Do you regret buying your HHKB?

[KeypressGraphics]

...because owning one makes you shrug your shoulders at other keyboards, making it harder to convince yourself you "need" to buy one?   


I haven't owned mine that long but this is how I'm starting to feel. Admittedly the Type-S is calling and I'd like to try a RF 87U to feel the difference a plate makes.
If only the HHKB was a better platform for customization. MX key compatibility is one of the few things lacking but the stock caps are awesome anyway.

[epzy]

nope

[appleonama]

"regrete" and "hhkb" should not be in the same sentence.

[Sygaldry]

I regret it very much... because it has made almost every other keyboard feel sub par in comparison.

[nubbinator]

The only thing I regret about my HHKB is buying other boards first.

[Novus]

No and reported for spam

[Air tree]

<3 you OP

[uJalled]

I haven't regretted buying anything less since my PS2, 101% worth the money

[bcredbottle]

.

[thefebruaryman]

I don't get it, what separates a HHKB from any other 60% keyboard?

Buy one and never look back. Ordered a second the other day and getting rid of all my other boards.

[bcredbottle]

.

[epzy]

I don't get it, what separates a HHKB from any other 60% keyboard?

Buy one and never look back. Ordered a second the other day and getting rid of all my other boards.

Yes, I get that people think it's great. But why?

feels great, looks great, is g.o.a.t.

[hwood34]

I don't get it, what separates a HHKB from any other 60% keyboard?

Buy one and never look back. Ordered a second the other day and getting rid of all my other boards.

Yes, I get that people think it's great. But why?

for $235, hopefully the best plastic known to man

[nubbinator]

I don't get it, what separates a HHKB from any other 60% keyboard?

Buy one and never look back. Ordered a second the other day and getting rid of all my other boards.

Yes, I get that people think it's great. But why?

Why do people think sex is greater than masturbation?

[Air tree]

I don't get it, what separates a HHKB from any other 60% keyboard?

Buy one and never look back. Ordered a second the other day and getting rid of all my other boards.

Yes, I get that people think it's great. But why?

for $235, hopefully the best plastic known to man

It's more than plastic, mang. It's all the innocence and love in the world compacted into a 60% keyboard. 

[TopreFan333]

Don't regret it for a minute. I *look forward* to typing at this point, way more than I did with my previous Cherry-based board (which now feels pretty crude and rough by comparison).

And as far as lack of customization options, I'm starting to see that as a plus because I'm not blowing $100 every time some "better" keycaps come along that I will also get tired of, or ****ing around changing little details constantly just because I can.

[exitfire401]

While I don't regret buying my HHKB, I do regret going with the type-s over the regular. I'm very happy with the board either way though.

[derb2k2]

ah! Some great replies here.

Basically, the HHKB is worth the price of admission. The only regret I have is not getting the Type-S

[spiceBar]

Yes I regret purchasing it.

Poor build quality for an excessive price: squeaky case and rattling space bar.

No arrow keys. Depending on your use, you end up spending the whole day pressing Fn with your pinky: sure way to get RSI after a few months or years.

The default layout is almost unusable for me.

Mine has Hasu's alternate controller, so I can remap it easily to a more usable layout. That's the only reason I keep this keyboard. But still, the price is absolutely unjustifiable.

Well... Actually the price needs a lot of justifications/excuses, and you will find plenty in this thread.

[bcredbottle]

.

[hwood34]

No arrow keys. Depending on your use, you end up spending the whole day pressing Fn with your pinky: sure way to get RSI after a few months or years.

I mean in the HHKB's defense, if you need to use arrow keys often you really shouldn't be even looking at 60% or happy layouts in the first place

[Ludovician]

I regret buying my first HHKB, because I was hasty and bought it from an overpriced ebay vendor, and I bought the standard version instead of the Type-S.

I do not regret buying my Type-S.

[Synless]

I don't get it, what separates a HHKB from any other 60% keyboard?

It's really a combination of the default layout, Topre switches, and default PBT Keycaps. If you lose any of those three things the separation from other 60% boards is gone. I definitely recommend giving it a shot if you get a chance. 

Now the question you should really be asking is this: "If the Pok3r came with both a 45g and 55g Topre switch option would the HHKB still be king?"

And that is something I can't really answer.

[spiceBar]

No arrow keys. Depending on your use, you end up spending the whole day pressing Fn with your pinky: sure way to get RSI after a few months or years.

I mean in the HHKB's defense, if you need to use arrow keys often you really shouldn't be even looking at 60% or happy layouts in the first place

That's correct. It has taken me a while to come to this conclusion, because I really wanted to use the 60% layout.

And for this reason and for the build quality my opinion is that the FC660C is much better than the HHKB. But it's difficult to find now.

The Cherry MX version however, the FC660M, is available at this time from several places. And it's a good keyboard too.

[Polymer]

I definitely think some improvements can be made to the HHKB layout.  The only thing I think would NEED to stay is the backspace position..which is far superior...

If you added another key and used capslock as FN instead of CTRL, that's not a bad choice.and it would free up the easy use of IJKL as arrow keys like with the Poker 3..great way to use that space...barely need to move your hands to use arrow keys now..I think that is great...Some people like the gap in the HHKB layout where it is missing keys...I dunno..looks like...but I'm ok with improvements to the FN layer and utilizing that space...

But it still remains, if you need to use the FN layer a ton, 60%s are just not great for that...for most people they don't so it works out but if they did, it would suck...

So for me, a combination of the Poker 3 + HHKB Backspace position is ideal for me...now, what to do about keycaps...

[appleonama]

TYPE-S - 10/10
HHKB - 9/10
FC660C - 8.9/10
RF87U 45g - 8.5/10
NOVATOUCH - 7/10
POKER II - 5.7/10
ORION V2 SOON - idk

[steve.v]

I regret not getting one sooner. Bought a type-S, sold my ergodox/poker 2. Bought another HHKB (jap version) for work. One is fully programmable, the other will be soon. Mouse keys, Dual modifiers, layer togglebility (new word) == awesomeness. Did I mention I type Colemak?

[BLVCK]

I do not regret getting one. Love to carry some Topre goodness with me to work

[fknraiden]

wow, the amount of fanboyism is basically a circlejerk.
****, im working on build 2 and 3 might end up being a type s.
the WH is REAL

[Ngt]

I regret not getting one sooner. Bought a type-S, sold my ergodox/poker 2. Bought another HHKB (jap version) for work. One is fully programmable, the other will be soon. Mouse keys, Dual modifiers, layer togglebility (new word) == awesomeness. Did I mention I type Colemak?

Using Hasu's controller for the programmability?

[Ngt]

No arrow keys. Depending on your use, you end up spending the whole day pressing Fn with your pinky: sure way to get RSI after a few months or years.

I mean in the HHKB's defense, if you need to use arrow keys often you really shouldn't be even looking at 60% or happy layouts in the first place

I thought the 60% layout would be perfect for programming usage. Am I wrong thinking that?

[Wilba]

No arrow keys. Depending on your use, you end up spending the whole day pressing Fn with your pinky: sure way to get RSI after a few months or years.

I mean in the HHKB's defense, if you need to use arrow keys often you really shouldn't be even looking at 60% or happy layouts in the first place

I thought the 60% layout would be perfect for programming usage. Am I wrong thinking that?

It would have been perfect for me 20 years ago, when I was coding on UNIX platforms using vi... but I got used to more modern development environments and heavy use of arrow keys and mouse.

Damn, I feel old now. I was probably coding in vi before some of you VIM lovers were even born. Get off my lawn!

:q!

[rowdy]

It's really a combination of the default layout, Topre switches, and default PBT Keycaps. If you lose any of those three things the separation from other 60% boards is gone. I definitely recommend giving it a shot if you get a chance. 

Now the question you should really be asking is this: "If the Pok3r came with both a 45g and 55g Topre switch option would the HHKB still be king?"

And that is something I can't really answer.

Welcome to Geekhack!

Now that's an interesting question to ask in a first post!

Given the popularity of the Poker (2 mostly at the moment, but maybe to be supplanted by the 3), if the price was right I think you could have a very valid point!

[osi]

hell no

[Sencha]

My only regret was moving from a HHKB standard to Type-S hated. the sound  and feel of that board in comparison to the stock. Sold and got a new standard. All is well in the world and it was bugging me to try one out so nice to be free from that urge.

[Ludovician]

What did you dislike about it? I can't really feel a difference between my HHKB and my Type-S, but I can understand disliking the sound. Was it the whistling?

I don't mind the clacking of the standard HHKB at home, but I needed a silenced one for uni.

[yomammary]

I need to use the arrow keys a bit for work and getting used to the Fn layer was easy for me.

[Sencha]

What did you dislike about it? I can't really feel a difference between my HHKB and my Type-S, but I can understand disliking the sound. Was it the whistling?

I don't mind the clacking of the standard HHKB at home, but I needed a silenced one for uni.

The tighter tolerances on the switches made them feel a little rougher which never went away on mine. But losing the sound of the stock HHKB was the biggest thing. The Type-S to me is just lifeless without that sound, if was the first time I got the expensive rubber dome comparison. I bet if the Type-S was the cheaper option and the stock was more expensive I'm sure you'd see a lot more people praising the stock for the beautiful way that it sings. By all means go for the Type-S if you need to be quite but if not get the stock and enjoy that amazing song.

[JPG]

During the Montreal meetup, I was lucky to be able to try many keyboards I had never tried. Among them were Topre. I tried different Topre keyboard there. I am happy that I didn't buy a Topre keyboard. While I agree that the build construction was good for a modern keyboard, the switches were WAY too soft for my personal taste and it was so cushioned when bottoming out that it really felt like an improved version of a rubber dome. Much improved, but still much rubber.


Now I don't want to start a war because I can understand how someone that prefer light switches and smooth cushioned feeling would like the Topre keyboards, but it really felt weak compared to my model F. In fact, the only other switch that got my interest was the Hall effect (the ones Dorkvader had restored).


So my answer is NO, I don't regret buying a HHBK because I didn't buy one. If I did, I would regret it  . Model F for life!!!!







I am ready for the war!

[steve.v]

During the Montreal meetup, I was lucky to be able to try many keyboards I had never tried. Among them were Topre. I tried different Topre keyboard there. I am happy that I didn't buy a Topre keyboard. While I agree that the build construction was good for a modern keyboard, the switches were WAY too soft for my personal taste and it was so cushioned when bottoming out that it really felt like an improved version of a rubber dome. Much improved, but still much rubber.


Now I don't want to start a war because I can understand how someone that prefer light switches and smooth cushioned feeling would like the Topre keyboards, but it really felt weak compared to my model F. In fact, the only other switch that got my interest was the Hall effect (the ones Dorkvader had restored).


So my answer is NO, I don't regret buying a HHBK because I didn't buy one. If I did, I would regret it  . Model F for life!!!!




(Attachment Link)


I am ready for the war!

This topic is for people who bought one.

[CaplockJack]

No, I haven't bought one.

Yet.

#hype

[spiceBar]

During the Montreal meetup, I was lucky to be able to try many keyboards I had never tried. Among them were Topre. I tried different Topre keyboard there. I am happy that I didn't buy a Topre keyboard. While I agree that the build construction was good for a modern keyboard, the switches were WAY too soft for my personal taste and it was so cushioned when bottoming out that it really felt like an improved version of a rubber dome. Much improved, but still much rubber.


Now I don't want to start a war because I can understand how someone that prefer light switches and smooth cushioned feeling would like the Topre keyboards, but it really felt weak compared to my model F. In fact, the only other switch that got my interest was the Hall effect (the ones Dorkvader had restored).


So my answer is NO, I don't regret buying a HHBK because I didn't buy one. If I did, I would regret it  . Model F for life!!!!




(Attachment Link)


I am ready for the war!

This topic is for people who bought one.

I guess only people who still have one can post, then? Because the question is about "your" HHKB.

Does it excludes people who didn't like it and have sold it? Because when you sell it it's not yours anymore.

[Axollott]

10 points for a perfectly valid answer. 

[steve.v]

During the Montreal meetup, I was lucky to be able to try many keyboards I had never tried. Among them were Topre. I tried different Topre keyboard there. I am happy that I didn't buy a Topre keyboard. While I agree that the build construction was good for a modern keyboard, the switches were WAY too soft for my personal taste and it was so cushioned when bottoming out that it really felt like an improved version of a rubber dome. Much improved, but still much rubber.


Now I don't want to start a war because I can understand how someone that prefer light switches and smooth cushioned feeling would like the Topre keyboards, but it really felt weak compared to my model F. In fact, the only other switch that got my interest was the Hall effect (the ones Dorkvader had restored).


So my answer is NO, I don't regret buying a HHBK because I didn't buy one. If I did, I would regret it  . Model F for life!!!!




(Attachment Link)


I am ready for the war!

This topic is for people who bought one.

I guess only people who still have one can post, then? Because the question is about "your" HHKB.

Does it excludes people who didn't like it and have sold it? Because when you sell it it's not yours anymore.

Keyword: bought

[Polymer]

During the Montreal meetup, I was lucky to be able to try many keyboards I had never tried. Among them were Topre. I tried different Topre keyboard there. I am happy that I didn't buy a Topre keyboard. While I agree that the build construction was good for a modern keyboard, the switches were WAY too soft for my personal taste and it was so cushioned when bottoming out that it really felt like an improved version of a rubber dome. Much improved, but still much rubber.

I'm sure you've read that for many, it takes awhile to really understand and feel the difference between a normal rubber dome keyboard and a Topre....You basically went through what some people do when they buy it..try it for 5 minutes, put it on the classifieds....

But fair enough, whatever you prefer is what you prefer.  Having had more than my fair share of Model F and Model M, I wouldn't dream of using those over Topre....

[Matter]

I have never regretted owning the HHKB.

If you have tried typing on one, you will know that the feeling is so different as compared to typing on the other cherry keys and somehow it just makes you want to type more.
Not only that, my typing accuracy has also improved.

Never tried the Type-S though.
May or may not prefer that over standard.

[tkim]

The only thing I regret about my HHKB is buying other boards first.

I agree with this statement.


Apologies but since there are a few owners in here, Semi-off topic question - Seeing as the FC660C is known for a heavier actuation has anyone gone and tried dome swapping with a HHKB? To get a heavier feel?

[Giorgio]

Don't post here if you have stolen your hhkb or if it was a present. Neither if your boss has actually purchased an hhkb for you.

Keyword: pedantic op

During the Montreal meetup, I was lucky to be able to try many keyboards I had never tried. Among them were Topre. I tried different Topre keyboard there. I am happy that I didn't buy a Topre keyboard. While I agree that the build construction was good for a modern keyboard, the switches were WAY too soft for my personal taste and it was so cushioned when bottoming out that it really felt like an improved version of a rubber dome. Much improved, but still much rubber.


Now I don't want to start a war because I can understand how someone that prefer light switches and smooth cushioned feeling would like the Topre keyboards, but it really felt weak compared to my model F. In fact, the only other switch that got my interest was the Hall effect (the ones Dorkvader had restored).


So my answer is NO, I don't regret buying a HHBK because I didn't buy one. If I did, I would regret it  . Model F for life!!!!




(Attachment Link)


I am ready for the war!

This topic is for people who bought one.

I guess only people who still have one can post, then? Because the question is about "your" HHKB.

Does it excludes people who didn't like it and have sold it? Because when you sell it it's not yours anymore.

Keyword: bought

[Belfong]

The only thing I regret about my HHKB is buying other boards first.

Just came across this thread and first thing I find odd is what you said nubbs - thought you thought HHKB was just ok. This statement speaks of HUGE love for HHKB.

[nubbinator]

The only thing I regret about my HHKB is buying other boards first.

Just came across this thread and first thing I find odd is what you said nubbs - thought you thought HHKB was just ok. This statement speaks of HUGE love for HHKB.

Once I tried it out for a while, I came to love it.  It was the FC660C and the NovaTouch that were uninspiring.  I still have a hard time with the HHKB price tag, but it's my go to board at home.