In Tokyo at the moment; Should I get a HHKB Pro 2 or HHKB Pro JP?

[nmur]

The prices for both of these keyboards are much lower here ($250AUD) than what it would be to buy and import to Australia ($350+), so it'd be a great opportunity.

I know the choice between the two boards is largely preference, but the way I see it, the JP version has dedicated arrow keys, which are great, but has a JIS layout which will go unused and will also give me dead keys (but can be recapped) and a layout which is not keycap set friendly. However, the JP version does have that cool exclusivity to it...

So currently leaning towards the regular Pro 2. Any other reasons I should be considering for my choice?

[ApocalypseMaow]

Pro 2

[Belfong]

Probably you have to try typing on it to see if you can get used to the shorter space bar. If you can, then those dedicated arrow keys will be useful. But I’d still go with Pro 2 as the standard used by many WW.

[absyrd]

Forget the "exlusivity". That is just silly. And dedicated arrow keys aren't necessary. You get used to the fn layer ones on the pro 2 in no time.

[nmur]

Probably you have to try typing on it to see if you can get used to the shorter space bar. If you can, then those dedicated arrow keys will be useful. But I�d still go with Pro 2 as the standard used by many WW.

I tried it out in a store earlier and found that the short space was just on the threshold of where my right thumb rests, which should be fine (I might miss it slightly from time to time).

Forget the "exlusivity". That is just silly. And dedicated arrow keys aren't necessary. You get used to the fn layer ones on the pro 2 in no time.

I've used a HHKB Pro 2 for a week at work (programming) and found that doing key combinations like ctrl + shift + fn + arrow keys required a moment of thought before being carried out successfully. I'm sure that after a more extended period, I would get used to it.

[KeypressGraphics]

I suggest the Pro 2. It'll have better re-sale value if you decide to flip it.

The Fn arrow key combination took me awhile to get used to but now that I've acclimatized its only slightly less convenient than dedicated arrow keys.

[tkim]

Get the Pro 2, I use the keyboard heavily with excel and I found learning the new layout was quite easy.

[yuktsi]

get pro2.
with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

[nmur]

get pro2.
with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

That's a very good point, I forgot about that one.

Thanks everyone, I will go to pick one up tomorrow. 

[yuktsi]

since you are in Japan, pick up some extra topre keycap/keyset too
it's much cheaper in Japan iinm

[absyrd]

get pro2.
with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

That's a very good point, I forgot about that one.

Thanks everyone, I will go to pick one up tomorrow. 

You won't regret it. Post pics and feedback once you've played with it for a few days!

[nmur]

since you are in Japan, pick up some extra topre keycap/keyset too
it's much cheaper in Japan iinm

Do you know where I can get topre keycaps? I've only been to Yodobashi in Akihabara, but they had a pretty poor selection of keycaps (all Cherry MX too).

[rsadek]

Both? 

The JP is interesting bc of the possibility of adding extra modifiers and function keys. Using Hasu's controller (easy to install) you can program it however you like!

Dedicated keys are not necessary, it's true. However with heavy use at the beginning I experienced some strain in the wrist/pinky. Switching between boards a couple times in the day helps which I get used to the new motion.

You can always sell the other one easily!

-R

[IonutZ]

* HHKB Pro 2 Type-S, a Realforce 87U Type-S variable, and a Realforce 87U 55g.
* Swap out the 55g in the variable.
* Sell the new Realforce 87U Variable.
* Live long and prosper.

[septamber]

* HHKB Pro 2 Type-S, a Realforce 87U Type-S variable, and a Realforce 87U 55g.
* Swap out the 55g in the variable.
* Sell the new Realforce 87U Variable.
* Live long and prosper.

RIP wallet 

[IonutZ]

* HHKB Pro 2 Type-S, a Realforce 87U Type-S variable, and a Realforce 87U 55g.
* Swap out the 55g in the variable.
* Sell the new Realforce 87U Variable.
* Live long and prosper.

RIP wallet 

Basically. lol

That's what's in the mail right now from EMS (- the HHKB part, did that 2 weeks ago hahah)

[GL1TCH3D]

The JP layout is not the same in terms of feeling. Part of what makes the HHKB pro 2 so good is that fantastic layout.

[demik]

Pick the layout you'd like. Not rocket surgery.

[IonutZ]

Pick the layout you'd like. Not rocket surgery.

Make sure to invert bottom row keycaps!

[trizkut]

Pick the layout you'd like. Not rocket surgery.

Make sure to invert bottom row keycaps!

No.

[demik]

Pick the layout you'd like. Not rocket surgery.

Make sure to invert bottom row keycaps!

No.

[jonathanyu]

Pro jp.  JIS layout is so much better

[septamber]

Invert all the keys for maximum cool 

[jonathanyu]

Pick the layout you'd like. Not rocket surgery.

Make sure to invert bottom row keycaps!

No.

[tp4tissue]

GET the MuTron ( µ Tron )

[tp4tissue]

HHKB is for n00bers 

[rsadek]

Also one JP type S for rsadek who will promptly repay you and be eternally grateful

[Nai_Calus]

GET the MuTron ( µ Tron )

[a_ak57]

with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

What's this now?  Forgive me, I don't really hang around much and haven't heard about this.

[absyrd]

with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

What's this now?  Forgive me, I don't really hang around much and haven't heard about this.

Apparently CTRLALT and JTKeycaps are making moves to have these ready to go soon:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70659.0

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71630.0

[demik]

with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

What's this now?  Forgive me, I don't really hang around much and haven't heard about this.

Don't fall for that blasphemy. Topre on topre ****rry on ****rry. The way keyboard gods intended it to be.

[Halverson]

with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

What's this now?  Forgive me, I don't really hang around much and haven't heard about this.

Don't fall for that blasphemy. Topre on topre ****rry on ****rry. The way keyboard gods intended it to be.

True dat, double true. Topre caps is best caps.

[Sencha]

I'd probably go with the JIS purely as the HHKB space bar feels like crap on the 6-7 models I've used.

[nmur]

Picked up the Pro 2 (white with blanks) today 

didn't have to pay the 8% tax on it so it came to like 22400 yen ($187 USD) which is pretty damn good. I think I'll wait until I get home in a week or so to unbox it though (if I last that long).

Sofmap had a couple of Leopold FC660C's to type on which were also pretty nice!

[absyrd]

Picked up the Pro 2 (white with blanks) today 

didn't have to pay the 8% tax on it so it came to like 22400 yen ($187 USD) which is pretty damn good. I think I'll wait until I get home in a week or so to unbox it though (if I last that long).

Sofmap had a couple of Leopold FC660C's to type on which were also pretty nice!

Great price. You won't last the week. You won't be disappointed.

[hwood34]

neither

[a_ak57]

with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

What's this now?  Forgive me, I don't really hang around much and haven't heard about this.

Apparently CTRLALT and JTKeycaps are making moves to have these ready to go soon:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70659.0

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71630.0

Neat, though it looks like you can only get them via buying a keycap set.  Oh well, I like stock topre keycaps enough anyway.

[TopreFan333]

HHKB is for n00bers 

Show Image

tp4tissue's day:
- wakes up
- runs search for "HHKB"
- craps on any necessary threads
- take a break
- runs search for "HHKB"
- craps on any necessary threads
- [repeat]

[absyrd]

with the release of topre mx stem in near future, you will have more choices for keycaps

What's this now?  Forgive me, I don't really hang around much and haven't heard about this.

Apparently CTRLALT and JTKeycaps are making moves to have these ready to go soon:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70659.0

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71630.0

Neat, though it looks like you can only get them via buying a keycap set.  Oh well, I like stock topre keycaps enough anyway.

They said somewhere in there they will be offering the stems alone. My HHKB and RF all have stock caps except for these new Bro Cap textured sets, and I personally won't be doing any slider replacement or MX keysets on them.

[nmur]

Picked up the Pro 2 (white with blanks) today 

didn't have to pay the 8% tax on it so it came to like 22400 yen ($187 USD) which is pretty damn good. I think I'll wait until I get home in a week or so to unbox it though (if I last that long).

Sofmap had a couple of Leopold FC660C's to type on which were also pretty nice!

Great price. You won't last the week. You won't be disappointed.

I gave in. Using it on my laptop in my hotel bed.

More

[absyrd]

Told ya so! How does the feels feel?

[kaminbobby]

Have both i like the JP one better