So, where does Topre fit in the picture now? It’s complicated….

To be honest, Topre is an interesting beast to evaluate.  Just like Cherry MX, there’s a few varieties to keep things interesting.  They are all based in the same technology, but Topre uses various arrangements of key weights and key cap feels to create various classes of products.  I easily adapted to some and had hard times with others as chronicled in the blog.  However, at this point, I think I have seen enough to offer an opinion.

There is no doubt about it.  This is the smoothest switch technology I have experienced thus far.  There’s almost no tactile sensation when the switch is activated.  The switch is not linear either, but has smooth slightly wavy force-distance curve, but almost flat resistance unlike say a Cherry MX Red, which is just a spring system.  So, if one like the more gentle approach to life and typing, this is good type to use.

Topre feels like it’s the fastest off the block, sometimes I think it’s trying to read my mind and sometimes succeed and sometimes fail spectacularly.  When that happens, much annoyance.  So, to me, this switch is very polarizing.  On one hand, I really appreciate its Zen like design philosophy, but on the other, I just don’t like some of its virtues.  Matias is its opposite; it’s complex, bumpy, whimsical and almost too eager to please.  So, I would say instead of the focusing only on the switch, I would take a look at the complete package as I advocated before.  I enjoy using some Topre keyboards while another Topre arrangement makes me rather angry.  I didn’t think I would ever get angry at computer peripherals, but it managed to do so.  So, I have high praises for the uniform weighted keyboards and will avoid the ergonomic weighted one like a plague.  Again, this is highly personal and one must experience a Topre keyboard one way or another.  No matter how ever one feels after testing or trying one, it enriches the whole typing experience.

Rosewill RK-9000 v2 keyboard image gallery

Here is a few Roseill RK-9000 v2 snaps I made.  Enjoy!

Front side view

Left side view

Right side view, note the logo and the key lock status indicators

Cherry MX blue switch on a red keyboard back plate and key cap 

Key cap with laser etched legends, but I can't really tell

Backside of the key cap

Cherry MX blue switch with a red keyboard backplate

Backside of the keyboard, note the printed label

Keyboard foot retracted, note the finger smear on the backside cover

Keyboard foot extended, since it's the backside, the smear is not usually visible

USB port is located on the right side of the keyboard

What is a mechanical keyboard anyway?

There appears to be some controversies about what is a mechanical keyboard over a few popular tech websites.  Some people hold a narrower definition while other accept a rather broad spectrum of what a mechanical keyboard is.  To be honest, it is a misnomer, as all physical switches are by definitions mechanical.  It is converting a directional physical moment to an electrical signal.  So, any conventional keyboard in reality is mechanical by nature, be a rubber dome, buckling spring, capacitance or even magnetic switches.  So, it’s moot to argue if a keyboard is mechanical or not as it was poorly named from the beginning.  However, this train has pretty much left the station and we are stuck with the terminology.

The working definition that I am using comes from Life Hacker: basically it is a keyboard where each key is an individual and independently functional switch.  In this working definition, if a key is defective, then only a single switch needs to be replaced while others are not affect.  So, instead of worrying about the underlying technology, it just states that a mechanical keyboard simply has an independent switch for each of the keys.  Thus, a standard rubber dome keyboard will not qualify because if the a rubber dome is bad, then the entire sheet is replaced.  That sheet contains a block of key switches.  However, a Topre switch which is constructed individually does qualify even though there’s no mechanically induced electrical short created by the switch.  It is a capacitance switch.  Thus, if a key’s rubber dome goes bad, only the key’s dome is replaced and not the whole block.

Therefore, using this definition, one can expect that mechanical keyboards to be more expansive because now there’s a switch for each key rather than a giant block of contacts.  Early keyboards were built with individual switches; for example IBM’s Model F.  Rubber dome technology allows a faster and cheaper production because instead of each switches are soldered, it’s now just a big sheet of contacts against a printer circuit board.  It goes from many moving parts down to just a few.  Therefore, keyboards are no longer expansive to make and computers in general become more affordable.  That’s a good thing in so many ways.

Another interesting keyboard company, KBParadise

I have begun some research into the so called 60% keyboards.  These keyboards are smaller than the ten-keyless (TKL) by eliminating the navigation keys entirely.  So, basically what we have left is the traditional typewriter block with the alpha-numeric keys along with a few modifiers keys.  There are dozens of boutique keyboard companies out there in East Asia, mostly in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan that specialize in this area.  However, China has a quite a few that are more focused on the home market.  So, we don't hear about them as much here in the west.

One interesting company caught my eyes recently.  Like Ducky Channel, KBParadise is another Taiwanese mechanical keyboard company.  Unlike Ducky Channel which started out as an OEM, this one has a very humble, home brewed beginning.  Furthermore, KBParadise is more focused on the 60% and the TKLs market, whereas Ducky Channel is the other way around.  KBParadise's V60 60% keyboard is an interesting concept while the V80 TKLs are more conventional design.  Anyway, what's even more interesting to me was the they are the only other company that I am aware of thus far that makes Matias switches keyboards besides Matias itself.  They are the only one that is making a board with Matias linear switches.  I haven't seen Matias itself market a board based on a linear switch yet.  Talk about risk taking.  Of course, KBParadise mitigated the risk by also making the ubiquitous Cherry MX boards available as well.

Like Ducky Channel, I will be keeping an eye on this one and see what they come up with.

Ducky Legend keyboard image gallery

Here's another image gallery.  Mechanicak Keyboard Tryout presents: Ducky Legend keyboard!

Front side view

Left side view

Right side view, there is no key lock indicator block

Cherry MX blue key switch and key cap view

Key cap view, the legends are laser etched

The real key cap color is transparent and the black is the coating applied later

Cherry MX blue switch with LED light

Side view to show the wedge shape built-in without using keyboard feet

USB cable is braided and notice the thick aluminium top cover

Backside view, the product information plate is laser engraved

Keyboard foot retracted

Keyboard foot extended, notice the extra rubber pad for better grip

Front side view with LED turned on, the various key lock LEDs are dimmed

Cherry MX blue switch with LED turned on

Topre 55g versus 45g high key versus ergonomic weighted keyboard, round 1

So, at this juncture, the 55g aced the test.  It’s the closest thing to the Cherry MX brown switches and behaves like a very smooth version.  With the 45g version, the keys are even smoother.  However, it has almost no tactile feedback so it’s like using linear switch because the extra resistance is so low.  I think this might be an issue for some.  Anyway, the raised keys will take some more getting used to because I still bump into other keys as I type, making some typos.  So, I do better with cheaper Topre switches than with other kinds.  Also, this keyboard doesn’t make those fancy noise that I see in the videos.  Instead, it is very quiet and the chatter only comes from the key caps and finger interaction.  Anyway, I think this is a good keyboard if I spend enough time with it.  This is kind of like overcoming the wavy keyboard from Logitech.  In some weird way, this keyboard is making me go through the same thing by adapting to a different key feel for each one.  If I memorize the key feels, then I will almost never have to look at the keys. However, there is a learning curve and thus a price to be paid if I want to continue.

The 55g transition is almost none from the MX brown and the 55g version fits like an old glove.  I am instantly adapted to it.  There’s very little learning curve if any because I feel very familiar with the keys.  So, if one is switching from a scissor switch or even the brown switch to a Topre switch to get that smoothness, I would say that 55g or 45g uniform would be the perfect place to start.  Some of the fanciest keyboards use uniform 45g Topre switches, for example, Leopold’s FC660C or the Happy HackingKeyboards (HHKB) series.  So, that tells us a lot about the board.  However, this is definitely a luxury item like S class Benz sedan.  It’s a great board to type on, no doubt if one likes this kind of key action.  I have come around about the Topre switch once I get to a board that I am comfortable with.  However, for some, the price is too steep and I can understand why.

Thus far, the winner is the Topre 55g, followed by the high key version and then the ergo weighted.  For someone who is a touch typist, the ergo is probably the best kind, then the high key and then the 55g version.  Just opposite of my preference.  Don’t get me wrong, these Topre keyboards are excellent, but some other kind is might be better suited for a certain demographics. It’s like saying BMW is the best for everyone.  Well, some may like Tesla or Toyota better for example.

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 keyboard image gallery

Here's the image gallery for Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 keyboard.  Enjoy!

Front side view 

Left side view

Right side view

Key caps and switch view, Unicomp uses double key caps design, the inner cap closes up the spring

Key caps and switch view, the legends are on the outer key cap

Buckling spring switch, see the spring exposed above and next to it, the spring capped

Inner cap and outer cap view, legends are dye subbed

Backside view of the caps

Key lock indicators and Unicomp logo

Backside view, noticed the Model M label imprinted in plastic

Keyboard foot retracted

Keyboard foot extended

Topre Realforce 104UG impression, round 2

Here we go with another round about the 45g, high key raised for data accuracy.  The keys are indeed lighter than the 55g version.  I am starting to get a hang of this keyboard and it’s starting to click with me.  The learning curve can rather steep for someone like me because of the unusual key cap structure that is unlike anything else out there.  However, this kind of tactile feedback helps one to identify the keys without looking at the keyboard.  I think a lot of thoughts have went into developing these keycaps.  Kudos to Topre on coming up with another interesting winkle on the keyboard front.  The different keycaps feel for each row and different key cap feel for each of the home row keys where the fingers rest is in some way a positive thing.  I am slowly learning my way around the keys.  There’s an adaption curve.  There is no question about it.  I thought it might be deep, but it’s not as bad as I first thought.  I still bump into keys and make very minor key mistakes just like the ergo.  Some of the keys are just too sensitive for my taste still.  However, the higher keys hides that problem a bit better because the keys are uniformly weighted.  So, a bump on Q is less likely to activate A, but I still do so sometimes.  It’s getting better thou.  So, that’s good news I suppose.

Now that I am starting to glide on the keys by feel and don’t have to depend on quick glances to make sure I am in the right place is helping somewhat for typing accuracy and velocity.  Still, I feel a little strange here and there because I have not completely adapted to the locations and different tactile sensation for each different keys.  Anyhow, I am making some positive gain in the direction and I will keep going at it for a while and see if this keyboard deserve its high end price tag or not.  It’s even more expansive than the plain 45g or 55g uniform version.  My hands are not tired from using this keyboard at all.  So, if I do need to type a lot of stuff, this keyboard is an obvious choice once I overcome the key cap handicap....

Demystifying the G710 family

Logitech G710 keyboard family appears to be rather popular.  However, it is difficult to figure out which one to get.  As far as I know, there are at least 2 G710 versions.  One is the Cherry MX blue and the other is Cherry MX brown with extra o-ring for sound and impact dampening.  The G710+ is usually the Cherry MX brown version whereas G710 is the MX blue version.  However, Logitech logi might have started to market G710 with MX blue as G710+ as well.  The only way to really tell them apart is by the part number.

Perhaps the reason is not to put Cherry MX blue switches based G710 at a disadvantage because people tend to think that the plus version is the bigger and perhaps better one; think Apple iPhone’s version numbering scheme.  Therefore, it kind of make sense that logi wants to put the MX blue switch board at the same level as the one equipped with MX brown; hence the market confusion.  Both keyboards have identical functionality, except the switch differences (oh, and the o-ring too).

So from my perspective, the G710 with Cherry MX blue switches has part number: 920-006519 and the G710+ with MX brown switches and with o-rings has part number: 920-003887.  The other way is to observe the keyboard itself.  If the G keys are surrounded by an orange border, then it is the MX brown.  If the G keys are surrounded by blue border, then it is the MX blue.  Enjoy!

Both logi G710+ versions are available from many retailers and Amazon.com.  Handy links are listed below if you are looking to purchase one from Amazon.com to support this site.  Thanks!

Logi G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Tactile High-Speed Keys - Black (MX brown)

Logi  G710+ Blue Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switches for Tactile High-Speed Feedback (920-006519) (MX blue, sometimes marketed as G710)

Popularity problem

Cherry MX switches have a problem: popularity.  It’s a good problem to have, I suppose.  Since Cherry is the only company that supplies genuine Cherry MX switches, they are having trouble keeping up with the demand.  So, there are talk of advanced order for at least one year at some point.  As how the market works, there are a few ways to correct this problem without impacting the supply curve (namely, changing price).

So, a company facing an entrenched competitor have a few options.  One, they can build a better or cheaper mouse trap.  Two, they can invent a new kind of mouse trap, namely a new way to do the same job.  Route two is a rather disruptive path and rarely taken, but companies such as Microsoft, Apple and Google have done so just to name a few.  After the MX switch patents have expired, there are quite a few cloners that popped up.  Kailh is one of the best copies out there, but there many of them who can also match the Cherry’s ability to produce switches massive quantities and while costing less.  Thus, there is no big surprise that some of the keyboard companies have gone to cloners instead of Cherry.  Das Keyboard for example decided to go with Kalih with their latest TKL keyboard and so has Truly Ergonomic Keyboard with their new TECK models.  The other way is to outdo Cherry at their own game by making a better mouse trap.  That’s the route Logitech and Omron have chosen apparently regardless of the motivation behind it.  Omron brings a lot of switch making expertise to the table since not only have they mastered micro-switches, apparently, they have made keyboard switches before as well.  Given Logitech’s mindshare in the peripheral market space, this is a potent alliance that just might tip things in their favor against the mighty Cherry.  This is definitely worth keep an eye on since those guys are likely in for the long game.

More information surfaced about Cherry MX silent key switches

More information are now surfacing around tech news sites such as Anandtech about the new Cherry MX silent switches.  Apparently not only the MX Red switch is getting a silent treatment, so is the MX Black version.  So, the linear switches are the first ones to get the noise reduction technology.  Based on the descriptions thus far, it's a new double shot injected plastic part that dampens the down stroke as well as the upstroke.  I am guessing that the technology is similar to Matias's doggy bone design, except Cherry's version is integrated via double shot manufacturing method rather as a discreet part.  It's probably some sort of rubber material and according to Anandtech, it's indeed a rubbery thermoplastic elastomer.  This part will likely do the same job as some of the custom O-rings or dampening pads, which have to be inserted manually.  As anticipated, Corsair will have a 6 month timed exclusive to these new silent switches.

One thing to note is the key travel has reduced slightly down to 3.7mm rather than the traditional 4mm.  This is likely to accommodate the silencing module.  0.3mm difference is not likely to be picked up by someone like me.  However, some gaming pros or high speed typists may notice the change.  Other than that, there's supposedly no difference.  I wonder if the MX brown will get the silencing feature in the future.  It probably won't make sense for the clicky switch like the MX blue, but you never know.....

Logi’s Orion Spark, G910

I should have noticed this earlier, but didn’t pay closer attention.  Apparently, Logitech too, wanted to capture a piece of the gamer’s keyboard market and decided that they can make a better switch then the common Cherry MX family has to offer.  Logi does market keyboard that has Cherry MX switches (the G710+ comes to mind).  However, it is possible that this might be another case of NIH (not invented here) and the company has set out to outdo Cherry.  On the other hand, I have heard enough whispers that Cherry simply couldn’t keep up with demand.  Therefore, Logitech may simply hedging its bets by going to another supplier.  I guess the general public will never know, but interesting to speculate none the less.

Omron mouse switches are reputed to be some of the better made ones out there and since Logi moves millions of mice, it makes sense that Omron would be involved in the new Logi collaboration.  The Romer-G switch is the result.  Supposedly, it address one glaring weakness of the Cherry MX switches, which is the LED lighting mechanism.  Obviously, the Cherry MX switches weren’t designed with lighting in mind back then as the key cap stem is right in the middle of the switch.  There are other advantages, but some are rather amusing, such as shorter travel distance to activation.

Anyhow, I am interested in testing the G910 sometimes when I have chance.  So, as usual, if I can source one with relative reasoned price, then I will see what I can do.

Just as I thought....

As I mentioned yesterday, looks like Razer has a response for the new Corsair STRIFE RGB.  Razer has announced the Deathstalker Chroma.  Now, this is different from the Black Widow line, which does deploy Cherry MX clone switches.  The Deathstalker line keyboards are labeled "Chiclet key caps" whatever that means.  I am guessing it's a scissor switch with Chiclet style key cap layout for the gamer who prefers scissor switches over the Cherry MX mechanical switches.  Nothing wrong with that.  Like STRIFE RGB, this one also sports a traditional 104 keys layout with a few other extras.  Indeed, looks like the gaming keyboard market is alive and well.  I wonder what Logi has in store next.

Cherry announced a new member to the MX family

Cherry has just announced a new MX switch, dubbed, the MX Silent.  Here's the announcement video via YouTube.  Given the timing with Gamescom, taking place in Cologne, Germany, one should not be surprised that this is likely a gamer-centric switch.  Indeed, it is their new RGB linear switch like the MX red that is silenced by some technology that Cherry wasn't ready to share in the video.

Not too much known at this time, but Corsair, one of the partners closest to Cherry is supposed to have a keyboard ready for the market soon called STRIFE RGB, retailing for around $150 USD.  STRIFE RGB has the traditional 104 keyboard format.   From the look of it, Corsair is the exclusive customer for the new switch.  I am guessing that this is a timed exclusive agreement, like the MX RGB switches before.  Now that Cherry MX RGB switches are no longer Corsair's alone, Corsair will need something new and this is probably what Cherry came up with to share with Corsair.  On the product website, Crosair specifically named Black Widow Chroma and G910 Orion Spark as competitions.  This should be interesting to watch because I am pretty sure Razer and Logitech, I mean, Logi are not just standing around and let Corsair have all the fun....

Topre Realforce 55g, TKL keyboard impression round 2

Since I am familiar with Topre switches now, the 55g keyboard just really seemed natural.  Just as the 45g version, I am much more accurate with this keyboard than with the ergonomically weight version simply because I am much more used to even force necessary to activate the switches across the board.  No pun intended.  Another real bonus is that this key caps are the regular cylindrical shaped key caps.  So, if one's not interested in the high key setup, this is a good one to get.  The PBT with dye sublimation feels nice with no different feeling when gliding across the key cap legend surface like some of the key caps with UV coating or laser etched.  So, it’s a nice smooth, consistent feeling.  The weight is a little higher.  So, if I do bump another key by accident, I won’t usually activate it.  This really does cut down on the typo errors that I was having with the ergo keys.

For some reason, Topre doesn’t market a uniform 55g 104 keys full size keyboard.  I know that they do make them.  Deskhority has a nice list of all the models Topre has made under the Realforce brand.  Anyhow, this gives me an opportunity to experiment and try out a ten-keyless (TKL) setup.  Since the layout is no different than the standard 104 key setup on the left side.  There’s nothing new to report.  However, the number pad is gone.  So, the keyboard is shorter length wise and I can put my mouse or trackball closer.  Therefore, there is some ergonomic advantage for a smaller keyboard after all.  Although I use the alpha-key set more, I do use the number pad sometimes to enter numbers.  I am just more used to the number pad, then hunt for the keys across the top.  So, this keyboard may not be Excel’s best buddy when I need it.  However, I can live with it since I just mentally treat it as a laptop keyboard.  All the navigation keys are present on the right side.  So, the arrow keys, page up/down, etc are all present.  I must say that I like the TKL setup unless I am doing some heavy number entry.  For this reason, Trope makes dedicated number pad.  Guess what; they do cost an arm and a leg as well.  Go figure….

So far, I have quite a favorable impression for the Topre Realforce TKL keyboard with uniform 55g key weights.  This very much a difference experience with the ergo weighted Topre keyboard.  This is the closest something ever got near my favorite Cherry MX brown switches based Das Keyboard.  If it has some media-control keys like the Das Keyboard, the Das Keyboard 4 Pro may find itself demoted after some more long term testing!  I will continue to test and tryout this keyboard under various conditions and see how it stand up to the test.  For now, Das Keyboard’s spot on my desktop is safe, but it should be checking its 6.

Topre Realforce TKL comes in two different color versions and are available from Elitekeyboards.com, NCIX sometimes and Amazon.com.  Handy links are listed below if you are looking to purchase one from Amazon.com to support this site.  Thanks!

Realforce 87U Tenkeyless 55g (White/Gray) (SE08T0)

Realforce 87U Tenkeyless 55g (Black) (SE18T0)

Uniform weighted Topre Realforce 104UG with raised keys impression

Ok, now it's the 45g’s turn this round.  With the raised key or high keys, the typing experience is very different.  It’s uniform weighted, but the each keys in the home row are shaped slightly different, so one can just by touch know where the keys are.  It’s a very interesting idea.  I still make a few more mistakes because I still bump the keys by accident, but it’s much better now compared to the ergo weighted keys.  I think my velocity is still a bit constricted, but it’s because of the new keyboard shape rather then key action.  So, I will have to take some time to get used to this keyboard.  So far, my impression is very positive, but so was the  first time with the Topre switch.  I think with this shaped keys, I am still making more mistakes than the uniformed 55g, because the keys are still lighter than what I expected.  So, my problem with it still sort of remains.  Again, maybe over time, I will begin to know the keys by feel, so I don’t need to bottom out as much as I have been.  This is still a touch typist keyboard where as the 55g is more the traditional kind of keyboard.  The travel needed is still not as deep than I have anticipated.  However, it’s not as bad as the last Topre keyboard, which was infuriating.  I really had trouble with that one.

Better, but I will need more time to know if this will eventually work or not.  Time will tell.  Every time, I try to type time, I hit the k key by accident more.  Let’s see what happens again.  Time, time, netime, time, time, tikme, time…  A couple or errors right there....  Anyhow, more testing is needed.  Also, this keyboard sounds different than the rest.  I wonder if it's because of the raised keys or not.  Curious tho.  Needlessly to say, my impression of this keyboard is rather favorable at the moment.  Let's see if it holds up.

Topre Realforce 104UG (YK2100) is available from elitekeyboards.com and Amazon.com.  Handy links are listed below if you are looking to purchase one from Amazon.com to support this site.  Thanks!

Realforce 104UG "High-Profile" (Black/Gray)