53
Topre Collection
(i.imgur.com)
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 =]
No problem! I understand your pain. I think I have close to 40 keyboards now…