, it's not that important. I am used to full size, so that's what I'll probably stick with.

Depends on your co-workers. I would use a model F at work if I could, but tis' too loud for them. They even complained about cherry brown.

So I settled on 30g topre. They are quite hard to get in ANSI (only available in the 10'th anniversary, I think), so a matias quiet pro is a good option.

I recommend taking in keyboards of various loudnesses and seeing if anyone complains.

That's a shame, I would love to bring my Model F into work. I've never used a Topre...

Yea, I would have to say some type of Topre board to keep your coworkers happy...

I really like the RF 55u, not sure which Topres you've tried yet.

I haven't tried a Topre yet, I know. I'm terrible.

Regarding keyboards with Cherry mx switches, if you bottom out, even a non-clicky switch can be loud. Moreover, I have yet to try a Cherry mx board that I like. However, I have not yet tried Cherry mx clears; I have a Kul ES-87 with clears on order to see if I like the clear switches.

IBM capacitive buckling springs (Model F) or membrane buckling springs (Model M) are still loud, even after a floss mod. The floss mod mostly takes care of the "ping".

I like the Matias tactile/clicky switch, but it is really loud. I have not tried the Matias quiet switch. I have a high opinion of the Matias boards, although I do not like the styling or choice of materials.

Have you considered Topre? I have a HHKB Pro 2 and a Realforce 87u black 55g. I love the form factor and layout of the HHKB Pro 2, and I like the solid sound and feel of the RF. The RF is substantially quieter than the HHKB. The RF is also available in a silent version, but it has variable key weighting -- I have not tried this, but I think I would prefer a uniform weighting. I have tried both, 45g and 55g weighting, and I prefer the sound and feel of the heavier switch.

Thanks for you great input. Topre has definitely crossed my mind, I will have to look into them post haste!

[dgreekstallion]

Regarding keyboards with Cherry mx switches, if you bottom out, even a non-clicky switch can be loud. Moreover, I have yet to try a Cherry mx board that I like. However, I have not yet tried Cherry mx clears; I have a Kul ES-87 with clears on order to see if I like the clear switches.

IBM capacitive buckling springs (Model F) or membrane buckling springs (Model M) are still loud, even after a floss mod. The floss mod mostly takes care of the "ping".

I like the Matias tactile/clicky switch, but it is really loud. I have not tried the Matias quiet switch. I have a high opinion of the Matias boards, although I do not like the styling or choice of materials.

Have you considered Topre? I have a HHKB Pro 2 and a Realforce 87u black 55g. I love the form factor and layout of the HHKB Pro 2, and I like the solid sound and feel of the RF. The RF is substantially quieter than the HHKB. The RF is also available in a silent version, but it has variable key weighting -- I have not tried this, but I think I would prefer a uniform weighting. I have tried both, 45g and 55g weighting, and I prefer the sound and feel of the heavier switch.

I'm going to re-quote you to address something I missed. Do you think the Realforce Topre in the heavier weight is worth the money. I don't have too many expenses right now, and I wouldn't mind getting a bad ass keyboard for work.

I just can't bear to deal with the utterly shiite Dell keyboard and likewise shiite mouse combination much longer.

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

A lot of this depends on how sensitive your officemates are to keyboard noise. I have heard that some people don't have a problem with clicky boards. Some people do have problems with the clickiness. Maybe try playing youtube videos of people typing on a Buckling Spring or Cherry MX Blue to see if people in the office have a problem.

I have a Matias quiet mini. I like it a lot. As far as noise, it is quieter than the Cherry MX brown board I have for comparison.

[Grim Fandango]

I can only share my own experiences. I use Realforce at the office. The normal realforce are hardly any louder than normal keyboards, and go undetected in an office environment. The silent realforce are super quiet. Personally, I have yet to find a mechanical keyboard (not counting topre) outside of the Matias Quiet Pro that I would feel comfortable using in an office environment. Something like a Filco with cherry MX browns, even with o-rings, for me is really way too loud.

[dgreekstallion]

A lot of this depends on how sensitive your officemates are to keyboard noise. I have heard that some people don't have a problem with clicky boards. Some people do have problems with the clickiness. Maybe try playing youtube videos of people typing on a Buckling Spring or Cherry MX Blue to see if people in the office have a problem.

I have a Matias quiet mini. I like it a lot. As far as noise, it is quieter than the Cherry MX brown board I have for comparison.

Good point. I haven't considered it much- I have only considered how I imagine I would feel, if that makes sense. The garbage Dells we use are pretty average in noise levels, and I'm using that for a median comparison.

Could you elaborate more on the Matias Quiet Mini? I've been looking into Matias for a while now. How's the build quality? Worth the money? Et cetera...

[frosty]

Poker 2 or HHKB Pro 2

60% love!

[dgreekstallion]

I can only share my own experiences. I use Realforce at the office. The normal realforce are hardly any louder than normal keyboards, and go undetected in an office environment. The silent realforce are super quiet. Personally, I have yet to find a mechanical keyboard (not counting topre) outside of the Matias Quiet Pro that I would feel comfortable using in an office environment. Something like a Filco with cherry MX browns, even with o-rings, for me is really way too loud.

You see? That's why I post here! Thank you so much. I never knew how loud a Cherry MX Brown switch with o-rings was until now.

Best resource for Realforce keyboards?

[absyrd]

I can only share my own experiences. I use Realforce at the office. The normal realforce are hardly any louder than normal keyboards, and go undetected in an office environment. The silent realforce are super quiet. Personally, I have yet to find a mechanical keyboard (not counting topre) outside of the Matias Quiet Pro that I would feel comfortable using in an office environment. Something like a Filco with cherry MX browns, even with o-rings, for me is really way too loud.

You see? That's why I post here! Thank you so much. I never knew how loud a Cherry MX Brown switch with o-rings was until now.

Best resource for Realforce keyboards?

Classifieds or elitekeyboards.com

[dgreekstallion]

I can only share my own experiences. I use Realforce at the office. The normal realforce are hardly any louder than normal keyboards, and go undetected in an office environment. The silent realforce are super quiet. Personally, I have yet to find a mechanical keyboard (not counting topre) outside of the Matias Quiet Pro that I would feel comfortable using in an office environment. Something like a Filco with cherry MX browns, even with o-rings, for me is really way too loud.

You see? That's why I post here! Thank you so much. I never knew how loud a Cherry MX Brown switch with o-rings was until now.

Best resource for Realforce keyboards?

Classifieds or elitekeyboards.com

Ah yes, the good ole classifieds. Thank you sir.

[jacobolus]

Edit: I have also thought of the Matias Quiet Pro keyboards... But in recent searching I've seen some good and bad feedback...

What bad feedback did you see? Most of the negative comments I’ve seen are just from people who don’t like the shiny polycarbonate cases, or need Cherry MX switches they can put their aftermarket keycaps on.

In general, the switches are great: very tactile and very quiet for a mechanical keyboard (though perhaps still a bit louder than a rubber dome). Different people have different preferences, but I for one like Matias quiet switches more than any kind of Topre switches.

The build quality of the keyboards is great. Customer support is very friendly.

Also, Edgar Matias himself is active on geekhack and very open to discussion/criticism/ideas.

You also may want to consider Matias’s upcoming ErgoPro keyboard if you do a lot of typing and you’re looking for something for long term wrist comfort, and you can wait until December to get it: http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/

[Hypersphere]

Regarding keyboards with Cherry mx switches, if you bottom out, even a non-clicky switch can be loud. Moreover, I have yet to try a Cherry mx board that I like. However, I have not yet tried Cherry mx clears; I have a Kul ES-87 with clears on order to see if I like the clear switches.

IBM capacitive buckling springs (Model F) or membrane buckling springs (Model M) are still loud, even after a floss mod. The floss mod mostly takes care of the "ping".

I like the Matias tactile/clicky switch, but it is really loud. I have not tried the Matias quiet switch. I have a high opinion of the Matias boards, although I do not like the styling or choice of materials.

Have you considered Topre? I have a HHKB Pro 2 and a Realforce 87u black 55g. I love the form factor and layout of the HHKB Pro 2, and I like the solid sound and feel of the RF. The RF is substantially quieter than the HHKB. The RF is also available in a silent version, but it has variable key weighting -- I have not tried this, but I think I would prefer a uniform weighting. I have tried both, 45g and 55g weighting, and I prefer the sound and feel of the heavier switch.

I'm going to re-quote you to address something I missed. Do you think the Realforce Topre in the heavier weight is worth the money. I don't have too many expenses right now, and I wouldn't mind getting a bad ass keyboard for work.

I just can't bear to deal with the utterly shiite Dell keyboard and likewise shiite mouse combination much longer.

Elitekeyboards.com is the US vendor for Realforce keyboards. They seem periodically to offer sale prices on different models. Currently, prices for their RF 87u models (tenkeyless, TKL) range from $189 for a variable-weight white to $245 for a variable weight silent black model. My uniform 55g black was $215. I also have a uniform 45g "EK Edition" and a uniform 55g white. My favorite among these is the 55g black.

[dgreekstallion]

Edit: I have also thought of the Matias Quiet Pro keyboards... But in recent searching I've seen some good and bad feedback...

What bad feedback did you see? Most of the negative comments I’ve seen are just from people who don’t like the shiny polycarbonate cases, or need Cherry MX switches they can put their aftermarket keycaps on.

In general, the switches are great: very tactile and very quiet for a mechanical keyboard (though perhaps still a bit louder than a rubber dome). Different people have different preferences, but I for one like Matias quiet switches more than any kind of Topre switches.

The build quality of the keyboards is great. Customer support is very friendly.

Also, Edgar Matias himself is active on geekhack and very open to discussion/criticism/ideas.

You also may want to consider Matias’s upcoming ErgoPro keyboard if you do a lot of typing and you’re looking for something for long term wrist comfort, and you can wait until December to get it: http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/

Yeah it was mostly related to their dislike of the shininess of the case...

And interesting. I may have to wait..

But Christ, I can't deal with that dell much longer.

[rowdy]

I am currently using MX blacks in a Ducky Shine, with a folded layer of drawer liner underneath.  Dampens most of the sound.

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

Good point. I haven't considered it much- I have only considered how I imagine I would feel, if that makes sense. The garbage Dells we use are pretty average in noise levels, and I'm using that for a median comparison.

Could you elaborate more on the Matias Quiet Mini? I've been looking into Matias for a while now. How's the build quality? Worth the money? Et cetera...

I only have minor quibbles about it. I'd buy one again. In general it is solid and I like the layout a lot. I really like the quiet switches. They are very tactile and the dampening makes bottoming out quiet and less jarring. Also, the big noise difference is the upstroke is dampened as well.

The downsides in my mind:
- The case is shiny and shows dust and fingerprints easily
- The case could use some extra rubber feet. This is fixed by getting some rubber bumpons from a hardware store.

Like jacobolus said, if you can wait the Ergo Pro looks great. I've had my eye on it for a while.

[opensecret]

Edit: I have also thought of the Matias Quiet Pro keyboards... But in recent searching I've seen some good and bad feedback...

What bad feedback did you see? Most of the negative comments I’ve seen are just from people who don’t like the shiny polycarbonate cases, or need Cherry MX switches they can put their aftermarket keycaps on.

In general, the switches are great: very tactile and very quiet for a mechanical keyboard (though perhaps still a bit louder than a rubber dome). Different people have different preferences, but I for one like Matias quiet switches more than any kind of Topre switches.

The build quality of the keyboards is great. Customer support is very friendly.

Also, Edgar Matias himself is active on geekhack and very open to discussion/criticism/ideas.

You also may want to consider Matias’s upcoming ErgoPro keyboard if you do a lot of typing and you’re looking for something for long term wrist comfort, and you can wait until December to get it: http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/

I'll add another vote for the Matias Quiet Pro Mini.  Mine feels very solid, and I like the layout.  Typing on it has a very nice Alps-like feel about it, and is quiet enough that I can use it while sitting only a few feet from my spouse who couldn't stand listening to a Cherry blue Ducky I had even when she was two floors away from it.

[katushkin]

I bought a WASD modded with MX Clears specifically for work (as it was the only non-flashy board I could get easily in ISO layout) and I don't think it's much louder than the HP rubber dome boards we have as standard at work.

And its clearrrrrrrs

[dgreekstallion]

Good point. I haven't considered it much- I have only considered how I imagine I would feel, if that makes sense. The garbage Dells we use are pretty average in noise levels, and I'm using that for a median comparison.

Could you elaborate more on the Matias Quiet Mini? I've been looking into Matias for a while now. How's the build quality? Worth the money? Et cetera...

I only have minor quibbles about it. I'd buy one again. In general it is solid and I like the layout a lot. I really like the quiet switches. They are very tactile and the dampening makes bottoming out quiet and less jarring. Also, the big noise difference is the upstroke is dampened as well.

The downsides in my mind:
- The case is shiny and shows dust and fingerprints easily
- The case could use some extra rubber feet. This is fixed by getting some rubber bumpons from a hardware store.

Like jacobolus said, if you can wait the Ergo Pro looks great. I've had my eye on it for a while.

One more positive vote for Matias!

[pr0ximity]

It has't arrive yet, but for what it's worth I ordered a 55g Realforce specifically for use at my new job.

From the typing examples I've heard online it probably wouldn't be appropriate for a library, but for a software engineering office I think it should be more than quiet enough. I feel like buckling springs or clicky MX switches would stand out too much in any but the loudest environments.

[dorkvader]

Regarding keyboards with Cherry mx switches, if you bottom out, even a non-clicky switch can be loud. Moreover, I have yet to try a Cherry mx board that I like. However, I have not yet tried Cherry mx clears; I have a Kul ES-87 with clears on order to see if I like the clear switches.

IBM capacitive buckling springs (Model F) or membrane buckling springs (Model M) are still loud, even after a floss mod. The floss mod mostly takes care of the "ping".

I like the Matias tactile/clicky switch, but it is really loud. I have not tried the Matias quiet switch. I have a high opinion of the Matias boards, although I do not like the styling or choice of materials.

Have you considered Topre? I have a HHKB Pro 2 and a Realforce 87u black 55g. I love the form factor and layout of the HHKB Pro 2, and I like the solid sound and feel of the RF. The RF is substantially quieter than the HHKB. The RF is also available in a silent version, but it has variable key weighting -- I have not tried this, but I think I would prefer a uniform weighting. I have tried both, 45g and 55g weighting, and I prefer the sound and feel of the heavier switch.

I didn't bottom out with mx browns, but the "top out" noise was loud enough to be annoying. matias dampens this noise and it's easy to mod topre to do the same.

[inanis]

I used to use a Unicomp in the office - WAY to loud. No one complained about it, but it made me self-conscious when I moved out of a closed door lab and into a cubicle. So, I tried to floss mod it, but I ended up damaging it in the process (dumb mistake on my part). So, then I decided to get a CODE with MX Clears to replace it...only that really wasn't all that quiet either - still no one was complaining. On a whim I got a Poker II with blues, and I find that is no louder than the CODE, just a higher pitch. I use the Poker most of the time, and still no complaints. BUT...I still think it is too loud for the cube, so I have a new MX Black board coming in the mail. I'm hoping that will be just a little quieter. If necessary I'll get some O-rings to soften the CLACK of me bottoming out, but I'd rather not have to. I'm not aiming for silence...just a little bit less noisy that what I have going on now.

I'm also considering a Matias in the future, and maybe HHKB...when I can justify that cost. I have a lot of different locations and systems I work on, so for now, each board will have a place to call home. To be honest, my search for the "quiet enough" office keyboard is, at least in part, me trying to justify buying so many different boards.

[ynrozturk]

Poker 2 or HHKB Pro 2

60% love!

Yup I'd just go with a Poker II with browns.

[Lastpilot]

I'm thinking about lubed 55g clears for work. Although not yet sure on the actual board...
Don't want to bring a $250+ board to work, but at the same time those seem to be the only kind of boards I love recently...First world keyboard problem.

[Data]

I use a KUL ES-87 with MX Browns at work for the last few months.  Noise is not an issue for me.

[Z3us_]

TOPRE FO LYFE

[Grim Fandango]

One thing to note about the Matias Alps is that they are really quite heavy. For prolonged use every single day, anything I tried over 45g actuation force got uncomfortable over time. Other might not have this problem, but even though I like what the Matias Alps feel and sound like, they are also one of the heaviest (if not the heaviest) switch I ever used.

[dgreekstallion]

I need a way to test out a Topre keyboard.

[paicrai]

something with browns or thorpe

[JPG]

I use a model F at job, but even with the floss mod, it's still loud. I wear headphones so it's not so bad for me. My coworkers better wear some too.


If it's a new job, you better stick with mx brown/clear/linear (possibly with o-rings if needed) or maybe topre or Mathias silent switch. No experience with Mathias or Topre, but based on what is documented in here they are both quite quiet.


Well Topre is a "rubber kuf kuf with a dome" keyboard anyway, so it has to be quiet!

[dgreekstallion]

Okay, so the concensus seems to be a keyboard with Cherry Browns, Topre, or last but not least a Matias Quiet Pro. Hmm...

As I type this on a ****ty Dell keyboard, I want to throw this damn hunk of junk out the window.

[eth0s]

TOPRE am bestest.  You do more working-typing TOPRE.  Your going be bestest quietest and make you richest man in you office-work.  JUE JUE JUE.  You get promotion from boss soon when you type TOPRE GOOD.  Enjoy your feeling of oneness with cup rubber.  Sorry my English not good today.

[vimx]

Agreed. Browns all the way for work.   The KUL for TKL, or the Poker for 60%.  I went with a Poker for work and it is not loud, unless I purposefully  slam the keys. 

[Hypersphere]

I feel your pain having to use a mushy Dell at work! It would be especially difficult to someone who is a F-122 convert!

When I am not using my HHKB Pro 2 or RF 87ub 55g, I like to use my refurbished XT keyboard. There's nothing like capacitive buckling springs. I have an F-122 sitting on the shelf until I can find the time to work on it. I plan to take it apart, sand and repaint the internal plates, rearrange some spring assemblies to convert it to an ANSI/HHKB/Mac layout, install a Teensy with Soarer's converter, and install a case-mounted USB-B micro-USB receptacle. I might also paint the case and put black blank keycaps on it, but I haven't yet decided about this.

However, for work, if your neighbors are sensitive to noise, you probably will need something other than another F-122.

[dgreekstallion]

I feel your pain having to use a mushy Dell at work! It would be especially difficult to someone who is a F-122 convert!

When I am not using my HHKB Pro 2 or RF 87ub 55g, I like to use my refurbished XT keyboard. There's nothing like capacitive buckling springs. I have an F-122 sitting on the shelf until I can find the time to work on it. I plan to take it apart, sand and repaint the internal plates, rearrange some spring assemblies to convert it to an ANSI/HHKB/Mac layout, install a Teensy with Soarer's converter, and install a case-mounted USB-B micro-USB receptacle. I might also paint the case and put black blank keycaps on it, but I haven't yet decided about this.

However, for work, if your neighbors are sensitive to noise, you probably will need something other than another F-122.

That's bad ass. I may hit you up if I need another Model F, or someone else does.....

And alas, I don't think I can have an F for work, until I get my own office... Muahahaha.

[saturnotaku]

I use a Realforce 87U Silent at work. It's quiet enough not to annoy my co-workers. I previously used a Filco with MX Browns, and that was too loud for my work environment, despite using o-rings to dampen bottoming out sounds. Even standard Topre switches are a touch too noisy for my ears, not necessarily from bottoming out the keys but from the snap back on rebound. The variable weight of the 87U also helps me type faster and more accurately than Cherry switches and even the uniform-weight Realforce I use at home.

[dgreekstallion]

I use a Realforce 87U Silent at work. It's quiet enough not to annoy my co-workers. I previously used a Filco with MX Browns, and that was too loud for my work environment, despite using o-rings to dampen bottoming out sounds. Even standard Topre switches are a touch too noisy for my ears, not necessarily from bottoming out the keys but from the snap back on rebound. The variable weight of the 87U also helps me type faster and more accurately than the uniform Realforce I use at home.

Interesting. I just want to type on a Topre first, lol.

I tried a KB with reds before I got into the Model Ms/Model F's and felt the IBM's were superior. I just want to either find a cheap Topre or try one out first before I buy, if possible.

[0100010]

I use my Unicomp Model M at work.  Granted I am by myself in my office.  But my co-workers tell me when they walk by my door, they listen for my typing to know if I am in my office or not (as my seating position is behind a partition where I cannot be seen from the door).

[Hypersphere]

I use a Realforce 87U Silent at work. It's quiet enough not to annoy my co-workers. I previously used a Filco with MX Browns, and that was too loud for my work environment, despite using o-rings to dampen bottoming out sounds. Even standard Topre switches are a touch too noisy for my ears, not necessarily from bottoming out the keys but from the snap back on rebound. The variable weight of the 87U also helps me type faster and more accurately than the uniform Realforce I use at home.

Interesting. I just want to type on a Topre first, lol.

I tried a KB with reds before I got into the Model Ms/Model F's and felt the IBM's were superior. I just want to either find a cheap Topre or try one out first before I buy, if possible.

Unfortunately, "cheap Topre" is an oxymoron.

Typing on my new RF 87u 55g black and liking it more and more....

[dgreekstallion]

I use a Realforce 87U Silent at work. It's quiet enough not to annoy my co-workers. I previously used a Filco with MX Browns, and that was too loud for my work environment, despite using o-rings to dampen bottoming out sounds. Even standard Topre switches are a touch too noisy for my ears, not necessarily from bottoming out the keys but from the snap back on rebound. The variable weight of the 87U also helps me type faster and more accurately than the uniform Realforce I use at home.

Interesting. I just want to type on a Topre first, lol.

I tried a KB with reds before I got into the Model Ms/Model F's and felt the IBM's were superior. I just want to either find a cheap Topre or try one out first before I buy, if possible.

Unfortunately, "cheap Topre" is an oxymoron.

Typing on my new RF 87u 55g black and liking it more and more....

I make enough cash now where I can buy a nice Topre and not really care... Damn I'm tempted. Now I need to decide which weight I want for my future Topre, and whether I want it "variably weighted" or not...

[saturnotaku]

If you like and are used to buckling spring, I would go for the uniform 55g Realforce. While the variable model technically has three weights, the only key that's 55g is Escape. All the others are 45g (center alphanumeric and meta) and 30g (1,Q,A,Z and symbol keys to the right of the 9).

I prefer lighter switches, which makes the variable ideal for my usage at work, where all I do is type. At home, where I type and game, the uniform 45g suits my needs perfectly.

[CPTBadAss]

What about a Matias Quiet or perhaps a vintage linear Alps board like a Zenith ZKB-2? Or dampened cream Alps or orange Alps in Apples AEK I and IIs.

[dgreekstallion]

What about a Matias Quiet or perhaps a vintage linear Alps board like a Zenith ZKB-2? Or dampened cream Alps or orange Alps in Apples AEK I and IIs.

A Matias Quiet is definitely is in the realm of possibility..

[dgreekstallion]

If you like and are used to buckling spring, I would go for the uniform 55g Realforce. While the variable model technically has three weights, the only key that's 55g is Escape. All the others are 45g (center alphanumeric and meta) and 30g (1,Q,A,Z and symbol keys to the right of the 9).

I prefer lighter switches, which makes the variable ideal for my usage at work, where all I do is type. At home, where I type and game, the uniform 45g suits my needs perfectly.

Well this keyboard is going to be for work, not so much gaming... But... If I like it enough I will take it home lol. So now I don't know what I want, a variable Topre or a uniform. Damn.

[rowdy]

I use my Unicomp Model M at work.  Granted I am by myself in my office.  But my co-workers tell me when they walk by my door, they listen for my typing to know if I am in my office or not (as my seating position is behind a partition where I cannot be seen from the door).

That's the thing - with a noisier keyboard people can tell when you are working or not (particularly if your work involves typing).