HHKB Pro III.

[ideus]

Describe in detail what would be your ideal upgrade for the HHKB Pro II. Layout, layers, key caps, colors, materials, switches' actuation force, programing capacities, controller, connector, ISO or ANSI options, pricing, ... you may think that should be available with other type of switches?

[Frenir]

Not much really. More power to the USB hubs I guess, they're pretty much useless as it is now.

[Kmynis]

PBT spacebar, media keys working on windows, proper feet.

[Frenir]

PBT spacebar, media keys working on windows, proper feet.

Hey fellow Dane!

I have an autohotkey-script here to make working media keys for the hhkb.

Code: [Select]

; ## Media Keys

; RAlt + f = Play/Pause
<^>!f::SendInput {Media_Play_Pause}

; RAlt + a = Decreases Volume
<^>!a::SendInput {Volume_Down}


; RAlt + s = Increases Volume
<^>!s::SendInput {Volume_Up}

; RAlt + d = mutes
<^>!d::SendInput {Volume_Mute}

[Kmynis]

Thank you. Will try these now.

[Fragil1ty]

Describe in detail what would be your ideal upgrade for the HHKB Pro II. Layout, layers, key caps, colors, materials, switches' actuation force, programing capacities, controller, connector, ISO or ANSI options, pricing, ... you may think that should be available with other type of switches?

I'd personally keep it exactly how it is, with one minor adjustment.

Change it from a 60% layout to a 75%. So in essence, have it like the Noppoo Choc mini but with the features of the HHKB Pro 2, that'd be one of the best keyboards around. Their keybcaps, their topre switches, their font face, their structure, their build quality. Oh my god, it'd just be heavenly.

[Frenir]

Describe in detail what would be your ideal upgrade for the HHKB Pro II. Layout, layers, key caps, colors, materials, switches' actuation force, programing capacities, controller, connector, ISO or ANSI options, pricing, ... you may think that should be available with other type of switches?

I'd personally keep it exactly how it is, with one minor adjustment.

Change it from a 60% layout to a 75%. So in essence, have it like the Noppoo Choc mini but with the features of the HHKB Pro 2, that'd be one of the best keyboards around. Their keybcaps, their topre switches, their font face, their structure, their build quality. Oh my god, it's just.. it's heaven

I wouldn't really call that a minor adjustment but okay.

[Fragil1ty]

Describe in detail what would be your ideal upgrade for the HHKB Pro II. Layout, layers, key caps, colors, materials, switches' actuation force, programing capacities, controller, connector, ISO or ANSI options, pricing, ... you may think that should be available with other type of switches?

I'd personally keep it exactly how it is, with one minor adjustment.

Change it from a 60% layout to a 75%. So in essence, have it like the Noppoo Choc mini but with the features of the HHKB Pro 2, that'd be one of the best keyboards around. Their keybcaps, their topre switches, their font face, their structure, their build quality. Oh my god, it's just.. it's heaven

I wouldn't really call that a minor adjustment but okay.

Okay, .

[jameslr]

Aluminum case or weighted option. A steel plate would make it feel more solid like a Realforce. It feels too light to me. Optional 55g domes or even a 30g dome option for those that prefer heavier or lighter switches. A programmable function layer would be nice, but really not a must-have. Cherry MX compatible sliders (a-la Novatouch) for a broader variety of custom caps. Dipswitch settings for multiple layouts (dvorak, colemak, etc.).

[Oobly]

Aluminium case or steel plate, 55g, fully programmable, standard 60% ANSI layout, MX compatible sliders, lower price... White LED backlighting?

But for now I'll stick to my KBT Pure with aluminium case, aluminium plate, white LED's and 62g ErgoClears. 

[vivalarevolución]

The only change that I could ever envision would be wireless capabilities.  And maybe 55g weighting.

What makes the HHKB unique is the way it is now.  Changing it too much would destroy the essence of the keyboard.

[agodinhost]

the case seems to be awesome from here ...
and those usb ports are my dream
is it bluetooth?

[tp4tissue]

There's a simple formula to perfect ANY keyboard that's a rectangle..

Step 1_

you start by cutting it down the middle into halves..

Step 2_

connect the two halves with a cable..

Step 3_

remember that wireless can go suck a d....

Step 4_

insert chip to make it fully programmable...


Step 5_

Realize that with all this work,  You might just as well have had bought the Ergodox,


Step 6_

Buy Ergodox

Step 7_

Build Ergodox

Step 8_

Happiness..........

[Defect]

PBT spacebar (or just POM keys everywhere)

MX compatible sliders

[dorkvader]

PBT spacebar (or just POM keys everywhere)

MX compatible sliders

agreed. finding NEWS keyboards to pull PBT spacebars from is like impossible these days.

[mashby]

My dream HHKB would be to have the following:
   1. Duck0113, or Hammer heavy aluminum case
   2. Bluetooth Wireless
   3. Remove USB hub
   4. 55g domes

I think 2-4 could be user modded, but the heavy case seems to be impossible at the moment.

[Puddsy]

PBT spacebar

and a heavy af alu case

[rowdy]

Replacement coloured keycap sets would be nice.  Printed and blank.  In various colours.

Affordable price would be a bonus, but who am I kidding?  This is Thorpe.  This is HHKB.

[admiralvorian]

Describe in detail what would be your ideal upgrade for the HHKB Pro II. Layout, layers, key caps, colors, materials, switches' actuation force, programing capacities, controller, connector, ISO or ANSI options, pricing, ... you may think that should be available with other type of switches?

I'd personally keep it exactly how it is, with one minor adjustment.

Change it from a 60% layout to a 75%. So in essence, have it like the Noppoo Choc mini but with the features of the HHKB Pro 2, that'd be one of the best keyboards around. Their keybcaps, their topre switches, their font face, their structure, their build quality. Oh my god, it'd just be heavenly.

you speak sacrilege

[Latin00032]

When I first saw this post, I thought there was announcement for the third version.

You got me too excited to then be let down.

[Latin00032]

There's a simple formula to perfect ANY keyboard that's a rectangle..

Step 1_

you start by cutting it down the middle into halves..

Step 2_

connect the two halves with a cable..

Step 3_

remember that wireless can go suck a d....

Step 4_

insert chip to make it fully programmable...


Step 5_

Realize that with all this work,  You might just as well have had bought the Ergodox,


Step 6_

Buy Ergodox

Step 7_

Build Ergodox

Step 8_

Happiness..........

Show Image

I'll agree if you post a picture of your ergodox.

[blade|master]

The addition of dedicated arrow keys is all I want.

[Latin00032]

I'm not going to post my dream hhkb3 board but a realistic hhkb3 board.

Must include:
MX compatible stems.
Better key spacing to support other MX caps (6.25x space bar, etc.)
Micro usb connector.
Steel plate!!
2 versions - all 45g or all 55g.
USB 3 support so it can have better power support for USB hub usage. (this one I'm flexible on because it can cause compatibility problems with tablets and other legacy devices.)
Built-in semi-removable handle.
Built-in "door" to store USB cable.
Case "top" that can clamp/clip onto the keyboard frame on the side with the keys to protect the keyboard during transport.

[Smasher816]

   2. Bluetooth Wireless
   3. Remove USB hub
   4. 55g domes

I think 2-4 could be user modded, but the heavy case seems to be impossible at the moment.

Correct. Get your modding on

[Xowie]

My thoughts have basically already been said, but:

55g stock
Bluetooth

Other than this I really dont have many qualms.

Related: Has there been any rumors about a HHKB Pro3 release?

[Hypersphere]

Keep the form factor, layout, and dye-sub PBT keycaps. Add the following, at least as options:

-- 55g domes
-- Type S at a substantially reduced price
-- Black case with white/gray keycaps as an option
-- Steel plate
-- USB C connector (C2 rotational symmetry)

Possible additional options:

-- Bluetooth wireless
-- Complete programmability

[vivalarevolución]

My thoughts have basically already been said, but:

55g stock
Bluetooth

Other than this I really dont have many qualms.

Related: Has there been any rumors about a HHKB Pro3 release?

I don't think so.  Some of us just wish there were rumors.

[osi]

Whenever you guys find a pro III just send it to me and I'll review it.

Thanks

[geniekid]

Programmable.  I find R-Alt to be a better Fn key because it uses a thumb instead of a pinky and forces the hand to move less distance.

[Oobly]

Perhaps we should rather be putting these wishes here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53481.0

There's actually a chance CM Storm will make something if we have some kind of concensus of what we really want.

So far I'm seeing these appear in a few wishlists:

1. Metal plate and/or case
2. MX compatible stems
3. 55g version
4. More standard bottom row keycap sizes / spacing
5. Programmability
6. Bluetooth and silent options?

Looking at the cost of implementing these and ways of manufacturing, what I consider feasible would be:

1. Metal plate
2. Made by CM Storm with Novatouch stems
3. 55g domes
4. Standard ANSI layout (possibly with plates so you can remove modifiers if you really want to)
5. DIP switchable layout with programmable Fn layer OR fully programmable layout and no switches
6. Modular controller which fits in a recess in the board and plugs into the main board, with 2 options:
        Normal Mini USB only - Simple USB controller.
        Bluetooth with battery and Mini USB - charge the battery with the Mini USB port and it also works through Mini USB as a keyboard without using BT.

First without Type-S option, but add it as an option if the original model proves popular.

I'd buy one.

[Kmynis]

I would love some not so portable HHKB too. Metal plate, metal case( or at least filco kind) or in general something that looks like those cool custom korean boards, except with topre switches and preferably silent ones.  Now if I want a portable one, just gimme some mx compatibility or produce some affordable sets so I don't need to be too careful with my keycaps, everything else is kinda ok. 

[hasu]

- No USB hub. No doubt adding USB hub was wrong evolution from pro1.
- USB Micro receptacle
- Better rubber feet. No need for adjustable feet.
- PBT plain legend keycap like Realforce. Without Fn description on front side.
- Plam keys(like left control) on both side of bottom row.
- Split space bar. (Sure, PBT for these short space bar)
- Programable controller.
- De facto KBC Poker compatible form factor for after market case options.
- Variable weighted and silenced Topre.
- Bluetooth and USB connectability.
- TrackPoint

[Smasher816]

I agree with most of the things you say hasu. However, I personally am not a fan of TrackPoint and have never seen it on a keyboard with full size switches (only on laptop chicklet).

What do you mean by plam keys? You want to add a L/R Ctrl and fill in the bottom row? I don't mind the control position and think it helps with the HHKB's iconic look.

With the current design I don't know if you could use after market cases. They wouldn't have the wholes on the bottom, and the topre switches would need to be remodeled to not be "case" mounted.

Everything else I agree with. USB Micro is good, programmable adds extra features, bluetooth is great because it is already small and portable, etc. Right now I only use my left thumb, so I think it would be cool to split the space bar and give my right thumb something to do - even if it takes a little bit of time to learn.

[hasu]

Yes, what I mean with 'palm key' is a key which can be press by your side of  palm or root of piky. I like to use those palm keys for Fn layer switching because my thumb and pinky are strained heavily some times. I know some HHKB users hate palm keys but I don't care the look much if it is useful.

I thought about Realforce-type plate and separate top housings build for Poker form factor. Still not sure it is possible. By the way, I prefer Realforce key feel than HHKB generally.

I'm sure TrackPoint is my favorite pointing device because I don't have to leave my hand from keyboard to operate GUI things. Yoda and Miniguru will be strong alternatives to me.

[jacobolus]

Wouldn't palm keys make the HHKB bigger? I thought one of the main draws was the tiny size?

Here’s a fun layout idea with some palm keys:

(from my thread of wacky ideas over here)

[hasu]

jacobolus, oh real palm key it reminds me Kinesis mod.

My 'palm key' is not real palm key like yours, it wouldn't make bigger, but... looks wierd

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/f9b3921458b91d70a2721a7d28a19643

[TheSoulhunter]

PBT spacebar
Slightly more textured casing
Slightly more textured keycaps
Same texture at the sides of the caps
Make it available in black (not just dark-gray)

[ideus]

The thread has been read more than 700 times in 24 hours. Most of the contributions are well thought and it seems that the subject is of high interest to us. I think we should do something with the information, beyond only sharing it.

If you know about an interest check, or group buy, current, or past, that may be a base to use the suggestions to configure an actual development, it would be very welcome to know it.

A second avenue could be to share the information with a potentially interested vendor.

I do not know if the manufacturer of the HHKB may be interested in getting this feedback, again, if someone has some knowledge about it, please share it.

In summary, it appears that the community think that the current HHKB 2 Pro has some room for improvement.

Any thoughts are very welcome.

[jacobolus]

A second avenue could be to share the information with a potentially interested vendor.

I do not know if the manufacturer of the HHKB may be interested in getting this feedback, again, if someone has some knowledge about it, please share it.

In summary, it appears that the community think that the current HHKB 2 Pro has some room for improvement.

Well, they might not be able to do Topre switches, but I know MassDrop has been taking polls about alternate 60% layouts to pursue:
https://www.massdrop.com/vote/60-keyboard-layouts

[luisbg]

Are all these answers just dreaming and hoping, or is there really a possibility the HHKB Pro III design can change from them?

[Justintoxicated]

more weight options, pbt spacebar, mx compatible keycaps, and arrow keys (for since I won't buy a board without them) plate mounted switches.  Well screw it just get a FC660C and call it a a day lol.

[Smasher816]

Are all these answers just dreaming and hoping, or is there really a possibility the HHKB Pro III design can change from them?

I'm pretty sure it is just dreaming.

[ideus]

I may say that unless the HHKB maker would listen, we are just sharing a common topic of our interest. There are some alternatives in the MX realm, like the Viper, or GH60 with HHKB layout, that may be twisted a little to cover some of the suggestions here.

In any case I found this thread very insteresting, and I consider it a great learning experience.

Again, if some fellow GHer has some information that allow us to share this feedback with the HHKB maker please let us know.

[hasu]

You can try 'HHKB official account' @PFU_HHKB on twitter. And I think they have a facebook acount.

But I don't think they are responsive and can give a openhearted talk.

[Thanatermesis]

I have recently build an Ergodox to move out from my lovely hhkb-pro-2, the reason of this is:
- I need a more ergonomic shape for my wrists
- I want to have it programmable, omg yes this is a very needed-one, I have even modified my Xmodmap for change keys to be more friendly for programming, and It was improved a lot, see the image in:   https://github.com/Elive/programmerskblayout
- Same as the first programmable-need, I would needed some extra keys, even if they are not used they are good to have if the user wants to configure them for their needs

Other suggestions:
- the configuable switches are nice but very limited, is much better to be able to program directly the controller saying what is each key, ship it with some software just for who needs it, everybody else shoudl be happy with the default settings and if not, it can be programable

This is a video of my new Ergodox: 

By other side im very happy with my hhkb-pro-2

[johndavis33]

Honestly, I don't really think I'd like the idea of a solid steel backplate for the HHKB switches. The case mount softens the bottoming out, and IMO adds to the typing experience and is part of the HHKB feel.

However, I'd love a metal bottom to the case, like the Omnikey. 55g and bluetooth seem to have a consensus on being good ideas for versions of the keyboard.

I think adding a trackpoint would be a good idea, too. For a keyboard who's whole purpose is to never have your hands leave the home row, it makes a lot of sense to include the functionality of a pointing device as well. Your hands would never need to move.

[Smasher816]

I have recently build an Ergodox to move out from my lovely hhkb-pro-2, the reason of this is:
- I need a more ergonomic shape for my wrists
- I want to have it programmable, omg yes this is a very needed-one, I have even modified my Xmodmap for change keys to be more friendly for programming, and It was improved a lot, see the image in:   https://github.com/Elive/programmerskblayout
- Same as the first programmable-need, I would needed some extra keys, even if they are not used they are good to have if the user wants to configure them for their needs

Other suggestions:
- the configuable switches are nice but very limited, is much better to be able to program directly the controller saying what is each key, ship it with some software just for who needs it, everybody else shoudl be happy with the default settings and if not, it can be programable

This is a video of my new Ergodox: 

By other side im very happy with my hhkb-pro-2

For anyone else who reads this. If you want to try the ergodox then that probably means you are not afraid of some DIY work and soldering. If that is the case then you can use those skills to keep your HHKB but make it programmable. http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57008.0

[cookie]

These 3 Changes would make me happy
1. Split spacebar
2. Fully programable
3. PBT Spacebar

These additional things would make me verry happy
4. Aluminium case
5. Good feets
6. All 30g

[tjcaustin]

USB 2.0/3.0 hub - Brings it into current needs for peripherals or charging while portable.
Metal case (or maybe a bit of weight added internally, I push mine around a bit) option. (Both for weight as previously mentioned and as something that could be PC or anodized)
mx compatible stems - See: pretty  Also see: customization
55g
Programability with an installable/working GUI similar to metaliqaz

[demik]

These 3 Changes would make me happy
1. Split spacebar
2. Fully programable
3. PBT Spacebar

These additional things would make me verry happy
4. Aluminium case
5. Good feets
6. All 30g

WHY WOULD YOU BUMP THIS AND GET MY HOPES UP FFS