I tried an HHKB and the arrows were fine after a little while though shift+ctrl+arrows to select text is a two handed affair which was annoying. Backspace was quickly not a problem either but I couldn't convince my brain that my ISO enter key had shrank so I hit backspace instead of enter for the full month, then I sold it.Yeah, I dropped ISO few years ago, cause was fed up paying extra for ISO kits in keycaps sets.
Also being ANSI it lacked the \| key, not a huge problem for this Linux user but something to consider if you use Windows, unless you use it properly in ANSI and work out how to type £ and get used to @ and " being swapped.
Obviously most of my problems wouldn't be for you if you're used to using ANSI...
I like the hhkb layout, possibly because I am used to mac where the command key is still in the same position.
Learning the arrows and split backspace was pretty quick for me, found it to be much more comfortable in the end. Same thing with control, much more comfortable, but this took a little getting used to more so than the other keys. Absolutely love the arrows on the hhkb, just feels so natural now and I don't think I could ever go back. Wish more boards had true 6u.
im a bit on the fence about the hhkb layout, i like that they are doing something new and it shines when compared to other layouts but arrow keys are put in a super annoying spot and its pretty annoying to get used to
I would put Fn key under left Command or whatever this is that sits next to spacebar, then map IJKL as arrows.Either you have big hands and a slim body or that sounds like a terrible idea. If you just have a slim body maybe RDFG would work. You might find using the standard FN key with your pinky isn't a problem then you could use [;' and Enter?
im a bit on the fence about the hhkb layout, i like that they are doing something new and it shines when compared to other layouts but arrow keys are put in a super annoying spot and its pretty annoying to get used to
I think if I'm going to get hhkb, I will get hybrid and remap them - I would put Fn key under left Command or whatever this is that sits next to spacebar, then map IJKL as arrows.
I would put Fn key under left Command or whatever this is that sits next to spacebar, then map IJKL as arrows.Either you have big hands and a slim body or that sounds like a terrible idea. If you just have a slim body maybe RDFG would work. You might find using the standard FN key with your pinky isn't a problem then you could use [;' and Enter?
im a bit on the fence about the hhkb layout, i like that they are doing something new and it shines when compared to other layouts but arrow keys are put in a super annoying spot and its pretty annoying to get used to
I think if I'm going to get hhkb, I will get hybrid and remap them - I would put Fn key under left Command or whatever this is that sits next to spacebar, then map IJKL as arrows.
i would likely swap locations of win key and alt and do the same thing too,, although i don't wanna use hybrid. imo i think pro 2 is my preference
I would trigger layer with left thumb on left ALT and use right hand for arrows on IJKL.Oh! I always think of arrows being a one handed thing so this is something I'd never considered. Trying it out I can't get my left thumb there comfortably without moving my hand and having done that also pressing Shift and Ctrl (caps) is not comfortable so to me it's a bad idea, but nowhere near as bad as trying to dislocate your fingers to reach I with your middle finger while your arm is pressing into your gut so your thumb can reach the FN on the other side of space (https://cdn.geekhack.org/Smileys/solosmileys/laugh.gif)
Is that bad idea?
im a bit on the fence about the hhkb layout, i like that they are doing something new and it shines when compared to other layouts but arrow keys are put in a super annoying spot and its pretty annoying to get used to
I think if I'm going to get hhkb, I will get hybrid and remap them - I would put Fn key under left Command or whatever this is that sits next to spacebar, then map IJKL as arrows.
i would likely swap locations of win key and alt and do the same thing too,, although i don't wanna use hybrid. imo i think pro 2 is my preference
Why you wouldn't use hybrid?
I would pick Hybrid only for possibility to map keys. Plus BT would be nice to connect to my phone or at work when I would not use batteries.
I think Hybrid is cool, you can run it for about 2-3 months on 2x AA batteries. I know it looks a bit iffy with that lump on the back, but still, you won't see it when typing.
im a bit on the fence about the hhkb layout, i like that they are doing something new and it shines when compared to other layouts but arrow keys are put in a super annoying spot and its pretty annoying to get used to
I think if I'm going to get hhkb, I will get hybrid and remap them - I would put Fn key under left Command or whatever this is that sits next to spacebar, then map IJKL as arrows.
i would likely swap locations of win key and alt and do the same thing too,, although i don't wanna use hybrid. imo i think pro 2 is my preference
Why you wouldn't use hybrid?
I would pick Hybrid only for possibility to map keys. Plus BT would be nice to connect to my phone or at work when I would not use batteries.
I think Hybrid is cool, you can run it for about 2-3 months on 2x AA batteries. I know it looks a bit iffy with that lump on the back, but still, you won't see it when typing.
what is the difference between hybrid and pro2? excuse my complete lack of knowledge about hhkb's i joined this hobby focusing entirely about mx-style boards and not knowing anything about vintage boards or other styles of mechanical keyboards
I would trigger layer with left thumb on left ALT and use right hand for arrows on IJKL.Oh! I always think of arrows being a one handed thing so this is something I'd never considered. Trying it out I can't get my left thumb there comfortably without moving my hand and having done that also pressing Shift and Ctrl (caps) is not comfortable so to me it's a bad idea, but nowhere near as bad as trying to dislocate your fingers to reach I with your middle finger while your arm is pressing into your gut so your thumb can reach the FN on the other side of space
Is that bad idea?Show Image(https://cdn.geekhack.org/Smileys/solosmileys/laugh.gif)
Good luck, a month should be long enough.
That said the best layout is 1800ish - only one column wider than TKL for way more keys, plus the arrows are nearer to the home position.
TKK`LWith what looks to be a horrific typo like that I'll guess it's some kind of touchscreen nonsense :p
TKK`LWith what looks to be a horrific typo like that I'll guess it's some kind of touchscreen nonsense :p
I seriously never felt anything like that to any keyboard I had in the past.Not weird at all. It really is an incredible little thing. It beats almost anything I've had, out of 100+ boards.
Is that weird or what?
I seriously never felt anything like that to any keyboard I had in the past.Not weird at all. It really is an incredible little thing. It beats almost anything I've had, out of 100+ boards.
Is that weird or what?
Buy it again. Spend longer getting used to the arrows, or buy a separate arrow pad or something.
Aye something like that would work. I have something very similar with Aristotle switches, which are lovely, which I've been thinking of selling too:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/2S9mFIa.jpg)
This was a nice thread. I've been considering getting an HHKB myself, but facing plenty of doubt precisely for the same concerns. Ctrl placement, arrow combos, etc.
I already have a Realforce R2 so I keep wondering if it's worth getting another Topre board that essentially sounds and feels the same way, but with less keys.
I had quite a few HHKBs over the last 10 years. My fav for feels alone was the pro 2. I hate silenced because I do believe it changes the feel and feedback my brain desires. The plastic case mount provides the ideal amount of tactility with a 45g topre.
Once I started school again, I thought that there was no way I'd get through psych stats, endless research, etc with one. I dumped it and got a few R2s. I had already sold my 55g and 45g RFs a long time ago when I didn't like how my hands felt on the plate and being a button-masher.
After getting into school and my brain back into it, I was like **** it... I must just go back to the HHKB. I now have two hybrids and a laptop. I love the BT for portability and using the various PCs I have set up for different reasons around my house and my mom's office. I thought I'd always be a wired guy. I could give a **** less that the battery compartment looks "ugly" or whatever people say; it is smart to be able to keep the thing alive without thinking about charging and **** with an internal battery.
I'll get a pro 2 back one day just for the sake of it, but for now, I'm crushing school, hopefully starting a psychiatrist assistant internship soon, and just have that great feeling typing on the damn things. I can't wait to get the job and be like "one condition... you have to let me bring in this tiny little weird keyboard"....
im a bit on the fence about the hhkb layout, i like that they are doing something new and it shines when compared to other layouts but arrow keys are put in a super annoying spot and its pretty annoying to get used to
I think if I'm going to get hhkb, I will get hybrid and remap them - I would put Fn key under left Command or whatever this is that sits next to spacebar, then map IJKL as arrows.
this was a roller coaster. I love how you bought, sold, rebought 2x, then gave up again. lol. I just bought a hhkb this week to use with my MacBook for on the go. I am already use to the layout besides the arrow keys... which I don't use too much? I never use end and home etc. I am a coder and a sys admin by trade and I have been using 60% and ergo doxes for over a decade. when I learn to use a new keyboard layout or keyboard I do so on company time. that way I get paid. sure I may type a little slower but at the end of the day I keep at it and then I know it.
Did you guys see that new Hipro caps sets on kbdfans? They are at interest check stage, but they look lovely!Show Image(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1473/3902/files/23_86bb0899-f79a-4c01-b8e1-4d153e916fc5_2048x2048.jpg?v=1641360966)Show Image(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1473/3902/products/11113_720x.jpg?v=1649829831)Show Image(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1473/3902/products/11112_720x.jpg?v=1649830005)Show Image(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1473/3902/files/10_93fa95bf-ff3d-4f2f-a942-181b7a6b8d84_2048x2048.jpg?v=1641360234)
**** me...
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**** me...
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bahahahaha omg dude
Enjoy the HHKB. Whatever you do, don't open the keyboard up.
It only took me about 2 days to learn, though I did use the dip switches so Delete is Backspace and the Alt and System keys are swapped since it felt like I had to do finger gymnastics to hit the Alt in its default position. Overall I really like this layout and I use my HHKB Pro Classic any time I'm working on something/chatting. The Ctrl position just feels so much more natural, I actually switched my other keyboards to have the Ctrl in that position haha. In games where you press Ctrl to crouch it feels way more comfortable and easy to reach, it's actually improved my movement quite a bit in FPS games!
It only took me about 2 days to learn, though I did use the dip switches so Delete is Backspace and the Alt and System keys are swapped since it felt like I had to do finger gymnastics to hit the Alt in its default position. Overall I really like this layout and I use my HHKB Pro Classic any time I'm working on something/chatting. The Ctrl position just feels so much more natural, I actually switched my other keyboards to have the Ctrl in that position haha. In games where you press Ctrl to crouch it feels way more comfortable and easy to reach, it's actually improved my movement quite a bit in FPS games!
Yeah, hhkb is amazing, till the time where I need to edit text and use arrows a lot - then its f***ing pain in the ass :'(
It only took me about 2 days to learn, though I did use the dip switches so Delete is Backspace and the Alt and System keys are swapped since it felt like I had to do finger gymnastics to hit the Alt in its default position. Overall I really like this layout and I use my HHKB Pro Classic any time I'm working on something/chatting. The Ctrl position just feels so much more natural, I actually switched my other keyboards to have the Ctrl in that position haha. In games where you press Ctrl to crouch it feels way more comfortable and easy to reach, it's actually improved my movement quite a bit in FPS games!
Yeah, hhkb is amazing, till the time where I need to edit text and use arrows a lot - then its f***ing pain in the ass :'(
If your HHKB is a reprogrammable one or you have an aftermarket controller you can try swapping arrow keys on the second layer to WASD. I can't do it on mine because I have a Pro Classic but I do it on all my other keyboards that don't have dedicated arrows. That way you can just do FN + WASD for arrows.
It only took me about 2 days to learn, though I did use the dip switches so Delete is Backspace and the Alt and System keys are swapped since it felt like I had to do finger gymnastics to hit the Alt in its default position. Overall I really like this layout and I use my HHKB Pro Classic any time I'm working on something/chatting. The Ctrl position just feels so much more natural, I actually switched my other keyboards to have the Ctrl in that position haha. In games where you press Ctrl to crouch it feels way more comfortable and easy to reach, it's actually improved my movement quite a bit in FPS games!
Yeah, hhkb is amazing, till the time where I need to edit text and use arrows a lot - then its f***ing pain in the ass :'(
If your HHKB is a reprogrammable one or you have an aftermarket controller you can try swapping arrow keys on the second layer to WASD. I can't do it on mine because I have a Pro Classic but I do it on all my other keyboards that don't have dedicated arrows. That way you can just do FN + WASD for arrows.
I know, I've done it, but Still, my hhkb is in a cupboard, can't use it really.
You can program your Classic, I've done it with mine, when had one. Its a new trick with those new keyboards, you just have to edit your software file.
Phinix I'm a programmer like I think you've said you are, and I'd say it may be worth looking into using vim and/or vim plugins for other editors. I haven't used arrow keys to edit text for over a decade.
Phinix I'm a programmer like I think you've said you are, and I'd say it may be worth looking into using vim and/or vim plugins for other editors. I haven't used arrow keys to edit text for over a decade.
Yes, but apart from this, its like word docs editing, emails etc.
Just missing those arrows :(
KKHB ordered.
I give myself a month. If I fail, I'll return it (Amazon) and never get other format than TKL.
My HHKB is due in 2 days. Interesting feedback on this thread vs. a lot of review sites that all say "don't worry, within a month you'll be a pro." I can tell you I could not get used to doing spreadsheets on my 40% with my numbers/numpad in layers. Hopefully 4 arrow buttons are more manageable than 10 number buttons.
My goal is to make the HHKB a bit of an end-game board, while I already have eyes on a Heavy Grail upgrade.
Specific to Type-S or not, now I am a bit worried hearing some of your pooh-pooh the Type-S as being mushy, because the Type-S is what I ordered. There were so many reviews suggesting the Type-S sound was so much more pleasant than standard Topre switches. Meanwhile, I had bought Gazzew Boba U4 silents that came with rave reviews, only to not be crazy about them as they were actually too silent... and definitely mushy when bottomed out.
Basically, all my potential concerns about buying an HHKB Type-S that were disarmed in most reviews, have now sprung to life again after reading this thread. I guess in 2 more days I'll know...
My HHKB is due in 2 days. Interesting feedback on this thread vs. a lot of review sites that all say "don't worry, within a month you'll be a pro." I can tell you I could not get used to doing spreadsheets on my 40% with my numbers/numpad in layers. Hopefully 4 arrow buttons are more manageable than 10 number buttons.
My goal is to make the HHKB a bit of an end-game board, while I already have eyes on a Heavy Grail upgrade.
Specific to Type-S or not, now I am a bit worried hearing some of your pooh-pooh the Type-S as being mushy, because the Type-S is what I ordered. There were so many reviews suggesting the Type-S sound was so much more pleasant than standard Topre switches. Meanwhile, I had bought Gazzew Boba U4 silents that came with rave reviews, only to not be crazy about them as they were actually too silent... and definitely mushy when bottomed out.
Basically, all my potential concerns about buying an HHKB Type-S that were disarmed in most reviews, have now sprung to life again after reading this thread. I guess in 2 more days I'll know...
I adapted pretty quickly to a hhkb style layout (split bs, r3 control, split rs) and is now my preffered layout. I know not everyone likes it because you use layers for a lot of things (especially compared to a tkl) but for me it's perfect.
Well, things went sideways on me. My HHKB Hybrid S Type is still hung up with Fed Ex after 2 weeks... not sure when it will arrive? However, I came across a pre-loved custom HHKB for sale on an obscure site, put out an offer, it was accepted, and now my custom arrived today. It has the guts of a Pro Classic. The prior owner said they lubed it. It is pretty darn quiet. I guess it does not have silencing rings, but if someone told me this is what they sound and feel like, I would believe them. I've already had to use my Hacking board to hack the HHKB Keymap Tool so I could get the media layer keys to function with Windows, with the Keymap Tool not supposed to work with The Classic.... Learned how from a GH thread from a few years ago. My first impressions of this board: time to buy the wall mounted display rack for the rest of my keyboards. This HHKB is is sooo comfortable to type with, and much easier for me to be more accurate with these Topre switches. Another convert.Show Image(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53507306529_80202b5ded_c.jpg)