This is my Topre collection. I’ve been a collector for years now and mainly collector Topre and Alps boards.
The bottom three boards are a Japanese layout with ISO English keycaps right? Are the function layers programmable on those? I’ve always wondered.
I use a Tex Yoda II and operate the function layer with my thumb on the middle trackpoint mouse button so very little movement is required (see image). I have always loved my Topre boards though and would like to replicate this convenience on something using Topre. The Japanese layout with extra bottom row keys and a smaller spacebar seems perfect in theory. It’s a lot of money to spend on something I might not be able to use at all if it’s not programmable though.
Correct! The bottom 3 are JIS boards. The newer models have a program you can use to program the function layers. The older Pro 2 boards don’t, but you can buy an aftermarket controller that adds programmability. I use Hasu controllers and they’re great. You should be able to get what you want with these controllers.
I love your board!
Here’s a link to the page
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.0
If you want to find a board with this layout you can use something like Buyee to proxy ship a used one or buy the newer model that’s programmable stock.
Thanks, that’s really great info! Aaaannd just like that the stack of keyboard boxes gets a little higher and my wallet gets a little lighter =]
Which one is your favorite, and what makes you love Topre so much? (I’m a newbie)
The Enigma Black Heavy Grail is my favorite. Using stock HHKB internals and 55g OEM domes. I personally just love the way Topre feels.
Topre is incredibly smooth and has the best key feel in my opinion. I have many other boards (MX, Alps, Buckling Spring, Space Invaders) but I always come back to Topre.
Are these even attainable anymore? And is it really worth the price tag?? Just some quick googling and they seem to be over a grand
The aftermarket cases get pretty expensive, but the boards themselves are obtainable. The Fc660c and HHKB are pretty widely available. You could check out SHO cases.
It’s worth the price tag to me. They are expensive but they also hold their value pretty well so if you’re not a fan you can recoup most of your money.
Some of those space bars be like “oh look a penny!”
If anyone wants photos of specific boards let me know! I can take individual photos and post them here.
Just finally got my HHKB Professional Hybrid Type-S. Any must-have modifications or you think stock is fine? I have no experience disassembling and lubing so it’s a little intimidating, especially if there’s a chance I fuck something up lol
Congratulations on the HHKB! The only must do mod is lubing the stabilizers heavily. There are a lot of great videos on lubing Topre boards through YouTube. Thankfully Topre is pretty easy to work with once you get used to it.
206g0 is what I normally use for stabilizers. I normally buy from this site.