For keyboard enthusiasts, the word ‘Topre’ is whispered with a certain reverence. It represents the pinnacle of typing feel for many—the unique, satisfying “thock” of an electrostatic capacitive switch that is neither fully mechanical nor purely membrane. It’s the Rolls-Royce of rubber domes. But this luxury has always come with a frustrating lack of customisation.
For years, owners of premium Topre keyboards like a Realforce or the cult-classic HHKB found their keycap options painfully limited. You were either stuck with high-quality stock caps or had to venture into the complex world of aftermarket sliders to use standard MX-style keycaps—a process many purists argue alters the signature Topre feel. That long wait for a native solution may be over.
We got our hands on a set of Ursa keycaps, a new option designed from the ground up exclusively for Topre stems. This is our hands-on review.
What Are Ursa Keycaps for Topre?
Simply put, Ursa keycaps are made to fit directly onto a Topre keyboard’s plunger with no modifications needed. This is the direct-fit, high-quality solution the community has been asking for. Created by the boutique design house AetherWorks, these aren’t just clones; they are a thoughtfully crafted product.
Key features of the Ursa keycap set include:
* Material: Thick, durable PBT plastic that resists shine.
* Legends: Crisp, doubleshot legends that will never fade.
* Stem: Native Topre stem compatibility (no adapters required).
* Profile: A unique, deeply sculpted spherical profile dubbed ‘Ursa’, reminiscent of MT3 or SA.
The sculpted, spherical design aims to cradle your fingertips, promising a more comfortable and accurate typing experience.
Ursa Keycaps Review: A Hands-On Test
We installed the Ursa set on our HHKB Hybrid Type-S to test the feel, sound, and overall aesthetic.
First Impressions: Build Quality and Profile
Unboxing the Ursa set feels premium. The keycaps have a substantial weight, thick walls, and a finely textured matte finish that feels fantastic. Installation was a breeze—a simple pull of the old caps and a firm press for the new ones. They fit snugly on the HHKB’s stems with zero wobble, a testament to their precise manufacturing.
The Typing Feel: A Major Upgrade?
In a word: transformative. While stock Topre caps are excellent, the sculpted Ursa profile is on another level for typists who enjoy a non-uniform feel. Your fingers naturally find their home row, and the deep dishing on each key is incredibly comfortable for long sessions of writing or coding. The textured PBT provides a pleasant, grippy surface that stock ABS caps often lack.
The Sound Test: Enhancing the Topre ‘Thock’
Now, for the most important question for any Topre owner: the sound. The soul of a Topre keyboard is its unique acoustic signature. We’re thrilled to report that Ursa keycaps don’t just preserve it; they enhance it.
The thick PBT material deepens the sound profile significantly. The standard ‘thock’ becomes a richer, more resonant ‘thud’. It’s a subtle but deeply satisfying change that makes the typing experience feel more substantial and deliberate. It’s the audio equivalent of shifting from a good speaker to a high-fidelity sound system.
Aesthetics: A New Look for Your Keyboard
Aesthetically, these keycaps are a game-changer for personalizing your board. Our review set, in a retro-inspired ‘Chai’ colorway of muted browns and creams, gave the HHKB a whole new personality. It went from a stoic office tool to a piece of bespoke desk art.
The Verdict: Are Ursa Keycaps Worth It?
Ursa is not just another product; it’s a statement. It proves there is a strong market for high-end, native Topre customisation. For too long, Topre users have looked on with envy as the MX keyboard world exploded with endless keycap options. Ursa is a major step in bridging that gap.
They aren’t cheap, but quality rarely is. For dedicated Topre aficionados who have invested in their endgame board, Ursa keycaps are the missing piece of the puzzle. They offer a way to truly personalize the look, feel, and sound of a beloved keyboard without compromise. Frankly, it’s about time the king of switches got a wardrobe worthy of its status.
