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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Exoverture on Fri, 02 August 2013, 20:56:31

Title: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Exoverture on Fri, 02 August 2013, 20:56:31
Hi guys,

I have a FC660C that I love, but it does flex/creak a bit (not as many places as my MX board, but worse where it does). I don't think I could ever get use to a HHKB layout and will probably stick with the FC660C, but I was curious anyway, does the HHKB creak or flex at all?

I have heard the quality was really good on the realforce/HHKB boards, but can't find much on this.

I was going to buy a 87u but really do not need all those keys.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 02 August 2013, 21:08:10
The case on mine is slightly warped around the spacebar area, but that's about it. I don't think I've sued it enough to give you accurate info, however.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: tehsprayer on Fri, 02 August 2013, 21:08:43
I'm receiving the 87u on monday and I can report back on quality. The realforce keyboards have a higher quality plastic than the hhkb but both great quality boards, something you would expect for paying that premium price.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Michael on Fri, 02 August 2013, 21:10:41
I have owned several HHKB's and none of them had the flex or squeaking that the FC660C had.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Photoelectric on Fri, 02 August 2013, 21:13:50
I assume that is because of Leopold's standard design of the top cover fitting tightly against the bottom, where flexing a case results in rough plastic rubbing against plastic.  All of my keyboards of similar design can make a creaking sound if I flex / squeeze them, including Filcos and Ducky.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: ValerieV on Fri, 02 August 2013, 22:14:50
I have both the HHKB and the Leopold and neither creaks. They sound great and they look fine as well. I remember being a little concerned when i got my Leopold because there were some complaints about the casing but i didn't have that problem. I was lucky i guess. I would see if you can exchange your Leopold. If you got it from Elitekeyboards they may do that for you. Good luck.  :D
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: jabar on Fri, 02 August 2013, 22:16:56
If you're getting anything like this


then it's defective.

My case doesn't have this issue. It's damn sturdy.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Photoelectric on Fri, 02 August 2013, 22:22:23
Oh, that's definitely not what I was describing in my earlier post!! That's definitely odd sounding.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 03 August 2013, 02:02:22
Mine has a very slight plastic creak if you squeeze or twist it enough - most plastic things do.

Nothing like in that video though.

It is very light, but is actually surprisingly stable.  Maybe as the Topre switches are so nice to press, I haven't found that it slides across the desk at all.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Exoverture on Mon, 05 August 2013, 14:55:58
Thanks for the info guys.

I also had another question. My FC660C (like my MX board) sounds a lot better off my desk. The thing is, my desk is really thin, and it kinda gives almost every switch an unpleasant noise each keystroke.

I placed the FC660C ontop of my macbook and it sounds so much different and much nicer.

Is there any sort of thing I can put under my FC660C ontop of the desk to make it not sound cheap while on it? I have the Gallant desk from Ikea.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 05 August 2013, 17:03:42
Tea towel?
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 05 August 2013, 17:04:25
Also perhaps a black rubber mat cut to size?  Or like a thick black mousepad?
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Cafeine on Mon, 05 August 2013, 18:27:12
Mine is built as a tank, almost (I said ALMOST) as solid as my Realforce and Filco. Not a sound when moved around!
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Hypersphere on Wed, 27 August 2014, 13:51:09
I have a white HHKB Pro 2, and the case creaks when I press on the lower left-hand corner. It appears that the top and bottom pieces of the case have more of a gap on the left side than on the right. It would be good if the case could be held together with screws.

In comparison, my black RF 87u 55g feels more solid overall, although it has a slight creak when I press or tap on the top center of the case.

The winner in the solid case department is my IBM XT. No creak or flex at all.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 27 August 2014, 15:14:40
I have a white HHKB Pro 2, and the case creaks when I press on the lower left-hand corner. It appears that the top and bottom pieces of the case have more of a gap on the left side than on the right. It would be good if the case could be held together with screws.

In comparison, my black RF 87u 55g feels more solid overall, although it has a slight creak when I press or tap on the top center of the case.

The winner in the solid case department is my IBM XT. No creak or flex at all.

LOL I never noticed that - mine creaks if I press the lower left corner!

It sounds like a frog.

Doesn't bother me, as I don't tend to lean my hands on the edge of the keyboard.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 27 August 2014, 15:17:32
it's almost hard to spot the necro....but its there.....
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Hypersphere on Wed, 27 August 2014, 16:11:18
I have a white HHKB Pro 2, and the case creaks when I press on the lower left-hand corner. It appears that the top and bottom pieces of the case have more of a gap on the left side than on the right. It would be good if the case could be held together with screws.

In comparison, my black RF 87u 55g feels more solid overall, although it has a slight creak when I press or tap on the top center of the case.

The winner in the solid case department is my IBM XT. No creak or flex at all.

LOL I never noticed that - mine creaks if I press the lower left corner!

It sounds like a frog.

Doesn't bother me, as I don't tend to lean my hands on the edge of the keyboard.
You are right! I just pressed the lower-left corner of my HHKB Pro 2 and indeed, it sounds like a frog!

I sort of like frogs, so now the creak -- or the potential to creak when pressed -- doen't bother me so much.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: Novus on Wed, 27 August 2014, 16:24:46
it's almost hard to spot the necro....but its there.....

Executing phase shift
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: absyrd on Wed, 27 August 2014, 16:25:24
Is this the new "ping"?

I'm on board.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: keyton on Wed, 27 August 2014, 16:31:37
No metal plate.
Title: Re: HHKB - Flex / Creak?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 27 August 2014, 17:30:50
it's almost hard to spot the necro....but its there.....

We're all time- travellers anyway :p