Live data from Hacker News

Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

switchandclick.com

11–20 of 413 posts

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#11
post #5

IMO buckling spring feels better.

I had a buckling spring for years, and people kept telling me mechanical is just as good, or in many cases, better. Wrong and not even in the same league.

I'm using blue switches today only because I can't find a backlit buckling spring. If such a thing comes to existence, I'll be first in line.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#12
post #6

There are some knock-off Topres that are less expensive. For example, Royal Kludge had some boards that showed up on Drop a while back. I haven't used them, though, and they don't seem to have really caught on. I had a CM Novatouch for a while, which was Topre-based. It wasn't my cup of tea (I'm partial to dampened ALPs switches from old Apple Extended Keyboards), and I eventually sold it, but it was a solid keyboard…

I really like the Niz Plum capacitive switches and their boards - much more than just a knockoff.

Personally I've been on and off Topres since my first HHKB, about 10 years ago. Gazzew U4Ts / Nixdorks have however changed my mind, and my life.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#14
post #6

There are some knock-off Topres that are less expensive. For example, Royal Kludge had some boards that showed up on Drop a while back. I haven't used them, though, and they don't seem to have really caught on. I had a CM Novatouch for a while, which was Topre-based. It wasn't my cup of tea (I'm partial to dampened ALPs switches from old Apple Extended Keyboards), and I eventually sold it, but it was a solid keyboard…

I had a Noppoo keyboard, which ISTR is the same manufacturer as RK, and I found the switches stopped working after a while.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#15

overpriced niche product that doesn't last long.. if one wants to look at mechanical keyboards, there are a wide range of better alternatives, look around they aren't that hard to find don't believe price = quality when it comes to keyboard, it is far from being the truth, we got the perfect example here...

Not sure about the "doesn't last long" part. Certainly doesn't fit my experience of 5+ years on an FC660C, or others' anecdotal evidence.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#16

I think it's because they're primarily sold to enterprises, so if you're buying one in a personal capacity you're paying enterprise rates.

What kind of enterprise buy these? I have only experienced enterprises buying the default keyboards that come with machines. $5 Dell specials.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#18

overpriced niche product that doesn't last long.. if one wants to look at mechanical keyboards, there are a wide range of better alternatives, look around they aren't that hard to find don't believe price = quality when it comes to keyboard, it is far from being the truth, we got the perfect example here...

I disagree. There are numerous people, myself included, on /r/mechanicalkeyboards that have way better experiences with Realforce/HHKB keyboards and their quality. I use daily a RF 87 for the past 5 years and I've had no issues with it.

I only regret not getting a Norbauer case for it, despite its price.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#19
post #3

Longtime topre user. They ruined me on all other keyboards. The best there is.

My HHKB Type S collects dust since the Boba U4 came out.

It's a mechanical switch with a D shaped tactile bump.

The end result is a bottom out that feels similar to a Topre, but a much crisper action up and down.

Post reply on HN