What do buckling springs users think of Topre?

TacticalCoder · 10 Jul 2012, 19:23

After years and years hesitating, I'll eventually soon own an HHKB Pro 2 (not the type-S version, the regular one -- sound not being an issue as I'm a buckling springs user).

I use buckling springs Model Ms since so long I don't remember how long: back when they could be found on eBay at $0.99 ; )

And I just love the buckling springs.

I'll get my HHKB Pro 2 / QWERTY / US Layout (not the japanese one) NIUB in one month or so.

And I wanted to know: what do the people who are using mostly buckling springs think of the Topre?

One of my fear is that at 45g I won't be able to rest my keys on the keyboard when I'm not typing (after 25+ years of typing without RSI I'm pretty sure it's good for your fingers to rest them on the keyboard when you're not typing). I think I may actuate keys without meaning to do so.

In case I still prefer my Ms the HHKB Pro 2 shall go in my living room, hooked to my Mac mini (which is hooked to my stereo and TV for iTunes + watching movies).

So... Thoughts about the Topre from people who actually do like buckling springs?

TacticalCoder · 10 Jul 2012, 19:24

I think I did buy my first Model M after reading about them in a comment on /. in the early days of /. So it's been quite a while ; )

AKIMbO · 10 Jul 2012, 20:08

I love topres. The transition from capacitive buckling spring to 45g topre was not as jarring as one would think. Typing on topres is much easier on the fingers too. I'll elaborate more when I get home. I'm at work now and they only let us slaves out into the open for fresh air twice a day.

woody · 10 Jul 2012, 21:04

I like BS but not actively using them (did some decades ago on XT/AT). Great tactility but I am after lighter switches and smaller footprints.
MX blue is my main keyboard. HHKB on a laptop, so it gets mileage now and then. Not really impressed by the switch itself, just OK, and switching between MX blues and Topre takes some adaptation. You might be disappointed in the tactility, activation and reset points, but in my case that goes to passable state after some adaptation time. I think I made fewer mistakes on ML compared to Topre, but it is just a murky recollection.

In other words, HHKB's selling point is compactness, and perhaps the integrated hub if you need it. In my own distorted opinion, Topre itself is meh* (that's why no interest in RealForce), but that is of course just my useless opinion.

Do try, post results. At least I won't be surprised if you miss BS's sharp, yet smooth tactility.

* Yet an expensive meh, enough to make a cult of it's own.

kalrykh · 10 Jul 2012, 23:19

After using buckling springs a while, then switching back to my realforce, the topre switches felt really bland. After using a cherry switch for a while, they're fantastic. Using an mx board really makes you appreciate how much better topre is

Similarly, I can't switch from topre to buckling spring either. Each one makes the other feel, i dont know, just bad. I have to put something in between them if I'm switching often.

dfxdx · 11 Jul 2012, 12:54

There are a bunch of guys who love the Topre switches but after bagging a HHKB Pro 2 I felt a little disappointed - thank goodness I did not pay full whack from EK. I love the BS switches on my Model M - they are so much crisper, tactile and have just the right amount of resistance. My Model M just feels so solid and well constructed. The HHKB is also well built but it would have been better with a plate. I like the board and the form factor is great but I definitely do not rate it as my favourite board. I might just try using it exclusively for a month or so and see if that will change my mind. I am hoping to be able to try a plate-mounted Realforce fairly soon and maybe that might convert me to Topres but for now, MX blues and BS all the way.

AKIMbO · 11 Jul 2012, 14:42

To further elaborate, topres are much easier on my knuckles. The landing of the topre key on the keyboard seems to be deadened when compared to buckling springs. BS are very sharp when they bottom out. Topres are softer. This softness is really noticeable after prolonged periods of typing.

I can rest my fingers on 45g topre switches in between typing and not actuate the keys. The topre switch requires all the force at the top of the key action, unlike buckling spring which seems to be in the middle of the key action. Requiring all the weight at the top of the switch really does make the 45g topre feel a bit heavier than 45g imo.

urbanus · 12 Jul 2012, 14:07

I like both.

I have a variably-weighted Realforce, and multiple model M's. Both types offer a smooth typing experience but the Realforce is lighter and offers accuracy with minimum fatigue, and of course it's quieter.

I regularly rotate between my various keyboards, and I very much enjoy both model M and Realforce.

TacticalCoder · 13 Jul 2012, 13:53

AKIMbO wrote:I can rest my fingers on 45g topre switches in between typing and not actuate the keys. The topre switch requires all the force at the top of the key action, unlike buckling spring which seems to be in the middle of the key action. Requiring all the weight at the top of the switch really does make the 45g topre feel a bit heavier than 45g imo.

OK thanks all for the infos... It's good to hear you can actually rest your fingers without having the keys actuation and good to read some people like both.

I'll give my feedback once I get it (in a little month or so)

TacticalCoder · 08 Aug 2012, 01:10

OK so I got my HHKB Pro 2.

I really like it a lot but it's not 'clicky' enough to me taste so I've got a little issue: as I feared the keys actuate too easily for me. When I say that I "rest my fingers" on my Model Ms, I really do.

I keep actuating the 'd' and 'k' by mistake... And because the keyboard ain't clicky it's an issue because I'm not necessarily realizing it immediately. Now I may get used to it and stop going 'ddddddd' or 'kkkkkkk', we'll see.

Are there more than 45g Topre?

Anyway I find the HHKB Pro 2 amazing. I love the form factor a lot and I'll be using it for sure when my girlfriend is sleeping: during the day I'll keep using my Model Ms for now ; )

002 · 08 Aug 2012, 01:24

There are 55g weighted Topre boards, but not in the HHKB configuration.
If you're a bit of a high roller though, you could buy a 55g Topre and just use the rubber sheet from it in your HHKB. Some cutting would be required I think but it should be a relatively simple mod.

win · 08 Aug 2012, 02:30

What do buckling spring users think of typing on MX Greens and Clears?
(Hope I ask this questions without hijacking the thread)

Okeg · 13 Aug 2012, 18:48

I'll also elaborate:
My first mechanical keyboard was a model M spacesaver, I then decided to get a filco with mx blues, and I also ordered a HHKB2 pro.
So, as a buckling spring user I can tell you that the topres are very nice, I can rest my fingers on the keys etc. I will order a keyboard with mx brown switches soon, and then i will decide which one I like the most. However; I deeply recommend the topre switches to a BS user.

Sorta off topic: The mx blues is making me stutter when I type, I guess it is the accutation point that is messing with me...