Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive? • Hacker News Board

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#21

Post by siva7 » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:38 PM UTC

whitepoplar wrote: post #4

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.

It will be tough explaining to finance why i am ordering 400USD keyboards for my team members. Maybe it is more common in smaller companies where the owner orders these special items.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#22

Post by dharmab » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:39 PM UTC

darrylb42 wrote: post #16

whitepoplar wrote: post #4

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.

I've expensed mech boards for various jobs.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#23

Post by Bayart » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:41 PM UTC

I paid through the nose for my Leopold FC660C because the specific one I wanted had to come from the US. Never regretted it !

I've added Hasu's board on it a few weeks ago and it's basically a perfect keyboard now.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#24

Post by __m » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:42 PM UTC

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

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#25

Post by darkr » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:42 PM UTC

kitsunesoba wrote: post #9

disposedtrolley wrote: post #2

I have an original Topre Realforce and an HHKB. They’re both reliable, no-nonsense keyboards.

I have a couple of HHKBs and fully agree. They’ve seen a ridiculous amount of use in the past 5 years and show no signs of giving in any time soon. Expect that if any part of it fails, it’ll be the USB mini-B connector.

I have an 11 year old and a 4 year old [HHKB]. Used/abused for 8+ hours/day, 5+ days/week. For the first 7 years of its life the first HHKB was transported to and from work every day, which can’t have helped it’s lifespan. Regardless they are still both going strong, though the keys on the older board are noticeably softer.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#26

Post by germinalphrase » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:42 PM UTC

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.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#27

Post by wyager » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:43 PM UTC

darrylb42 wrote: post #16

whitepoplar wrote: post #4

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.

For 90% of companies, increasing software engineer productivity by just a few dozen bps is worth thousands of dollars a year. On top of a $4k laptop, $2k screens, etc. a $400 keyboard is totally reasonable. If your company won't let you get stuff like this they're probably being irrationally stingy.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#28

Post by ojkelly » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:43 PM UTC

xattt wrote: post #17

Am I the only one out of the loop about this product, or does that site read like “native” advertising?

To me it reads as a reasonably comprehensive overview of Topres. It may or may not be an ad, but the question of the article is one I’d expect someone discovering mechanical keys to ask at some point.

Topre’s are different to the typical cherry style, and well regarded by those who have them. They also rarer than cherry-style keyboards, so there’s more mystery about them.

I’d wager most people will be out of the loop on them, they’re a niche product of a niche hobby. I’m still yet to try them, but maybe one day.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#29

Post by TrainedMonkey » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:43 PM UTC

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?

Negative data point, Wooting Two HE keyboard right now is best one I've used. Comparing it to a das keyboard mx brown, couple of mechanical gaming, and a smattering of modern apple keyboards.

Also a callout to Wooting wrist pads, they are sturdy, easy to clean, and feel amazing. The only bad part is availability in different sizes/colors, I've looked for similar products, but no dice.

Re: Why Are Topre Keyboards So Expensive?

#30

Post by rcpt » Fri, Nov 19, 2021, 9:44 PM UTC

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.

Really like my pok3r. 5 years now and it was the forcing function I needed to commit to hjkl