Topre Type Heaven: Any reason to not get this? First Topre

[happylacquer]

I'm seeing the Type Heaven might be the cheapest way for me to get Topres, and it uses 45g instead of 55g which greatly appeals to me. I am considering getting the white or the pink, even though all the non black cases look a little funny.

I do like the HHKB a lot despite its flaws so I am partly wanting to go for a HHKB Pro2 but I can't decide since I do like having the full 104 keys a lot and do make use of those keys.

[DRAZAH]

Morning,

Honestly, I think you should go for the HHKB. Or have you given any thought into the Leopold FC660C (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=105)

The Type-Heaven is a good keyboard but it honestly does not give you the full Topre experience. It is a very entry-level "starter" Topre board and I would definitely recommend this keyboard as a first tester to Topre for someone who really isn't an enthusiast of keyboards and has no interest in something like an HHKB. I borrowed a Type-Heaven for a few days use, and I currently daily drive a hypersphere'd and lubed HHKB Pro 2 and they are really night and day difference. It's like comparing MX Blues with Zealencios. The Type-Heaven is just a very barebones Topre board, It has the switches but doesn't have the quality in other areas to really give you the full experience, while my modded HHKB has more quality in all areas. I really do recommend that you silence any Topre keyboard, either it be with hyperspheres or dental bands. That's just my opinion, I think all Topre boards sound and type better when silenced.

I personally chose the HHKB over other Topre boards because I was searching for a very specific sound. I hate all MX switches because they all sound extremely cheap to me. Although this is seen as a flaw to some, I prefer a keyboard that has no metal in it. The reverb is high, almost "echo-y". With the full plastic build of the HHKB, there is far less reverb. The "thock" is much deeper with hyperspheres, lube, and I also made custom foam cutouts for the case (inserts that fill the hollow space inside the case, removes the case flex/rattle) Overall the keyboard has a much deeper "thock" when compared to a stock HHKB and virtually no plastic rattle or cheap "clack" sound that you get from most keyboards.

[dgneo]

I'm seeing the Type Heaven might be the cheapest way for me to get Topres, and it uses 45g instead of 55g which greatly appeals to me. I am considering getting the white or the pink, even though all the non black cases look a little funny.

I do like the HHKB a lot despite its flaws so I am partly wanting to go for a HHKB Pro2 but I can't decide since I do like having the full 104 keys a lot and do make use of those keys.

In my opinion you've got 2 options, which would be HHKB and Realforce. Major difference between the two other than the size (and you can get fullsize or TKL for the Realforce) is the plate. HHKB is plastic, where as Realforce is metal. The feels are definitely night and day between the two. The HHKB has a bit more give thanks to the plastic, so it rebounds very slightly. It feels incredible, very smooth. On the other hand, so does the Realforce. I'm personally a fan of 55g myself (only on a metal plate keyboard, 55g loses its magic on plastic plates), but even with 45g the Realforce feels amazing as well. It's a different experience than the HHKB for sure, but in my opinion you can't go wrong either way.

If you're leaning towards the HHKB, go with the HHKB imho. Nice part is if you don't like it, between here and MechMarket you'll be sure to find a buyer for it.

[tp4tissue]

Topre is alot of hype..

Then when someone pays $200-300 for it,  they're bound to imagine some reason to LOVE IT, to justify the cost... 

The mental gymnastics here is a psychological imperative, because the ALTERNATIVE Realization of having wasted/misplaced/tricked-out-of $300 is insurmountable to certain people..

Topre FEEELS like the rubber dome you have now..

Overall.. TRY before you buy...  ask around... maybe there's a GHer near you ..

[tp4tissue]

If you're coming from OCN, or Reddit mechanical,   that hole is full of kids who know absolutely nothing about keyboards, and forever bound by hype and self delusion..

Only here at Geekhack would you find truly objective opinions by old guys who has tried everything..

[moh18one]

I'm seeing the Type Heaven might be the cheapest way for me to get Topres, and it uses 45g instead of 55g which greatly appeals to me. I am considering getting the white or the pink, even though all the non black cases look a little funny.

I do like the HHKB a lot despite its flaws so I am partly wanting to go for a HHKB Pro2 but I can't decide since I do like having the full 104 keys a lot and do make use of those keys.

HHKB , Leopold FC660C , Leopold FC980C or Realforce

[hking0036]

I've never typed on a type heaven but topre usually has build quality down so they'll probably be well built boards, she biggest sore spot is probably going to be in the keycaps. Where realforce, hhkb, and others use PBT dyesubs, the type heaven uses lasered abs instead. I'm not sure if they'll cut costs on the build but it *might* be a bit flimsy compared to a realforce, though I doubt it myself. Personally, I'd say if you're worried about going all in its probably a good option to try out topre because it's a lot to jump into all at once without ever trying it. I'm going to say don't rule out third parties here as well, though. I recently got an fc660c and the thing is built like a tank, and has some incredible sound. The realforce wowed me because obviously it's a realforce but I was a little skeptical of the fc660c and it blew me away. Leopold knows how to make a topre board certainly. Never tried the 980c but if it can match the 660 its probably an awesome board.

[dante]

Topre is alot of hype..

Then when someone pays $200-300 for it,  they're bound to imagine some reason to LOVE IT, to justify the cost... 

The mental gymnastics here is a psychological imperative, because the ALTERNATIVE Realization of having wasted/misplaced/tricked-out-of $300 is insurmountable to certain people..

Topre FEEELS like the rubber dome you have now..

Overall.. TRY before you buy...  ask around... maybe there's a GHer near you ..

I agree that Topre feels like a very high end (and overpriced) rubberdome.  However I also feel it has an advantage with layout availability beyond full size.  I truly believe that most of the love for Topre is the fact that there are very few alternatives for small footprint rubberdomes with clean layouts.

If you are thinking about a full size IMHO it's a waste of money.  For the HHKB the feel is ok but I'd probably look at the HHKBLite instead which has nice domes.

For 87 tenkeyless I think it could be worth it though I still think my rubberdome HP KU-0901 is still superior to it and it only cost me $10.

Perhaps the only board worthy of the price is the FC660C simply because when compared to smaller layout rubberdomes it has a much cleaner layout.

[1391406]

As someone who owns both a Realforce 104U, 87U and Type Heaven, I can say that the sound and feel of the uniform weighted 45g Realforce 87U is definitely a couple of notches above the Type Heaven, namely due to the Realforce's PBT key caps. The Type Heaven is noisier and the key presses don't feel as tight and controlled.

Would I recommend the Type Heaven?

If you have a choice, no. The HHBK and Realforce are going to feel more refined and if you're willing to shell out more than $130 clams, you'd be better off saving up for a proper Topre board, in my opinion.

[mike52787]

Topre is overpriced, overhyped, and all in all just not that good. Don't bother. I've felt old dome with slider boards I liked more.

[1391406]

Topre is overpriced, overhyped, and all in all just not that good.

To you. I've owned plenty of domes and never used one I felt was as smooth or gratifying to type on. Orange Alps is close, but no cookie. The argument that people delude themselves into thinking Topre is superior because they need to justify a $220+ purchase doesn't hold water. Topre tends to hold its value and can be sold at a fractional loss.

[mike52787]

Topre tends to hold its value and can be sold at a fractional loss.

I think that is one of the best redeeming factors about topre. If you dont like it, it can be resold quickly for about what you paid for it.

[Geroximo]

TP, your topre rant is just as annoying as the HHKB hype.

To everyone who's interested in the HHKB:
Don't believe the hype, but don't believe the haters either. The truth lies somewhere in between.
Yes, the HHKB has flaws. It's not the holy grail many people say it is, but it offers attributes no other keyboard can and many people enjoy it.
Just try it. Try it for a month and then you'll know if it's for you.
I love my HHKB and my Type-S. But I also love my 65g vintage Blacks, Gateron Blacks and Buckling springs.
When it comes to mechanical keyboards there is no black and white, there is no good or bad. It's all preference.

[need]

TP, your topre rant is just as annoying as the HHKB hype.

To everyone who's interested in the HHKB:
Don't believe the hype, but don't believe the haters either. The truth lies somewhere in between.
Yes, the HHKB has flaws. It's not the holy grail many people say it is, but it offers attributes no other keyboard can and many people enjoy it.
Just try it. Try it for a month and then you'll know if it's for you.
I love my HHKB and my Type-S. But I also love my 65g vintage Blacks, Gateron Blacks and Buckling springs.
When it comes to mechanical keyboards there is no black and white, there is no good or bad. It's all preference.

I do think there's good or bad. Just imagine some stiff, scratchy switches...who would feel eager to type on those?

[tp4tissue]

TP, your topre rant is just as annoying as the HHKB hype.

To everyone who's interested in the HHKB:
Don't believe the hype, but don't believe the haters either. The truth lies somewhere in between.
Yes, the HHKB has flaws. It's not the holy grail many people say it is, but it offers attributes no other keyboard can and many people enjoy it.
Just try it. Try it for a month and then you'll know if it's for you.
I love my HHKB and my Type-S. But I also love my 65g vintage Blacks, Gateron Blacks and Buckling springs.
When it comes to mechanical keyboards there is no black and white, there is no good or bad. It's all preference.

@    happylacquer


Take note of Geroximo's outburst..

Notice how emotional he is..  He's targeting ME, Tp4,  rather than the things I've said, which is not at all dissimilar from his own suggestions..

While stating objective facts, he's full of emotionally charged rebukes @ my COMPLETELY objective and unbiased observation of Topre Users/ Buyers..


I have no stock in either corner..  I even bought an 87u 3 years ago based on the hype myself.. ONLY to finally realize that heck, this is NOT as advertised..

Geroximo is saying one thing, but the way he's saying it is indicative of extreme Bias..



Nothing against you --Geroximo--   But you are not objective.. and You've drank way too much Topre-Koolaid..

[Geroximo]

Hey TP,

I targeted you and not what you said because you basically say the exact same thing everytime a topre thread comes up.
You're heavily biased against topre. I can see that, because you're writing the same anti-topre propaganda on every topre thread there is.

I'm honestly not emotional at all. I don't know how you got this impression. Maybe it's because im not a native speaker and my language is limited.
You say I'm not objective, that's true, nobody is. That's why there are so many different switches out there.
But I appreciate many of them. I'm not narrowed down to just like one, like some fanboys do.
I find it very contra-productive to talk newbies out of topre, because there is a good chance that they will enjoy it, like many do.

@need You're right. When you're comparing switches with the same attributes, there is good an bad. But in the big picture of switches (clicky, tactile, linear, topre, scissor, BS) there are so many different ways of implementing a switch mechanism that it really comes down to preference.

[harahyuna]

Topre is overpriced, overhyped, and all in all just not that good. Don't bother. I've felt old dome with slider boards I liked more.

Are there any new dome with slider boards though? I tried a few cheap rubber dome keyboards in the office and they're all crap. Logitech k120, Dell SK8115/KB212, Lenovo 73p5220. The Lenovo is the best out of them but quality control is bad as the 2 sets I used had an annoying squeak sound on the space bar and the bezel is unnecessary large. I considered Topre only because I can't find any good similar alternatives. Those cheap boards also flex easily and usually come with pad printed keys which feels slippery.

[dante]

Topre is overpriced, overhyped, and all in all just not that good. Don't bother. I've felt old dome with slider boards I liked more.

Are there any new dome with slider boards though? I tried a few cheap rubber dome keyboards in the office and they're all crap. Logitech k120, Dell SK8115/KB212, Lenovo 73p5220. The Lenovo is the best out of them but quality control is bad as the 2 sets I used had an annoying squeak sound on the space bar and the bezel is unnecessary large. I considered Topre only because I can't find any good similar alternatives. Those cheap boards also flex easily and usually come with pad printed keys which feels slippery.

The problem is this: Average rubber dome keyboards cost around $20, Topre is $200.  Topre is NOT worth 10x the cost.

If you want to mention creaking and such on boards costing 10x less, please answer why these Topre boards are specified with a potential +- 15 gram variance per dome?  And if the switches are so smooth why does it look like everyone is lubing their board?  And don't get me started on the ABS space bar...

If you want a high quality rubberdome to compare at a fair price look into the Siig Premium Aluminum or Cherry Evolution Stream XT.

[1391406]

Topre is overpriced, overhyped, and all in all just not that good. Don't bother. I've felt old dome with slider boards I liked more.

Are there any new dome with slider boards though? I tried a few cheap rubber dome keyboards in the office and they're all crap. Logitech k120, Dell SK8115/KB212, Lenovo 73p5220. The Lenovo is the best out of them but quality control is bad as the 2 sets I used had an annoying squeak sound on the space bar and the bezel is unnecessary large. I considered Topre only because I can't find any good similar alternatives. Those cheap boards also flex easily and usually come with pad printed keys which feels slippery.

The problem is this: Average rubber dome keyboards cost around $20, Topre is $200.  Topre is NOT worth 10x the cost.

Topre is worth whatever people are willing to pay for it.

[happylacquer]

I know there are a bunch of GHers in my area, i guess sometime i should try to meet up with someone but i wouldn't want to impose on someone to type on their keyboard a little bit and then leave.... maybe there is something with Topre at my local micro center...
Maybe i can smoke someout local out

[PollandAkuma]

I believe I have one of the best cheap rubber domes in the market. It's a Miniso keyboard, and it actually feels better than ****ty domes and even Macbook scissors switches, which I thought were ok. I took it apart a few days ago and it's basically a short travel dome board with great tactile feedback. About 50g accentuation and 35g let up. The only things I hate about it are the terrible keycaps and the horrible wobble.... But it has a nice light feel with a sharp tactile bump. Of course, the HHKB felt like an actual solid board compared to this, but is it worth paying so much more?

It's hella cheap too, I spent about £10 on the keyboard and mouse. It's bluetooth too.

[1391406]

I know there are a bunch of GHers in my area, i guess sometime i should try to meet up with someone but i wouldn't want to impose on someone to type on their keyboard a little bit and then leave.... maybe there is something with Topre at my local micro center...

And this is the crux of it. You have to actually try Topre to determine whether you like it or not. If I'd listened to some of the naysayers, I'd never have even bothered trying a Realforce, but after actually using one, I was impressed enough to spend an additional $280 on a silenced Realforce 104U. Obviously there are people who don't like Topre, but you can also find people who don't like MX, Alps, or whatever.

[DRAZAH]

Lots of very subjective thoughts being thrown in here and it looks like most people here can't make the separation between subjectivity and objectivity.

Hype is NOT objective, why people are talking about "dont listen to Topre hype" or "Topre hype that" is the worst focus point you could go with. Anyone who says "THIS feels like THAT" in any sense is a subjective idea and virtually holds nothing true about the topic. It really depends on what you take into account when making a decision.

Someones subjective experience with the keyboard or the actual objective qualities of the keyboard. If you are looking for something more subjective, GH is where you should be. But if you are looking for more objective information, you will find better answers in the MK subreddit.

Obviously, best bet is to TRY before you BUY, but almost all Topre boards hold value on resell so even If you buy something and don't like it, you can easily resell.

[davkol]

But if you are looking for more objective information, you will find better answers in the MK subreddit.

LMAO

[DRAZAH]

Its funny, but its definitely true.

[davkol]

lol, no. Reddit is great, if you want to hear the ignorant hivemind repeating the same nonsense over and over again. Top posters in the stickies are regularly wrong; and the "community" is entirely capable of upvoting a common generic keyboard to the frontpage as "rare".

[DRAZAH]

Bold statement, I have yet see this "ignorant hivemind repeating the same nonsense over and over" on the subreddit or ever see top posted comments to be incorrect. Do you have a source to any of this?

Regardless, as I stated before you are missing the point of separating "objectivity" and "subjectivity". MK Subreddit is much more of an ever-changing organism where here @ GH is much more "traditional" guild.

I see far more subjective posts here, your response would be a great example. Rather than make a response to the question asked by OP you rather chime in and reply to me with your own subjective thought on reddit, as if my opinion held less value because you don't agree with it. (going back to not being capable of separating objectivity and subjectivity)

[davkol]

Have you seen this? They love to link it over and over again.

[Tempest790]

Although I haven't tried other Topre boards, the feel of the RGB Realforce is fine for me.  It lacks the sound of the other Topre keyboards, but I very much like the feel of it.  No, it's probably not worth 10x the price of a cheap rubber dome.  I think of it as a very refined rubber dome that has a pleasant typing experience.  It's not as harsh feeling as an MX board which is what makes it feel so refined.  Most quality rubber domes (expensive Logitech and Microsoft) feel good but not nearly as satisfying as the Topre.

It was a difficult decision purchasing one due to the price.  However, I lost my keyboard collection and had to start over.  I wanted to try Topre and having a backlit version fit the bill perfectly.  If Matias gets better quality control and a backlit version, I'll probably scoop up one as well.

That said, Topre is for enthusiasts and not for the general market obviously.  But as others have said, it's very subjective on what you will like (I've changed my favorites several times as well).

I think buckling springs are still the most tactile type switch (although I haven't tried Matias yet) and are very satisfying (and loud) to type on.

Cherry MX is not very tactile in any form compared to buckling springs (my opinion) although they feel good in their own way.  So, rather than buying multiple Cherry versions (Blue, Black, Red, Brown, and Gray), I decided to purchase different keyboard types.  I currently have one MX Brown Ducky and my Topre Realforce RGB.  I will probably order a Unicomp soon.  Maybe a Matias or I'll track down an Alps keyboard.

Topre is tactile in that it doesn't feel "mushy" compared to standard rubber domes.  I can see myself typing extended periods with a Topre easily, and it will remain my daily driver.

Hope that helps.

[DRAZAH]

Have you seen this? They love to link it over and over again.

First time ever seeing this linked. You must be "they". Its a post in a different subreddit from 2 years ago lol.

[davkol]

I think it might be worth considering Noppoo/PLUM/RK clones, when it comes to the Type Heaven.

On one hand, TH is genuine Topre and has the respective domes. On the other hand, it lacks all the nice features: MX-compatible/damped stems, high-quality keycaps, any remapping options, backlight etc. The clones have a lot of that at comparable/lower price and with comparable construction.

Have you seen this? They love to link it over and over again.

First time ever seeing this linked. You must be "they". Its a post in a different subreddit from 2 years ago lol.

Linked by iNViSiBiLiTi 3 hours ago

[dante]

I think it might be worth considering Noppoo/PLUM/RK clones, when it comes to the Type Heaven.

On one hand, TH is genuine Topre and has the respective domes.

As far as I know the Royal Kludge is a discontinued product.  If you want one you need to purchase second hand.

The #1 thing people like to poke fun of when discussing clones is how they can feel scratchy to people.  Yes they are a little scratchy but it depends on the user and maybe even batch of domes/board.  At the same time the folks criticizing this are also lubing their Topres.

Text book hypocrisy.

I found it interesting when watching the latest Top Clack podcast how Quakemz tried a modified Topre board at a meetup.  Its domes were replaced with those of a vintage Sony synthesizer board and apparently he felt it was a noticeable improvement.  So despite the $200+ price tag it appears the domes in Topre can be further improved upon.

Instead of arguing among ourselves about the opinions of Topre whether they be positive or negative perhaps it's an invitation to innovators out there to create open source capacitive switches.  This way the switch can be custom tailored to the user.

[davkol]

Royal Kludge is a brand. I believe the products have been more or less transfered under the PLUM brand.

[happylacquer]

I believe I have one of the best cheap rubber domes in the market. It's a Miniso keyboard, and it actually feels better than ****ty domes and even Macbook scissors switches, which I thought were ok. I took it apart a few days ago and it's basically a short travel dome board with great tactile feedback. About 50g accentuation and 35g let up. The only things I hate about it are the terrible keycaps and the horrible wobble.... But it has a nice light feel with a sharp tactile bump. Of course, the HHKB felt like an actual solid board compared to this, but is it worth paying so much more?

It's hella cheap too, I spent about £10 on the keyboard and mouse. It's bluetooth too.

I had been collecting up cheap rubber domes which felt exceptional after spending some time with a HHKB Lite2. Then I got my Corsair K65 and was happy with it, but wondering if it gets better, since i've tried all cherry switches and find reds to be  my favorite...

[kmba]

People drop $300 all the time on MX builds. Half the group buys on here come out to $500+ after you source parts. Occasionally you'll see builds well over $1000. But a $230 board that tons of people love is overpriced and people falling for the hype are stupid. OK. Don't listen to the naysayers for a second. Try one for yourself, and like many people, you might love it.  I just find it a bit ridiculous to objectively state the worth of something thats in reality entirely subjective in nature.

[klennkellon]

lets just all agree we have different tastes and preferred keyboard switches.

[Weltschmerz]

lol, no. Reddit is great, if you want to hear the ignorant hivemind repeating the same nonsense over and over again. Top posters in the stickies are regularly wrong; and the "community" is entirely capable of upvoting a common generic keyboard to the frontpage as "rare".

The amount of "I'm so proud of my cool keyboard!!!" thats a magicforce68 with some kind of cheap ass DSA keycap is funny as hell though. It's only once in a blue moon someone posts something there that is legitimately worth showing off.

[happylacquer]

I didn't mean to stir up a war, guess i should have worded my question better, since I wasn't wondering as much "do i want topre or MX" but how does the Type Heaven feel versus other Topre boards. I will only get to try out a Realforce in store and it's important to me to know how other ones feel relative to it. I think i'm thankful enough to get to try a Realforce in a store, I wouldn't want to try and barge in on a fellow board member's free time to evaluate for myself how a Type Heaven might feel versus, say, a realforce and a HHKB2, since i hear they all feel different.


IF anyone has any insights on this matter it would be greatly appreciated. If I hate Topre after I try it, i will say so and leave the thread alone, but until then/also if i like the Realforce I would love to know how others feel versus the one I can try (it will be a 104 key Realforce probably not RGB)

[1391406]

I didn't mean to stir up a war, guess i should have worded my question better, since I wasn't wondering as much "do i want topre or MX" but how does the Type Heaven feel versus other Topre boards. I will only get to try out a Realforce in store and it's important to me to know how other ones feel relative to it. I think i'm thankful enough to get to try a Realforce in a store, I wouldn't want to try and barge in on a fellow board member's free time to evaluate for myself how a Type Heaven might feel versus, say, a realforce and a HHKB2, since i hear they all feel different.


IF anyone has any insights on this matter it would be greatly appreciated. If I hate Topre after I try it, i will say so and leave the thread alone, but until then/also if i like the Realforce I would love to know how others feel versus the one I can try (it will be a 104 key Realforce probably not RGB)

The bottom line? The Realforce 104U feels nicer.

[Geroximo]

People drop $300 all the time on MX builds. Half the group buys on here come out to $500+ after you source parts. Occasionally you'll see builds well over $1000. But a $230 board that tons of people love is overpriced and people falling for the hype are stupid. OK. Don't listen to the naysayers for a second. Try one for yourself, and like many people, you might love it.  I just find it a bit ridiculous to objectively state the worth of something thats in reality entirely subjective in nature.

Wise words.
People spend hundreds of dollars on custom stuff. $30 for just a piece of wood (they call it "wristrest"), $20 for braided cables, $50-$200 for ugly-ass artisans, $80-$200 for a case and not to mention the gazillion different keycap sets for $60-$150 which just end up in a drawer sooner or later.
As I'm thinking about it ... the HHKB isn't even that expensive.

[PollandAkuma]

Sad thing is we can't even try it before we buy it

[happylacquer]

People drop $300 all the time on MX builds. Half the group buys on here come out to $500+ after you source parts. Occasionally you'll see builds well over $1000. But a $230 board that tons of people love is overpriced and people falling for the hype are stupid. OK. Don't listen to the naysayers for a second. Try one for yourself, and like many people, you might love it.  I just find it a bit ridiculous to objectively state the worth of something thats in reality entirely subjective in nature.

Wise words.
People spend hundreds of dollars on custom stuff. $30 for just a piece of wood (they call it "wristrest"), $20 for braided cables, $50-$200 for ugly-ass artisans, $80-$200 for a case and not to mention the gazillion different keycap sets for $60-$150 which just end up in a drawer sooner or later.
As I'm thinking about it ... the HHKB isn't even that expensive.

\

Well I had a HHKBlite2 for a month and loved it but couldn't get over the lack of dedicated f keys. I will have to decide after I go in to try a Realforce tomorrow. May just buy it on the spot if I love it and feel having the rest of the keys is too important to give up. (They probably are.)

[harahyuna]

I believe I have one of the best cheap rubber domes in the market. It's a Miniso keyboard, and it actually feels better than ****ty domes and even Macbook scissors switches, which I thought were ok. I took it apart a few days ago and it's basically a short travel dome board with great tactile feedback. About 50g accentuation and 35g let up. The only things I hate about it are the terrible keycaps and the horrible wobble.... But it has a nice light feel with a sharp tactile bump. Of course, the HHKB felt like an actual solid board compared to this, but is it worth paying so much more?

It's hella cheap too, I spent about £10 on the keyboard and mouse. It's bluetooth too.

I had been collecting up cheap rubber domes which felt exceptional after spending some time with a HHKB Lite2. Then I got my Corsair K65 and was happy with it, but wondering if it gets better, since i've tried all cherry switches and find reds to be  my favorite...

Why not try MX Silent/Pink since reds is your favourite? Couple of guys here says it feels like Topre 30g with similar sound and smoothness. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=84023.0

[1391406]

since i've tried all cherry switches and find reds to be  my favorite...

If MX Reds are your favorite, then you'd probably love the variable weighted Topre 104U. The weighting feels like MX Reds but smoother, in my opinion.

[Hyde]

I'm too lazy to read through all the drama so I'll just give you a summary from my own experience.

If you're like me, who's used to full size and use number pad frequently, DO NOT get HHKB, it will not magically let you forget about dedicated arrow and number pad.

Usage dictates form factor, decide which form factor you need (60%, 80%, 100%).

Okay now that we have that out of the way, you were asking about Type Heaven.  I own both Type Heaven and Realforce 104UW.

So yes as people say the PBT keycaps make it feel better and give you the "thock".  The ABS keycaps kind of give you a light "clack".

But that's not to say Type Heaven is bad, it's still better than most keyboard, build quality is also top notch.  It's just that that relatively Realforce is better.

Okay so my top 3 favourite switches are, Topre, MX Red, MX Brown.

Based on my own experience, get 45g uniform.  Variable feel inconsistent, the 45g keys are tactile the 30g keys feel almost linear and almost........ mushy......

My OCDness definitely noticed the inconsistencies.

Now silent or not silent kind of varies from people to people.  I like silent version because the dampener reduce "wobble" and make the whole experience feel more upscale, but it does reduce key travel a tiny bit.  Some people hate it some people don't mind it.  I find it's small enough that I didn't mind it.  But your mileage may vary.

So I hope this answers most of your questions. 

[happylacquer]

I'm too lazy to read through all the drama so I'll just give you a summary from my own experience.

If you're like me, who's used to full size and use number pad frequently, DO NOT get HHKB, it will not magically let you forget about dedicated arrow and number pad.

Usage dictates form factor, decide which form factor you need (60%, 80%, 100%).

Okay now that we have that out of the way, you were asking about Type Heaven.  I own both Type Heaven and Realforce 104UW.

So yes as people say the PBT keycaps make it feel better and give you the "thock".  The ABS keycaps kind of give you a light "clack".

But that's not to say Type Heaven is bad, it's still better than most keyboard, build quality is also top notch.  It's just that that relatively Realforce is better.

Okay so my top 3 favourite switches are, Topre, MX Red, MX Brown.

Based on my own experience, get 45g uniform.  Variable feel inconsistent, the 45g keys are tactile the 30g keys feel almost linear and almost........ mushy......

My OCDness definitely noticed the inconsistencies.

Now silent or not silent kind of varies from people to people.  I like silent version because the dampener reduce "wobble" and make the whole experience feel more upscale, but it does reduce key travel a tiny bit.  Some people hate it some people don't mind it.  I find it's small enough that I didn't mind it.  But your mileage may vary.

So I hope this answers most of your questions. 

I believe I have one of the best cheap rubber domes in the market. It's a Miniso keyboard, and it actually feels better than ****ty domes and even Macbook scissors switches, which I thought were ok. I took it apart a few days ago and it's basically a short travel dome board with great tactile feedback. About 50g accentuation and 35g let up. The only things I hate about it are the terrible keycaps and the horrible wobble.... But it has a nice light feel with a sharp tactile bump. Of course, the HHKB felt like an actual solid board compared to this, but is it worth paying so much more?

It's hella cheap too, I spent about £10 on the keyboard and mouse. It's bluetooth too.

I had been collecting up cheap rubber domes which felt exceptional after spending some time with a HHKB Lite2. Then I got my Corsair K65 and was happy with it, but wondering if it gets better, since i've tried all cherry switches and find reds to be  my favorite...

Why not try MX Silent/Pink since reds is your favourite? Couple of guys here says it feels like Topre 30g with similar sound and smoothness. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=84023.0

since i've tried all cherry switches and find reds to be  my favorite...

If MX Reds are your favorite, then you'd probably love the variable weighted Topre 104U. The weighting feels like MX Reds but smoother, in my opinion.

All these posts were very helpful so thank you all. I have already knocked off the HHKB in my mind because ironically... I need those extra keys for developing software & general efficiency. I would never go for a 40% but I think the HHKB is a little too minimal for my needs. Too bad cause it's a gorgeous keyboard but sometimes functionality has to prevail.

I will try to use a MX clear or pink - never used those - they sound interesting, but the Type Heaven can be had for 140 or less new, so I think if I am appropriately impressed by Topre i will go for it. Worried about having read stuff like eating/drinking near a Topre is bad (worse than usual since you shouldn't eat around your keyboard ever but a lot of days i am stuck at my desk and eat at it too. So as silly as it sounds this does matter to me, if i'm not spilling anything (I also always cover the whole keybaord with a napkin to keep my precious caps fresh and clean)

[1391406]

Variable feel inconsistent, the 45g keys are tactile the 30g keys feel almost linear and almost........ mushy......

I have a 45g 87U and a variable 104U and, in my opinion, the consistency issue isn't really an issue unless you slowly and methodically press each key while focusing on differences in weight. In actual use when typing, I don't notice it at all.

[Hyde]

Variable feel inconsistent, the 45g keys are tactile the 30g keys feel almost linear and almost........ mushy......

I have a 45g 87U and a variable 104U and, in my opinion, the consistency issue isn't really an issue unless you slowly and methodically press each key while focusing on differences in weight. In actual use when typing, I don't notice it at all.

I do admit for actual typing it's not too bad, it's when your finger start to move away from home row (i.e. gaming) then you start to notice it.

Also I find the 30g domes doesn't have the tactility of the 45g domes.

Maybe I'm too OCD. 

[happylacquer]

IS the type heaven uniform across the whole board? I don't consider myself OCD but I would sure as heck notice that even just typing. Not that I am in any rush to get rid of my lovely K65! *hugs Corsair K65*

[1391406]

Variable feel inconsistent, the 45g keys are tactile the 30g keys feel almost linear and almost........ mushy......

I have a 45g 87U and a variable 104U and, in my opinion, the consistency issue isn't really an issue unless you slowly and methodically press each key while focusing on differences in weight. In actual use when typing, I don't notice it at all.

I do admit for actual typing it's not too bad, it's when your finger start to move away from home row (i.e. gaming) then you start to notice it.

Also I find the 30g domes doesn't have the tactility of the 45g domes.

Maybe I'm too OCD. 

I'm not a touch typist and even I don't notice when typing. In fact, before I bought the 104U, I'd heard repeatedly how the feel is inconsistent due to the variable weighting. Being sort of OCD about it, I'd already planned to swap out the domes from a Type Heaven into the 104U, however after trying it, I was so pleasantly surprised at how it felt and the consistency that I kept it as is and have been using it ever since. I honestly can't relate to those who say they can feel the difference in the variable weighting while typing. Personally, I have to slowly press each key and really focus on the weighting in order to distinguish any difference, and even then it feels negligible.