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Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

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Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#51

Post by nix23 »

formerly_proven wrote: post #45

The notion that a capacitive switch is somehow expensive to manufacture because the PCB is allegedly "special" (doubt) seems odd to me. All other capacitive sensing stuff uses bog-standard PCBs with nothing special about them at all and it's not like the rubberdome is hard to manufacture either (considering that a more complex kind of rubberdome mat is the centerpiece in cheap rubberdome membrane keyboards). And then…

>Topres are expensive because it's a luxury item and they get away with it.

Because it's a high quality tool, long time ago the US firm IBM made some high quality keyboards too...long time ago.

BTW: I can buy 6 HHKB for 1 Iphone (what is the luxury item here?)

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#52

Post by anonymousiam »

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.

Not sure what you mean by "entry level", but I've been using Unicomp keyboards for about 10 years (ever since my last Dell PS/2 keyboard died).

It's loud, but worth the hundred bucks.

https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/NEW_M

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#53

Post by ARandumGuy »

seanc wrote: post #32
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/

I'm really happy with my WASD, as my first proper mechanical keyboard. Very sturdy, looks nice, has a detachable cable, and you can order them with completely blank keycaps (something I've wanted for ages).

The main downside is that setting up macros or alternate configurations is a pain. It involves a lot of very specific key presses, with only minimal feedback on the board itself. A proper software utility would be a wonderful feature.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#54

Post by germinalphrase »

bonestamp2 wrote: post #48
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.

If you have other people around, you'll almost definitely want a "silent" switch. I've been using cherry blue (loud clicky) switches for a decade and then when my family joined me at home for covid they all complained. I changed to a silent switch and it's been great. I would recommend the "CODE" keyboard. They make almost every variation you would need (including "silent red" version): https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/…

Silent is very desirable. Is this defined by the switch type - or is it an additional (foam?) modification?

Edit: I see that it is an o-ring modification.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#55

Post by paulgerhardt »

dmbaggett wrote: post #10

I've been really impressed with Wooting keyboards for gaming after trying many alternatives. (My daily driver for coding is a Kinesis Advantage2 due to RSI, but they suck for games.) Has anyone tried both Wooting and Topre? Or for that matter, Wooting and anything they liked as much or better?

These are my two daily drivers.

For office work I strongly prefer the Topre (programming, long form writing, etc).

For fun the Wooting is much more enjoyable.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#56

Post by gh02t »

nix23 wrote: post #51
formerly_proven wrote: post #45

The notion that a capacitive switch is somehow expensive to manufacture because the PCB is allegedly "special" (doubt) seems odd to me. All other capacitive sensing stuff uses bog-standard PCBs with nothing special about them at all and it's not like the rubberdome is hard to manufacture either (considering that a more complex kind of rubberdome mat is the centerpiece in cheap rubberdome membrane keyboards). And then…

>Topres are expensive because it's a luxury item and they get away with it. Because it's a high quality tool, long time ago the US firm IBM made some high quality keyboards too...long time ago. BTW: I can buy 6 HHKB for 1 Iphone (what is the luxury item here?)

IBM keyboards were also astronomically expensive, the Model M was around $250 in 1985 which is something like $600 in 2021 dollars. The modern Unicomp incarnations made on the same tooling are not as nice as the OG Model M's, but they're a reasonable approximation and still only $100.

I have no doubt the pricing on the HHKB and other Topre boards provides a very comfortable profit margin. Which is fine, if people are happy with paying for them then it doesn't hurt my feelings. There are other equal quality boards for significantly cheaper, though that's IMO of course.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#57

Post by artificialLimbs »

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.

Love my Keychron K3 optical with white switches. Very little pressure needed to send a keystroke. Took some practice to get used to. I did accidentally push keys sometimes, but that is gone after a bit of time.

I wish they made a 100% layout of this model, because Blender.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#59

Post by ARandumGuy »

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.

If you're unsure of the switches you want, I would recommend grabbing a switch tester[1]. They don't give the exact experience of typing, but they are very useful if you have no frame of reference for what the different switches actually feel like. I know buying one gave me the confidence to take the plunge into a full mechanical keyboard.

[1] This is the one I got, but others certainly work: https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler...

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