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Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

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Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#31

Post by nemomarx »

germinalphrase wrote: post #26

Can anyone recommend an entry level mechanical keyboard specifically for extended typing (as opposed to gaming)? Or, at least, specific features/qualities to seek out.

Gaming keyboards often use linear switches, which are faster and easier to hit - this is good for gaming but can be messy for long typing in my experience. This is why blue and brown switches, which slow you down a little more, are kind of better for writing to me?

Otherwise a lot is going to depend on personal preference, how often you use a numpad or other things, but that's one thing to look for in extended typing.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#32

Post by seanc »

germinalphrase wrote: post #26

Can anyone recommend an entry level mechanical keyboard specifically for extended typing (as opposed to gaming)? Or, at least, specific features/qualities to seek out.

WASD is a pretty good place to start. They don't try to be fancy, just good.

https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#33

Post by wyager »

I've tried (and designed and built) tons of mechanical keyboards, including various ergo configurations. None of them get any use except my two HHKBs. The new HHKB Pro S is easily worth the $350 or whatever. One cool feature - you can be simultaneously paired to 4 devices over Bluetooth and switch between those four and USB from the keyboard. It's like having a built-in KVM.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#34

Post by DennisP »

__m wrote: post #24

With those prices you will feel the difference, just like audiophiles hear the difference in a $1000 cable.

I have a Topre and various cherry reds and browns. The Topre actually isn't the best for me and I don't use it much, so I don't think I have a bias towards it, but I can say that the difference in how it feels is not subtle.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#35

Post by [deleted] »

silisili wrote: post #11
grae_QED wrote: 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.

[deleted]

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#37

Post by mmgutz »

__m wrote: post #24

With those prices you will feel the difference, just like audiophiles hear the difference in a $1000 cable.

Not the same. I honestly cannot hear differences between audiophile quality headphones or interconnects.

The typing experience of Topres' is noticeable whether you come from domes or mechanical keyboards. They feel in-between. I have arthritis in my right pinky. A 35g topre keyboard is perfect. (I also tried 35g mechanical switches but it did not feel as smooth).

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#38

Post by baybal2 »

What I don't like HHKB is exactly the inexact trigger point.

These capacitive switches were originally designed for the need of extreme reliability, like for buttons in power station control panels, industrial equipment, etc.

Switches themselves are cheap, but chips for the capacitive readout for each button isn't, or at least weren't 20 years ago.

I want to make mechanical switches with equal reliability, and no bounce.

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