When comparing Truly Ergonomic 209 vs Realforce 87U Tenkeyless, the Slant community recommends Realforce 87U Tenkeyless for most people. In the question“What are the best keyboards for programming?” Realforce 87U Tenkeyless is ranked 16th while Truly Ergonomic 209 is ranked 44th. The most important reason people chose Realforce 87U Tenkeyless is:
This keyboard is equipped with mechanical Topre switches that offer a pleasant tactile experience that resembles playing the piano thanks to their complicated mechanical design. Additionally, Topre switched doesn't feel loose or wobbly since the mechanism is actually attached to a rigid plate that is placed above the printed circuit board.
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Pros
Pro Blank keys look sly
The 209 comes with blank keycaps, which looks great. It also helps learning how to touch type.
Pro Comfortable and ergonomic
The 209 is designed ergonomically, so it fits user's hands naturally, making it comfortable to use.
Pro Non-staggered keys for easier typing
This keyboard's keys are arranged in a non-staggered way. This allows for a more efficient, easier typing process.
Pro Key layout customization
The 209 key layout can be altered: users can move functions between keys as they please. Settings are firmware-saved, so they apply even if the keyboard is moved to a different computer.
Pro Pleasant tactile feeling
This keyboard is equipped with mechanical Topre switches that offer a pleasant tactile experience that resembles playing the piano thanks to their complicated mechanical design.
Additionally, Topre switched doesn't feel loose or wobbly since the mechanism is actually attached to a rigid plate that is placed above the printed circuit board.
Pro Doesn't produce much noise
You will not draw your colleagues and members of household insane while working with this keyboard since the Topre switches produce less noise than the traditional mechanical switches like the Cherry MX-Red or MX-Brown.
Pro Key caps feel wonderfully silky
Pro Compact
Thanks to its tenkeyless design the Realforce 87U is very compact and, therefore, doesn't take up too much space in a bag.
Cons
Con Tenkeyless design
This keyboard lacks numpad.
Con Cable position is inconvenient
This might not be the best option for those who's workspace is limited since the keyboard's cable connector is located on the right side of the Realforce 87U - just at the place where you would typically place a mouse.