So I have a Topre. That's it, then?

[Macsmasher]

I've owned and used many Cherry and BS boards over the years. I've never tried Alps to my knowledge. However, after finding Topre, I stopped looking. There's nothing missing for me that another switch type could offer. People say Alps is close to Topre. But I already have four Topre boards so what's the point of trying Alps?

Topre is my end game keyboard.

[apolotary]

I've owned and used many Cherry and BS boards over the years. I've never tried Alps to my knowledge. However, after finding Topre, I stopped looking. There's nothing missing for me that another switch type could offer. People say Alps is close to Topre. But I already have four Topre boards so what's the point of trying Alps?

Topre is my end game keyboard.

White ALPS is the best clicky switch all around imo

[LiquidEvilGaming]

I've owned and used many Cherry and BS boards over the years. I've never tried Alps to my knowledge. However, after finding Topre, I stopped looking. There's nothing missing for me that another switch type could offer. People say Alps is close to Topre. But I already have four Topre boards so what's the point of trying Alps?

Topre is my end game keyboard.

Alps are great they really are, but Alps and Topre are significantly different IMO and if you love Topre you may not even like Alps.

[bocahgundul]

I've owned and used many Cherry and BS boards over the years. I've never tried Alps to my knowledge. However, after finding Topre, I stopped looking. There's nothing missing for me that another switch type could offer. People say Alps is close to Topre. But I already have four Topre boards so what's the point of trying Alps?

Topre is my end game keyboard.

Alps still wins  )

[absyrd]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

[piemancoder]

White ALPS is the best clicky switch all around imo

I would go with a Model M for best all-around. Very easy to find, compatible with PS/2 (USB if you want to go with a Unicomp), relatively cheap, and best of all, very clicky. A Model F might have better sound, but it's not as good in the other points.

[Macsmasher]

I've owned and used many Cherry and BS boards over the years. I've never tried Alps to my knowledge. However, after finding Topre, I stopped looking. There's nothing missing for me that another switch type could offer. People say Alps is close to Topre. But I already have four Topre boards so what's the point of trying Alps?

Topre is my end game keyboard.

White ALPS is the best clicky switch all around imo

Thanks for sharing that video. Now I know I'll never buy an Alps keyboard. That was the most annoying, high-pitched, harsh sounding keyboard switch on the planet. It was like fingernails on a chalkboard. Obviously, beauty is in the ear of the beholder, but I would never subject myself or anyone around me to that. It was like a whining, screaming kid at the next table when you're trying to eat at a nice restaurant.

[piemancoder]

I've owned and used many Cherry and BS boards over the years. I've never tried Alps to my knowledge. However, after finding Topre, I stopped looking. There's nothing missing for me that another switch type could offer. People say Alps is close to Topre. But I already have four Topre boards so what's the point of trying Alps?

Topre is my end game keyboard.

White ALPS is the best clicky switch all around imo

Thanks for sharing that video. Now I know I'll never buy an Alps keyboard. That was the most annoying, high-pitched, harsh sounding keyboard switch on the planet. It was like fingernails on a chalkboard. Obviously, beauty is in the ear of the beholder, but I would never subject myself or anyone around me to that. It was like a whining, screaming kid at the next table when you're trying to eat at a nice restaurant.

It was probably just the mic quality. This is why I don't like using a video to see what a keyboard sounds like.

[ander]

Claiming that Topre is "better" than Alps, or vice versa, is like claiming one ice-cream flavour is "better" than another—it's just a personal preference.

It seems safe to say this: It's fun to try them all, and to make up our own minds.

Are Topre boards really worth so much dough? Here's how I see it (ooh, a list):

• It's a unique technology that's been licensed out only a couple of times—e.g. for some oddball vintagey boards like Sony editing boards, and the less-than-positively-reviewed CM Storm Novatouch. So if you want a  good, standard-layout Topre board, you pretty much have to pay Topre's prices.

• They're capacitive switches—they don't rely on physical contact to actuate. This has inherently high geek appeal.

• They have their own sound (thock, thock).

• Lots of people say they're the "best" boards they've tried. Again, that's subjective, but if those people want their "best" boards, they must pay whatever they cost.

So where do the prices come from? Do Topre boards actually cost more to produce than other boards? Or does Topre genuinely feel their technology is so superior it's worth the premium? One or both, possibly.

But there's also a psychological marketing technique called premium pricing. It exploits an odd aspect of human nature: If you price something unusually high, many people assume it means the product must be that much better than similar, lower-priced products—whether it actually is or not.

Consider the prices at Clicky Keyboards. Is a 1391401—the most common IBM Model M—"worth" $200, even if it has been cleaned and its broken rivets replaced? After all, you can get one just like that on eBay for half as much. And yet, CK sells keyboards. Because they're in great shape, certainly, but also because those prices make people feel like they're getting something more. (And indeed, if someone pays $200 for a Model M, it is worth that much to them.)

I don't know if Topre uses premium pricing. But Topres aren't indisputably "better" than other boards; many people try them and go "meh", or consider them as good as, but not superior to, other MKs. So it's entirely possible Topre uses their pricing to influence people's perceptions of their quality.

[Macsmasher]

Claiming that Topre is "better" than Alps, or vice versa, is like claiming one ice-cream flavour is "better" than another—it's just a personal preference.

It seems safe to say this: It's fun to try them all, and to make up our own minds.

Are Topre boards really worth so much dough? Here's how I see it (ooh, a list):

• It's a unique technology that's been licensed out only a couple of times—e.g. for some oddball vintagey boards like Sony editing boards, and the less-than-positively-reviewed CM Storm Novatouch. So if you want a  good, standard-layout Topre board, you pretty much have to pay Topre's prices.

• They're capacitive switches—they don't rely on physical contact to actuate. This has inherently high geek appeal.

• They have their own sound (thock, thock).

• Lots of people say they're the "best" boards they've tried. Again, that's subjective, but if those people want their "best" boards, they must pay whatever they cost.

So where do the prices come from? Do Topre boards actually cost more to produce than other boards? Or does Topre genuinely feel their technology is so superior it's worth the premium? One or both, possibly.

But there's also a psychological marketing technique called premium pricing. It exploits an odd aspect of human nature: If you price something unusually high, many people assume it means the product must be that much better than similar, lower-priced products—whether it actually is or not.

Consider the prices at Clicky Keyboards. Is a 1391401—the most common IBM Model M—"worth" $200, even if it has been cleaned and its broken rivets replaced? After all, you can get one just like that on eBay for half as much. And yet, CK sells keyboards. Because they're in great shape, certainly, but also because those prices make people feel like they're getting something more. (And indeed, if someone pays $200 for a Model M, it is worth that much to them.)

I don't know if Topre uses premium pricing. But Topres aren't indisputably "better" than other boards; many people try them and go "meh", or consider them as good as, but not superior to, other MKs. So it's entirely possible Topre uses their pricing to influence people's perceptions of their quality.

It's so tiring hearing the "Topre rips us off" montra. Nobody says Filco rips you off. Yet their boards with ABS caps and Cherry switches cost $140+, AND you have to buy PBT caps if you want a nice board. So you're within $30 of a Topre board AND they're not made in Japan. Further, if you work on your keyboard, what's $30? If you have to complain about that, you might as well stay with your Dell keyboard.

[demik]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

all of this.

i just haven't left gh because i really like this place and the people. but i have no desire to continue hunting and spending money on other switches when my hhkb is 99% perfect for me.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

all of this.

i just haven't left gh because i really like this place and the people. but i have no desire to continue hunting and spending money on other switches when my hhkb is 99% perfect for me.

Given how insanely high you praise the HHKB what is the 1% that isn't perfect?

[kasakka]

What annoys me isn't really the Topre keyboards themselves (apart from that large unnecessary top portion that takes space) but the options available. I currently have a white Realforce 105 mainly because I found one used cheap but also because it was the only model that I can actually see if the lights are down.

The black model with almost unreadable legends looks cool but isn't that practical to me. I was excited when they announced the RGB models but now almost a year later those still seem to be nowhere to be found.

I've been waiting for a long time for someone to release affordable MX sliders for Topres so I can get some good looking keycaps since everything released for the Topre stem is not that good looking and availability is even more miserable than with some MX keysets. I'm considering selling mine because I'd like a TKL or smaller, maybe grabbing a Novatouch and possibly a GMK Cyan keyset.

The Topre keys feel terrific though and have a very satisfying sound. I've only got another keyboard with MX Reds but is there any MX switch that is somewhat similar to Topre? I know they work completely differently so I'm thinking more in the terms of feel.

[rowdy]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

all of this.

i just haven't left gh because i really like this place and the people. but i have no desire to continue hunting and spending money on other switches when my hhkb is 99% perfect for me.

Given how insanely high you praise the HHKB what is the 1% that isn't perfect?

Only 45g.  Needs an extra 10g, right?

[1391406]

I've only got another keyboard with MX Reds but is there any MX switch that is somewhat similar to Topre?

Other than Reds? Not in my opinion. Aside from MX though, Orange Alps are the closest I've found.

[Polymer]

What annoys me isn't really the Topre keyboards themselves (apart from that large unnecessary top portion that takes space) but the options available. I currently have a white Realforce 105 mainly because I found one used cheap but also because it was the only model that I can actually see if the lights are down.

The black model with almost unreadable legends looks cool but isn't that practical to me. I was excited when they announced the RGB models but now almost a year later those still seem to be nowhere to be found.

I've been waiting for a long time for someone to release affordable MX sliders for Topres so I can get some good looking keycaps since everything released for the Topre stem is not that good looking and availability is even more miserable than with some MX keysets. I'm considering selling mine because I'd like a TKL or smaller, maybe grabbing a Novatouch and possibly a GMK Cyan keyset.

The Topre keys feel terrific though and have a very satisfying sound. I've only got another keyboard with MX Reds but is there any MX switch that is somewhat similar to Topre? I know they work completely differently so I'm thinking more in the terms of feel.

Why don't you get a LED Royal Kludge?  MX keycaps with LED and a similar feel to Topre...

I do agree that there aren't a lot of options out there to bling out your Topre keyboard...but the keycaps are some of the best out there...except for some of the quirky ones..the normal Alphas are really excellent...

You might want to consider not having to look at your keyboard while typing as well...I don't really think that is the fault of the keyboard...

[demik]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

all of this.

i just haven't left gh because i really like this place and the people. but i have no desire to continue hunting and spending money on other switches when my hhkb is 99% perfect for me.

Given how insanely high you praise the HHKB what is the 1% that isn't perfect?

55g plate mounted switches + sturdier case would give it that 1% it needs.

[Polymer]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

all of this.

i just haven't left gh because i really like this place and the people. but i have no desire to continue hunting and spending money on other switches when my hhkb is 99% perfect for me.

Given how insanely high you praise the HHKB what is the 1% that isn't perfect?

55g plate mounted switches + sturdier case would give it that 1% it needs.

Hell no...Going plate mounted would completely ruin the board as it is...I mean if that is all you want, the 660c is probably closer to your ideal...

[demik]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

all of this.

i just haven't left gh because i really like this place and the people. but i have no desire to continue hunting and spending money on other switches when my hhkb is 99% perfect for me.

Given how insanely high you praise the HHKB what is the 1% that isn't perfect?

55g plate mounted switches + sturdier case would give it that 1% it needs.

Hell no...Going plate mounted would completely ruin the board as it is...I mean if that is all you want, the 660c is probably closer to your ideal...

Don't you ever recommend  that piece of **** board to me.

[piemancoder]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

all of this.

i just haven't left gh because i really like this place and the people. but i have no desire to continue hunting and spending money on other switches when my hhkb is 99% perfect for me.

Given how insanely high you praise the HHKB what is the 1% that isn't perfect?

55g plate mounted switches + sturdier case would give it that 1% it needs.

Hell no...Going plate mounted would completely ruin the board as it is...I mean if that is all you want, the 660c is probably closer to your ideal...

Don't you ever recommend  that piece of **** board to me.

What about a Novatouch? 

[digi]

Hell no...Going plate mounted would completely ruin the board as it is...I mean if that is all you want, the 660c is probably closer to your ideal...

Don't you ever recommend  that piece of **** board to me.

Best read of the day!! )

[demik]

I've owned many keyboards with different switches in many layouts. Bought my wife a hhkb. "Borrowed" it. Fell in love. Got another one. Quit buying keyboards.

I don't buy keysets as I'm very happy with the look and feel of the stock HHKB keys.

Just because I've found my endgame board doesn't mean I quit the hobby, though. I really enjoy seeing all the crazy **** people come up with on here. I've even received loaner boards for cost of shipping to see if I can be converted back to cherry or ALPS. Didn't work. One day I'll finally make it to one of these meet-ups and try a wide range again and see if that gets me going in another direction.

all of this.

i just haven't left gh because i really like this place and the people. but i have no desire to continue hunting and spending money on other switches when my hhkb is 99% perfect for me.

Given how insanely high you praise the HHKB what is the 1% that isn't perfect?

55g plate mounted switches + sturdier case would give it that 1% it needs.

Hell no...Going plate mounted would completely ruin the board as it is...I mean if that is all you want, the 660c is probably closer to your ideal...

Don't you ever recommend  that piece of **** board to me.

What about a Novatouch? 

never heard of it

[klennkellon]

usually buckling springs and topre are at the tops of peoples favorite list.

[rowdy]

usually buckling springs and topre are at the tops of peoples favorite list.

And are at fairly opposite ends of the keyboard spectrum in many ways!

[FLFisherman]

usually buckling springs and topre are at the tops of peoples favorite list.

And are at fairly opposite ends of the keyboard spectrum in many ways!

Has there been a poll recently for favorite switch type? I think we would see Zealios switches near the top as well.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

Much as i have fallen in Love with Topre,Buckling springs are something i also love quite a bit.  The only reason i have not yet invested into one are i could only use it when my wife is not home as the sound drives her mad,where as Topre does not bother her in the slightest.

Still i'm sure eventually i will pull the trigger on a bolt modded clean Model M one of these days,i was considering a Unicomp but i have heard more negative than positive.

[quasistellar]

What annoys me isn't really the Topre keyboards themselves (apart from that large unnecessary top portion that takes space) but the options available. I currently have a white Realforce 105 mainly because I found one used cheap but also because it was the only model that I can actually see if the lights are down.

The black model with almost unreadable legends looks cool but isn't that practical to me. I was excited when they announced the RGB models but now almost a year later those still seem to be nowhere to be found.

I've been waiting for a long time for someone to release affordable MX sliders for Topres so I can get some good looking keycaps since everything released for the Topre stem is not that good looking and availability is even more miserable than with some MX keysets. I'm considering selling mine because I'd like a TKL or smaller, maybe grabbing a Novatouch and possibly a GMK Cyan keyset.

The Topre keys feel terrific though and have a very satisfying sound. I've only got another keyboard with MX Reds but is there any MX switch that is somewhat similar to Topre? I know they work completely differently so I'm thinking more in the terms of feel.

Get a Novatouch. Silence it with hyperaphere's rings. It's amazing. SA profile on Topre? Yep. Just beware of Cherry profile, because it actually bottoms out on the switch housings. I haven't checked other manufacturers, but I know Vortex does.

One of these days I'm going to try an hhkb. I really use the nav cluster a ton though. I look at lots of PDF files and web browsing is also made quicker with home and end keys. Arrow keys I can do without, oddly.

[Vittra]

Topre already has the Realforce Hi Pro models for tall profile spherical keycaps.

What annoys me isn't really the Topre keyboards themselves (apart from that large unnecessary top portion that takes space) but the options available. I currently have a white Realforce 105 mainly because I found one used cheap but also because it was the only model that I can actually see if the lights are down.

The black model with almost unreadable legends looks cool but isn't that practical to me. I was excited when they announced the RGB models but now almost a year later those still seem to be nowhere to be found.

I've been waiting for a long time for someone to release affordable MX sliders for Topres so I can get some good looking keycaps since everything released for the Topre stem is not that good looking and availability is even more miserable than with some MX keysets. I'm considering selling mine because I'd like a TKL or smaller, maybe grabbing a Novatouch and possibly a GMK Cyan keyset.

The Topre keys feel terrific though and have a very satisfying sound. I've only got another keyboard with MX Reds but is there any MX switch that is somewhat similar to Topre? I know they work completely differently so I'm thinking more in the terms of feel.

The Type Heaven RGB models will be released at Computex 2016.

[keshley]

Just beware of Cherry profile, because it actually bottoms out on the switch housings. I haven't checked other manufacturers, but I know Vortex does.

This is mostly true with thicker keycaps. I don't recall my DCS keycaps bottoming out. If you flip over Topre and thick Cherry keycaps, the Topre's are thinner. On the thicker Cherry Profile keycaps, the outer wall hits the Topre housing, but usually only on the shorter caps due to the angle.

IMO, the Novatouch only shines when you dump the crappy CM plastic case. It feels better than both my RF boards now that it's in an alu case.

In regards to the people talking about the high price and liking it... that's called buyer's remorse. But food for thought:

HHKB costs approximately 220 USD. Very solid board. RF87U costs around the same, bit more. Very solid board. Those coveted KMACs, Duckys, LZs? Well over 400 each, some even in the 1000+ range now. Not even an 87U with the now hard to find Digilog case hits those numbers. Not to mention all the plastic MX based boards that sell for close to 200.

[kasakka]

IMO, the Novatouch only shines when you dump the crappy CM plastic case. It feels better than both my RF boards now that it's in an alu case.

How does the alu case change the feel? I'm now thinking of getting the Novatouch to replace my full size Realforce.

[mrlooolz]

this post makes want to jump to a RF full 55g and an HHKB, but what do i do with all the MX artisans

[mobbo]

this post makes want to jump to a RF full 55g and an HHKB, but what do i do with all the MX artisans

sliders.

[mrlooolz]

this post makes want to jump to a RF full 55g and an HHKB, but what do i do with all the MX artisans

sliders.

I am relatively new.  You telling me to make my artisans into little mini burgers?

[SpAmRaY]

this post makes want to jump to a RF full 55g and an HHKB, but what do i do with all the MX artisans

sliders.

I am relatively new.  You telling me to make my artisans into little mini burgers?

You can get MX keycap compatible Topre sliders, the slider is the thing the keycaps attach to that slides up and down.

But some artisans won't fit that either depending on stem design.

[mrlooolz]

this post makes want to jump to a RF full 55g and an HHKB, but what do i do with all the MX artisans

sliders.

I am relatively new.  You telling me to make my artisans into little mini burgers?

You can get MX keycap compatible Topre sliders, the slider is the thing the keycaps attach to that slides up and down.

But some artisans won't fit that either depending on stem design.

Ohhhh okay,  didn't know about these

[xtrafrood]

this post makes want to jump to a RF full 55g and an HHKB, but what do i do with all the MX artisans

sliders.

I am relatively new.  You telling me to make my artisans into little mini burgers?

When in doubt, make everything in to little mini burgers. EVERYTHING 

[rowdy]

usually buckling springs and topre are at the tops of peoples favorite list.

And are at fairly opposite ends of the keyboard spectrum in many ways!

Has there been a poll recently for favorite switch type? I think we would see Zealios switches near the top as well.

Probably not recently, but there have been polls in the past.

[alienman82]

removed.

[iLLucionist]

I switch between Clears and Topre 55g and Topre 45g HHKB.

Honestly, Clears and 55g Topre is close for me. Depends on whether I prefer smoothness or whether I'm in my nostalgia "mechanical IBM was soo good" mode, for which I prefer clears.

[callmejag]

I switch between Clears and Topre 55g and Topre 45g HHKB.

Honestly, Clears and 55g Topre is close for me. Depends on whether I prefer smoothness or whether I'm in my nostalgia "mechanical IBM was soo good" mode, for which I prefer clears.

I feel the same way - I love both Topre and MX Clears. They have a very different feel and appeal. I switch between my 55g HHKB and POK3R with Clears every other week.

[rowdy]

I switch between Clears and Topre 55g and Topre 45g HHKB.

Honestly, Clears and 55g Topre is close for me. Depends on whether I prefer smoothness or whether I'm in my nostalgia "mechanical IBM was soo good" mode, for which I prefer clears.

This is encouraging!  I like clears, and have been thinking about a 55g RealForce board for a while.

I switch between Clears and Topre 55g and Topre 45g HHKB.

Honestly, Clears and 55g Topre is close for me. Depends on whether I prefer smoothness or whether I'm in my nostalgia "mechanical IBM was soo good" mode, for which I prefer clears.

I feel the same way - I love both Topre and MX Clears. They have a very different feel and appeal. I switch between my 55g HHKB and POK3R with Clears every other week.

Welcome to Geekhack!

Did you mod the HHKB yourself?

[Hypersphere]

The board I keep returning to is my silenced and lubed HHKB Pro 2. I say "returning" because I keep other boards in my rotation just to reconfirm my preference for Topre along with the 60% form factor and HHKB layout.

One of the great things about Realforce and HHKB is the excellent dye-sublimated PBT keycaps that are designed to be an integral part of the Topre switches. With Cherry mx, there can be mismatches of weight, fit, and height that can exert marked changes in the way the keyboard sounds and feels.

Topre-switch keyboards are among my favorites, but I like to change from time to time to other notable switches, such as IBM Model F and various Alps or Alps-inspired switches. I am typing this on a KBP V60 with Matias-Click switches and enjoying it very much.

In addition, stock Topre was not the end-game for me. I have found that even Topre can be improved by silencing and judicious lubing.

So, you are getting there, but the game is never quite over.

[iLLucionist]

The board I keep returning to is my silenced and lubed HHKB Pro 2. I say "returning" because I keep other boards in my rotation just to reconfirm my preference for Topre along with the 60% form factor and HHKB layout.

One of the great things about Realforce and HHKB is the excellent dye-sublimated PBT keycaps that are designed to be an integral part of the Topre switches. With Cherry mx, there can be mismatches of weight, fit, and height that can exert marked changes in the way the keyboard sounds and feels.

Topre-switch keyboards are among my favorites, but I like to change from time to time to other notable switches, such as IBM Model F and various Alps or Alps-inspired switches. I am typing this on a KBP V60 with Matias-Click switches and enjoying it very much.

In addition, stock Topre was not the end-game for me. I have found that even Topre can be improved by silencing and judicious lubing.

So, you are getting there, but the game is never quite over.

How did you silence it?

[1391406]

So, you are getting there, but the game is never quite over.

I haven't had the slightest itch to try any of my other boards since using the RF 104U Silent, so I feel like it is for me. I wouldn't mind some keycap variations, but this may well be the end game board for me.

[phoible]

Just pulled out my v80-MTS after using my silenced Novatouch for the past several months.

The Novatouch is quieter and smoother. The v80 MTS is significantly more tactile, and a tiny bit louder.

For some reason, the rebound action on the v80 feels a bit more natural (maybe since I silenced the Novatouch upstroke, there's too little feedback).

If the v80-MTS had the keycaps I want on it (blank black PBT), I would be using it a lot more. Overall, I'm pretty happy with both boards. Unfortunately, I can only use one board at once. Well, one at home and one at work.

I don't think that there is an endgame board. I have 5 keyboards right now, and each has something special about it. I'm currently working on an ALPS64 with the keycaps and switches from an old AEKII (Cream ALPS), and I have an Ergodox Infinity kit with Quiet Clicks on order.

[1391406]

I don't think that there is an endgame board.

Maybe not for you.

[Hypersphere]

@iLLucionist: I silence my Topre-switch keyboards with my Silencing Rings. Unlike O-rings for Cherry mx switches, the Silencing Rings are installed inside each switch.

@phoible: Is your V80-MTS with the Click or Quiet variety of the Matias switch? I have two V60-MTS boards, one with Quiet and the other with Click. I like both of them, but I prefer the Click. Either way, the tactility of Matias switches is much more satisfying to me than any Cherry mx switch. Matias is certainly different from Topre. I would say that Topre is smooth and refined, but Matias is more fun.

[jcoffin1981]

I have to admit, I wanna try it to see what all the hype is about, but I've gotten used  to much lighter switches.  I'm just not willing  to spend $250 to "try it out."

[digi]

I have to admit, I wanna try it to see what all the hype is about, but I've gotten used  to much lighter switches.  I'm just not willing  to spend $250 to "try it out."

Keep an eye out in the classifieds, you can usually catch an almost new RF 55g for under $200. Then sell all your other ****ty keyboards to help pay for it.

[phoible]

@phoible: Is your V80-MTS with the Click or Quiet variety of the Matias switch? I have two V60-MTS boards, one with Quiet and the other with Click. I like both of them, but I prefer the Click. Either way, the tactility of Matias switches is much more satisfying to me than any Cherry mx switch. Matias is certainly different from Topre. I would say that Topre is smooth and refined, but Matias is more fun.
[/quote]

I have the Quiet Matias switch on my v80. I've been keeping both that and the Novatouch on my desk and switching back and forth.

Maybe I'll get a Clicky MTS one day (although I have a Unicomp for those times when I need something really clicky).