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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: jooks1184 on Wed, 07 March 2012, 00:27:23

Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: jooks1184 on Wed, 07 March 2012, 00:27:23
Hello everyone,

  So,  I have decided to go all out with my next keyboard purchase. I'm deciding between the RealForce 87U and the HHK Pro 2. I was wondering what the GeekHack community thought about each board. Are there any significant pros and/or cons to each board? Please let me know and thank you in advance.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: Wildcard on Wed, 07 March 2012, 00:56:25
Really depends what layout you're after. Both boards use Topre switches, however the Realforce has a few options for key weight ie. 45g, 55g, variable etc...

Check out the Topre wiki for more details -->  here  (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Topre+Realforce+Reference+-+all+things+topre)

I use a variable RF, and I really enjoy it. But I suspect I would also enjoy a pure 45g RF.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: demik on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:03:54
87u ftw
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: cactux on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:18:36
Very simple answer HHKB
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: tsangan on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:21:45
Quote from: demik;537537
87u ftw

hater
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: fossala on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:23:32
I bought a HHKB sold it to buy a realforce and missed my HHKB so much I returned the realforce and got another HHKB.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: Kamikaze K on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:26:07
The HHKB has a smaller frame so depending on your size preference I guess... Love my Realforce though... It's really a win win either way.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: cactux on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:27:39
Here is the opposit, smaller is better ;-)
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: fossala on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:30:39
Quote from: cactux;537552
Here is the opposit, smaller is better ;-)


It's not just that. The keyboards feel very different.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: seferphier on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:32:46
Quote from: fossala;537555
It's not just that. The keyboards feel very different.

is it because it is metal plating in the realforce?
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: feng on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:32:57
I couldn't get used to the HHKB's layout. Therefore, RF is the only choice for me between these two.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: fossala on Wed, 07 March 2012, 01:36:06
Quote from: seferphier;537556
is it because it is metal plating in the realforce?


Some say it is, but I don't know myself. The HHKB just feels a lot more bouncy.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: HaiiYaa on Wed, 07 March 2012, 02:30:18
By far uniform 45g Realforce
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: hasu on Wed, 07 March 2012, 08:08:21
Realforce will be safe way for many people.
Don't go risky way without conviction.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: jooks1184 on Wed, 07 March 2012, 08:53:16
Well, sound is a factor too. The HHK seems to be a little loud, but that might just be the youtube videos. I've also read that the HHK build quality is below that of the reaforce. What do you guys think?
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: fossala on Wed, 07 March 2012, 08:55:10
I have a HHKB type-s and it is very quite. As for build quality it is the first topre keyboard I have seen with all strait key caps.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: Deepfish on Thu, 08 March 2012, 03:07:33
HHKB definitely if you are fine with the layout. You can try out the layout first by remapping with program like 'autohotkey'.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: Kamikaze K on Thu, 08 March 2012, 04:46:36
Really like the size of the HHKB.  EK's prices are a bit rich for my likin' though... combine that with shipping and it's a no go!
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: bigpook on Thu, 08 March 2012, 06:08:57
I think the realforce is a better built keyboard, but I prefer the HHKB. If only for the layout.
The variable weighted keys of the reallforce were a turn off for me too. YMMV.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: guilleguillaume on Thu, 08 March 2012, 08:45:12
Quote from: bigpook;538884[B
]I think the realforce is a better built keyboard[/B], but I prefer the HHKB. If only for the layout.
The variable weighted keys of the reallforce were a turn off for me too. YMMV.
I actually think the main reason for this is because of the plate. I'm very surprised of how fast have I adapted to HHKB layout, just awesome even in the JP version(I own both).

I was trying to find some differences regarding the switch feel and in the end it was something like comparing PCB Mounted Cherry switches and Plate mounted Cherry switches, both for me are fantastic.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: jrockroll on Thu, 08 March 2012, 09:22:50
like guilleguillaume said. go to realforce if you want sturdy built. it has an an plate on the bottom of the keyboard.
But go for HHKB for the type of feeling.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: jooks1184 on Sat, 10 March 2012, 11:13:17
Thanks for the feedback guys. I decided I want both keyboards. So, I will probably get one now and the other later. Most likely, I will get the HHKB first. The layout looks great and though I am iffy on the build quality of the HHKB, I will give it a shot. Thanks again.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: hcry4 on Sat, 10 March 2012, 11:26:28
Quote from: jooks1184;541135
I decided I want both keyboards.

This is always the best solution.
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: hashbaz on Sat, 10 March 2012, 12:02:02
The build quality of the HHKB is absolutely fine.  I own and love both, and you will too. :thumb:
Title: HHK Pro 2 vs RealForce 87U
Post by: jooks1184 on Sun, 11 March 2012, 20:49:49
So, I've bit the bullet and bought the HHKB Pro 2 (Dark Grey). I'm excited to get it and will post a review compared to the Filco Ninja 2 TKL Mx Brown that I have. Thank you everyone for your help.