Post your Topre boards

[insolentpotato]

“87uw55” out of “spare” parts aka don’t do this fam

I spent way more on this than just buying one for $200+ or so (as of Q1 2022), but let’s just skip that part shall we?

The case and cable is from a 91u, the caps are from a beige R2 TKL, bottom row mods from 91u, LED L Ctrl, Caps Lock, and spare 6u spacebar from a Redditor. The skeleton for this build is a 87ub55 ( but it is now running purple sliders (from the R2 TKL) and Des #5 and the usual stab and pcb lubing program per common practice.

Purists, look away. Scuffed bottom row incoming:

(If anyone has a spare 1u gray Win key pls DM tysm)

Anyways don’t be me, just pay the aftermarket for beige nowadays. Don’t do this. I still have another gutted 87u to rehab and I ask myself why I chose to be one with cup rubber.

Cheers!

[chono]

Deskmat makes it look like it’s in a shopping cart…

Also, my 91u had a different profile for the windows and menu key (row 3 I think, whatever the Enter key is) so don’t be afraid to mix and match!

[tobiasvl]

Waiting for my polycarb Heavy Grail to put this Coldtop Topre-themed board in. Also waiting for the Coldtop Topre deskmats to be restocked…

[AristideTorchia]

I love those caps, Ranger. Realforce 104UG, right?
How did you obtain those and how do you find the typing comfort compared to stock?

I have stock pro 3 in heavy grail and the typing experience is unmatched. My only experience of hipro is from KBDfans but they’re not of great quality, crooked and not mounting correctly, degrading the typing experience to the point of it not being worth the nice looks. I am wandering if anyone has experience of quality hipros like yours and kbd aftermarket, to tell me how they compare?

[blackriver]

The one that started it all for me

[tobiasvl]

Forgot to post the finished setup here!

[HungerMechanic]

I know that a couple of non-Topre EC have made it into this thread.

I just noticed an ad [Facebook] for the latest Varmilo designs. They have both a linear and tactile EC on offer:

Varmilo

New release!

Varmilo newest EC v2 switches: Jasmine (Linear) & Iris (Tactile)

Varmilo Jasmine is super speedy linear switch, with the light trigger weight and short key travel distance, it brings low latency response. Keep your brain, eyes and hands cooperate faster than ever.

Just like Jasmine, when saw it at first sight, its floral smell already comes to your nose and responded by your brain immediately.

Varmilo Iris is early-trigger prolonged tactile switch, with longer tactile and potent rebound. It brings melodious sound and satisfying hand feeling.

Just like Iris, which represent imposing strength in ancient Egypt. When using this switch, it’s power will run through your vein.

This is all very interesting to me. Despite the flowery description, Varmilo may be offering its own take on tactile EC. I’m glad they are.

I have an earlier Varmilo EC sample, a pink linear, and it wasn’t that impressive. Very ‘meh’ in feel, almost nothing in feel. Too light for a linear. And it makes a higher-pitched shuffling sound.

Despite the flowery description, it sound like they have a fairly potent tactile in V2. Wish I could get a sample. Although it’s still 35 G Niz and Topre I’m leaning towards. [My ABKO is great, but I just can’t get over that 45 [really 50 G] weight, which feels gratuitous for the limited tactility of the Niz dome.

[unnuen]

2 cuties on my board

[WayToBlue]

55g domes
Rails lubed with 3203
Stabs lubed with 205g0
Deskeys #3 rings

It’s pretty good.

[unnuen]

Hangul 980C.

[windfall]

Love the mix and match of colored RF caps for accents. Really makes the whole board shine. Really like the RF Hangul caps as well.

[online]

My workhorse when I was working at the office. It has been in its bag for two years now…

[chono]

Sell it to me.

[windfall]

I see JIS layout, I like. That bottom row looks fantastic, and that orange-ish key is the cherry on top. Amazing.

[tobiasvl]

[windfall]

This is beautiful. Where are the mods from?

[tobiasvl]

https://kbdfans.com/collections/keycaps/products/ec-hhkb-blank-d-g-keycaps

[windfall]

Awesome, thanks! They really match the Aperture finish.

[ninjapirate]

Finally built the Heavy Grail.

Pro Classic, 3204 lubed housings + stabs, stock domes and sliders.

[M_er_sun]

gorgeous