What is SpaceFN and why you should give it a try
The SpaceFN concept - setting up your space key as a layer switch when held - is probably one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby. Let me explain how it works. My SpaceFN article on kbd.news made some rounds recently - quite surprisingly given the age of this concept. This piece you're reading is a condensed version of the full post. If you're left with unanswered questions, you'll most likely find the info you're looking for in the original write-up. On my imaginary top list of the most useful keyboard features, tweaks and hacks, SpaceFN would deserve a podium finish for sure. But what makes it so special? In short: SpaceFN is easy to implement, easy to learn, costs nothing, can be used with any keyboard, and can improve your productivity instantly. I will list its benefits below, but can state right at this point that the SpaceFN concept, setting up your space key as a layer switch when held, is clearly one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby....
Apr 30, 2024
What I am saying is that this is one of the very best keyboards out there as far as typing experience goes. The 55g Topre switch especially is a dream to type on. I normally write ~5,000-10,000 words a day, and the 55g switch has been the most comfortable switch I've ever used. In regards to the RF, the thick PBT keycaps, no frills design, and exceptional switches make it the ideal work keyboard, or keyboard for someone that types heavily on a daily basis. Sure, it may not look like the Devastator (??) gaming keyboard that is also dropping right now, but it is unquestionably an exceptional keyboard.
It sounds like the primary reason you're calling the Realforce the best keyboard is the Topre switches. These switches could just as easily be used on a superior layout. Unfortunately, the company has stuck with small, staggered, old layouts exclusively, as have countless others. It doesn't take any creative effort and it's low risk to stick with the established trend.
Which one to take, the Keybordio, a TEK or a ...... All of them claim to have found the holy grail.
Typing for 35 years with traditional keyboard layout, and lucky not to have had any medical problems yet.
On Topic: I would have liked to join for a Realforce 87U Tenkeyless 55g (White/Gray)
i've made that experience just a couple of weeks ago. A mate of my German mechacom went for a trip to the States for vacation. Therefore me and another mate were given the chance to try his HHKB for quite some time.
My favorite switches are lubed clears, really love them. The HHKB arrived at my door and i had been curious to try the holy grail of many people.
My first impression after typing a little bit had been twisted, i love the TOCK, what a nice sound, otherwise i wasn't that impressed. They just feel different than any Cherry switch and i thought what a Mumbo Jumbo and so expensive, went back to my clears.
Later that evening i said to myself, go and be unbiased and type a little bit more and it happened that we had a nice evening talking/typing a lot on our forum and the HHKB felt better and better, for me it had been some kind of love at second sight/typing.
I still love my clears, but if had to write a lot i might prefer the topre switches, i find them very, very pleasing for longer typing sessions.
It might be like this, you're wild and young at heart and go to parties a lot dating fancy looking Cherry girls, following the three F (Find them, f...k them, forget them) you might stumble upon a shy and unfancy Topre girl, no other action can be found, and you take her home expecting nothing special and boom, this girl isn't something to forget, and you start to imagine a life happily together.
TOCK
Cheers, House
I havn't known that rule too, but it had been one of the first things i got told about 30 years ago when i had the chance to live in the Bay Area for some time.
Imagine a young German fellow from a very small village in Lower Saxony exploring the wonderfull San Francisco with all that beautiful opportunities.
This had been one of the best times i've ever had in my life!
I type 110 WPM with my ErgoDox that I've used heavily for over a year, and 170 WPM on my HHKB. I have no health issues at all from typing on a "old layout" either. I cant definitely say its any more comfortable, or puts any less strain on my hands/fingers/wrist than a normal keyboard either. I know if I gave my Grandfather a Keyboardio and told him that is was positively better to use, he would never, ever be able to send another email again in his life. There is simply no one thing that is best for everyone.
Build quality, materials, and switch types culminating into a single keyboard are what make the Realforce great, not just good. I've literally used hundreds of keyboards, and as far as standard keyoards go, the RF wins out in almost every catagory. My one real gripe with the RF is the non-removable cable, which is a small issue at best.
I don't know if you've ever used a Topre keyboard, or a 55g Topre keyboard, but it sounds like your only criticism is its "old layout" which isn't really relevant. It would be like complaining that the Keyboardio doesn't have a "normal layout." That isn't what it is even going for, so there is no reason to complain about that.