Just got my RealForce 87u 55g

[majesticseagull]

Hi, I've been lurking this forum ever since I started getting into Mechanical keyboards some years ago. The first mechanical keyboard I got was a Unicomp Ultra Classic which I loved, and which also died a tragic death two weeks ago from liquid damage. From there I wanted to try a Topre board and I knew the RealForce is on the top of the list for most people so I got one.

My first time with the switches I didn't really like them compared to the buckling springs I've come from, but I've been using my unicomp for more then a year. So I gave it time and keep typing more and more. My accuracy and speed seems to have improved slightly and I'm loving the THOCK THOCK when I type with it. Yet I can't help but feel, is this really the end when it comes to mechanical keyboards is there anything above the RealForce? Also what is a good wrist rest for for this keyboard as the full size one I was using is obviously too large.

[majesticseagull]

Image https://imgur.com/h7qJPL0

[1391406]

Although Topre has a huge fan base, they're not for everybody. So no, it's not necessarily the end.

[demik]

yes, it's the end. 55g RF is godly

[losing_ctrl]

I have the exact same keyboard and I love it. My all time favorite switch is buckling spring, and I have multiple Unicomp's and Model Ms, and I love all of them. However Topre 55g is something special. I would love a Topre 55g full size keyboard. My RealForce 87u 55g felt a little funny at first, but after awhile, it started to make sense and just feel great to me. However there is no switch or keyboard that is the best for everyone. If you like buckling springs, you may want to try MX Greens. I am typing this on my WASD V2 double-shot PBT keyboard with MX Greens, and it is very nice typing feel. Try as many different switches as you can. For me, the best relatively quiet switches are Topre. MX Clears are also an excellent choice if you need a keyboard that does not drive your family members or co-workers crazy.

[Kompanion]

You have made the correct decision. I haven't found anything better than my 55g RF. But you have to remember everyone has their own preference. It's better to try a lot and narrow down to what you really want. If you don't want to spend the money, just hit up a local meetup and try some of the boards that people bring. There are usually a lot to sample. Good luck!

[Magna224]

If I had to choose one stock keyboard that had to stay stock and it was the only I could ever use it would be the 55g 87u. There are many more interesting switches out there though.

[atlas3686]

Coming from BS, I think you made a good decision going with the 55g Realforce. Give yourself a little time to really get into the feel. I love BS too and switch between my Realforce 55g and SSK at home (soon to be model F 62, cannot wait!).

[Jokrik]

yes, it's the end. 55g RF is godly

Hmmmm...

[Bucake]

yes, it's the end. 55g RF is godly

Hmmmm...

i might actually agree when it comes to non-clicky tactile switches.
for clicky, Model F! or maybe beam spring but i've never actually tried one
Model M sucks

[demik]

yes, it's the end. 55g RF is godly

Hmmmm...

55g RF switches are end game switches

hhkb is end game keyboard

[madhias]

Coming from BS, I think you made a good decision going with the 55g Realforce. Give yourself a little time to really get into the feel. I love BS too and switch between my Realforce 55g and SSK at home (soon to be model F 62, cannot wait!).

Switching between a SSK and a Realforce TKL with 55g is really great. I do that too!

[atlas3686]

Coming from BS, I think you made a good decision going with the 55g Realforce. Give yourself a little time to really get into the feel. I love BS too and switch between my Realforce 55g and SSK at home (soon to be model F 62, cannot wait!).

Switching between a SSK and a Realforce TKL with 55g is really great. I do that too!

Nice, I am always amazed at how light the 55g feels at first when you switch from BS. Add an HHKB to the duo and you have the perfect trio of boards IMHO

[yomammary]

I didn't like the SSK much, traded my HHKB and now I'm using MX Clears and Topre 55g.
What's next? I bought a bunch of Zealios switches.

[toxicdrift]

congratulations! 55g 87u is def end game for me, it was slightly heavy when i started aswell but now my fingers are used to it now.

[Polymer]

Yet I can't help but feel, is this really the end when it comes to mechanical keyboards is there anything above the RealForce?

If you end up stick with Topre...sort of.

I think it cuts down on people's buying...part of it is just there aren't a lot of variations and there just isn't a lot of choice.  You also don't have all of the keycaps available...

Some people still buy a ton because in general they just love everything and want almost everything...but I've seen it in quite a few other people where they just slow down.

For me, I still like Cherry for gaming but I'm definitely not looking at Cherry boards...I mean, still considering the Cherry Silents when they come out on some sort of TKL or Custom....and these new MX Clones are interesting..especially since they're smoother...but when it comes to the boards I use for typing...I dunno..blinging out Topre is basically limited to a few Artisan caps, some colored Realforce sets and PBT Spacebars...and that limitation is probably a good thing...for my wallet anyways...Cheaper than looking at 10 different MX keyboards, different switches, dozens of keycaps sets and constantly trying to find the board I want to type on everyday...

[Macsmasher]

I own an 87U 55g, an 87U variable silent and an HHKB. I haven't bought any keyboards in almost three years. What's the point? That would be like owning three Lexus luxury cars and buying a Kia 'just because'. In fact, I gave away all my Cherry boards to friends.

[jerue]

Let me put it this way:

If I were stuck on a deserted island but could wish for one thing, it would be a Realforce 87u 55g.

If I could travel back in time, but was only allowed to buy just ONE keyboard, it would be a Realforce 87u 55g.

If a higher being was a keyboard, it would be a Realforce 87u 55g.

 

[digi]

Let me put it this way:

If I were stuck on a deserted island but could wish for one thing, it would be a Realforce 87u 55g.

If I could travel back in time, but was only allowed to buy just ONE keyboard, it would be a Realforce 87u 55g.

If a higher being was a keyboard, it would be a Realforce 87u 55g.

 

[BucklingSpring]

Oh you just remind me that I have one too :-)

Digilog aluminum case, mixed yellow-black keyset... Expensive toy.

[rowdy]

Oh you just remind me that I have one too :-)

Digilog aluminum case, mixed yellow-black keyset... Expensive toy.

Show Image

That is very close to my end game keyboard - 55g uniform, yellow keycaps, Digilog case.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

Much as i love my 87U 55G lately i have really been preferring my HHKB overall honestly.  Actually finding i prefer the 45G for long term usage as the 55g can get a bit stiff for long term usage IMO coming from using MX Browns all the time.

[Polymer]

Much as i love my 87U 55G lately i have really been preferring my HHKB overall honestly.  Actually finding i prefer the 45G for long term usage as the 55g can get a bit stiff for long term usage IMO coming from using MX Browns all the time.

Yeap...that's why 45g is the mainstream and 55g is the niche board...

There is plenty to like about the 55g...but in general 45g will be easier on your hands...

I'm sure Topre didn't just pull the weighting out of their bum...there is a reason for it...

[Macsmasher]

I prefer my 87U variable to my 87U 55g.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

Much as i love my 87U 55G lately i have really been preferring my HHKB overall honestly.  Actually finding i prefer the 45G for long term usage as the 55g can get a bit stiff for long term usage IMO coming from using MX Browns all the time.

Yeap...that's why 45g is the mainstream and 55g is the niche board...

There is plenty to like about the 55g...but in general 45g will be easier on your hands...

I'm sure Topre didn't just pull the weighting out of their bum...there is a reason for it...

Indeed, i may actually sell the board locally in the future and replace it with a 45g RF or another HHKB.

[iLLucionist]

I own an 87U 55g, an 87U variable silent and an HHKB. I haven't bought any keyboards in almost three years. What's the point? That would be like owning three Lexus luxury cars and buying a Kia 'just because'. In fact, I gave away all my Cherry boards to friends.

So you are a collector in denial? ;-)

No I can see what you're coming at. But aren't you curious how BS and alps feel, for instance?

[iLLucionist]

Oh you just remind me that I have one too :-)

Digilog aluminum case, mixed yellow-black keyset... Expensive toy.

Show Image

Looks really nice... where can you buy such a case?

[romevi]

Oh you just remind me that I have one too :-)

Digilog aluminum case, mixed yellow-black keyset... Expensive toy.

Show Image

Looks really nice... where can you buy such a case?

Only secondhand now, and around $300 or more.

[iLLucionist]

Oh you just remind me that I have one too :-)

Digilog aluminum case, mixed yellow-black keyset... Expensive toy.

Show Image

Looks really nice... where can you buy such a case?

Only secondhand now, and around $300 or more.

Can I cry now? Damn... that is a nice case. But soo expensive much.

[rowdy]

Oh you just remind me that I have one too :-)

Digilog aluminum case, mixed yellow-black keyset... Expensive toy.

Show Image

Looks really nice... where can you buy such a case?

Only secondhand now, and around $300 or more.

Can I cry now? Damn... that is a nice case. But soo expensive much.

A while back I said my end-game keyboard was a 55g RealForce with yellow keycaps and Digilog case.

As time passes this dream is getting further and further away.

[AverageHybrid]

Wait how did you get the cable to run out of the center of the back of the board? I thought the Realforce only had two routes which were only to the sides?

[cryptokey]

Wait how did you get the cable to run out of the center of the back of the board? I thought the Realforce only had two routes which were only to the sides?

Can confirm it has channels for the sides and direct back (also using mine from centre).

More

EDIT:
Also, props to kudos to majesticseagull for making a jump from buckling spring to topre and sticking with it.  They're so different!

[romevi]

Wait how did you get the cable to run out of the center of the back of the board? I thought the Realforce only had two routes which were only to the sides?

Can confirm it has channels for the sides and direct back (also using mine from centre).

More

Show Image

Yeah, you can run it from the center or the sides; the Realforce has routes for all three.

[Macsmasher]

I own an 87U 55g, an 87U variable silent and an HHKB. I haven't bought any keyboards in almost three years. What's the point? That would be like owning three Lexus luxury cars and buying a Kia 'just because'. In fact, I gave away all my Cherry boards to friends.

So you are a collector in denial? ;-)

No I can see what you're coming at. But aren't you curious how BS and alps feel, for instance?

Sure, I'm always open to different switches and boards. I've used BS boards in the past. And I'd jump the Topre ship if there was something better. Alps is compared to Topre, but I'm already there with Topre, so what's the point of trying Alps?

[reaper]

I'm using one right now. 

[iLLucionist]

I'm using one right now. 

Show Image

WHERE DID YEH GET THOSE CAPS?

[iLLucionist]

I own an 87U 55g, an 87U variable silent and an HHKB. I haven't bought any keyboards in almost three years. What's the point? That would be like owning three Lexus luxury cars and buying a Kia 'just because'. In fact, I gave away all my Cherry boards to friends.

So you are a collector in denial? ;-)

No I can see what you're coming at. But aren't you curious how BS and alps feel, for instance?

Sure, I'm always open to different switches and boards. I've used BS boards in the past. And I'd jump the Topre ship if there was something better. Alps is compared to Topre, but I'm already there with Topre, so what's the point of trying Alps?

Topre is really nice indeed. I still want to try some Alps out of curiosity but nothing more. Topre 55g plate mountend pretty much nails it for me.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

45G Case mounted Topre has definitely become my endgame...that said for clicky switches i would not mind buying a Clicky ALPS board one day....so much nicer than MX blues.

[iLLucionist]

45G Case mounted Topre has definitely become my endgame...that said for clicky switches i would not mind buying a Clicky ALPS board one day....so much nicer than MX blues.

Care to explain differences and similarities? Coz I'd like enjoyable clickies. And I don't like blues.

[klennkellon]

Congrats, thinking of getting one myself, though I'm undecided if I want 45g or 55g.

I've heard that 55g Topre actually feels heavier than Buckling Springs, is this true?

[dgneo]

Congrats, thinking of getting one myself, though I'm undecided if I want 45g or 55g.

I've heard that 55g Topre actually feels heavier than Buckling Springs, is this true?

Definitely feels lighter IMO. Granted the actuation of the rubber dome is a lot different than the buckling spring. I'm honestly starting to love my 55g 87u a little more than my HHKB. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing

[LiquidEvilGaming]

Congrats, thinking of getting one myself, though I'm undecided if I want 45g or 55g.

I've heard that 55g Topre actually feels heavier than Buckling Springs, is this true?

Definitely feels lighter IMO. Granted the actuation of the rubber dome is a lot different than the buckling spring. I'm honestly starting to love my 55g 87u a little more than my HHKB. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing

I'd have to agree 55g Topre still feels lighter than BS by a good margin....that said 55G topre i still find gets very fatiguing after long term use.

[reaper]

I'm using one right now. 

Show Image

WHERE DID YEH GET THOSE CAPS?

I got them from EliteKeyboards when they used to carry them years ago.  :)

[digi]

old skool reaper in da house with the pimp board..

[Bucake]

i agree that 55g topre feels less heavy than model m BS. the force curve also is obviously different.
+1 for no membrane @ topre.

@reaper awesome yellow caps! is the texture the same as stock black caps?
my black caps are way gritter than my white ones so i'm curious as to how their colored sets feel :-)

[iLLucionist]

I'm using one right now. 

Show Image

WHERE DID YEH GET THOSE CAPS?

I got them from EliteKeyboards when they used to carry them years ago.  :)

AWW... I want more Topre caps. Are they ABS?

[losing_ctrl]

Congrats, thinking of getting one myself, though I'm undecided if I want 45g or 55g.

I've heard that 55g Topre actually feels heavier than Buckling Springs, is this true?

Definitely feels lighter IMO. Granted the actuation of the rubber dome is a lot different than the buckling spring. I'm honestly starting to love my 55g 87u a little more than my HHKB. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing

I'd have to agree 55g Topre still feels lighter than BS by a good margin....that said 55G topre i still find gets very fatiguing after long term use.

I'll just chime in to agree that 55g Topre feels much lighter than buckling springs. 55g is not that heavy a switch, so I sometimes feel puzzled when I read that people have concerns about the weight being too stiff for long term use. I used to type on a Model M all day in a previous job and not really think about it, and my hands are pretty wimpy. I guess it's what you get used to.

[reaper]

I'm using one right now. 

Show Image

WHERE DID YEH GET THOSE CAPS?

I got them from EliteKeyboards when they used to carry them years ago.  :)

AWW... I want more Topre caps. Are they ABS?

Yup.

[dante]

I'll just chime in to agree that 55g Topre feels much lighter than buckling springs. 55g is not that heavy a switch, so I sometimes feel puzzled when I read that people have concerns about the weight being too stiff for long term use. I used to type on a Model M all day in a previous job and not really think about it, and my hands are pretty wimpy. I guess it's what you get used to.

Well ... there are a couple theories for this.

First is possibly the environment a particular batch was made in.  There are some who have stated that they owned a 55g that was significantly stiffer than a recent one they tried.  This is possibly due to the humidity/etc. at the factory.  Also, think about the initial FC660C's and how the later one feels stiffer.  Nobody at the consumer level knows what goes on behind the scenes.

Second the type of person to buy something like a Realforce 55g is likely a mechanical keyboard fan - as I really doubt a newcomer is going to drop two stacks on their first go around.  So you have a camp of people who have probably mostly used reds/browns/blues/ergo clears trying out the 55g and going "whoa nelly, stiff brah!"  However, if you come from a corporate environment where the domes could potentially be around 55g-70g then those folks are going to be like "what a bunch of weaklings - this is nothin'"

Another thing I'd like to point out in your comparison is not all buckling springs are of equal stiffness.  The IBM 1390120 and Unicomp 103 are some of the lightest that I've tried; while a early 90's M was tired out my hands pretty quick.  I especially made sure I spelled everything correct because I didn't want to retype anything!

[iLLucionist]

I'll just chime in to agree that 55g Topre feels much lighter than buckling springs. 55g is not that heavy a switch, so I sometimes feel puzzled when I read that people have concerns about the weight being too stiff for long term use. I used to type on a Model M all day in a previous job and not really think about it, and my hands are pretty wimpy. I guess it's what you get used to.

Well ... there are a couple theories for this.

First is possibly the environment a particular batch was made in.  There are some who have stated that they owned a 55g that was significantly stiffer than a recent one they tried.  This is possibly due to the humidity/etc. at the factory.  Also, think about the initial FC660C's and how the later one feels stiffer.  Nobody at the consumer level knows what goes on behind the scenes.

Second the type of person to buy something like a Realforce 55g is likely a mechanical keyboard fan - as I really doubt a newcomer is going to drop two stacks on their first go around.  So you have a camp of people who have probably mostly used reds/browns/blues/ergo clears trying out the 55g and going "whoa nelly, stiff brah!"  However, if you come from a corporate environment where the domes could potentially be around 55g-70g then those folks are going to be like "what a bunch of weaklings - this is nothin'"

Another thing I'd like to point out in your comparison is not all buckling springs are of equal stiffness.  The IBM 1390120 and Unicomp 103 are some of the lightest that I've tried; while a early 90's M was tired out my hands pretty quick.  I especially made sure I spelled everything correct because I didn't want to retype anything!

Makes sense that stiffness depends on type of switch / exact mechanism involved.