Will be buying a second Topre board soon....Thoughts?

[LiquidEvilGaming]

So as soon as my next Youtube revenue payment gets deposited i will likely be buying a second Topre board...however i am very undecided as i am considering several and have Pros/Cons to each thought.

HHKB Pro 2

Pros: Would give me a travel Topre board
I hear constant praise for it
Detachable cable

Cons: Not sure how case mounted? 45 G Topre feels? Esp when  i am used to 55G on my RF
Getting used to that weird layout....may never happen for me.

Leopold FC660C

Pros: Like the Layout
Detachable cable
Familiar with Plate mounting feel

Cons: Have heard very mixed reviews on how these boards feel to type on
Bit harder to get a hold of one


White Realforce 87U 55G

Pros: Already know i very much like the 55G switch on RF boards
Would compliment my black 55G on my other machine
Gives me one of each color RF.

Cons: While i like 55G RF it's still more of the same i already have
White gets dirty easily even though it looks sexy?


Realforce all 45G EK Edition

Pros: I could likely type faster on the 45g switch even though i prefer the feel of the 55g switch which would be a pro for work purposes.
Would give me two weights to switch between depending on what i am doing

Cons: While i might be more efficient on lower G switches i like the feel and sound of the 55G switches more (and make fewer typos)
If i end up not liking it and decide to sell it, it seems the 55G is more in demand to resell at moment less i'm mistaken?
Lots of people say 55G feels more like True topre and 45G feels slightly mushy to some?


So that's where i am at, i realize it's all very subjective and ultimately i have to make the decision.  But wondering folks input whom have used one or all of these as to which i should consider next.


Cheers!

[robscomputer]

I recently bought a Realforce 87U EK edition, my previous 87U was variable and sold it last year. Also last month bought a Ducky Realforce 45gram.

While it's been a while since I typed on a Torpe, the silenced version just feels nicer, compared to the 87U. So my 2 cents is check out a silenced version vs the 55 gram.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

I recently bought a Realforce 87U EK edition, my previous 87U was variable and sold it last year. Also last month bought a Ducky Realforce 45gram.

While it's been a while since I typed on a Torpe, the silenced version just feels nicer, compared to the 87U. So my 2 cents is check out a silenced version vs the 55 gram.

Isn't the silenced only available in a variable though?

[Flyersfan1]

I recently bought a Realforce 87U EK edition, my previous 87U was variable and sold it last year. Also last month bought a Ducky Realforce 45gram.

While it's been a while since I typed on a Torpe, the silenced version just feels nicer, compared to the 87U. So my 2 cents is check out a silenced version vs the 55 gram.

Isn't the silenced only available in a variable though?

If you are open to a full sized layout, there is this

[LiquidEvilGaming]

I recently bought a Realforce 87U EK edition, my previous 87U was variable and sold it last year. Also last month bought a Ducky Realforce 45gram.

While it's been a while since I typed on a Torpe, the silenced version just feels nicer, compared to the 87U. So my 2 cents is check out a silenced version vs the 55 gram.

Isn't the silenced only available in a variable though?

If you are open to a full sized layout, there is this

If they made those in TKL i'd likely grab one in a second, however sadly i really can't use Fullsize boards.

[rowdy]

The HHKB would not be as popular if case-mountedness was crap.

But this is personal opinion - you might hate it whereas others like it.

Especially if you are accustomed to 55g RealForce, you might find the HHKB too light and never get used to it.

I like my HHKB, although I don't take it anywhere, but it is usually my go-to keyboard when I need a quieter keyboard at home during the week.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

The HHKB would not be as popular if case-mountedness was crap.

But this is personal opinion - you might hate it whereas others like it.

Especially if you are accustomed to 55g RealForce, you might find the HHKB too light and never get used to it.

I like my HHKB, although I don't take it anywhere, but it is usually my go-to keyboard when I need a quieter keyboard at home during the week.

My #1 Concern with the HHKB is the layout and getting used to it....You have quite a diverse collection.  How hard is it for you to get accustomed to the HHKB switching between it and standard layout boards?  When you first got it appox how long did it take for you to become comfortable with the layout in general?

Cheers!

[absyrd]

The layout is very easy to get used to. You'll find many people with HHKB that also have 60% and smaller MX programmable boards often copy most of the layout. Don't be scared.

I find the plastic case mount 45g to be perfect for me, and I've used 55g plate mount on the RF. I like the soft landing and I think it actually helps with the "snappiness" feeling of the topre domes.

Another thing to consider is that because you are in the US, you would take a very minimal hit on reselling a like-new board of any kind if you truly hated it. You basically just eat shipping plus maybe $10... or at least that is how past resales have gone. It is almost like renting the board for a small fee.

[atlas3686]

Well here is my two cents: I have a Realforce 55g that I use at home and I have both a HHKB Pro 2 and a type-s (use it a work). I had very much the same concerns about my current setup and they were mostly unfounded. For the record I would recommend the type-s over the std. any day. I find the HHKB keys to feel a little heavier then std. 45g realforce (I have a ub23 with std 45g) but definitely not as heavy as 55g. The layout is something you can get used to quite quickly, I keep my control in the same spot on both boards, not an issue since the Realforce has the option and that is where control was mean't to be You get used to the different backspace positions after a couple months and the arrows even faster if you using the HHKB a reasonably amount.

If someone forced me to have just one topre board I would actually choose the type-s, it's just such a pleasure to type on and I love the look and portability. I absolutely love my Realforce 55g too though

[bocahgundul]

HHKB

or realforce 55g

[Polymer]

Do you type with relatively good form? 

Silenced variable might be something...

It'll seem a lot lighter than your 55g....and if you rest your fingers on the keyboard it'll take awhile to stop getting a bunch of aaaaaaaaa across the screen...but if you type with any regularity they're so much easier on your fingers...IMO they SUCK for gaming but just great for typing..

[inanis]

Everyone is always afraid of the HHKB layout at first. And then they try it, and realize there was nothing to fear. My HHKB is my favorite board, and I have a pretty good variety on hand. On all my programmable boards I copy the HHKB layout, because it makes the most sense. Even if you hated the layout (you won't) you can get hasu's controller and make it whatever you want.

RF 55g I could get behind as well, but if I could only pick one it would be HHKB. No question, the form factor is perfect.

[FLFisherman]

So as soon as my next Youtube revenue payment gets deposited i will likely be buying a second Topre board...however i am very undecided as i am considering several and have Pros/Cons to each thought.

HHKB Pro 2

Pros: Would give me a travel Topre board
I hear constant praise for it
Detachable cable

Cons: Not sure how case mounted? 45 G Topre feels? Esp when  i am used to 55G on my RF
Getting used to that weird layout....may never happen for me.

Leopold FC660C

Pros: Like the Layout
Detachable cable
Familiar with Plate mounting feel

Cons: Have heard very mixed reviews on how these boards feel to type on
Bit harder to get a hold of one


White Realforce 87U 55G

Pros: Already know i very much like the 55G switch on RF boards
Would compliment my black 55G on my other machine
Gives me one of each color RF.

Cons: While i like 55G RF it's still more of the same i already have
White gets dirty easily even though it looks sexy?


Realforce all 45G EK Edition

Pros: I could likely type faster on the 45g switch even though i prefer the feel of the 55g switch which would be a pro for work purposes.
Would give me two weights to switch between depending on what i am doing

Cons: While i might be more efficient on lower G switches i like the feel and sound of the 55G switches more (and make fewer typos)
If i end up not liking it and decide to sell it, it seems the 55G is more in demand to resell at moment less i'm mistaken?
Lots of people say 55G feels more like True topre and 45G feels slightly mushy to some?


So that's where i am at, i realize it's all very subjective and ultimately i have to make the decision.  But wondering folks input whom have used one or all of these as to which i should consider next.


Cheers!

Wait, which is your first Topre board?

I've only tried the Novatouch and the HHKB, and have really grown quite fond of the HHKB. The Novatouch I got rid of within a week. It just wasn't for me.

[dgneo]

So as soon as my next Youtube revenue payment gets deposited i will likely be buying a second Topre board...however i am very undecided as i am considering several and have Pros/Cons to each thought.

HHKB Pro 2

Pros: Would give me a travel Topre board
I hear constant praise for it
Detachable cable

Cons: Not sure how case mounted? 45 G Topre feels? Esp when  i am used to 55G on my RF
Getting used to that weird layout....may never happen for me.

Leopold FC660C

Pros: Like the Layout
Detachable cable
Familiar with Plate mounting feel

Cons: Have heard very mixed reviews on how these boards feel to type on
Bit harder to get a hold of one


White Realforce 87U 55G

Pros: Already know i very much like the 55G switch on RF boards
Would compliment my black 55G on my other machine
Gives me one of each color RF.

Cons: While i like 55G RF it's still more of the same i already have
White gets dirty easily even though it looks sexy?


Realforce all 45G EK Edition

Pros: I could likely type faster on the 45g switch even though i prefer the feel of the 55g switch which would be a pro for work purposes.
Would give me two weights to switch between depending on what i am doing

Cons: While i might be more efficient on lower G switches i like the feel and sound of the 55G switches more (and make fewer typos)
If i end up not liking it and decide to sell it, it seems the 55G is more in demand to resell at moment less i'm mistaken?
Lots of people say 55G feels more like True topre and 45G feels slightly mushy to some?


So that's where i am at, i realize it's all very subjective and ultimately i have to make the decision.  But wondering folks input whom have used one or all of these as to which i should consider next.


Cheers!

Wait, which is your first Topre board?

I've only tried the Novatouch and the HHKB, and have really grown quite fond of the HHKB. The Novatouch I got rid of within a week. It just wasn't for me.

Judging by his post, I believe he's got a 55g 87U.

Definitely go HHKB in my opinion.

[GL1TCH3D]

The biggest difference about the silenced is not the feeling but the perceived feeling of the switch without the upstroke clack IMO.

I just feel so much more satisfied feeling the topre tactility and having that deep downstroke thock instead of the thocking being covered up by the upstroke clacking.

[xtrafrood]

So many people say HHKB is best. I get what you're saying about the switch mounting though 

[GL1TCH3D]

So many people say HHKB is best. I get what you're saying about the switch mounting though 

I've tried:

hipro on 45g

hipro on 55g (not full board, I did a few of the f keys to see how I liked it and it was very nice)

HHKB silenced

HHKB standard

Novatouch

Standard RF tkl

RF 30g

The HHKB silenced was the best out of the box experience.

The hipro was modified onto a tkl and that was one of the most unique experiences I ever had. Super smooth and that thock...

But alas I tended to use the HHKB more since the TKL was not portable and I reserved it mostly for typing so I ended up selling it.

I imagine a silenced 55g tkl hipro would be one of the best experiences money can buy for topre

[LiquidEvilGaming]

How is the case quality of the HHKB? Iv'e heard some say it's good and others say it feels like a toy compared to a Realforce.  It has to be somewhat rugged if it's going to be traveling with me.

[Waateva]

Inb4 demik says:

HHKB

[FLFisherman]

Inb4 demik says:

HHKB

You've said it for him. His work here is done.

[dgneo]

How is the case quality of the HHKB? Iv'e heard some say it's good and others say it feels like a toy compared to a Realforce.  It has to be somewhat rugged if it's going to be traveling with me.

Mine gets taken to and from work each and every day. I've got it in a sleeve from 1UP Keyboards, and it's plenty durable. It definitely doesn't feel the same as a Realforce, much lighter, but it's plenty rugged as long as you're not completely trashing the **** out of it.

[inanis]

How is the case quality of the HHKB? Iv'e heard some say it's good and others say it feels like a toy compared to a Realforce.  It has to be somewhat rugged if it's going to be traveling with me.

The HHKB is light, make no mistake. It's not going to sit hunkered down on your desk like a lead weight. The feet aren't even that good for holding it in place. But that is an easy fix with either a desk mat or some better non slip feet. The lightness of the board is an advantage if you ask me. I carry mine with me almost every day, and it has no trouble with the travel.

EDIT: Yeah, what @dgneo said

[dgneo]

How is the case quality of the HHKB? Iv'e heard some say it's good and others say it feels like a toy compared to a Realforce.  It has to be somewhat rugged if it's going to be traveling with me.

The HHKB is light, make no mistake. It's not going to sit hunkered down on your desk like a lead weight. The feet aren't even that good for holding it in place. But that is an easy fix with either a desk mat or some better non slip feet. The lightness of the board is an advantage if you ask me. I carry mine with me almost every day, and it has no trouble with the travel.

EDIT: Yeah, what @dgneo said

Second the desk mat. Having recently gotten one, keeps my HHKB in place, and has the added benefit of silencing it a bit as well due to less reverberation, I hate going back to not having one.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

Holy hell...just looked up the type S HHKB...i'll be honest bit more than i'm willing to invest in a 60% at 300$+.   If i went with a HHKB i'd likely just stick to the normal pro 2.....however White or black is a harder decision.

[Macsmasher]

Do you type with relatively good form? 

Silenced variable might be something...

It'll seem a lot lighter than your 55g....and if you rest your fingers on the keyboard it'll take awhile to stop getting a bunch of aaaaaaaaa across the screen...but if you type with any regularity they're so much easier on your fingers...IMO they SUCK for gaming but just great for typing..

I second this. I have several RF variable silent boards, a RF 55g and an HHKB. I also type with proper form. The 55g is too stiff for me. I love my HHKB, but the RF variable is my daily driver. I should also mention that I type Colemak and the less finger travel might have something to do with my preference for lighter keys.

[Corsa1r]

HHKB.  I got a Type-S in February and I absolutely love every moment on it.  The thock is much more organic-sounding than on a steel-plated board, and since you aren't hitting steel, each keypress feels like it bounces back in a very satisfying way.

I at first thought the layout would be difficult. It took me about 3 days to get used to the positioning of backspace as well as the arrow key+Fn combo, but I'm now faster with that than moving my hand to the arrow cluster on my standard keyboards.  I also thought that it would screw with my muscle memory when switching back to one of my other boards, but I can seamlessly use one or the other without even thinking about it.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

One other thing i came across that may be sort of a deal breaker for the HHKB in my own situation.  If anyone can confirm or deny?

Most of what i do travel wise is reply to work E-mails and or do ordering on the go etc all of which can be done and preferably so just by grabbing my iPad mini LTE and using the lighting USB adapter with a small mech board.  Currently i use my pok3r for this purpose and after doing some reading some people have mentioned the HHKB will not work via this method but the Leopold FC660 will?

[zombimuncha]

Choose the one from which you will learn the most. The one that's the most different to what you've already tried. The one that will bring you the biggest step towards knowing what your endgame is.

[GL1TCH3D]

One other thing i came across that may be sort of a deal breaker for the HHKB in my own situation.  If anyone can confirm or deny?

Most of what i do travel wise is reply to work E-mails and or do ordering on the go etc all of which can be done and preferably so just by grabbing my iPad mini LTE and using the lighting USB adapter with a small mech board.  Currently i use my pok3r for this purpose and after doing some reading some people have mentioned the HHKB will not work via this method but the Leopold FC660 will?

Hasu BT controller? =P

[LiquidEvilGaming]

One other thing i came across that may be sort of a deal breaker for the HHKB in my own situation.  If anyone can confirm or deny?

Most of what i do travel wise is reply to work E-mails and or do ordering on the go etc all of which can be done and preferably so just by grabbing my iPad mini LTE and using the lighting USB adapter with a small mech board.  Currently i use my pok3r for this purpose and after doing some reading some people have mentioned the HHKB will not work via this method but the Leopold FC660 will?

Hasu BT controller? =P

To say i would be uncomfortable even attempting that is an understatement of epic proportions.

[steelcity]

I wish I could find a 103/104 55 G uniform silent.  That with a PBT spacebar could be the winner for me. 

[xtrafrood]

I wish I could find a 103/104 55 G uniform silent.  That with a PBT spacebar could be the winner for me.

Seems like that would take some fitness. Maybe a RF 104ub-dks with 55g springs?

[rowdy]

The HHKB would not be as popular if case-mountedness was crap.

But this is personal opinion - you might hate it whereas others like it.

Especially if you are accustomed to 55g RealForce, you might find the HHKB too light and never get used to it.

I like my HHKB, although I don't take it anywhere, but it is usually my go-to keyboard when I need a quieter keyboard at home during the week.

My #1 Concern with the HHKB is the layout and getting used to it....You have quite a diverse collection.  How hard is it for you to get accustomed to the HHKB switching between it and standard layout boards?  When you first got it appox how long did it take for you to become comfortable with the layout in general?

Cheers!

I use ANSI layout keyboards almost everywhere except my HHKB.

I tried taking it in to work, but our editors and IDEs (and my many years of keyboard habits) rely far too heavily on function keys, dedicated arrow keys and other navigational keys.

My productivity plummetted.

So I brought it home and use it during the week so I don't wake anyone up (it is one of the quietest keyboards I have).  I use it on my Mac, which uses Ctrl sequences for much navigation.  Ctrl-A for beginning of line, Ctrl-E for end of line, Ctrl-D for delete character and so on.  This is very easy to get used to, especially with the HHKB's Control key position.

Backspace I cope with rather well, and it's been a while since I typed \\\\ when I switched back to an ANSI layout keyboard.  HHKB arrow keys are no problems for me now either.