Ursa Keycaps: A Fresh Look for Your Topre Keyboard
For enthusiasts of Topre keyboards, the scarcity of keycap options has long been a source of frustration. Unlike the vast aftermarket for standard mechanical keyboards, owners of boards like the Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) and Realforce R3 have been largely limited to OEM-profile PBT keycaps. These often come with dye-sublimated legends in a palette of light grey, charcoal, or white.
A New Hope for Topre Owners
Thankfully, a solution has arrived. Ursa, a new keycap style designed specifically for Topre electrocapacitive switches, promises to revitalize the aesthetic of these beloved keyboards. The Ursa keycaps, with their classic spherical profile and centered legends, offer a welcome change.
The Backstory
The story of Ursa began in April 2024, when details about the keycaps were first unveiled. The initial group buy, as reported by The Verge, generated considerable excitement within the community. The anticipation was palpable, with an expected shipping date of early 2025. This new keycap option provides a much needed customization option for Topre users, as a means to dress up any Topre keyboard.
Why Ursa Matters
The introduction of Ursa keycaps is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It represents a significant step forward in customization options for Topre keyboard users. This allows owners of the HHKB and other Topre boards to finally enjoy a wider range of looks. This is accomplished by using dye-sublimated legends, a common method of applying legends to keycaps that ensures durability and a clean look.
With Ursa, the ability to personalize your keyboard is expanded, making it a more individual and appealing tool.
Source: The Verge
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