Initially I was skeptical of the topre switch keyboards, given its plain appearance and hefty price tag. I finally gave in and got one, and it is the best typing experience I have ever had. It feels amazing. It's like your fingers just fall into the keys. This is truly the most comfortable mechanical switch out there.
Good review. I own keyboards with Cherry MX, buckling spring and Topre Capacitive switches. Buckling spring switches (Model M) have the best tactile feedback, but are the loudest and require greater force to press. Cherry switches aren't as loud and have a variety to choose from - Cherry Brown switches seem have the best mix of sound and feel. Topre switches have the best feel and sound IMO. Their keyboards are very comfortable to type on.
I just ordered the white version of this keyboard (with the variable weighted keys, the 86U model). I'll be posting a review of it within about a week or so. I decided i missed Topre keyswitches too much not to own.
Have you tried rotating the space bar 180 degrees on your topre boards? I've done it on my HHKB and my other realforce boards. I feel like the spacebar on both the realforce and HHKB just digs into the side of my thumb.
Is it still your favourite? I been through most cherry switches and I weren't really satisfied with any of them. Either they are great for gaming but sucks for typing and have no feedback, or they are great for typing but sucks for gaming. I'm thinking maybe a topre 88 45g would be perfect for both
sorry to bring that question up after 1 year ;) but: was the reason you sold the 55g 87U because you like the 45g keys better? Or have you switched away from Topre completely?
@haiiyaa I now prefer a beige keyboard mainly because the keys don't start looking all shiny. Also the keys on this board are very difficult to read in low light. I can touch type so that's fine for the letters but I'm not so good with touch typing the numbers so it became a bit of a pain when paying bills at night, etc. I'm not using the Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 which has 45g Topre keyswitches and liking it a lot although I would prefer the RealForce form factor.
@manjyoumethunder - The Cherry key switches in the Filco's have a different feel. I had a Blue Cherry Filco previously and the Realforce has a better build quality and feel. I have not tried the Cherry Brown however.
@hrdkorsocerplyr I actually ended up selling this one because I got tired of not being about to read the lettering on the number keys. I can touch type letters, but found it a bit frustrating with the numbers. I guess the solution to that would be to get the white model but I'm happy with my Model M Space Saver.
how do the 55g switches compare with others such as Cheery Mx Blue, Brown, White, etc. Do the key require more force than the Cherry to be actuated? thank you
I've been cruising on my Filco Majestouch MX Blues for the past couple of years now, and I love it. However, I obviously cannot use it at university or work due to its beyond crazy noise level. Will the transition from hardcore tactile switches to a keyboard with Topre switches be a hard one? I'm looking for a keyboard I can take to uni and work with me. I'll continue using my blue switches at home.
@RickyTomatoes Yeah, I didn't think I would like it as much as I do, coming from and liking the Model M. But I really like the Realforce a lot! It doesn't feel mushy or anything and is fun to type on. I think it's my new favorite keyboard.
Did you find the 55g too heavy? Is that why you now use the hhkb? I'm currently using a bucking spring at work and hhkb at home. I love my hhkb but can't use it for work. I like tactile feel and was going to buy the realforce 55g for work, but am afraid it would be too heavy. I have the variable weight 104 and just don't like that. It just doesn't work for me.
@phototristan If you get PBT (I think, there's 3 different kinds and I can never remember which is which) keycaps, they're textured and don't get shiny, or at least take a much longer time to get shiny.
Hey I just wanted to ask, Now I am someone whom has only ever used 3 mechanical keyboards, a model M when I was growing up learning to type in my computer class after school mr gibson had a handful of them and let me use one. Then cherry mx brown board, which is a nice feel I think but a little to sensitive for the initial keystroke. Now does this key feel just as sensitive when the initial press happens?, and yes I realize this isn't a mechanical keyboard but neither do I consider it strictly rubber dome, so I am comparing to the only other high end keyboard I have used. I also, currently, use a cooler master rapid with cherry mx blue switches, and I happen to really enjoy typing on them, but they are also considerably more noisy then browns and from what I heard from this video, the topre switches as well, I just want to know if someone like me would do well with a keyboard like this. I enjoy both my blues and browns, but wish I could quiet the blues just a bit during the night or early mornings, and the browns just feel a little easy to mispress at times.
Man oh man so close I am finally getting the money to buy myself on of these keyboards soon, as in the next cpl weeks soon. I am turning 27 soon and for a birthday present I am getting to buy a realforce 87u 55g uniform tenkeyless keyboard for my birthday gift. I am going to get this one becasuse of how much love the Leopold fc660c 45g uniform keyboard and wanted a more standard tenkeyless keyboard with a different weighting then the one I currently own. I do need other things for my pc like a better cpu cooler(going to liquid cooling) a pc chassis that I like aesthetically because the 922 haf case has great features but is not the style of case I prefer and the cable management is lacking compare to other cases that I have seen for the same price. I figure though that these two other things are just wants and not necessities so I should go for the thing I want the most at the current moment in time and that happens to be this keyboard. Thanks again for this video it helped with my decision about buying this version of the keyboard or the variable weighting and or just going with the hhkb pro2.
Hey, you might know this already, but for the benefit of other OSX users, you can remap the windows key in OSX by using "KeyRemap4MacBook". I used this and the full size 105ub variable weight to test - I kept the variable key weighting and sold the 55g.
Nearly 20 years ago I used to have an IBM Model M (didn't even knew it had a "name") and it was by far the BEST keyboard action I've experienced in my whole life, BAR NONE. 3 Computer cases later (from an original IBM AT) I still lugged around with my bigass, heavy and ugly cream off-white IBM AT 101 keyboard, because after it all other keyboards (including the fancy ones made by Gateway) felt cheap and flimsy in comparison.
they are making false advertising with the 30 million key presses and 6 key rollover, its 50+ and I pressed 12 keys with my hands at the same time, it registered all so i'm not sure why they understated it's specifications
Initially I was skeptical of the topre switch keyboards, given its plain appearance and hefty price tag. I finally gave in and got one, and it is the best typing experience I have ever had. It feels amazing. It's like your fingers just fall into the keys. This is truly the most comfortable mechanical switch out there.
But totally worth it if you like the feel and nice quiet soothing sound.
Good review. I own keyboards with Cherry MX, buckling spring and Topre Capacitive switches.
Buckling spring switches (Model M) have the best tactile feedback, but are the loudest and require greater force to press. Cherry switches aren't as loud and have a variety to choose from - Cherry Brown switches seem have the best mix of sound and feel. Topre switches have the best feel and sound IMO. Their keyboards are very comfortable to type on.
I just ordered the white version of this keyboard (with the variable weighted keys, the 86U model). I'll be posting a review of it within about a week or so.
I decided i missed Topre keyswitches too much not to own.
@xC4Rbonx The one they have currently is not the 55 gram though. It has variable key weightings.
Have you tried rotating the space bar 180 degrees on your topre boards? I've done it on my HHKB and my other realforce boards. I feel like the spacebar on both the realforce and HHKB just digs into the side of my thumb.
@trimer34 It feels slightly stiffer, as it should. Not quite as easy to press the keys.
Between the Realforce 87U 55-gram and your HHKB, which of the two do you prefer? I've a 55g 87U, but am (again) looking at an HHKB. Thank you.
Is it still your favourite? I been through most cherry switches and I weren't really satisfied with any of them. Either they are great for gaming but sucks for typing and have no feedback, or they are great for typing but sucks for gaming. I'm thinking maybe a topre 88 45g would be perfect for both
sorry to bring that question up after 1 year ;) but: was the reason you sold the 55g 87U because you like the 45g keys better? Or have you switched away from Topre completely?
@Barman1942 These keys are not blank. They are brown so it is a little hard to see in the video. The white versions have black lettering.
@haiiyaa I now prefer a beige keyboard mainly because the keys don't start looking all shiny. Also the keys on this board are very difficult to read in low light. I can touch type so that's fine for the letters but I'm not so good with touch typing the numbers so it became a bit of a pain when paying bills at night, etc.
I'm not using the Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 which has 45g Topre keyswitches and liking it a lot although I would prefer the RealForce form factor.
@manjyoumethunder - The Cherry key switches in the Filco's have a different feel. I had a Blue Cherry Filco previously and the Realforce has a better build quality and feel. I have not tried the Cherry Brown however.
@manjyoumethunder I would say about the same as a Das but not as much as a Model M.
@hrdkorsocerplyr I actually ended up selling this one because I got tired of not being about to read the lettering on the number keys. I can touch type letters, but found it a bit frustrating with the numbers. I guess the solution to that would be to get the white model but I'm happy with my Model M Space Saver.
how do the 55g keys compare with Cherry switches, e.g. Blue, Brown White, is the 55g too fatiguiind in Topre?
It has been passed 6 years. I just wondering about the Longevity.
Does the Keyboard show any sights or feel of *Wear and Tear*?
Not sure as I now use this keyboard: ruclips.net/video/R3iEH8vrfpg/видео.html
@@djchristian82 in one of the comments he said that the 55g was slightly too heavy
how do the 55g switches compare with others such as Cheery Mx Blue, Brown, White, etc. Do the key require more force than the Cherry to be actuated? thank you
They make a silent version of this 87U keyboard. I would look into that.
I'm so afraid of the variable key weights.. is it really that good? Would i regret geting the 45g? I do do the odd spat of gaming as well as code.
@mmmty I got it at EliteKeyboards-they used to sell it but no more.
I've been cruising on my Filco Majestouch MX Blues for the past couple of years now, and I love it. However, I obviously cannot use it at university or work due to its beyond crazy noise level.
Will the transition from hardcore tactile switches to a keyboard with Topre switches be a hard one? I'm looking for a keyboard I can take to uni and work with me. I'll continue using my blue switches at home.
@RickyTomatoes Yeah, I didn't think I would like it as much as I do, coming from and liking the Model M. But I really like the Realforce a lot! It doesn't feel mushy or anything and is fun to type on. I think it's my new favorite keyboard.
Did you find the 55g too heavy? Is that why you now use the hhkb? I'm currently using a bucking spring at work and hhkb at home. I love my hhkb but can't use it for work. I like tactile feel and was going to buy the realforce 55g for work, but am afraid it would be too heavy. I have the variable weight 104 and just don't like that. It just doesn't work for me.
Yes, slightly too heavy for me. You might check out the HHKB silent version if you are worried about the noise for the office.
i freakin love the clicks on a model m
I really like to know how the Topre keyboard compares to the IBM Model M Buckling Spring keyboard (I have one) in terms of feel and comfort.
Would you get a more compact keyboard for mouse ergonomics?
By nature 55g keys require more force to press, 55 grams to be exact. I prefer a 45g key weighting.
@phototristan If you get PBT (I think, there's 3 different kinds and I can never remember which is which) keycaps, they're textured and don't get shiny, or at least take a much longer time to get shiny.
why do you change keybards so frequently?
Do they have this model without the blank keys?
Hey I just wanted to ask, Now I am someone whom has only ever used 3 mechanical keyboards, a model M when I was growing up learning to type in my computer class after school mr gibson had a handful of them and let me use one. Then cherry mx brown board, which is a nice feel I think but a little to sensitive for the initial keystroke. Now does this key feel just as sensitive when the initial press happens?, and yes I realize this isn't a mechanical keyboard but neither do I consider it strictly rubber dome, so I am comparing to the only other high end keyboard I have used. I also, currently, use a cooler master rapid with cherry mx blue switches, and I happen to really enjoy typing on them, but they are also considerably more noisy then browns and from what I heard from this video, the topre switches as well, I just want to know if someone like me would do well with a keyboard like this. I enjoy both my blues and browns, but wish I could quiet the blues just a bit during the night or early mornings, and the browns just feel a little easy to mispress at times.
Hey 55g masta, how do you like your 87u 55g after 3 years lol? I've seen like 20 of your comments on all the 87u vids i've seen
@phototristan Yeah, I guess it kinda slipped my mind. EK did mention they will be stocking the other models sometime this month. :)
I'm watching this 10 years later
Man oh man so close I am finally getting the money to buy myself on of these keyboards soon, as in the next cpl weeks soon. I am turning 27 soon and for a birthday present I am getting to buy a realforce 87u 55g uniform tenkeyless keyboard for my birthday gift. I am going to get this one becasuse of how much love the Leopold fc660c 45g uniform keyboard and wanted a more standard tenkeyless keyboard with a different weighting then the one I currently own. I do need other things for my pc like a better cpu cooler(going to liquid cooling) a pc chassis that I like aesthetically because the 922 haf case has great features but is not the style of case I prefer and the cable management is lacking compare to other cases that I have seen for the same price. I figure though that these two other things are just wants and not necessities so I should go for the thing I want the most at the current moment in time and that happens to be this keyboard. Thanks again for this video it helped with my decision about buying this version of the keyboard or the variable weighting and or just going with the hhkb pro2.
@Barman1942 I agree, quite expensive indeed!
Hey, you might know this already, but for the benefit of other OSX users, you can remap the windows key in OSX by using "KeyRemap4MacBook".
I used this and the full size 105ub variable weight to test - I kept the variable key weighting and sold the 55g.
I actually sold it a while back.
Is there some chiper analog? $200 is too much
Nearly 20 years ago I used to have an IBM Model M (didn't even knew it had a "name") and it was by far the BEST keyboard action I've experienced in my whole life, BAR NONE.
3 Computer cases later (from an original IBM AT) I still lugged around with my bigass, heavy and ugly cream off-white IBM AT 101 keyboard, because after it all other keyboards (including the fancy ones made by Gateway) felt cheap and flimsy in comparison.
I would love to get one of these, but the $200 price tag feels a little too much for a keyboard, to be honest.
Quite true.
I'm still using the 45 gram Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2.
@phototristan
If you can hear your keyboard while you are listening to music, you are not listening loud enough.
they are making false advertising with the 30 million key presses and 6 key rollover, its 50+ and I pressed 12 keys with my hands at the same time, it registered all so i'm not sure why they understated it's specifications
:( EK has this keyboard is stock, but its $345 now.
Cherry MX key switches seem more durable, they're rated for up to 50 million key presses.
3:10 real gamers shouldnt need letters! Yeah! lol
PBT
This keyboard is for work.
@Barman1942 Everyone I know think the same. These people I go out with spend 100-200$ when we go out clubbing and stuff.
Sounds like a membrane keyboard
@ArtOfDeceit
PBT