HHKB 2 in 2016, still a no brainer?

[VimLover]

I have two gripes with this 260 dollar keyboard

- It has two ancient, low powered, USB 2.0 ports
- It would be much better with a USB-C connector

I had the opportunity to code on one at a coworkers desk, I love the switches and the quality of the keyboard itself, but these two flaws are keeping me on the fence.

Am I being too nitpicky? Should I wait for a  HHKB 3? Should I just pull the trigger and ignore my gripes?

Also, are there other keyboards I should consider before the HHKB 3? I am using an IBM model M at work and a WASD with clears at home, but I would love something much smaller to replace the IBM.

[xondat]

Well can you show me another keyboard with USB ports built in that is topre/similar to it?

IMO you're being nitpicky. Just get the damn board - It'll be your favorite.

[SpAmRaY]

Based on your 2 gripes most any other keyboard wouldn't be worthy either. Just saying.

I wouldn't wait on a HHKB 3 anymore than I'd wait on half life 3.

[1391406]

How many keyboards currently have USB-C ports?

[Tactile]

The one I'm typing on right now has a Hasu controller, so no USB ports at all*. And when I'm using my keyboard -any keyboard- the type of connector is not really a factor.

* - but I bet you'd be OCD about the two empty holes in the back 

[klennkellon]

I refuse to buy a HHKB til' they add a key in the bottom left.

[VimLover]

The one I'm typing on right now has a Hasu controller, so no USB ports at all*. And when I'm using my keyboard -any keyboard- the type of connector is not really a factor.

* - but I bet you'd be OCD about the two empty holes in the back 

Oh yeah that would kill me.

If I was designing the HHKB 3 I would put 3 USB-C ports, one on the far left, one on the far right, and one in the middle, and then do some magic such that you can use any of them as a connector, and the ones not used as a connector can be used for periphs.

[Moistgun]

The one I'm typing on right now has a Hasu controller, so no USB ports at all*. And when I'm using my keyboard -any keyboard- the type of connector is not really a factor.

* - but I bet you'd be OCD about the two empty holes in the back 

Oh yeah that would kill me.

If I was designing the HHKB 3 I would put 3 USB-C ports, one on the far left, one on the far right, and one in the middle, and then do some magic such that you can use any of them as a connector, and the ones not used as a connector can be used for periphs.

Maybe you can use one of those plugs on the side, and plug it into the keyboard to charge the 90 day lithium powered Bluetooth

[Wingpad]

If I was designing the HHKB 3 I would put 3 USB-C ports, one on the far left, one on the far right, and one in the middle, and then do some magic such that you can use any of them as a connector, and the ones not used as a connector can be used for periphs.

I would need a computer with a USB-C port first but why settle for USB-C when you could have TB3 since it is port-compatible with USB-C. Then, you could daisy chain a GPU off of your keyboard which would be hilarious

You could probably have some additional magic to make TB3 step-down to a USB-C if you plugged it into a device without TB3, I think that's a thing but I am not certain.

[y11971alex]

I still haven't bought a single Topre keyboard yet.

[Moistgun]

I still haven't bought a single Topre keyboard yet.

In 2016, the HHKB Professional 2 is a no brainier when it comes to quality topre input devices.

[y11971alex]

I still haven't bought a single Topre keyboard yet.

In 2016, the HHKB Professional 2 is a no brainier when it comes to quality topre input devices.

Convince me. 

[Belfong]

Why not the HHKB Bluetooth and instead of connecting via BT, use the cable?
That would solve one of your two issues.
You didn't mention anything about a hump, did you?

[ndakota79]

HHKB BT is ugly.

[Belfong]

HHKB BT is ugly.

Beauty is to the eye of the beholder and OP didn't point out the hump as a negative.

[silaz]

There are drawbacks to the HHKB 2, but the flaws you listed are not usually among the most common listed. Usually folks have a hard time with the layout. I'd say take a look at the Leopold FC660C as well.

[Moistgun]

There are drawbacks to the HHKB 2, but the flaws you listed are not usually among the most common listed. Usually folks have a hard time with the layout. I'd say take a look at the Leopold FC660C as well.

I dont think it is common for someone to try the hhkb layout for a reasonable amount of time, and still have trouble with the layout.

usually people don't give it enough time, and moan about the layout.
People have huge capabilities to adapt, and getting used to a layout on a kb is nothing, if you give it enough time.
IMO its about 1-2 weeks on a keyboard.

[silaz]

There are drawbacks to the HHKB 2, but the flaws you listed are not usually among the most common listed. Usually folks have a hard time with the layout. I'd say take a look at the Leopold FC660C as well.

I dont think it is common for someone to try the hhkb layout for a reasonable amount of time, and still have trouble with the layout.

usually people don't give it enough time, and moan about the layout.
People have huge capabilities to adapt, and getting used to a layout on a kb is nothing, if you give it enough time.
IMO its about 1-2 weeks on a keyboard.

I guess it all depends on perspective. Yes, people can adapt but it can be a hassle to switch between two completely different keyboard layouts if you have an HHKB 2 at work and a normal layout at home for gaming. My "source" was reddit users on /mechanicalkeyboards, but like everything else in this hobby it is subjective. I simply just listed what I felt was the most common criticism of the HHKB2 instead of USB 2.0 ports.

[Moistgun]

There are drawbacks to the HHKB 2, but the flaws you listed are not usually among the most common listed. Usually folks have a hard time with the layout. I'd say take a look at the Leopold FC660C as well.

I dont think it is common for someone to try the hhkb layout for a reasonable amount of time, and still have trouble with the layout.

usually people don't give it enough time, and moan about the layout.
People have huge capabilities to adapt, and getting used to a layout on a kb is nothing, if you give it enough time.
IMO its about 1-2 weeks on a keyboard.

I guess it all depends on perspective. Yes, people can adapt but it can be a hassle to switch between two completely different keyboard layouts if you have an HHKB 2 at work and a normal layout at home for gaming. My "source" was reddit users on /mechanicalkeyboards, but like everything else in this hobby it is subjective. I simply just listed what I felt was the most common criticism of the HHKB2 instead of USB 2.0 ports.

Oh yeah, totally fair point.

[steveachu]

The USB ports are low powered and were never a selling point of the keyboard. The portability, layout, and switches are the main reasons to get it, all of which are still reasons valid today. Anything that is more portable sacrifices too much functionality. It is the only 60% Topre board. It has a fantastic layout.

[Vigrith]

usually people don't give it enough time, and moan about the layout.
People have huge capabilities to adapt, and getting used to a layout on a kb is nothing, if you give it enough time.
IMO its about 1-2 weeks on a keyboard.

I agree, it took me about a week and I tend to adapt pretty fast - after that, there's no going back. Only reason I even use boards with regular switches nowadays is due to keyset compatibility and because I don't own a second HHKB for the office yet.

[9fiftyfive]

Too nitpicky. It's quite a great keyboard. Also, don't worry about the USB ports. For quite some time, I had a JellyKey numpad and my Blue Yeti plugged into the keyboard. I've also plugged in mice and/or trackballs with no issue. It was my first mechanical keyboard, and it's pretty awesome! Also, you can find it in the $230 range from EliteKeyboards


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WarCommand]

Silly gripes. Just buy one.

[tribade]

I would say get one anyway.  It's a pretty polarizing board but I loved mine.  The layout clicks for some people and not for others unfortunately.

[TopreFan333]

I think the idea with a really good keyboard is that you keep using it and it outlives any given computer. I've only had mine for maybe a year and a half, but by reports I've seen here, it should last a long time — and by then god knows what variety of USB or whatever will be the latest and greatest. As long as I can keep plugging into whatever computer I have, I'm good. (Hell, I can still use a USB to ADB adapter to plug in my AEK II, 20+ years after that thing was produced). Bluetooth would be nice, but again, it's more stuff to break or wear down. Batteries have a finite number of cycles, for one thing, and as far as I know, the HHKB Bluetooth can't use a wired connection as a fallback (someone correct me if I'm wrong about that).

I'd like to be using this same HHKB in 10 years if possible.

It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces.
-Eiiti Wada
https://www.keychatter.com/2015/07/31/the-saddle-of-the-horse-community-interview-with-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/

[exime]

You know why they call the HHKB 2 a no brainer? Because you'd have to be missing a brain to buy a keyboard missing half of the keys. 

 

[Moistgun]

You know why they call the HHKB 2 a no brainer? Because you'd have to be missing a brain to buy a keyboard missing half of the keys. 

 

[WarCommand]

You know why they call the HHKB 2 a no brainer? Because you'd have to be missing a brain to buy a keyboard missing half of the keys. 

Dang

[typo]

Buy the $260 board and a $20 hub. That is hardly a selling point to me on any good board. I don't plug usb devices into the board. The realforice uniform is my second favorite modern board. Plenty good enough.

[WarCommand]

In what country does this board cost $260? They're ~$185 USD new in Japan, and $220 in USA, save for buying a used one for $180 or so.

[Fictiouz]

In what country does this board cost $260? They're ~$185 USD new in Japan, and $220 in USA, save for buying a used one for $180 or so.

$300CAD in Canada brand new. I got mine used for $180USD which is about $240CAD. I find older HHKB's are better because the rubber is a bit stiffer

[WarCommand]

In what country does this board cost $260? They're ~$185 USD new in Japan, and $220 in USA, save for buying a used one for $180 or so.

$300CAD in Canada brand new. I got mine used for $180USD which is about $240CAD. I find older HHKB's are better because the rubber is a bit stiffer

300?! That's wild.

[dgneo]

I have two gripes with this 260 dollar keyboard

- It has two ancient, low powered, USB 2.0 ports
- It would be much better with a USB-C connector

I had the opportunity to code on one at a coworkers desk, I love the switches and the quality of the keyboard itself, but these two flaws are keeping me on the fence.

Am I being too nitpicky? Should I wait for a  HHKB 3? Should I just pull the trigger and ignore my gripes?

Also, are there other keyboards I should consider before the HHKB 3? I am using an IBM model M at work and a WASD with clears at home, but I would love something much smaller to replace the IBM.

Buy it. HHKB is always a no brainer.

[Fictiouz]

300?! That's wild.

Our dollar is also only worth about 75% of what yours is. So think of how expensive this hobby is for Canadians every time you see us by Customs or second-hand artisans and the pricing is in USD. Yay currency exchange rates. 

For example: mech27 is $320USD shipped which is about $420CAD.

[VimLover]

These replies have been very helpful in getting over my reservations. My coworker, who is Japanese and purchased his HHKBs in Japan for a substantially lower price than the 250$ listed on Amazon is bringing in his second board for me to use for a few weeks to hack on. I will probably form a relationship with it such that I will have no choice but to buy one.

Maybe I will mod the USB ports and turn them into Pez dispensers. 

[typo]

Buying goods in CA, not made in CA is harsh. I kind of think I have seen this board new in the US for $195 but don't remember where. Maybe not authorized. Why is less keys more money than some RealForce?

[keyladding]

When is the HHKB 3 coming out?

[KetchyKech]

When is the HHKB 3 coming out?

holding out for HHKB BT in white ova here 

[WarCommand]

Buying goods in CA, not made in CA is harsh. I kind of think I have seen this board new in the US for $195 but don't remember where. Maybe not authorized. Why is less keys more money than some RealForce?

Why are some  brands of cars more expensive than others with equal specs?

[Moistgun]

Buying goods in CA, not made in CA is harsh. I kind of think I have seen this board new in the US for $195 but don't remember where. Maybe not authorized. Why is less keys more money than some RealForce?

Why are some  brands of cars more expensive than others with equal specs?

Sheep skinned seat covers.

[Vigrith]

Why is less keys more money than some RealForce?

I think RF keyboards are ugly. They're also too big, I have no use for half their keys, I rather pay more per key for a smaller form factor, prettier aesthetics and better ergonomics than spending basically the same amount (in Europe) on something I don't need.

[alienman82]

removed.

[clankgy1]

You know why they call the HHKB 2 a no brainer? Because you'd have to be missing a brain to buy a keyboard missing half of the keys. 

 

http://xahlee.info/kbd/idiocy_of_happy_hacking_keyboard.html

[kekman]

Why not the HHKB Bluetooth and instead of connecting via BT, use the cable?
That would solve one of your two issues.
You didn't mention anything about a hump, did you?

isnt the cable only for power, not for keypress transmission?

i might be entirely wrong tho

[kawasaki161]

The new HHKB BT definitely uses USB only for power, but a non-BT model with hasu's BT controller can do both(at least that's what I was told).

[kekstee]

My monitor offers all the decent, powered USB ports I'll ever need on my desk.

And the HHKB ones are good enough to add a mouse without occupying another one of my precious laptop ports, if I ever use it in that combination.

[zslane]

Has anyone here ever tried replacing stock HHKB2 keycaps with Topre Hi-Profile spherical keycaps? If so, was it a successful swap?

Never mind, I just realized that the bizarre layout of the HHKB2 makes such a swap impossible.

[rowdy]

Buy it, use it and enjoy it, while you wait for your perfect keyboard to be made.

[Macsmasher]

Buying goods in CA, not made in CA is harsh. I kind of think I have seen this board new in the US for $195 but don't remember where. Maybe not authorized. Why is less keys more money than some RealForce?

Why are some  brands of cars more expensive than others with equal specs?

Sheep skinned seat covers.

Spinners. Factory spinners.

[Data]

Tried Topre.  Hated it.  HHKB is dead to me.

#unpopularopinions