Author Topic: Topre Realforce worth it?  (Read 47661 times)

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Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #150 on: Wed, 26 August 2015, 21:14:24 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

Welcome to perfection

Is this the endgame? I just can't wait until I can buy a red escape keycap and match it with the red PBT spacebar from Matt3o's drop. I don't mind too much for artisans, so that would be the perfect pop of color for me.

Offline digi

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #151 on: Wed, 26 August 2015, 21:16:45 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

Welcome to perfection

Is this the endgame? I just can't wait until I can buy a red escape keycap and match it with the red PBT spacebar from Matt3o's drop. I don't mind too much for artisans, so that would be the perfect pop of color for me.

Endgame will be when we get 55g topre korean customs, until then, yes, this is endgame. Don't listen to the HHKB fanboys. muhahaha

Offline Air tree

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #152 on: Wed, 26 August 2015, 21:32:17 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

Welcome to perfection

Is this the endgame? I just can't wait until I can buy a red escape keycap and match it with the red PBT spacebar from Matt3o's drop. I don't mind too much for artisans, so that would be the perfect pop of color for me.

Endgame will be when we get 55g topre korean customs, until then, yes, this is endgame. Don't listen to the HHKB fanboys. muhahaha
55g HHKB > 55g realforce



Offline digi

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #153 on: Wed, 26 August 2015, 21:33:16 »
55g HHKB > 55g realforce

Send me one and I'll tell you if you're right =)

Offline Air tree

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #154 on: Wed, 26 August 2015, 21:36:06 »
55g HHKB > 55g realforce

Send me one and I'll tell you if you're right =)
I'll show you mine if you show me yours.  :-*

Offline Polymer

  • Posts: 1587
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #155 on: Wed, 26 August 2015, 22:30:19 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

Welcome to perfection

Is this the endgame? I just can't wait until I can buy a red escape keycap and match it with the red PBT spacebar from Matt3o's drop. I don't mind too much for artisans, so that would be the perfect pop of color for me.

You need to watch that carefully because there are different Reds for the Topre Keys (at least 2). 

Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #156 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 01:50:01 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

Welcome to perfection

Is this the endgame? I just can't wait until I can buy a red escape keycap and match it with the red PBT spacebar from Matt3o's drop. I don't mind too much for artisans, so that would be the perfect pop of color for me.

You need to watch that carefully because there are different Reds for the Topre Keys (at least 2). 

Oh, really? Do you mean in terms of shades? I just saw it from elitekeyboards that there was a blank red key and one with escape printed on it.

55g HHKB > 55g realforce

Send me one and I'll tell you if you're right =)
I'll show you mine if you show me yours.  :-*

Seriously, modding an hhkb for 55g would be really expensive. I'm glad with this one, thanks!

Offline sth

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #157 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 02:28:15 »
late to the party but if you feel that the bottom-out distance is too much on a non-silenced/Type-S topre board, just dental-band mod it. you lower the travel AND quiet the dang thing a bit.

i don't know if i'll ever go back to regular-travel topre at this point, my hhkb has about 1mm less travel and i love it.
11:48 -!- SmallFry [~SmallFry@unaffiliated/smallfry] has quit [Ping timeout: 245 seconds] ... rest in peace

Offline Polymer

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #158 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 02:37:49 »
Oh, really? Do you mean in terms of shades? I just saw it from elitekeyboards that there was a blank red key and one with escape printed on it.

Yeah....I think they matched the PBT Spacebar to the Special CTRL pack Red..which I think is the same as the Red ESC red but not sure...but the Red ESC is different in shade to the Red Keycap set....



Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #159 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 02:54:06 »
Oh, really? Do you mean in terms of shades? I just saw it from elitekeyboards that there was a blank red key and one with escape printed on it.

Yeah....I think they matched the PBT Spacebar to the Special CTRL pack Red..which I think is the same as the Red ESC red but not sure...but the Red ESC is different in shade to the Red Keycap set....




I see. Alright, thanks for the heads up! It's still going to be a while before they start production on the PBT spacebars, so I'll just have to sit tight. But this ABS spacebar is also pretty nice quality, for what it's worth.


Offline raymogi

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #160 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 02:58:44 »
I got 3 HHKB Pro 2 already (2 normal one, 1 Type-S).

Been dying to get another board.. should I get the 55g or a GON board? Is the 55g really THAT much better to type on?

Help me decide bros.
Please feed my addiction.

Offline Air tree

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #161 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 03:03:04 »
I got 3 HHKB Pro 2 already (2 normal one, 1 Type-S).

Been dying to get another board.. should I get the 55g or a GON board? Is the 55g really THAT much better to type on?

Help me decide bros.
The good thing about a 55g transplant, is that you can just sell the (Mostly) 45g realforce for a good deal of your money back, after you're done.


And yes, I think it's very worth it. 55g is much better for me.  :)

Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #162 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 04:39:33 »
Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is a break-in time for this keyboard right? Do the 55g domes get smoother after a week or so? Or so I've been told.  :))

Offline Air tree

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #163 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 04:42:48 »
Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is a break-in time for this keyboard right? Do the 55g domes get smoother after a week or so? Or so I've been told.  :))
I haven't heard of such a thing. I haven't noticed any break in with my domes.


Only thing to really make them any more smooth is to lube the sliders... But topre is already damn smooth..

Offline Bucake

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #164 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 05:05:12 »
I got 3 HHKB Pro 2 already (2 normal one, 1 Type-S).

Been dying to get another board.. should I get the 55g or a GON board? Is the 55g really THAT much better to type on?

Help me decide bros.
The good thing about a 55g transplant, is that you can just sell the (Mostly) 45g realforce for a good deal of your money back, after you're done.


And yes, I think it's very worth it. 55g is much better for me.  :)

though, the HHKB is 60 keys, while the realforce has 61 keys in the 60% area. so what key on your realforce donor is 55g?

edit: you've lubed your topres? (what did you use?)
« Last Edit: Thu, 27 August 2015, 05:09:04 by Bucake »
IBM Model F XT // Realforce 87U 55g Type-S // HHKBP2 45g Type-S // KBT Pure Pro Cherry MX Red

Offline rowdy

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #165 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 06:13:59 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

This is one of only two keyboards still on my wish list.  Enjoy it :D
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

NEC APC-H4100E | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED red | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED green | Link 900243-08 | CM QFR MX black | KeyCool 87 white MX reds | HHKB 2 Pro | Model M 02-Mar-1993 | Model M 29-Nov-1995 | CM Trigger (broken) | CM QFS MX green | Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Yellow Edition MX black | Lexmark SSK 21-Apr-1994 | IBM SSK 13-Oct-1987 | CODE TKL MX clear | Model M 122 01-Jun-1988

Ị̸͚̯̲́ͤ̃͑̇̑ͯ̊̂͟ͅs̞͚̩͉̝̪̲͗͊ͪ̽̚̚ ̭̦͖͕̑́͌ͬͩ͟t̷̻͔̙̑͟h̹̠̼͋ͤ͋i̤̜̣̦̱̫͈͔̞ͭ͑ͥ̌̔s̬͔͎̍̈ͥͫ̐̾ͣ̔̇͘ͅ ̩̘̼͆̐̕e̞̰͓̲̺̎͐̏ͬ̓̅̾͠͝ͅv̶̰͕̱̞̥̍ͣ̄̕e͕͙͖̬̜͓͎̤̊ͭ͐͝ṇ̰͎̱̤̟̭ͫ͌̌͢͠ͅ ̳̥̦ͮ̐ͤ̎̊ͣ͡͡n̤̜̙̺̪̒͜e̶̻̦̿ͮ̂̀c̝̘̝͖̠̖͐ͨͪ̈̐͌ͩ̀e̷̥͇̋ͦs̢̡̤ͤͤͯ͜s͈̠̉̑͘a̱͕̗͖̳̥̺ͬͦͧ͆̌̑͡r̶̟̖̈͘ỷ̮̦̩͙͔ͫ̾ͬ̔ͬͮ̌?̵̘͇͔͙ͥͪ͞ͅ

Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #166 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 06:38:06 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

This is one of only two keyboards still on my wish list.  Enjoy it :D

I am enjoying it. Thanks, man! You should definitely scoop one up considering all the keyboards you've tried out already!

Offline Air tree

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #167 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 06:46:53 »
I got 3 HHKB Pro 2 already (2 normal one, 1 Type-S).

Been dying to get another board.. should I get the 55g or a GON board? Is the 55g really THAT much better to type on?

Help me decide bros.
The good thing about a 55g transplant, is that you can just sell the (Mostly) 45g realforce for a good deal of your money back, after you're done.


And yes, I think it's very worth it. 55g is much better for me.  :)

though, the HHKB is 60 keys, while the realforce has 61 keys in the 60% area. so what key on your realforce donor is 55g?

edit: you've lubed your topres? (what did you use?)
I haven't lubed mine yet, I'm waiting to get my topre-mx sliders in the mail, then doing it.

But from what I have heard, thicker lubes work best.



And someone thankfully traded me my HHKB's 45g domes for their rf 55g domes, was very kind of them.


And if I was doing a transplant, I would put the 55g dome on the spacebar.

Offline yomammary

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #168 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 06:53:58 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.
Can't wait to get my hands on one.
RF 87u 55g | Leeku 1800

Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #169 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 07:06:07 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.
Can't wait to get my hands on one.

What are you waiting for? Join the cup rubber cult now!  ;D

Offline romevi

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #170 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 07:28:11 »
Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is a break-in time for this keyboard right? Do the 55g domes get smoother after a week or so? Or so I've been told.  :))
Yes. I didn't like mine at first, but after a few days I love it.

Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #171 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 07:48:56 »
Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is a break-in time for this keyboard right? Do the 55g domes get smoother after a week or so? Or so I've been told.  :))
Yes. I didn't like mine at first, but after a few days I love it.

Since I'm enjoying mine right now, what more in a couple of days once it's broken in!  :thumb:

Offline romevi

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #172 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 08:27:45 »
Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is a break-in time for this keyboard right? Do the 55g domes get smoother after a week or so? Or so I've been told.  :))
Yes. I didn't like mine at first, but after a few days I love it.

Since I'm enjoying mine right now, what more in a couple of days once it's broken in!  :thumb:
Whoops. Somehow read that with the implication you didn't like it at all.
I need to stop checking GH as soon as I wake up...

Offline jamster

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #173 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 09:54:14 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.
Can't wait to get my hands on one.

What are you waiting for? Join the cup rubber cult now!  ;D

Where'd you get yours from? I'm also out in Asia, been waiting for the last two months for EK to restock.

Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #174 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 10:07:06 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.
Can't wait to get my hands on one.

What are you waiting for? Join the cup rubber cult now!  ;D

Where'd you get yours from? I'm also out in Asia, been waiting for the last two months for EK to restock.

I got it from Massdrop! They had a drop for the Realforce 87U 55g maybe 2 months back. I had it shipped to my best friend in the US, and it was really good timing that he got it in time and came home yesterday.

Offline jamster

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #175 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 10:16:56 »
I got it from Massdrop! They had a drop for the Realforce 87U 55g maybe 2 months back. I had it shipped to my best friend in the US, and it was really good timing that he got it in time and came home yesterday.

Ah, I had forgotten about Massdrop as a source. I almost joined, but decided that black on black keys would be unusable at my desk (at home, dim lighting) so I'm now looking for a white board.

Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #176 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 10:19:27 »
I got it from Massdrop! They had a drop for the Realforce 87U 55g maybe 2 months back. I had it shipped to my best friend in the US, and it was really good timing that he got it in time and came home yesterday.

Ah, I had forgotten about Massdrop as a source. I almost joined, but decided that black on black keys would be unusable at my desk (at home, dim lighting) so I'm now looking for a white board.


Yeah, the white and grey board looks pretty cool as well. But the office is well lit, and I'm pretty much used to touch typing for the most part, so that's why I went ahead with it. Hope EK restocks soon! Would want to get the red ESC keycap for myself too.


Offline yomammary

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #177 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 12:11:35 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.
Can't wait to get my hands on one.

What are you waiting for? Join the cup rubber cult now!  ;D

Where'd you get yours from? I'm also out in Asia, been waiting for the last two months for EK to restock.
Trying to get one from Japan right now.
RF 87u 55g | Leeku 1800

Offline Bucake

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #178 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 19:07:02 »
i'm waiting to see how the new realforce set (the one matt3o is designing) will turn out.
depending on the color (if i like the set), i'll just get a 55g RF with the appropriate color :)
would be even better if they released a 55g RF with the set already on it :P
IBM Model F XT // Realforce 87U 55g Type-S // HHKBP2 45g Type-S // KBT Pure Pro Cherry MX Red

Offline Gaspar

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #179 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 19:26:22 »
i'm waiting to see how the new realforce set (the one matt3o is designing) will turn out.
depending on the color (if i like the set), i'll just get a 55g RF with the appropriate color :)
would be even better if they released a 55g RF with the set already on it :P

Yeah, that would be my pick as well.

Offline mikes41720

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #180 on: Thu, 27 August 2015, 20:00:24 »
i'm waiting to see how the new realforce set (the one matt3o is designing) will turn out.
depending on the color (if i like the set), i'll just get a 55g RF with the appropriate color :)
would be even better if they released a 55g RF with the set already on it :P

Yeah, that would be my pick as well.

So that's probably going to be $215.00 for the keyboard + $105.00 for the keycap set? I'd say that'd be a good estimate or so. Or since Matt3o's keycaps are already on it, it would probably be like an additional $40-50? Just giving out estimates here. I probably won't get his keycap set though. Just waiting on those sweet PBT spacebars.

Offline Polymer

  • Posts: 1587
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #181 on: Fri, 28 August 2015, 01:10:02 »
You can sell your stock PBT keycaps though for a decent amount...which would help offset the cost of buying a different one.

Offline romevi

  • Formerly romevi
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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #182 on: Fri, 28 August 2015, 01:15:22 »
You can sell your stock PBT keycaps though for a decent amount...which would help offset the cost of buying a different one.
Wow. Never even thought of that. I may end up doing that since I don't like the dark gray caps.

Offline mikes41720

  • Posts: 119
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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #183 on: Fri, 28 August 2015, 02:06:00 »
How much would the stock dark grey PBT keycaps go for?  :D

Offline rowdy

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #184 on: Fri, 28 August 2015, 05:44:23 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

This is one of only two keyboards still on my wish list.  Enjoy it :D

I am enjoying it. Thanks, man! You should definitely scoop one up considering all the keyboards you've tried out already!

My biggest problem is that I've still got all the keyboards I have tried.  I am running out of space to store them.
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

NEC APC-H4100E | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED red | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED green | Link 900243-08 | CM QFR MX black | KeyCool 87 white MX reds | HHKB 2 Pro | Model M 02-Mar-1993 | Model M 29-Nov-1995 | CM Trigger (broken) | CM QFS MX green | Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Yellow Edition MX black | Lexmark SSK 21-Apr-1994 | IBM SSK 13-Oct-1987 | CODE TKL MX clear | Model M 122 01-Jun-1988

Ị̸͚̯̲́ͤ̃͑̇̑ͯ̊̂͟ͅs̞͚̩͉̝̪̲͗͊ͪ̽̚̚ ̭̦͖͕̑́͌ͬͩ͟t̷̻͔̙̑͟h̹̠̼͋ͤ͋i̤̜̣̦̱̫͈͔̞ͭ͑ͥ̌̔s̬͔͎̍̈ͥͫ̐̾ͣ̔̇͘ͅ ̩̘̼͆̐̕e̞̰͓̲̺̎͐̏ͬ̓̅̾͠͝ͅv̶̰͕̱̞̥̍ͣ̄̕e͕͙͖̬̜͓͎̤̊ͭ͐͝ṇ̰͎̱̤̟̭ͫ͌̌͢͠ͅ ̳̥̦ͮ̐ͤ̎̊ͣ͡͡n̤̜̙̺̪̒͜e̶̻̦̿ͮ̂̀c̝̘̝͖̠̖͐ͨͪ̈̐͌ͩ̀e̷̥͇̋ͦs̢̡̤ͤͤͯ͜s͈̠̉̑͘a̱͕̗͖̳̥̺ͬͦͧ͆̌̑͡r̶̟̖̈͘ỷ̮̦̩͙͔ͫ̾ͬ̔ͬͮ̌?̵̘͇͔͙ͥͪ͞ͅ

Offline mikes41720

  • Posts: 119
  • Location: Philippines
    • Ranting & Rambling
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #185 on: Fri, 28 August 2015, 09:56:57 »
Okay, so I just got in my Realforce 87U 55g keyboard today. No buyers remorse here! Here are some of my first impressions with the keyboard:

1.) Boy, this thing is heavy. Really well built like a tank!
2.) The stock keycaps feel so nice to type on. Even though they aren't the thick PBT, they still feel fairly secure.
3.) I love the patented Topre thock! It sounds amazing.
4.) Typing on these 55g switches is a really great feeling experience. The keys feel so secure when you bottom out on them, it's a smooth and buttery experience.
5.) I like how quiet they are but they still offer so much tactility in the press. They're definitely much quieter than my MX Browns, which I'm sure my office mates will appreciate as well.

This is one of only two keyboards still on my wish list.  Enjoy it :D

I am enjoying it. Thanks, man! You should definitely scoop one up considering all the keyboards you've tried out already!

My biggest problem is that I've still got all the keyboards I have tried.  I am running out of space to store them.

Well, you know, when you eat at a buffet or you have a heavy dinner and your friend asks you what you want to have for dessert, you just can't say no! There's always room for dessert!  :p

Offline Elrick

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #186 on: Sun, 30 August 2015, 21:12:01 »
My biggest problem is that I've still got all the keyboards I have tried.  I am running out of space to store them.

Time to build a shed for all your gear, an Aussie with no shed isn't an Aussie  8) .

Offline rowdy

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #187 on: Sun, 30 August 2015, 21:54:13 »
My biggest problem is that I've still got all the keyboards I have tried.  I am running out of space to store them.

Time to build a shed for all your gear, an Aussie with no shed isn't an Aussie  8) .

Already got 2 sheds and a garage :p
« Last Edit: Sun, 30 August 2015, 21:56:12 by rowdy »
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

NEC APC-H4100E | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED red | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED green | Link 900243-08 | CM QFR MX black | KeyCool 87 white MX reds | HHKB 2 Pro | Model M 02-Mar-1993 | Model M 29-Nov-1995 | CM Trigger (broken) | CM QFS MX green | Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Yellow Edition MX black | Lexmark SSK 21-Apr-1994 | IBM SSK 13-Oct-1987 | CODE TKL MX clear | Model M 122 01-Jun-1988

Ị̸͚̯̲́ͤ̃͑̇̑ͯ̊̂͟ͅs̞͚̩͉̝̪̲͗͊ͪ̽̚̚ ̭̦͖͕̑́͌ͬͩ͟t̷̻͔̙̑͟h̹̠̼͋ͤ͋i̤̜̣̦̱̫͈͔̞ͭ͑ͥ̌̔s̬͔͎̍̈ͥͫ̐̾ͣ̔̇͘ͅ ̩̘̼͆̐̕e̞̰͓̲̺̎͐̏ͬ̓̅̾͠͝ͅv̶̰͕̱̞̥̍ͣ̄̕e͕͙͖̬̜͓͎̤̊ͭ͐͝ṇ̰͎̱̤̟̭ͫ͌̌͢͠ͅ ̳̥̦ͮ̐ͤ̎̊ͣ͡͡n̤̜̙̺̪̒͜e̶̻̦̿ͮ̂̀c̝̘̝͖̠̖͐ͨͪ̈̐͌ͩ̀e̷̥͇̋ͦs̢̡̤ͤͤͯ͜s͈̠̉̑͘a̱͕̗͖̳̥̺ͬͦͧ͆̌̑͡r̶̟̖̈͘ỷ̮̦̩͙͔ͫ̾ͬ̔ͬͮ̌?̵̘͇͔͙ͥͪ͞ͅ

Offline raymogi

  • Posts: 1415
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #188 on: Mon, 31 August 2015, 21:46:35 »
Plugged in my 87U today and the first thing I did was to switch backspace and \ so my brain don't have to keep switching between the HHKB and TKL layout.

Loving it so far I must say. Granted it felt tougher to press on but it's so damn satisfying. More than my Type-S? Maybe not but they each have their own pros and cons.
Please feed my addiction.

Offline ander

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #189 on: Wed, 09 September 2015, 05:13:41 »
Used it for a little over a week, and I'm actually having Topre withdrawal. I've been on vacation now for over a week and I'm counting the days I can go back to the office just to use my Topre... I was with a friend around my office and gave the excuse that we should head there so I can use the bathroom. While he waited I snuck to my desk and did some typing for a few seconds... What have I become...

Why, a GeekHacker, of course.

My biggest problem is that I've still got all the keyboards I have tried.  I am running out of space to store them.

How about getting some shelving boards and putting together a simple open cabinet that lets you store your KBs on-end? I've found that's the most efficient use of space. I wrap them in bubble wrap first. When there's time, I'll post a photo in case it's not clear what I'm describing.
We are not chasing wildly after beauty with fear at our backs. – Natalie Goldberg

Offline rowdy

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #190 on: Wed, 09 September 2015, 05:46:31 »
My biggest problem is that I've still got all the keyboards I have tried.  I am running out of space to store them.

How about getting some shelving boards and putting together a simple open cabinet that lets you store your KBs on-end? I've found that's the most efficient use of space. I wrap them in bubble wrap first. When there's time, I'll post a photo in case it's not clear what I'm describing.

Lack of space for such a cabinet.

Coupled with atrocious carpentry skills (I've tried, many times, with various constructions).
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

NEC APC-H4100E | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED red | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED green | Link 900243-08 | CM QFR MX black | KeyCool 87 white MX reds | HHKB 2 Pro | Model M 02-Mar-1993 | Model M 29-Nov-1995 | CM Trigger (broken) | CM QFS MX green | Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Yellow Edition MX black | Lexmark SSK 21-Apr-1994 | IBM SSK 13-Oct-1987 | CODE TKL MX clear | Model M 122 01-Jun-1988

Ị̸͚̯̲́ͤ̃͑̇̑ͯ̊̂͟ͅs̞͚̩͉̝̪̲͗͊ͪ̽̚̚ ̭̦͖͕̑́͌ͬͩ͟t̷̻͔̙̑͟h̹̠̼͋ͤ͋i̤̜̣̦̱̫͈͔̞ͭ͑ͥ̌̔s̬͔͎̍̈ͥͫ̐̾ͣ̔̇͘ͅ ̩̘̼͆̐̕e̞̰͓̲̺̎͐̏ͬ̓̅̾͠͝ͅv̶̰͕̱̞̥̍ͣ̄̕e͕͙͖̬̜͓͎̤̊ͭ͐͝ṇ̰͎̱̤̟̭ͫ͌̌͢͠ͅ ̳̥̦ͮ̐ͤ̎̊ͣ͡͡n̤̜̙̺̪̒͜e̶̻̦̿ͮ̂̀c̝̘̝͖̠̖͐ͨͪ̈̐͌ͩ̀e̷̥͇̋ͦs̢̡̤ͤͤͯ͜s͈̠̉̑͘a̱͕̗͖̳̥̺ͬͦͧ͆̌̑͡r̶̟̖̈͘ỷ̮̦̩͙͔ͫ̾ͬ̔ͬͮ̌?̵̘͇͔͙ͥͪ͞ͅ

Offline maroder

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #191 on: Fri, 11 September 2015, 03:53:58 »
Ok this is a lot of information on the Topre topic.

I will have to choose between 45g Realforce 88u and 45g HHKB.
Which one will most likely last longer? Which one of those both would you choose?

Offline rowdy

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #192 on: Fri, 11 September 2015, 05:26:28 »
Ok this is a lot of information on the Topre topic.

I will have to choose between 45g Realforce 88u and 45g HHKB.
Which one will most likely last longer? Which one of those both would you choose?

Both, unfortunately.

There is no anecdotal evidence of RealForce or HHKB dieing.

Depends on whether you want TKL or 60% first.
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

NEC APC-H4100E | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED red | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED green | Link 900243-08 | CM QFR MX black | KeyCool 87 white MX reds | HHKB 2 Pro | Model M 02-Mar-1993 | Model M 29-Nov-1995 | CM Trigger (broken) | CM QFS MX green | Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Yellow Edition MX black | Lexmark SSK 21-Apr-1994 | IBM SSK 13-Oct-1987 | CODE TKL MX clear | Model M 122 01-Jun-1988

Ị̸͚̯̲́ͤ̃͑̇̑ͯ̊̂͟ͅs̞͚̩͉̝̪̲͗͊ͪ̽̚̚ ̭̦͖͕̑́͌ͬͩ͟t̷̻͔̙̑͟h̹̠̼͋ͤ͋i̤̜̣̦̱̫͈͔̞ͭ͑ͥ̌̔s̬͔͎̍̈ͥͫ̐̾ͣ̔̇͘ͅ ̩̘̼͆̐̕e̞̰͓̲̺̎͐̏ͬ̓̅̾͠͝ͅv̶̰͕̱̞̥̍ͣ̄̕e͕͙͖̬̜͓͎̤̊ͭ͐͝ṇ̰͎̱̤̟̭ͫ͌̌͢͠ͅ ̳̥̦ͮ̐ͤ̎̊ͣ͡͡n̤̜̙̺̪̒͜e̶̻̦̿ͮ̂̀c̝̘̝͖̠̖͐ͨͪ̈̐͌ͩ̀e̷̥͇̋ͦs̢̡̤ͤͤͯ͜s͈̠̉̑͘a̱͕̗͖̳̥̺ͬͦͧ͆̌̑͡r̶̟̖̈͘ỷ̮̦̩͙͔ͫ̾ͬ̔ͬͮ̌?̵̘͇͔͙ͥͪ͞ͅ

Offline ander

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Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #193 on: Sun, 13 September 2015, 05:00:07 »
My biggest problem is that I've still got all the keyboards I have tried.  I am running out of space to store them.

How about getting some shelving boards and putting together a simple open cabinet that lets you store your KBs on-end? I've found that's the most efficient use of space. I wrap them in bubble wrap first. When there's time, I'll post a photo in case it's not clear what I'm describing.

Lack of space for such a cabinet... Coupled with atrocious carpentry skills (I've tried, many times, with various constructions).

Hey, if I can do it, you can.  I got the boards at Home Depot, and since I don't have a table saw to make nice straight cuts, I had them cut the boards for me there; it's only a few bucks more. Then all you need is a drill, some screws, and some wood glue.

As far as size goes, that's the point: By storing them on-end, leaning against each other (each in a bubble-wrap "pocket", is my preference), all you need is a bit over 7" of space from the wall. (7.25", a standard board width, is actually a bit more than most KBs need.)

The one I made is 48 x 45 x 7.25" and cost less than $25. I just wanted to keep my KBs in one place. But if you're short on space, it's quite efficient that way, too.

When there's time, I think I'll do a photo tutorial so everyone can see how easy and compact it is.

Sorry re the topic drift, BTW.
We are not chasing wildly after beauty with fear at our backs. – Natalie Goldberg

Offline Phillip_J_Fry

  • Posts: 98
  • Location: Belarus
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #194 on: Sun, 18 October 2015, 15:49:02 »
What keyboard will be the best for me (Topre 45g or Topre 55g or Get another Filco) if:
1) I have one filco mx brown TKL - Love it
2) I have one code mx clear - to heavy for me and I had to use it at home where I don't type too much (also don't like springs noise)


Offline Altis

  • Posts: 974
  • Location: Canada
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #195 on: Sun, 18 October 2015, 16:02:51 »
What keyboard will be the best for me (Topre 45g or Topre 55g or Get another Filco) if:
1) I have one filco mx brown TKL - Love it
2) I have one code mx clear - to heavy for me and I had to use it at home where I don't type too much (also don't like springs noise)

If I had to guess, I'd say the 45g Topre unless you know you want something heavier than your MX Browns. I think even the 45g are a bit heavier than MX Browns, which are pretty light and fairly linear compared with clears and Topre.
WhiteFox (Gateron Brown) -- Realforce 87U 45g -- Realforce 104UG (Hi Pro 45g) -- Realforce 108US 30g JIS -- HHKB Pro 2 -- IBM Model M ('90) -- IBM Model M SSK ('87) -- NMB RT-101 & RT-8255C+ (Hi-Tek Space Invaders) -- Chicony KB-5181 (Monterey Blue Alps) -- KPT-102 (KPT Alps) -- KUL ES-87 (62/65g Purple Zealios) -- CM QFR (MX Red) -- Apple Aluminum BT -- Realforce 23u Numpad -- Logitech K740 -- QSENN DT-35 -- Zenith Z-150 (Green Alps)

Offline Phillip_J_Fry

  • Posts: 98
  • Location: Belarus
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #196 on: Sun, 18 October 2015, 16:16:32 »
What keyboard will be the best for me (Topre 45g or Topre 55g or Get another Filco) if:
1) I have one filco mx brown TKL - Love it
2) I have one code mx clear - to heavy for me and I had to use it at home where I don't type too much (also don't like springs noise)

If I had to guess, I'd say the 45g Topre unless you know you want something heavier than your MX Browns. I think even the 45g are a bit heavier than MX Browns, which are pretty light and fairly linear compared with clears and Topre.

Thank you! Just thought that 45 is too light for me... but after mx clears I'm not sure =(

Offline Hypersphere

  • Posts: 1886
  • Location: USA
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #197 on: Sun, 18 October 2015, 16:35:58 »
@Phillip_J_Fry: I tend to like some of the heavier switches, but mx clears were too heavy for me. I think this is because I usually bottom out every keystroke, and clears have a steeply increasing force curve post-actuation.

I have both 45g and 55g HHKB and 45g and 55g RF87U keyboards. I like both switch weights in Topre, and I go back and forth in my keyboard rotation.


Offline Macsmasher

  • Posts: 462
  • Location: Portland, OR
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #198 on: Sun, 18 October 2015, 22:10:10 »
Anyone here like the variable weight version? I don't see anyone who likes it...


I have an 87U 55g, an HHKB Pro 2 and two 87U variables. If I had to pick just one board, it would be my variables. The hype over the 55g is...hype. The 87U variable is my favorite board.

Offline Altis

  • Posts: 974
  • Location: Canada
Re: Topre Realforce worth it?
« Reply #199 on: Sun, 18 October 2015, 23:39:51 »
Anyone here like the variable weight version? I don't see anyone who likes it...


I have an 87U 55g, an HHKB Pro 2 and two 87U variables. If I had to pick just one board, it would be my variables. The hype over the 55g is...hype. The 87U variable is my favorite board.

Have you used a 45g uniform?

That's currently my favorite as I prefer it to the 55g uniform. I am curious what the variable feels like since it's just the pinky-finger keys that seem to be light. My left pinky tends to be the first to get tired, so I'm wondering if that might not be a bad idea to try out.

I'm just worried that it will feel strange having a few light keys, and I'll end up applying the same force to all the keys anyways and bottoming-out hard.
WhiteFox (Gateron Brown) -- Realforce 87U 45g -- Realforce 104UG (Hi Pro 45g) -- Realforce 108US 30g JIS -- HHKB Pro 2 -- IBM Model M ('90) -- IBM Model M SSK ('87) -- NMB RT-101 & RT-8255C+ (Hi-Tek Space Invaders) -- Chicony KB-5181 (Monterey Blue Alps) -- KPT-102 (KPT Alps) -- KUL ES-87 (62/65g Purple Zealios) -- CM QFR (MX Red) -- Apple Aluminum BT -- Realforce 23u Numpad -- Logitech K740 -- QSENN DT-35 -- Zenith Z-150 (Green Alps)