Is it crazy to have 2 55g Realforces?

[kinetic]

Ok, so I recently fell in love with this board and I'm thinking of picking up a white 87U to use for home (I have a black 87U for work).  I have an F660C which I also love. Should I be looking at another board for the sake of having variety?  It seems like HHKB and CM Novatouch would be the only other options.  Don't know if I would get the former, since I hear transitioning from this layout to a normal TKL is somewhat difficult. That leaves me with the Novatouch. Am I missing anything else (in terms of boards with that Topre feel)?  And am I crazy for wanting essentially two of the same board?

[SpAmRaY]

There's a royal kludge 55g that's a Topre clone with MX compatible stems. The tkl I think is ~$85ish, massdrop had it for sale.

[Altis]

Not crazy at all. I have two Realforce 87Us, one black and one white. I swapped the keycaps so one has black case and light keys while the other has light case and black keys.

Only problem I have is one is 45g and the other 55g, but I don't really like the 55g as much so I end up never using it.

If you know what you like, go for it!

[kinetic]

Not crazy at all. I have two Realforce 87Us, one black and one white. I swapped the keycaps so one has black case and light keys while the other has light case and black keys.

Only problem I have is one is 45g and the other 55g, but I don't really like the 55g as much so I end up never using it.

If you know what you like, go for it!

I've admittedly never tried a 45g Realforce.  My version of the FC660C seems only slightly lighter than my 55g, although I've heard this dyesub version of the FC660C is slightly heavier than a uniform 45g 87U.  I suppose I could go with a 45g to mix things up.

[engicoder]

Yes! Its absolutely insane and threatens your future. You need to send me one of yours now to save your soul.

[Elrick]

And am I crazy for wanting essentially two of the same board?

Only two, what gives?

You should be stocking up with at least 14 of them, just in case the world ends and the Apocalypse arrives, you shall never be able to buy them again because the postal system would disappear.

Nothing worse than spending an eternity down in your bomb proof shelter with a limited amount of 55g's in your possession, buy more and add them to your collection as soon as possible  .

[raymogi]

It's not crazy. It's called addiction.

I have 2 RF 55g and 3 HHKB Pro 2, going for the 3rd RF so I have them in all their cases (black, white, 10th AE). They're scattered around at home and work.

[Altis]

It's not crazy. It's called addiction.

I have 2 RF 55g and 3 HHKB Pro 2, going for the 3rd RF so I have them in all their cases (black, white, 10th AE). They're scattered around at home and work.

Those 10th anniversary edition keycaps are so nice... Perfect shade of blue.

It seems to get one to Canada though, it's like $600, though...

[raymogi]

It's not crazy. It's called addiction.

I have 2 RF 55g and 3 HHKB Pro 2, going for the 3rd RF so I have them in all their cases (black, white, 10th AE). They're scattered around at home and work.

Those 10th anniversary edition keycaps are so nice... Perfect shade of blue.

It seems to get one to Canada though, it's like $600, though...

Keep an eye on the classifieds. It pops up every now and then, and nowhere near that price.

[Bomble]

Seems fine to me! If you're using one at work and like it so much so that you want one at home too then that's reason enough to buy another

[kinetic]

It's not crazy. It's called addiction.

I have 2 RF 55g and 3 HHKB Pro 2, going for the 3rd RF so I have them in all their cases (black, white, 10th AE). They're scattered around at home and work.

Those 10th anniversary edition keycaps are so nice... Perfect shade of blue.

It seems to get one to Canada though, it's like $600, though...

Now you're talking!  The ideal would be getting my hands on a 55g AE. I messaged widebasket on eBay about any plans for future stock, but he has yet to respond. 

[Oobly]

If you've found "your switch" it's perfectly normal to have more than one board with it. Both my current daily drivers have the same switches and keycap types on since they're my favourites.

That said, though, why not give the Royal Kludge a try as an experiment. It's a silenced Topre-style board with MX compatible sliders and comes in a few strengths including 55g.

[Air tree]

I'm quite curious on the royal kludge, I might have to pick one up considering the cheap price...How is the build quality of the board, beside the nasty looking set of the keycaps that come stock?

[mikes41720]

I've got a RF 87U 55g in Black, and I couldn't love it any more! But I am a bit disappointed that the top case creaks and moves around a bit, and if I press on the portion of the case underneath the spacebar, there's a bit of give on there. Does anyone else have this dilemma?

And no, you're not crazy for wanting more than 2. I'd buy another one if I had the funds, probably go for the white/grey combination this time and switch up the keycaps as what that other guy did.

[tofgerl]

OP:
1. Can you afford it?
2. Will you use both?

If 1 and 2 are both yes, go for it. If either is no, then you don't need it and should spend the money on JTK's new caps and a set of sliders.

[MustacheRabbit]

As far as going for another Realforce 55g, at least you know you like it.

If you decide to change up your game and go for a different board you might find it either more or less enjoyable. For me, I didn't think the Novatouch was all that great when compared to an MX board or even a normal rubber dome. I returned it and bought an HHKB and loved the feel and layout more than my MX boards. Haven't tried a realforce yet, though.

If you do end up going with something you haven't tried before, be prepared to either return it or take a loss. I usually go through Amazon for that reason: hassle free returns!

[Herothereu]

Just get the Novatouch and explore the wide world of MX keys.

[kinetic]

I've got a RF 87U 55g in Black, and I couldn't love it any more! But I am a bit disappointed that the top case creaks and moves around a bit, and if I press on the portion of the case underneath the spacebar, there's a bit of give on there. Does anyone else have this dilemma?

And no, you're not crazy for wanting more than 2. I'd buy another one if I had the funds, probably go for the white/grey combination this time and switch up the keycaps as what that other guy did.

I just checked mine and noticed a little give on the lower right, near the right arrow button (I can press the case down slightly as if it's not connecting to the bottom half completely)... not really an issue for me.  I did not seem to notice any other creaks or issues. 

[kinetic]

OP:
1. Can you afford it?
2. Will you use both?

If 1 and 2 are both yes, go for it. If either is no, then you don't need it and should spend the money on JTK's new caps and a set of sliders.

1.  Yes
2.  The second one will share time with a Leopold and potentially a WASD code.

Will look into the caps.. thanks!

Just get the Novatouch and explore the wide world of MX keys.

I've thought about this board as well.. still debating if I want to go down that rabbit hole (I have yet to do any mods/customizations)!

[jerue]

....looks at my 2 realforces....

....walks away....

"I don't have a problem. Not a problem at all"

I'm quite curious on the royal kludge, I might have to pick one up considering the cheap price...How is the build quality of the board, beside the nasty looking set of the keycaps that come stock?

I remember reading a couple of reviews regarding the 55g version, what I took away from those reviews is "you get what you pay for". Take from that as you may. I would love to try one out. Maybe start a RK tour...

[kinetic]

....looks at my 2 realforces....

....walks away....

"I don't have a problem. Not a problem at all"

Seriously, my wife thinks I'm crazy.  I sometimes make her type on my different boards and ask her which one she likes.  Sometimes, she catches my typing on a keyboard... and the computer isn't even on.

[keshley]

Yes.

















Crazy AWESOME!!! 

[ryahirv]

It's not crazy. It's called addiction.

I have 2 RF 55g and 3 HHKB Pro 2, going for the 3rd RF so I have them in all their cases (black, white, 10th AE). They're scattered around at home and work.

Those 10th anniversary edition keycaps are so nice... Perfect shade of blue.

It seems to get one to Canada though, it's like $600, though...

I have a brand new, sealed, 55g 10th AE 87U just sitting here if you'd like to buy it. 
I bought it in parallel with a Model M SSK and never even opened it.

(I've had a black 55G 87U before, so I know what I'm missing or not, etc - both RF 87U & SSK are just magic to use)

[kinetic]

I have a brand new, sealed, 55g 10th AE 87U just sitting here if you'd like to buy it. 
I bought it in parallel with a Model M SSK and never even opened it.

(I've had a black 55G 87U before, so I know what I'm missing or not, etc - both RF 87U & SSK are just magic to use)

Oh boy... PM sent.

[trees]

I have a brand new, sealed, 55g 10th AE 87U just sitting here if you'd like to buy it. 
I bought it in parallel with a Model M SSK and never even opened it.

(I've had a black 55G 87U before, so I know what I'm missing or not, etc - both RF 87U & SSK are just magic to use)

Oh boy... PM sent.

Prepare your wallet for a good beating

[SpAmRaY]

I have a brand new, sealed, 55g 10th AE 87U just sitting here if you'd like to buy it. 
I bought it in parallel with a Model M SSK and never even opened it.

(I've had a black 55G 87U before, so I know what I'm missing or not, etc - both RF 87U & SSK are just magic to use)

Oh boy... PM sent.

Prepare your wallet for a good beating

Just a friendly PSA from someone who has gotten a fair share of pm's from people who get burned from bad deals.

Be very careful with any transaction where someone randomly posts in a thread they have something expensive you can buy. Ask for pictures, feedback etc, even more so when they are new and don't have required post count to post a classifieds ad. I know its common sense but people often get excited and common sense tends to go out the window.

[ryahirv]

I have a brand new, sealed, 55g 10th AE 87U just sitting here if you'd like to buy it. 
I bought it in parallel with a Model M SSK and never even opened it.

(I've had a black 55G 87U before, so I know what I'm missing or not, etc - both RF 87U & SSK are just magic to use)

Oh boy... PM sent.

Prepare your wallet for a good beating

Easy tiger - I'm not a scalper.  ;-)

[ryahirv]

I have a brand new, sealed, 55g 10th AE 87U just sitting here if you'd like to buy it. 
I bought it in parallel with a Model M SSK and never even opened it.

(I've had a black 55G 87U before, so I know what I'm missing or not, etc - both RF 87U & SSK are just magic to use)

Oh boy... PM sent.

Prepare your wallet for a good beating

Just a friendly PSA from someone who has gotten a fair share of pm's from people who get burned from bad deals.

Be very careful with any transaction where someone randomly posts in a thread they have something expensive you can buy. Ask for pictures, feedback etc, even more so when they are new and don't have required post count to post a classifieds ad. I know its common sense but people often get excited and common sense tends to go out the window.

Sending him photos right now actually.
Can also see my eBay profile (over 12 years of 100% transactions)

(totally understand the caution though - always a good idea to be very prudent on these things)

[jerue]

....looks at my 2 realforces....

....walks away....

"I don't have a problem. Not a problem at all"

Seriously, my wife thinks I'm crazy.  I sometimes make her type on my different boards and ask her which one she likes.  Sometimes, she catches my typing on a keyboard... and the computer isn't even on.

Just getting your feels on. I do this all the time. Feels for the day, keeps the doctor away.

[Macsmasher]

If you know this is the keyboard for you, why not have two? They'll last longer. If you're a runner, you should have more than one pair of running shoes. Eventually, they'll all wear out, but no faster than if you owned one pair at a time.


If you know this is the keyboard for you, the only reason not to have more than one would be if you suspect there might be an upcoming Realforce 2 or some improvement to the existing iteration. Of course, we're assuming financial limitations do not exist. If you can't afford another keyboard, that would be the other reason to own just one. 

[tofgerl]

Actually if you run every day you should NEVER use the same shoes two days in a row, or the sweat won't have time to dry, and the shoe will rot.

Transfer this analogy to this thread any way you want

[Bucake]

Actually if you run every day you should NEVER use the same shoes two days in a row, or the sweat won't have time to dry, and the shoe will rot.

Transfer this analogy to this thread any way you want

now i can finally justify owning all these keyboards. thank you.

[Altis]

....looks at my 2 realforces....

....walks away....

"I don't have a problem. Not a problem at all"

Seriously, my wife thinks I'm crazy.  I sometimes make her type on my different boards and ask her which one she likes.  Sometimes, she catches my typing on a keyboard... and the computer isn't even on.

If it's any consolation, I do that too. I don't even really know why.

[kinetic]

I've got a RF 87U 55g in Black, and I couldn't love it any more! But I am a bit disappointed that the top case creaks and moves around a bit, and if I press on the portion of the case underneath the spacebar, there's a bit of give on there. Does anyone else have this dilemma?

One thing I noticed is that the left CTRL key is crooked.  I can physically twist it a bit to make it square with the surrounding keys, but normal usage puts it back in it's crooked position.  A little searching reveals that this is a fairly common issue.. do you folks out there have the same thing?  And is it usually an issue with the keycap or switch?

[Bucake]

yeah my type-s has a Ctrl like that. i guess because it has to have a LED, it had to be custom, or something?
it's very wobbly and is louder than other keys. it also doesn't have a purple slider like the rest of the keys have.

[kinetic]

yeah my type-s has a Ctrl like that. i guess because it has to have a LED, it had to be custom, or something?
it's very wobbly and is louder than other keys. it also doesn't have a purple slider like the rest of the keys have.

Ah.  Yes, my left ctrl key seems to be the most wobbly/loose out of all the keys.  If it's considered "normal", then I can certainly live with it.. just wanted to make sure it wasn't a defect!

[kinetic]

Ah found this..

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39248.0

[mikes41720]

Ah found this..

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39248.0

Yes, I can also manipulate my left ctrl key. Watching the video, I see the bottom portion case of the arrow keys wobble at around 0:05-0:07, so I guess it's not only my board then. I'm annoyed because if I move around the whole top part of the case (holding all 4 edges/corners) I can shake it around, and it bothers me so much!

[rowdy]

Around here, having more than one of the same keyboard is perfectly normal.

I have two full size Ducky Shines, two full size Model M, two SSKs and so on.

I'd LIKE two RealForce 87u 55g uniform

[kinetic]

Geez.  All of you are a bad influence.  And then I get a PM from a fellow member telling me that widebasket has more 55g AE's in stock.  Now I have no choice but to buy one.  I should stayed a lurker 

[tararais]

Haha, most of us have spent around $1k on a random hobby, buying two boards isn't going to hurt anyone.

[ryahirv]

Geez.  All of you are a bad influence.  And then I get a PM from a fellow member telling me that widebasket has more 55g AE's in stock.  Now I have no choice but to buy one.  I should stayed a lurker 

Did you grab one?  :-)

[strict]

You can never have enough Topre! I have three realforces and have no plans to stop anytime soon. I'm currently waiting on EK to stock the EK45 again so that I can have a black and white 45g Topre board.

The only recommendation I would make would be to try some of the other weights besides 55g. I started on with one and loved it, but after trying 45g I barely ever use my 55g anymore. I even thought I wouldnt like variable but I end up using it more than the 55g )

[kinetic]

Did you grab one?  :-)

Not yet, but I was pretty close to getting one this morning!  Still debating if I should just go with a White 87U + CM Novatouch (which would be roughly the same price).  Decisions, decisions.

You can never have enough Topre! I have three realforces and have no plans to stop anytime soon. I'm currently waiting on EK to stock the EK45 again so that I can have a black and white 45g Topre board.

The only recommendation I would make would be to try some of the other weights besides 55g. I started on with one and loved it, but after trying 45g I barely ever use my 55g anymore. I even thought I wouldnt like variable but I end up using it more than the 55g )

Yes, I've been curious about the RF 45g.  I have the Leopold dyesub which is apparently a little heavier than that.  I've heard that some people find the RF 45g a little mushy so I went straight for the 55g.