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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 12:55:21

Title: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 12:55:21
Hey guys, I'm looking to buy my first, and I'm conflicted. From what I can tell, I can fuddle around with trying different switches and have a blast ricing out some cheaper mechs and going broke, or I can do one of two things: either go straight to the HHP2, or pick up an ErgoDox.

I'm torn here. See I've heard a lot about when people switch to the ergodox, then can't go back to a staggered layout. I want the end-all be-all awesome split design ergodox, but I also don't want to be ruined for other fun ricing projects that I'll never really feel like typing on because it's such a layout shock. Ugh! Is it really that bad? Do I really want to marry myself to the ErgoDox? I want it so badly, but I also want to be a swinger, ya know? Agh!
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 15 September 2013, 13:58:37
Get both, sell the one you like less...
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: Fragil1ty on Sun, 15 September 2013, 14:08:02
In my opinion I'd go straight for the HHP2 over the ErgoDox, but that's just my personal  preference.

1. Because I've wanted a HHP2 for a very long time and I personally think it's one of the best keyboards on the market.
2. I do not like the ErgoDox one bit, I think it's a waste of money and I just couldn't get used to something like that, but obviously it's meant for a different audience other than myself.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: mauri on Sun, 15 September 2013, 14:12:09
One or the other or neither or hhkb or ergodox or another or none of the above

get to know both and make your own decision
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: tjcaustin on Sun, 15 September 2013, 14:13:14
Quote from: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 15 September 2013, 13:58:37
Get both, sell the one you like less...

It's a sensible suggestion on geekhack, I have surprise.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: TimIsABat on Sun, 15 September 2013, 14:25:10
Well you are going to have to wait to get an ErgoDox as the recent groupbuy has ended. I am getting a HHKB Pro 2 soon, so  I would say get that one. It also looks sexy.

Totally different boards though. If you are traveling a lot between home, school, work, friends, etc. then I would say go for the HHKB. It is portable and light and from general opinion here on GH, Topre seems to be a big favorite. The ergodox looks portable but can look a bit tedious to set up and could look a bit ridiculous if you are concerned about using it in public.

For both, you gotta get used to the layout.

Again, two different worlds there.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:26:01
Alright, **** it, getting the HHP2, I'll probably get both eventually, but I'm on the road now.. torn between the black and the white one, now... out of the box, the white one looks way better IMO, but if you intend on replacing most of the keycaps, the black one could look way sicker.

Anyone have any good black HHP2 builds? Ugh, these decisions...

thanks guys!!  ;D
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: czarek on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:35:27
I already have HHKB and I'm waiting for an Ergodox to arrive (Massdrop 4th round, should receive in next 5-6 weeks).
HHKB is an awesome keyboard layout but it's got nothing to do with ergonomics. I also don't like Topre any more. They feel too rubbery and not springy enough for my tastes. Not to mention issues with their wear and force inconsistency. Not to even start about the space bar ;)
As for Ergodox, I haven't typed on it yet, but from what I've seen after cutting a case for it and playing around with the layout configurator, it actually seems like a perfect keyboard, especially that you can get it the way you like it, with the switches you want (with simplified modding since you can open switches without desoldering), in the case you want (acrylic laser cut, 3d printed, CNC machined) and in the layout you want (hardware configurable). Also as with all cherry boards there is zillions of high quality keycaps to choose from.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:38:06
Quote from: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 15 September 2013, 13:58:37
Get both, sell the one you like less...

I do this way too much.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:44:28
Alright, reading through this thread:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47240.30

It looks like I really do have to buy both... although I fully anticipate having to sell the happy hacking. When is the next massdrop? Oh man, I'm getting butterflies :3
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: dorkvader on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:48:08
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:38:06
Quote from: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 15 September 2013, 13:58:37
Get both, sell the one you like less...

I do this way too much.
I always end up keeping both.

I'm having some difficulty getting used to the ergoDOX, but that is mainly because my typing is far from perfect. The ergodox lends itself much more nicely to a person who uses all their fingers while typing. Nevertheless, I'm acclimating to "proper" touch typing procedure very quickly, likely due to the excellent design.

Personally, I prefer cherry MX (and buckling spring) to the topre's I have tried so my choice is clear: custom DIY a model F split keyboard. Until I get that project actually working (or, y'know, started), I'll keep my ergodox and other keyboards.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:50:00
Quote from: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:44:28
Alright, reading through this thread:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47240.30

It looks like I really do have to buy both... although I fully anticipate having to sell the happy hacking. When is the next massdrop? Oh man, I'm getting butterflies :3

I believe there is an ergodox in the classifieds.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:57:22
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:50:00
I believe there is an ergodox in the classifieds.

Looks pretty sold.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Sun, 15 September 2013, 16:10:56
Since you already got the hhkb you could get AcidFire's take on an edox like ergo keyboard and give your wallet some time to recover while you wait for it to hit kickstarter.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44940.0
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: Tempiz on Sun, 15 September 2013, 16:16:36
ErgoDox's are going to be hard to come by. If your looking to take the time to assemble it, You'll have to wait for a kit. If you don't want to assemble it, you'll have to wait for a kit and send it to someone to assemble it for you. Or get lucky and find someone selling theirs. I'd go with the HHP2.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 16:21:39
Quote from: CommunistWitchDr on Sun, 15 September 2013, 16:10:56
Since you already got the hhkb

I was actually stopped cold in my tracks when I discovered the white one was not on Amazon Prime  :mad:

Still need to see a good setup with the black case..
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 16:53:32
Alright, ordered. Can't wait for it to get here! Fully intend to pick up an ErgoDox as well, a little later on. Thanks, guys!
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 15 September 2013, 17:35:54
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:38:06
Quote from: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 15 September 2013, 13:58:37
Get both, sell the one you like less...

I do this way too much.

Me too, but without the "selling" bit.

My collection grows ...
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 15 September 2013, 22:50:43
Right, it should have been "Get both, then buy a third..."
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: davkol on Tue, 24 September 2013, 14:50:51
I guess the discussion is already over, but anyway... Long live ErgoDox! Apart from all the awesome features, symmetric layout is a great help if you're having hard time hitting some keys (parenthesis in my case). Key positions make sense here—unlike those on typewriter-like staggered layout.
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: jmchargue on Wed, 25 September 2013, 00:57:43
Quote from: davkol on Tue, 24 September 2013, 14:50:51
I guess the discussion is already over, but anyway... Long live ErgoDox!

Yup, went and ordered the HH, and am arduously typing away at 13 wpm in Dvorak as we speak. ;)
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 25 September 2013, 01:43:06
Quote from: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 16:53:32
Alright, ordered. Can't wait for it to get here! Fully intend to pick up an ErgoDox as well, a little later on. Thanks, guys!

I suppose this is a good decision... Because you wouldn't be able to fully appreciate how AWESOME the Ergogod is until you've abused yourself with staggered qwerty for just a bit longer.

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_090_.gif)
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: jmchargue on Wed, 25 September 2013, 08:43:57
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 25 September 2013, 01:43:06
Quote from: jmchargue on Sun, 15 September 2013, 16:53:32
Alright, ordered. Can't wait for it to get here! Fully intend to pick up an ErgoDox as well, a little later on. Thanks, guys!

I suppose this is a good decision... Because you wouldn't be able to fully appreciate how AWESOME the Ergogod is until you've abused yourself with staggered qwerty for just a bit longer.

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_090_.gif)


Is there a countdown to the next ergodox drop?
Title: Re: happy hacking pro 2 / ErgoDox debate
Post by: phx on Wed, 25 September 2013, 09:13:59
Quote from: rowdy on Sun, 15 September 2013, 17:35:54
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sun, 15 September 2013, 15:38:06
Quote from: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 15 September 2013, 13:58:37
Get both, sell the one you like less...

I do this way too much.

Me too, but without the "selling" bit.

My collection grows ...

yep...
and unfortunately I've gotten to the point of buying a board I dont even like just for collecting purpose.

>...>