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.