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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Index on Sat, 23 July 2011, 23:11:56

Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Sat, 23 July 2011, 23:11:56
Just put in an order for a Dark Grey Lettered HHKB Pro 2. I just said to hell with it, I'm single, making good enough money.

Im regretting it now, but I'm sure I won't once it comes in! =)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mr626 on Sat, 23 July 2011, 23:23:14
Haha, good job. Personally I can't ever see myself spending that much on a board, but then again I'm only new here so time will tell!

Do you already own a mechanical board (or 10?) or is this your first?
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Sat, 23 July 2011, 23:46:15
I own a Leopold Tenkeyless (Blank w/ Browns) for home, and a Das Keyboard (Blank w/ Browns). I hate the feeling of the Das. Going to give it to a friend for his birthday.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: hcry4 on Sun, 24 July 2011, 00:46:36
Welcome to the club.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Zhuni on Sun, 24 July 2011, 00:48:41
Good choice. I love mine. Just got it a few weeks ago. Liked it so much I sold my Filco. I was kind of hoping I wouldnt like it. So then I could just sell it but I'm totally in love with it......damn :D

Its now the only board I own. Love typing on it and as I play only FPS games with a low sensitivity its perfect for that too. Much more space to have my huge mouse pad closer to me.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: iMav on Sun, 24 July 2011, 03:53:11
Good choice.  I love mine.  IMHO, the best key layout available.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Zhuni on Sun, 24 July 2011, 07:05:17
Wow iMav.....if your HHKB looks like your little pixel art I'd love to see a picture of it.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: richie on Sun, 24 July 2011, 07:36:52
I'm getting one too, guess that the high resell value means I wont be too disappointed if I don't like it once I get it in a couple of weeks. Oh gone for the JIS option too for the arrow keys and extra modifier keys (im thinking number pad)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: TexasFlood on Sun, 24 July 2011, 08:46:28
Quote from: Zhuni;386151
Wow iMav.....if your HHKB looks like your little pixel art I'd love to see a picture of it.
There's one in iMav's post in the "Keyboard pixel art things" thread (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?19113-Keyboard-pixel-art-things.&p=384130&viewfull=1#post384130).
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=21543)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: TexasFlood on Sun, 24 July 2011, 08:51:38
Quote from: Zhuni;386151
Wow iMav.....if your HHKB looks like your little pixel art I'd love to see a picture of it.
There's one in iMav's post in the "Keyboard pixel art things" thread (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?19113-Keyboard-pixel-art-things.&p=384130&viewfull=1#post384130).
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=21543)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Zhuni on Sun, 24 July 2011, 09:55:13
Damn that look sick
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mr626 on Sun, 24 July 2011, 16:44:48
Having seen some pictures of the HHKB Pros...I can see why you guys like them. Must be great to type on.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: JustCallMeCrash on Sun, 24 July 2011, 17:08:45
Quote from: hcry4;386094
Welcome to the club.
Which club? HHKB owners or Das haters?  Either way, I'll be excluded from THOSE clubs... I love my Das.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Brummell on Sun, 24 July 2011, 17:51:18
Quote from: mr626;386354
Having seen some pictures of the HHKB Pros...I can see why you guys like them. Must be great to type on.

By far and away my favorite keyboard, I love the thing.  I'm buying another this week.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mr626 on Sun, 24 July 2011, 18:33:04
Where would be the best place to buy one from that ships worldwide? I did a quick check and I can't see any vendor that sells them in my country.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Sun, 24 July 2011, 19:13:20
Quote from: mr626;386401
Where would be the best place to buy one from that ships worldwide? I did a quick check and I can't see any vendor that sells them in my country.

Looks like elitekeyboards ships to australia...
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Brummell on Sun, 24 July 2011, 19:15:01
Quote from: jpm804;386421
Looks like elitekeyboards ships to australia...
For around $49USD.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mr626 on Sun, 24 July 2011, 19:21:13
Quote from: Brummell;386423
For around $49USD.

 
Sigh, and that's pretty cheap too as far as shipping keyboards here goes.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Sun, 24 July 2011, 19:23:53
Quote from: mr626;386428
Sigh, and that's pretty cheap too as far as shipping keyboards here goes.


Do IT!
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mr626 on Sun, 24 July 2011, 19:26:36
In the space of one thread, I've gone from saying I'll never spend that much to asking about how to get them shipped here!

But no, not quite ready to front that much money for a keyboard. I have plenty of cheaper options to explore first. Besides, if I go straight for something like a HHKB where else is there to go but down?
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Brummell on Sun, 24 July 2011, 19:50:59
Quote from: mr626;386431
In the space of one thread, I've gone from saying I'll never spend that much to asking about how to get them shipped here!

But no, not quite ready to front that much money for a keyboard. I have plenty of cheaper options to explore first. Besides, if I go straight for something like a HHKB where else is there to go but down?

Didn't anyone warn you about this place when you signed up?  Your wallet will be the first casualty.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: peapody on Sun, 24 July 2011, 20:43:38
Quote from: mr626;386431
In the space of one thread, I've gone from saying I'll never spend that much to asking about how to get them shipped here!

But no, not quite ready to front that much money for a keyboard. I have plenty of cheaper options to explore first. Besides, if I go straight for something like a HHKB where else is there to go but down?

I went big and got myself the HHKB  Professional 1 for a nice price..$150. You just got to be patient to find a good deal too. My HHKB is one of three boards I have and I wish I sold off the other two for a printed HHKB. Might just do that - Really like the feel of the HHKB.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: digitalleftovers on Sun, 24 July 2011, 21:45:26
They go up for sale in the classifieds here quite often.  I would suggest getting a Poker to try the compact layout, but the resale value of an HHKB is so high, you might as well just get one.  You'd only be risking the loss of what you spend on shipping.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Sun, 24 July 2011, 21:50:07
Well, right now im working out a keyboard design.

1) Tenkeyless
2) Programmable
3) 2 USB Hub (maybe more)
4) detachable cord
5) 3 channel cord system (same one as leopold)
6) plate mounted
7) cherry mx browns
8) cnc carved case

That's about it. First I need to finish my website.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Sun, 24 July 2011, 22:03:14
Quote from: digitalleftovers;386496
They go up for sale in the classifieds here quite often.  I would suggest getting a Poker to try the compact layout, but the resale value of an HHKB is so high, you might as well just get one.  You'd only be risking the loss of what you spend on shipping.

I would recommend this also and try a poker first to see if you like the form factor.. That is what i did to make sure that it wasnt too small and also if not having dedicated arrow keys would be an issue.

This at least set expectations for me if I wanted a HHKB2...
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: theferenc on Sun, 24 July 2011, 22:22:09
Just remember, the HHKB has a different layout than the poker, even if they are similar sizes. While it's my preferred layout, it is definitely not for everyone. The obvious complaint being the lack of arrow keys, though I don't miss them at all, myself. I even mapped the same second layer to my IBM keyboards, which have also been put in that layout.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Mon, 25 July 2011, 00:10:24
This thread makes me want to do crazy things lol. I want a hhkb pro2. Thanks to OP and this forum I started looking at my options. An amazon reseller carries hhkbs for $277 + $13 shipped mmm similar price as EK but I have $100 in gift cards on amazon which would work toward this.  I got a poker red incoming so I think I'll wait to mess with that first. And I got a filco brown last week. I've only been a member for a couple weeks but damn I'm spending dough already.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: digitalleftovers on Mon, 25 July 2011, 00:16:37
Quote from: Aznguyen316;386578
This thread makes me want to do crazy things lol. I want a hhkb pro2. Thanks to OP and this forum I started looking at my options. An amazon reseller carries hhkbs for $277 + $13 shipped mmm similar price as EK but I have $100 in gift cards on amazon which would work toward this.  I got a poker red incoming so I think I'll wait to mess with that first. And I got a filco brown last week. I've only been a member for a couple weeks but damn I'm spending dough already.

"Welcome to geekhack! We apologize about your wallet."

Since the owner of EK is long time member here, I always want to support him when I can, but an HHKB for $100 bucks off is deal too good to refuse.  You could even resell it at profit if you didn't want it!
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Mon, 25 July 2011, 01:45:44
Quote from: Aznguyen316;386578
This thread makes me want to do crazy things lol. I want a hhkb pro2. Thanks to OP and this forum I started looking at my options. An amazon reseller carries hhkbs for $277 + $13 shipped mmm similar price as EK but I have $100 in gift cards on amazon which would work toward this.  I got a poker red incoming so I think I'll wait to mess with that first. And I got a filco brown last week. I've only been a member for a couple weeks but damn I'm spending dough already.

Hahaha ... same boat as you. Think we probably joined around the same time this month...have a filco brown and poker blue. Had a noppoo mini, sold it since I just got a RF 86UB...defintely not a poor mans hobby if you really start collecting them.

Also might want to check if you can use those amazon GC's on third party sellers on amazon. I thought you could only use the amazon GC's to buy stuff sold by amazon or through amazon directly.. third party items did not qualify.

Updated: looks like it might be third party merchant specific if they want to accept it or not...probably best way to test is try to buy the item and if the GC is able to be deducted should be good.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Mon, 25 July 2011, 08:15:58
Yup I checked.  Put it in my cart, went through checkout and it deducted the GC balance toward the keyboard. So yeah... I licked my lips but am currently resisting until I at least get the poker in. How are you liking the poker? I am kind of hoping I really like it so I won't be tempted to get the HHKB. I'm wanting a small form factor kb though. Hmmm

Also, looks like I joined a day after you. Haha :)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: hcry4 on Mon, 25 July 2011, 09:11:09
Quote from: Aznguyen316;386578
An amazon reseller carries hhkbs for $277 + $13 shipped...


I bought all three of mine from USER SIDE.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Mon, 25 July 2011, 09:21:29
ah yes User Side is the company selling through Amazon. It seems you were happy with their service to have bought three.  Even more reasons to take the plunge.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: rodya on Mon, 25 July 2011, 19:18:49
Congrats, I love my HHKB.

imav's board looks sweet!  I wish they offered the purple wasd without the arrows on front though.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 25 July 2011, 23:58:59
This thread sucks and owes me $307.  That thing they say about this site and your wallet isn't a joke.  There should be a Keyboardaholics Anonymous.

But... Thursday or Friday will be fun. :)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Tue, 26 July 2011, 01:35:44
Quote from: aggiejy;387237
This thread sucks and owes me $307.  That thing they say about this site and your wallet isn't a joke.  There should be a Keyboardaholics Anonymous.

But... Thursday or Friday will be fun. :)

Nice where did you end up picking it up from?
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 26 July 2011, 02:26:51
EliteKeyboards.com - I've bought from them in the past and the resale is so high on these that I didn't feel like waiting around forever for a good used one that happened to match my preference.  (Dark, printed)  
I also bought the lavender wasd keys and the red escape key along with ground shipping, hence the price of $307.  

My only hesitation was the lack of arrow keys, but after playing around with it on my other boards, I think it won't be too bad.  (Less arm movement!) First topre board though, super excited!  It's what I was going to get in March, but chickened out and got another cherry board.  We'll see. :)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Tue, 26 July 2011, 02:54:01
congrats on the HHKB,,,luckily you can order from EK and not get charged tax...sucks being in cali sometimes.

Picked up a the same keyboard as you tonight also, used but for the price it was worth it.

Let me know your feedback when you get.. Got my RF 86UB today also and love the topre switches now.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Thu, 28 July 2011, 12:29:10
So, my HHKB should come in today at work. Im just waiting and waiting and waiting. Where's my keyboard!!!
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Thu, 28 July 2011, 13:22:09
Just got it, idk how I feel about the topre switches. I love everything else about this keyboard. Like the keys feel alot harder to type on than my old das with cherry browns. Maybe I just need to get used to these? Idk, right now I wish these had cherry browns. Also, my fingers kinda hurts to type on these. Also, I definitely won't be using these in SC2. Double tapping is really hard on this. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks.

/first impressions rant
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: hcry4 on Thu, 28 July 2011, 13:39:32
Quote from: Index;388835
Just got it, idk how I feel about the topre switches. I love everything else about this keyboard. Like the keys feel alot harder to type on than my old das with cherry browns. Maybe I just need to get used to these? Idk, right now I wish these had cherry browns. Also, my fingers kinda hurts to type on these. Also, I definitely won't be using these in SC2. Double tapping is really hard on this. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks.

/first impressions rant

 
I find the keys a lot less fatiguing, especially on my left pinky.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Thu, 28 July 2011, 13:40:36
I've heard there's a breaking in period, not necessarily with the keys but with your fingers lol.  Keep us updated, I'm very interested in this keyboard still, however my Poker Red, I've been remapping keys via software and getting the caps + wasd to remap to arrow keys has really improved the functionality of this keyboard all around.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Thu, 28 July 2011, 13:45:19
Yeah, it really could be that. I'm going to take this baby home and play some SC2 games with it. We'll see how it holds up. If anything I'm still going to use this at work. Im really liking this layout.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Exoverture on Thu, 28 July 2011, 13:50:23
Quote from: Index;388835
Just got it, idk how I feel about the topre switches. I love everything else about this keyboard. Like the keys feel alot harder to type on than my old das with cherry browns. Maybe I just need to get used to these? Idk, right now I wish these had cherry browns. Also, my fingers kinda hurts to type on these. Also, I definitely won't be using these in SC2. Double tapping is really hard on this. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks.

/first impressions rant

I never found topre switches impressive. They do feel a lot like well made rubber dome keyboards. The differences are insignificant besides the better build quality.

I much prefer cherry browns to them - I had ordered a HHKB, Realforce 55g and variable. I just don't find them that great. I think the hype surrounding them is what makes people want to have them, and the looks are definitely nice. But other than that, I didn't like them as an actual keyboard to type or game on comparatively.

The layout of the HHKB is nice though, if you like that kind of a layout. I personally couldn't adjust to it because of my work computer being a normal layout. I don't mind that though, for gaming I much prefer the standard layout.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: peapody on Thu, 28 July 2011, 17:26:56
I think it is a love hate thing with the topres. Sometimes I really love the feel but sometimes I get fatigue from it and revert back to my browns which always feel good.

Also - I am not feeling the HHKB spacebar. Hate the angle and the squeak.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Larry Dallas on Thu, 28 July 2011, 18:27:53
I love the Topre switches, I find the feel and the sound sublime. After I got my HHKB, I was planning on getting a full size Realforce, but between the HHKB and the Poker, which I carry in my laptop bag, it feels weird now to use a regular keyboard and take my hands off the     home row to use the arrow keys.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: prd on Thu, 28 July 2011, 18:58:42
Quote from: Exoverture;388858
I never found topre switches impressive. They do feel a lot like well made rubber dome keyboards. The differences are insignificant besides the better build quality.

I much prefer cherry browns to them - I had ordered a HHKB, Realforce 55g and variable. I just don't find them that great. I think the hype surrounding them is what makes people want to have them, and the looks are definitely nice. But other than that, I didn't like them as an actual keyboard to type or game on comparatively.

The layout of the HHKB is nice though, if you like that kind of a layout. I personally couldn't adjust to it because of my work computer being a normal layout. I don't mind that though, for gaming I much prefer the standard layout.

What's the quality difference between the Realforce and the HHKB?
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Atenacius on Thu, 28 July 2011, 19:03:27
Better to drop close to $300 on keyboard while you're single. My girlfriend would kill me if I bought any Topre keyboard at this point.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: prd on Thu, 28 July 2011, 19:08:15
Quote from: Atenacius;389028
Better to drop close to $300 on keyboard while you're single. My girlfriend would kill me if I bought any Topre keyboard at this point.

You're looking at things from the wrong perspective. Spending too much money is just an incentive to make more money.

EDIT: Hm, the opposite is also true.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: peapody on Thu, 28 July 2011, 19:22:34
Quote from: Atenacius;389028
Better to drop close to $300 on keyboard while you're single. My girlfriend would kill me if I bought any Topre keyboard at this point.

Unless you are the girlfriend.

My boyfriend thinks I am strange for my techy habits. He hates my blank HHKB.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: spdx on Thu, 28 July 2011, 19:33:26
Quote from: Atenacius;389028
Better to drop close to $300 on keyboard while you're single. My girlfriend would kill me if I bought any Topre keyboard at this point.
Never tell her and don't marry her. :p
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: kinkng on Thu, 28 July 2011, 19:46:31
Quote from: Atenacius;389028
Better to drop close to $300 on keyboard while you're single. My girlfriend would kill me if I bought any Topre keyboard at this point.

You can still do it while you are married. You just need to intercept the UPS guy first or make sure the wife is out of the house around the time that the UPS man rolls around.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mmmty on Thu, 28 July 2011, 20:13:55
Send it to work or a friend.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: daerid on Thu, 28 July 2011, 20:32:38
Quote from: Atenacius;389028
Better to drop close to $300 on keyboard while you're single. My girlfriend would kill me if I bought any Topre keyboard at this point.

Unless you live together and share bank accounts, tell her to mind her own business
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Exoverture on Thu, 28 July 2011, 21:07:20
Quote from: prd;389025
What's the quality difference between the Realforce and the HHKB?

The landing of the keys did feel a bit smoother, and the overall build quality was much better. The HHKB was a bit bendy in comparison.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: kinkng on Thu, 28 July 2011, 21:09:45
Quote from: Exoverture;389098
The landing of the keys did feel a bit smoother, and the overall build quality was much better. The HHKB was a bit bendy in comparison.

I never understood why the Realforce is cheaper than the HHKB since the Realforce seems to be slightly better constructed.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mr626 on Thu, 28 July 2011, 21:42:51
Quote from: kinkng;389063
You can still do it while you are married. You just need to intercept the UPS guy first or make sure the wife is out of the house around the time that the UPS man rolls around.

In the case of Model M boards it is even easier. You just say they are an 'investment'
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: TexasFlood on Thu, 28 July 2011, 21:45:11
Quote from: kinkng;389063
You can still do it while you are married. You just need to intercept the UPS guy first or make sure the wife is out of the house around the time that the UPS man rolls around.

Quote from: mr626;389112
In the case of Model M boards it is even easier. You just say they are an 'investment'
It's not the delivery, it's the credit card statement and wife ain't buying the 'investment' angle, :sad:
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mr626 on Thu, 28 July 2011, 21:48:15
Quote from: TexasFlood;389114
It's not the delivery, it's the credit card statement and wife ain't buying the 'investment' angle, :sad:

True enough. We have a system here though. I get to call things like model m boards and expensive scotch 'investments' and the wife gets to do the same for things like vintage hats. Everyone is happy (other than the bank balance).
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Thu, 28 July 2011, 23:11:26
Quote from: mmmty;389083
Send it to work or a friend.


Lol the gf didn't say much about my first keyboard, but the second was mailed to my work =) wait until I decide to get an hhkb. That will be interesting.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Fri, 29 July 2011, 03:04:37
Quote from: Exoverture;389098
The landing of the keys did feel a bit smoother, and the overall build quality was much better. The HHKB was a bit bendy in comparison.

I would tend to agree with this comment. Just got my HHKB2 today, but havent had much time to type on it so take this as a first impression only.

The RF just feels slightly smoother on the keypress and keycaps feel a little bit better also. But I do like the topre switches in a smaller form factor which the RF doesnt give. Defintely some trade offs when going to the HHKB versus a RF but no keyboard is perfect.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: prd on Fri, 29 July 2011, 04:36:08
Hm. Thanks for the input, guys.

Would you say that a HHKB is better build than a Filco, then?
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: theferenc on Fri, 29 July 2011, 06:44:14
I would say that, yes. There's a Filco with browns in my office, and I often bring the HHKB there as well. The fit and finish on the HHKB is better, though the Filco feels more substantial (proportional to its size).
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Fri, 29 July 2011, 08:19:19
@jpm804 when you get a chance, please update on your thoughts of the HHKB Pro2 in comparison to your filco brown and red since I've had experience with both switches.  Either here or your "in the mail" thread. I'm subbed. =D

also @theferenc I would like your opinions on the brown vs hhkb, the feeling of the key press is what I'm most curious about.  The tactility and how much force is required to press down either.  I read the hhkb is at 45grams yet ppl have complained of getting fatigue, but don't the browns have a higher force to actuate?

Thanks.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Fri, 29 July 2011, 11:01:18
The browns and topres seem to require the same amount of force to fully depress either switch. However, it's the actual keystroke each switch has that's the difference. The browns' keystroke is much smoother than the topres. With the browns the actuation point is around the middle. Whereas the topres has it's actuation point near to the top due to rubber cups. Also, the browns seem to distribute the amount of force required the fully depress it more equally throughout the keystroke. Whereas the topres seem to put most of the required force near the top.

These are the differences I felt on each switch.

I also tried gaming on the topres yesterday on sc2. Actually, it doesn't seem to make a difference imo. My hand seems to be fine even after a few games. I didn't game on them enough b/c it felt weird, so I switched back to my old Leopold. I will be giving it another go tonight.

Edit:

Also, I think read somewhere on Geekhack that someone took apart their Realforce and HHKB, then switched the rubber cups and springs between them. He/she found, if I remember correctly, that his/her HHKB felt much better after the switch
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Fri, 29 July 2011, 11:41:35
Ugh, sorry I meant to say something else. I guess the tactile bump? Or is it the tactile force.

All I know is that the topre's has most of it's resistance near the top. Whereas the brown's resistance is more spread out throughout the keystroke, and has most of it near the middle.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Fri, 29 July 2011, 12:50:41
Quote from: Aznguyen316;389327
@jpm804 when you get a chance, please update on your thoughts of the HHKB Pro2 in comparison to your filco brown and red since I've had experience with both switches.  Either here or your "in the mail" thread. I'm subbed. =D

Thanks.

For sure... defintely need to put some more typing time with the HHKB to form a better opinion. I will update my in the mail thread with my feedback.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Fri, 29 July 2011, 13:04:59
Quote from: Index;389420
Ugh, sorry I meant to say something else. I guess the tactile bump? Or is it the tactile force.

All I know is that the topre's has most of it's resistance near the top. Whereas the brown's resistance is more spread out throughout the keystroke, and has most of it near the middle.

It's cool, I actually think I know what you mean by this. Also how hard is the tactile bump?  Some reason I wasn't a fan of it on the browns.. not sure why.

thanks jpm.  Look forward to it.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Exoverture on Fri, 29 July 2011, 14:38:03
Quote from: prd;389253
Hm. Thanks for the input, guys.

Would you say that a HHKB is better build than a Filco, then?

Yes, the build quality is better. The Filco's I've had are nothing to write home about (to be honest a DAS Pro I purchased felt more solid than a Filco) and the HHKB should feel a ton better as there are no reports of creaks/flexes unlike the filco.
Title: HHKB 2 Initial impressions
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 29 July 2011, 16:15:38
Woot, FedEx brought me the goods today too!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]22703[/ATTACH]

Quick initial random impressions:


Update: Typing video.  First attempt... was better than the second and third, so I gave up.  About on par with my cherry speeds which aren't very speedy.
[video=youtube;4JVYjWyaoHQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JVYjWyaoHQ[/video]
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: peapody on Fri, 29 July 2011, 17:37:20
Nice quick write up and vid. Glad you are enjoying your keyboard. Backspace for me was just fine, but Fn key, control alt and all that jazz are still invisible to me. But I guess that is because I have a blank keyboard and I have not trained myself to type properly.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: flaming_june on Fri, 29 July 2011, 19:11:41
I don't know about that.  Mine grips perfectly.  I also agree on the size.  I had trouble going back to 87 with realforce and don't even mention full size.  Once you figure all the keys out it's easily one of the best keyboard you'll own for many years to come.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: theferenc on Fri, 29 July 2011, 19:18:00
Quote from: Aznguyen316;389327
@theferenc I would like your opinions on the brown vs hhkb, the feeling of the key press is what I'm most curious about.  The tactility and how much force is required to press down either.  I read the hhkb is at 45grams yet ppl have complained of getting fatigue, but don't the browns have a higher force to actuate?
I actually think the browns feel lighter than the HHKB. I know they aren't, officially, but to my fingers, they feel it. I also am not a fan of the nearly linear feel of the brown switches, with just that little grittiness at the tactile point. The lightness makes sense on a keyboard like the Kinesis, though Sordna claims (and I think he's right) that reds feel even better in the Kinesis, I think partially because they remove that feeling of grittiness the browns have.

Also, I loves me my HHKB. It's just so damn nice to type on.

Edit: And I alternate between the HHKB and a 122 key model M. Each always shocks me with the size for a few seconds whenever I switch to it.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 29 July 2011, 20:34:54
Quote from: theferenc;389646
I actually think the browns feel lighter than the HHKB. I know they aren't, officially, but to my fingers, they feel it.
Agree 100%.  Browns feel much lighter to me.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 29 July 2011, 20:45:49
i do have an extra pack of the non-skid pads i used to make my board immobile. if you need them let me know though they only work with the keyboard fully flat.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mmmty on Fri, 29 July 2011, 20:54:55
You're making me miss the HHKB I just sold. BTW, I have the same mouse.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 29 July 2011, 20:55:59
Quote from: mmmty;389673
You're making me miss the HHKB I just sold. BTW, I have the same mouse.
why would yo sell a HHKB? not into the Topre's?
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: mmmty on Fri, 29 July 2011, 21:11:40
I think it was the small form factor. I didn't use it much. I need easy access to home, end, insert, and the arrow keys. So I sold it to fund a new keyboard. I still have my other topre boards to play with.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 29 July 2011, 21:18:33
Quote from: mmmty;389686
I think it was the small form factor. I didn't use it much. I need easy access to home, end, insert, and the arrow keys. So I sold it to fund a new keyboard. I still have my 87U to play with.
i personally love the small form factor. its great when u want alot of desk space.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 29 July 2011, 21:24:52
Quote from: mmmty;389673
...BTW, I have the same mouse.

Before keyboards, I used to be crazy into mice.  At least one a month, whatever new comes out.  When the Performance MX came out, I realized it's my perfect mouse.  I've bought a few since, but they were so underwhelming I just gave up.  

I'm deathly afraid I'll find the perfect keyboard one day and it'll end the same way. :)  I love this HHKB so far, but I don't think this will be *it* in the same way as that mouse.  (Thankfully!)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Fri, 29 July 2011, 21:39:32
Quote from: theferenc;389646
I actually think the browns feel lighter than the HHKB. I know they aren't, officially, but to my fingers, they feel it. I also am not a fan of the nearly linear feel of the brown switches, with just that little grittiness at the tactile point. The lightness makes sense on a keyboard like the Kinesis, though Sordna claims (and I think he's right) that reds feel even better in the Kinesis, I think partially because they remove that feeling of grittiness the browns have.

Also, I loves me my HHKB. It's just so damn nice to type on.

Edit: And I alternate between the HHKB and a 122 key model M. Each always shocks me with the size for a few seconds whenever I switch to it.


Yes I did not like the little "grittiness" you describe on the Cherry Browns, which is why I find the Reds very nice to type on.  But the tactility of the HHKB does not bother you like the browns do, is that right?  How does the tactile feel on the HHKB if you can describe if it is not like the browns.  thanks for the response.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 29 July 2011, 22:56:24
Quote from: Aznguyen316;389710
Yes I did not like the little "grittiness" you describe on the Cherry Browns, which is why I find the Reds very nice to type on.  But the tactility of the HHKB does not bother you like the browns do, is that right?  How does the tactile feel on the HHKB if you can describe if it is not like the browns.  thanks for the response.
well its not gritty because there isnt something sliding against something
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Fri, 29 July 2011, 23:02:41
^ yeah, I wish I could really try the topre before making the jump.  Thanks aggie for the vid, sounds nice.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 29 July 2011, 23:06:57
The sound... can't believe I didn't mention that in my bullets.  It's one of the best parts.  Especially the space bar, which on most cherry boards sounds a bit annoying to my ears.  Every stroke on this thing sounds solid.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: TheProfosist on Fri, 29 July 2011, 23:29:49
Quote from: aggiejy;389744
The sound... can't believe I didn't mention that in my bullets.  It's one of the best parts.  Especially the space bar, which on most cherry boards sounds a bit annoying to my ears.  Every stroke on this thing sounds solid.
that reminds me from what ive read the space bar is ABS while every other key is PBT. isnt that a bit odd?

to me it does feel and look a bit different

another thing i just wondered. anyone know what the printed red escape and the printed WASD keys are made from that are sold by EK?
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 29 July 2011, 23:40:59
Yes,  the ABS space is a bit odd.  But I really wouldn't have noticed if I didn't know that from GH.  (until it shines up next week)  The red and lavender keys have the same shape and texture as far as I can tell... I'd guess they are PBT too, but no proof.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Aznguyen316 on Sat, 30 July 2011, 00:12:58
^ I also wondered if they were abs or pbt, the wasd more importantly.  But if it feels the same then I would guess PBT.. if it doesn't feel the same as the space bar.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: isp on Sat, 30 July 2011, 07:22:26
Thanks for posting impressions+vid.  Enjoy it man... but it really is hard to go to anything else after you use one of these for a while.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Sat, 30 July 2011, 13:08:21
Quote from: aggiejy;389551
Woot, FedEx brought me the goods today too!

(Attachment) 22703[/ATTACH]

Quick initial random impressions:

  • LOVE the size. It'll be hard to go back to even a full-size tenkeyless.
  • Left side rubber foot doesn't grip, just like another person said. The back-left foot is too high, or the back right to low. Shim or shave, your choice.
  • First time to touch a topre switch.  LOVE IT… so unique.  I think my browns and blues will see less use.  (Filco w/ Reds coming next week… we'll see.)
  • Love the feel/texture of the keycaps
  • Overall a solid feel when typing.
  • Might need to pour some lead in the casing… it's a featherweight.
  • The layout is great, but the backspace location is going to take a good long while to get used to.  My right ring finger jumps straight to \ or ` when I mess up.  Funny, I was worried about the arrow keys, but they're natural.  The backspace is a freaking trip.




Nice write up on your initial comments and video.


Also the red esc and lavender WASD looks good going to have to pick that up from EK also.

Quote from: mmmty;389673
You're making me miss the HHKB I just sold. BTW, I have the same mouse.

Thanks again mmmty.. hopefully you wont miss it anymore when your TypeNow Solid comes in :smile:
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: reaper on Sat, 30 July 2011, 13:18:59
Quote from: jpm804;389997

Also the red esc and lavender WASD looks good going to have to pick that up from EK also.


Get the whole set of white key caps set from EK. =P

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/eddie84/OCN/Mech%20keyboard%20club/HHKB/th_DSC05534.jpg) (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/eddie84/OCN/Mech%20keyboard%20club/HHKB/DSC05534.jpg)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Sat, 30 July 2011, 13:23:29
Quote from: reaper;390004
Get the whole set of white key caps set from EK. =P



Quit teasing me reaper,,, damn that looks good. I wanted to get the white HHKB keycaps but I think they are sold out of the printed ones and only have the Otaku style ones. Hopefully my solution to this problem is not buying a white HHKB2 =P

Also nice baller roof rack for the HHKB... looks nice
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: reaper on Sat, 30 July 2011, 13:25:55
^ Thanks and it seems like they're out of stock on those lettered ones but they still have blank key caps (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys) and the roof..  I think. =D
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Sat, 30 July 2011, 13:28:28
Quote from: reaper;390013
^ Thanks and it seems like they're out of stock on those lettered ones but they still have blank key caps (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys) and the roof..  I think. =D

The roof is defintely on my wish list, I would rather get back in stock the filco roof back in stock.

Gonna ping them to see when and if they will get back in stock the white HHKB white printed keycaps.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Sat, 30 July 2011, 13:33:56
Quote from: ripster;390018
I feel your ping.

Don't worry I will be using my Filco to write the email :thumb:
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 30 July 2011, 13:53:08
Quote from: jpm804;389997
If you like the Topre Switches... is there a chance a Realforce board is in your future?
You know, I wasn't planning on it until yesterday.  But I like these switches way more than I thought I would.  I half-expected them to be mostly hype I guess.  But now, I'm thinking I may want to look into a Realforce 87.

After a full day of coding on this HHKB, I'm cool with the backspace placement now.  The control placement is second nature.  

My biggest problem is doing text selection with the arrow keys.  On a Mac, you hold down shift and move the arrow keys to select characters.  If you add command to the mix, it'll highlight the whole line.  Or option and it'll highlight a wood at a time.  Not much different here except also holding down Fn to use the arrows.  

I also kind of like having F keys standalone as I use F1-F4 to jump though my desktops.  Have it as control-1..4 now, so it's not bad.

Something I'm sure I'll get used to, but not on day one. :)  The other thing is that I noticed my natural mouse position is to the right enough that losing the arrow keys didn't really help much for me.  So perhaps I'll trade this for a Realforce at some point. (or just have both!)  We'll see. :)

Either way, totally enjoying typing on it.  Looking forward to the reds... but I have a feeling I'm going to want some dampening orings after using this for a bit.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Sat, 30 July 2011, 14:02:28
I would recommend maybe trying out a used RF86 if you want to try a topre keyboard with a tenkeyless layout. I think I saw one in the classifieds for $190 which is a pretty decent price. Probably give you a good idea if you want to move up to to RF 87U in the future. Also you can probably sell that RF86 for what you bought it for when you move up.

While having both I do like the form factor of the RF86 more for me at least.

Also i dont think dampining springs will be necessary on the reds... I like them the way they are stock.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: peapody on Sat, 30 July 2011, 15:43:49
Quote from: ripster;390026
Ping Elitekeyboards when they'll start selling colored Topre keys.  At $125 a set there is profit to be made.

I want to see some different colored caps. Like the lavendar, but would it if they had some choices. I'd shell out some cash for something different.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: theferenc on Sat, 30 July 2011, 16:43:24
You know, I have trouble with the ANSI backspace location. I was using sun keyboards for nearly a decade before I bought the HHKB, so the UNIX layout feels very natural to me. I even mod all of my IBM keyboards to that layout, applying about 10 remaps to get the whole thing working.

Just wait until you go back to ANSI after having used the HHKB for a while. You'll be getting lots of \\\\\\\\\\\\\.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 30 July 2011, 17:40:31
Quote from: jpm804;390034
I would recommend maybe trying out a used RF86 if you want to try a topre keyboard with a tenkeyless layout. I think I saw one in the classifieds for $190 which is a pretty decent price. Probably give you a good idea if you want to move up to to RF 87U in the future. Also you can probably sell that RF86 for what you bought it for when you move up.

While having both I do like the form factor of the RF86 more for me at least.
How would you compare the typing feel on the 86U vs the HHKB? I'm really tempted to trade/sell this to get one of those. I don't game, so the variable weighting wouldn't seem to bother me much, and I don't need that extra windows key... so no point in the 87 probably.

I might buy one and keep this too, but I almost don't want to get too used to this layout... I might neglect the rest of my collection. ;)  Though, I paid $300 for this less than a week ago... kind of feel bad selling it already. :)
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: jpm804 on Sat, 30 July 2011, 20:03:43
Quote from: aggiejy;390132
How would you compare the typing feel on the 86U vs the HHKB? I'm really tempted to trade/sell this to get one of those. I don't game, so the variable weighting wouldn't seem to bother me much, and I don't need that extra windows key... so no point in the 87 probably.

I might buy one and keep this too, but I almost don't want to get too used to this layout... I might neglect the rest of my collection. ;)  Though, I paid $300 for this less than a week ago... kind of feel bad selling it already. :)


It sounds like you like the topre keys so I would just keep the HHKB since you just got it.

I dont think I have had enough time with the RF86 to form a complete judgement yet but for now it is the keyboard I enjoy typing on the most with the filco reds coming in second.

The RF just feels a little bit smoother and I think I attribute that to the variable keys that it has but also it just might just be in my head...hehehe

Right now I just want to try out as many different switches that I can and start forming my own opinions on them and then probably thin out the collection and just keep the ones I want.

Right now trying to rotate through my collection as much as i can. I like it since it gives me different optiosn which is nice.
Title: F@#& It! Buying a HHKB Pro 2
Post by: Index on Tue, 02 August 2011, 18:51:13
After about 5 days of use. I love this keyboard. However, as of right now, only for work. For gaming, the Cherry Browns are far superior for me.

The only 2 things I don't like about the HHKB is the logo and the flexing of the case. In order to fix that, I plan on ordering a custom CNC milled aluminum case to replace the current plastic case (my bank account is really going to hire someone to assassinate me). I estimate that it's going to take about 1-3 months to design the case due to no previous experience with designing models for CNC and other life commitments.