difference between Topre and HHKB

[brkim1324]

From what I understand, Topre and HHKB use the same type of switches.
They are both great keyboards too.
I am looking to buy Topre or HHKB pro 2.
Topre Realforce are just standard layout keyboards and HHKB 2 has that
special layout easier to reach in more compact size.
Other than that, are there any major differences such as in feel?

How do they differ? And which do you recommend more?

[YetAnotherDeveloper]

Not to be a d!ck and just post a link but this topic is cover so well here already...

i have owned both boards and i recommend the realforce; one of the best built keyboards i have ever touched. Even with that i do like some of the other switches better than the topre and therefore i dont used the realforce as a daily driver.

[Arc'xer]

Both use the same topre switches though technically the HHKB offers the much desired 45g uniform that so many want on the realforce; which Topre seems to ignore except in certain models.

The primary difference is the quality and inspection(quality control team) of the realforce compared to the HHKB. The realforce is built better and has a metallic plate, not to say the HHKB is built bad it's just built for a different purpose. But either way both are quality boards.

[gilgam]

Realforce : Very nice keyboard, heavy, solid, surdy, , the touch feeling is quite light, the keycap are very nice
HHKB : Less solid keyboard, Layout, i like better the touche feeling, Layout, small size, Layout, detachable cable , did i mention the layout ? ;-)

Unfortunately on the topre keybaord you can't have fun to change keycaps to fancy, original, ugly ones (except topre ones and Cliclack's)

Buy both ;-)

[Superfluous Parentheses]

There's a bunch of people here who prefer the feel of the RealForce boards over that of the HHKB Pro models. They're probably right, I can't compare them because I don't own a RealForce.

That said, there's a reason I own two HHKB Pros, and it's the layout. The keys are very well made and to me are probably the best I've ever used, but I'm not going to say they're the best in the world.

It's quite easy; if you want a seriously compact (and also very portable) keyboard with a unix/terminal/emacs-centric layout, then you're not going to go for a RealForce. The HHKB kicks ass in that domain, and it has Topre switches.

[brkim1324]

ahhh thanks for all the comments!
I actually just ordered HHKB2 from elite keyboards.. Should I then change it to Realforce?
What do you think?

[n12]

ahhh thanks for all the comments!
I actually just ordered HHKB2 from elite keyboards.. Should I then change it to Realforce?
What do you think?

There's no real definitive answer. Which do YOU like better? If you like the HHKB layout enough to buy one over a Realforce, stick with what you bought :]

[brkim1324]

There's no real definitive answer. Which do YOU like better? If you like the HHKB layout enough to buy one over a Realforce, stick with what you bought :]

I never really tried the HHKB layout, but if I get used to it, I think I will be fine.. but in the price and quality wise, r they quite similar?
For normal usage like web browsing, typing, and gaming, does HHKB lack alot?

[gilgam]

arrows...

[n12]

I never really tried the HHKB layout, but if I get used to it, I think I will be fine.. but in the price and quality wise, r they quite similar?
For normal usage like web browsing, typing, and gaming, does HHKB lack alot?

It depends on the person. Most games I play don't use the traditional arrow keys(most of the time WASD instead) or F1-F12, and I typically never use them for anything else, so it wouldn't be a problem for me. But you aren't me. No, using a HHKB for "web browsing" and "typing" won't cause you any problems. A HHKB can accomplish everything that most all keyboards can except you may have to use the Fn layer.





They are both similar in price.

[hcry4]

They are both stupidly expensive.  And both maybe 10-20% higher quality than Filcos/Leopolds.  In economics this is called, "Diminishing Returns".

 
I own a few and I definitely agree with "diminishing returns" to describe them. It's similar to buying $400+ earphones/headphones.

[noodles256]

if you don't like your hhkb pro 2, I will trade you my 86uw

[hcry4]

if you don't like your hhkb pro 2, I will trade you my 86uw

 
Don't get me wrong, it's still my favorite keyboard; it's why I have 3 of them. Although things might change when I get the Poker.

[noodles256]

Don't get me wrong, it's still my favorite keyboard; it's why I have 3 of them. Although things might change when I get the Poker.

I meant to direct that to OP lol. I really want white lettered so I can use it with my mac

[ironman31]

I hated the feel of the HHKB compared to the Realforce so much that I had to sell it. The layout was great, but I couldn't justify spending that much money for sub-par feel. Of course, sometimes I do have sellers regret, but then it goes away when I realize I have a 91UBY, which is definitely the best keyboard I own.