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Quakemz
280
Apr 26, 2017
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Alright, it's time for my thoughts!
Hello, all! As you might have seen, I did receive a sample of this profile via Massdrop a few days back. The sample I have received is white, blank and 3D printed, so, the overall feel is NOT completely true to the finished dye-subbed PBT version, however the sculpt itself should be the same.
A little backstory of me: I dislike sculpted SA profile from Signature Plastics. I feel that it really slows me down and isn't enjoyable for me to use. I'm a much bigger fan of lower-profile caps, such as Cherry and DSA.
Anyways, after using the MT3 profile for a few days now, I have to say it's quite comfortable. It's not overly tall like I thought it might be. I do still wish it were shorter, but it does not bug me in the same way that SP's SA profile does, thankfully.
The sculpt itself is pleasantly aggressive. It really does give that vintage feel and appearance. I've not spent much time with an IBM Beamspring, unfortunately, but I have used my share of Topre Hi-Pro, and this is fairly similar to me. It cradles your fingers in a way that no other profile can. Due to the concave nature of the caps, each press is comfortable, like little finger couches. With the rampage of SA and GMK sets on the market right now, it's refreshing to have something different like this, and is very welcomed, in my eyes. It's probably not going to dethrone my current favorite profile, Cherry, but I can't wait to feel the finished version.
Some closing thoughts: These caps were sent to me on a Ducky TKL with MX Reds, so that's what I've been using them on. I think on a "nicer" board with heavier/more rigid switches, these would feel even better, but I didn't want to risk damaging the 3D printed caps by swapping them around to different boards. Being as tall as they are, they incur a stronger feeling of "wobble", similar to SA profile. Some people like me don't mind it, but I know others are appalled by it. As neat as the sculpt is, I do feel it would work best with the most rigid switches you can find. Invyr Pandas, Topre->MX sliders and the newest "Speed" iterations from Kailh all come to mind, though honestly, I think the MX switch-style in general is not the best for this, hence why it was originally on the much more robust IBM Beamspring. With that said, I'm very interested to see what switches people use these with!
Also, I don't type "correctly". My typing style is a lot more of what I like to call "freestyle". Personally, I feel a more proper typing style will suit this sculpt best, as I can't fully enjoy the angles with my own method, which might also be why I lean more towards more neutral sculpts.
Thanks again to Massdrop for providing me a sample of this. I'll definitely be ordering a set!
EDIT: Swapped MOD switches for Topre->MX Sliders. because it seems others may have wobblier MOD switches than I do.
Apr 26, 2017
schoolbus
1292
Apr 26, 2017
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QuakemzNice write up however you kind of lost me at rigid & mod switches in the same sentence.
Mod switches are easily the wobbliest switches I have in comparison to zealios, ergo clears, kailh coppers. I threw SA on my mod switches just to see how extreme it could be and boy oh boy it's something else, but I do still like them.
Apr 26, 2017
Quakemz
280
Apr 26, 2017
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schoolbusHuh, that's quite interesting. The batch I received of the MODs are noticeably stiffer than Zealios and Gateron.
Apr 26, 2017
Elrick
2105
Apr 27, 2017
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QuakemzWhich version of MODs did you get?
Waiting upon the Tactile M - Mod switches to arrive at my place, curious if they are any better than the standard Cherry's or Zealio's.
Apr 27, 2017
Quakemz
280
Apr 27, 2017
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ElrickMOD-H for me, definitely one of the earlier batches, I believe. Very scratchy, but very tactile. There is definite wobble, because that's just how the MX-design is, but they're not as bad as the Gaterons or Zealios I have on hand.
Apr 27, 2017
Elrick
2105
Apr 27, 2017
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QuakemzThank you Quakemz, very informative with the MOD switches considering they are still quite rare even amongst the Keyboard Communities.
Apr 27, 2017
Moonwolf
56
Apr 27, 2017
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QuakemzCan we use these kep caps on topre switches? I thought these were only for cherry mx profile switches? I have leopold 660c with topre switches and i was thinking of ordering 660m with cherry switches just to use with these keys. Your confirmation will be very appropriated.
Apr 27, 2017
Quakemz
280
Apr 27, 2017
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MoonwolfThese will NOT work on the traditional Topre stem. When I said "Topre->MX slider", I mean something like the Novatouch, which is a Topre board that comes with MX-compatible sliders. Some people harvest those sliders to use in other Topre boards, so they can use their MX caps on their HHKB of 660C, for example. Furthermore, there are aftermarket sliders made by JTK and another seller on Aliexpress that effectively do the same thing. You just buy the sliders, pop them into your desired Topre board and you can then use MX caps! :)
Apr 27, 2017
Moonwolf
56
Apr 27, 2017
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QuakemzWow, this is great to know. Thank you very much!
Apr 27, 2017
vulup
7
Apr 29, 2017
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MoonwolfThe Topre Realforce RGB also comes with such sliders in its stock configuration.
Apr 29, 2017
SpectreiiI
149
Jun 9, 2017
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QuakemzKaihua box switches are even better than the speed variety. Easily the most stable switches out there, and smooth as butter.
Jun 9, 2017
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