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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: TimIsABat on Thu, 19 September 2013, 13:24:42

Title: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Thu, 19 September 2013, 13:24:42
So I have ultimately decided to buy a HHKB Pro 2. Now I could get the lettered version for 225 shipped and it is white and lettered, or I could throw in more money at 273 shipped before tax in blank. Just want some opinions. I have blank caps on my FC660M which I do like. I am just wondering if it is worth throwing in that extra money.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: hcry4 on Thu, 19 September 2013, 13:29:51
Probably shouldn't pay more for blank caps. You might as well buy an extra set of blank keycaps for just a bit more.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: oscillik on Thu, 19 September 2013, 13:31:43
I was considering getting some blank caps for mine, but for password entry I would be lost. Ultimately, I'm happy with mine :)
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Thu, 19 September 2013, 13:34:25
If only those blank caps were cheaper x.x The caps are 89.61 shipped from EK. Is there another source to get blank caps for cheaper.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 17:16:54
Not really any other source for blank Topre keycaps to suit HHKB.

In fact not really any other source for ANY Topre keycaps to suit HHKB.

Accepting Topre into your life means you have to make sacrifices to acquire accessories - like food.

Except Clacks - CC's a good guy who makes Topre offerings :)
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Puddsy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 17:22:38
Saying you want topre anything for cheap is like saying you can turn lead into gold. You just can't.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 17:47:38
Saying you want topre anything for cheap is like saying you can turn lead into gold. You just can't.

Is this a reference to the gold-plated HHKB?
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Puddsy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 17:59:07
Saying you want topre anything for cheap is like saying you can turn lead into gold. You just can't.

Is this a reference to the gold-plated HHKB?

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? Link pls.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 18:18:10
Saying you want topre anything for cheap is like saying you can turn lead into gold. You just can't.

Is this a reference to the gold-plated HHKB?

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? Link pls.

Ok, sorry, gold flakes, not gold plated, but anyway ...

http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/hhkeyboard/hhkbprohg/hg_j.html
http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/hhkeyboard/hhkbprohg/j_spec.html
http://most-expensive.com/10-computer-keyboards
http://asia.cnet.com/the-most-expensive-keyboard-in-history-61960899.htm
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Puddsy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 18:24:08
Oh wow.

525000 yen is $5200 ish. Dayum!
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: zoolzoo on Thu, 19 September 2013, 18:25:23
I think you should get lettered because its cheaper and you will be able to see the legends when you type.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 18:30:12
If you are used to the FC660M layout, HHKB won't be that alien to you, except for the arrow keys.  With blanks you might make a few mistakes until the muscle memory sets in.

Or what some people do is get (blank) coloured keycaps for the arrow keys on HHKB.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: meiosis on Thu, 19 September 2013, 18:41:07
Oh wow.

525000 yen is $5200 ish. Dayum!

I think my dad has that at our Japan house -.-
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 18:53:37
Oh wow.

525000 yen is $5200 ish. Dayum!

I think my dad has that at our Japan house -.-

Does he use it, or is it merely on display? :)
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: eth0s on Thu, 19 September 2013, 19:24:01
Get the blanks.  If you have already adjusted to blanks from you FC660C, then spend the extra ~$80.  You will get more than $80 worth of enjoyment out of it.  I suspect you may end up selling the FC660C, you will love the HHKB Pro 2 with blanks that much.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 19:28:28
Get the blanks.  If you have already adjusted to blanks from you FC660C, then spend the extra ~$80.  You will get more than $80 worth of enjoyment out of it.  I suspect you may end up selling the FC660C, you will love the HHKB Pro 2 with blanks that much.

Unless you miss the arrow keys too much.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: KangarooZombies on Thu, 19 September 2013, 19:31:31
Get the blanks.  If you have already adjusted to blanks from you FC660C, then spend the extra ~$80.  You will get more than $80 worth of enjoyment out of it.  I suspect you may end up selling the FC660C, you will love the HHKB Pro 2 with blanks that much.

I dont know about that. I own both the 660C and HHKB Pro 2 now. Haven't sold either. Really don't plan on it either, they're both exceptional keyboards.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 19:31:45
Or what some people do is get (blank) coloured keycaps for the arrow keys on HHKB.

Like this: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40658.msg1048271#msg1048271
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Fri, 20 September 2013, 18:46:51
I think you should get lettered because its cheaper and you will be able to see the legends when you type.

I won't be looking at the legends since I so type with Colemak. Although the backspace and control key being at different locations may throw me off a bit. The price is better...

Get the blanks.  If you have already adjusted to blanks from you FC660C, then spend the extra ~$80.  You will get more than $80 worth of enjoyment out of it.  I suspect you may end up selling the FC660C, you will love the HHKB Pro 2 with blanks that much.

This is what I was debating. I really love the look of blank and I was going to get a blank red esc cap from EK as well...
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: muad on Fri, 20 September 2013, 18:56:00
Buy the lettered hhkb for 225, decide if you like it. If you like it then buy the blanks and sell the lettered caps?
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Fri, 20 September 2013, 22:52:47
Buy the lettered hhkb for 225, decide if you like it. If you like it then buy the blanks and sell the lettered caps?

This is not a bad idea. I might just do this considering the layout is different even to my Poker X.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: muad on Sat, 21 September 2013, 02:30:32
How do you like the layout on the poker x? Are you comfortable on it?
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Sat, 21 September 2013, 10:12:09
How do you like the layout on the poker x? Are you comfortable on it?

I love it. I actually type faster with my Poker X than my FC660M. That also might be because of the ergoclears. I had no problems adjusting to using the Fn key or Fn+Spacebar for the arrow keys. I actually think the arrown diamond on the HHKB would be much more convenient.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: muad on Sat, 21 September 2013, 10:51:45
Sounds like the HHKB work well for you. I say just go for it. After finishing my first week with the fc660c I really like topre. It's very different than cherry mx but I wouldn't say better. I still like the feel of ny mx browns (scratchiness is not there when typing normally) fc660m. There is certain charm to using the higher activation force topre because of its feel but typing on a low activation force cherry has a charm of it's own. If I could work with the HHKB layout I would have that instead of the fc660c, but only because it's soooo sexy!
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Sat, 21 September 2013, 11:26:49
Sounds like the HHKB work well for you. I say just go for it. After finishing my first week with the fc660c I really like topre. It's very different than cherry mx but I wouldn't say better. I still like the feel of ny mx browns (scratchiness is not there when typing normally) fc660m. There is certain charm to using the higher activation force topre because of its feel but typing on a low activation force cherry has a charm of it's own. If I could work with the HHKB layout I would have that instead of the fc660c, but only because it's soooo sexy!

Which is why I am getting the HHKB Pro 2! I am getting it lettered for now because I am able to get it for cheaper than retail, although I do love the look of the keyboard with blank keycaps.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Hypersphere on Sat, 21 September 2013, 11:42:49
I just got mine yesterday, and I opted for the black on dark charcoal gray version. This gives me some options.

1. As it is in low light it looks like a blank black version.

2. When I forget the identify of a key, I can turn up the ambient lights and sneak a peek.

3. I can get complete sets of keycaps specifically for the HHKB Pro 2 in blank white or black or lettered white and light gray.

Although I like the Otaku look of blanks, I tend to prefer highly visible legends, and so I intend to replace the black on dark gray with a set of lettered white and light gray. This gives me the opportunity to showcase one of the great features of this keyboard, which is the beautiful dye-sublimated PBT keycaps -- arguably the nicest keycaps available for any keyboard, including the white/gray RF 87u and the IBM Model M or SSK.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Sat, 21 September 2013, 11:49:57
I just got mine yesterday, and I opted for the black on dark charcoal gray version. This gives me some options.

1. As it is in low light it looks like a blank black version.

2. When I forget the identify of a key, I can turn up the ambient lights and sneak a peek.

3. I can get complete sets of keycaps specifically for the HHKB Pro 2 in blank white or black or lettered white and light gray.

Although I like the Otaku look of blanks, I tend to prefer highly visible legends, and so I intend to replace the black on dark gray with a set of lettered white and light gray. This gives me the opportunity to showcase one of the great features of this keyboard, which is the beautiful dye-sublimated PBT keycaps -- arguably the nicest keycaps available for any keyboard, including the white/gray RF 87u and the IBM Model M or SSK.

I have too many black on black boards so I decided to go for the white. If I can somehow get those blanks for cheaper it would be great.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Hypersphere on Sat, 21 September 2013, 11:59:44
I just got mine yesterday, and I opted for the black on dark charcoal gray version. This gives me some options.

1. As it is in low light it looks like a blank black version.

2. When I forget the identify of a key, I can turn up the ambient lights and sneak a peek.

3. I can get complete sets of keycaps specifically for the HHKB Pro 2 in blank white or black or lettered white and light gray.

Although I like the Otaku look of blanks, I tend to prefer highly visible legends, and so I intend to replace the black on dark gray with a set of lettered white and light gray. This gives me the opportunity to showcase one of the great features of this keyboard, which is the beautiful dye-sublimated PBT keycaps -- arguably the nicest keycaps available for any keyboard, including the white/gray RF 87u and the IBM Model M or SSK.

I have too many black on black boards so I decided to go for the white. If I can somehow get those blanks for cheaper it would be great.

With the white case, you still have many of the same options. You could go with blank white or black keycaps or lettered white or black keycaps. All the keycap sets are in stock on EK, and at $78 per set, this is a good price for high-quality dye-sub PBT keycaps.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: badcop on Sat, 21 September 2013, 12:11:16
You can go with lettered now while you learn the function layer, sell the caps and buy blanks.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Sat, 21 September 2013, 20:17:20
You can go with lettered now while you learn the function layer, sell the caps and buy blanks.

I actually already have an offer for lettered caps so we'll see!
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Moosecraft on Sun, 22 September 2013, 04:13:51
Let me know how you like the HHKB, I'm in the market for one now aswell and would love to hear your impressions :)
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: terran5992 on Sun, 22 September 2013, 07:24:39
Buy it, If you dont like it sell it to me :)
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Sun, 22 September 2013, 18:10:27
Let me know how you like the HHKB, I'm in the market for one now aswell and would love to hear your impressions :)

I will write up a review after a few weeks of having it.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Sifo on Sun, 22 September 2013, 18:18:30
Everyone getting HHKBs now... I want to get one and be a cool kid :D
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Xenderwind on Sun, 22 September 2013, 18:20:40
I'm on the verge of getting one but haven't pulled the trigger yet.  Worried I wont like my GON anymore :(.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Michael on Sun, 22 September 2013, 18:24:50
Everyone getting HHKBs now... I want to get one and be a cool kid :D


I dunno why... they're just overpriced rubber domes.... gosh....
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Sifo on Sun, 22 September 2013, 18:26:46
Everyone getting HHKBs now... I want to get one and be a cool kid :D


I dunno why... they're just overpriced rubber domes.... gosh....

Ye that's why I'm not getting one ;)
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 22 September 2013, 18:59:44
Everyone getting HHKBs now... I want to get one and be a cool kid :D


I dunno why... they're just overpriced rubber domes.... gosh....

Yes, but what wonderful domes they have.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 22 September 2013, 19:15:26
They aren't cool anymore since I have one.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: eth0s on Sun, 22 September 2013, 19:17:14
Everyone getting HHKBs now... I want to get one and be a cool kid :D

umm, you're already the coolest kid here.  But an HHKB will get you into demik's HHKB kLub, which is also pretty kewl.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 22 September 2013, 19:18:42
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 22 September 2013, 19:38:22
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.

Thorpe dedicated!
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 22 September 2013, 19:50:13
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.

Thorpe dedicated!

Not yet haha.

Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 22 September 2013, 19:54:01
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.

Thorpe dedicated!

Not yet haha.



You have three Thorpe, I have but one.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 22 September 2013, 20:23:08
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.

Just two now I'm sending the type heaven to my mother for her birthday. I told her if she hated it to let me know and I'll sell it here and buy her something else.

Thorpe dedicated!

Not yet haha.



You have three Thorpe, I have but one.

Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 22 September 2013, 20:46:55
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.

Just two now I'm sending the type heaven to my mother for her birthday. I told her if she hated it to let me know and I'll sell it here and buy her something else.

Thorpe dedicated!

Not yet haha.



You have three Thorpe, I have but one.



Was that a content-free post?
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Xenderwind on Sun, 22 September 2013, 20:47:38
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.

Just two now I'm sending the type heaven to my mother for her birthday. I told her if she hated it to let me know and I'll sell it here and buy her something else.

Thorpe dedicated!

Not yet haha.



You have three Thorpe, I have but one.



Was that a content-free post?


Just two now I'm sending the type heaven to my mother for her birthday. I told her if she hated it to let me know and I'll sell it here and buy her something else.

is what he meant to say
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 22 September 2013, 20:55:29
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.

Just two now I'm sending the type heaven to my mother for her birthday. I told her if she hated it to let me know and I'll sell it here and buy her something else.

Thorpe dedicated!

Not yet haha.



You have three Thorpe, I have but one.



Was that a content-free post?

Somehow I typed it in between quotes haha

Just two now I'm sending the type heaven to my mother for her birthday. I told her if she hated it to let me know and I'll sell it here and buy her something else.

Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 22 September 2013, 21:06:37
Just to be sure I got a realforce and type heaven for good measure.

Just two now I'm sending the type heaven to my mother for her birthday. I told her if she hated it to let me know and I'll sell it here and buy her something else.

Thorpe dedicated!

Not yet haha.



You have three Thorpe, I have but one.



Was that a content-free post?

Somehow I typed it in between quotes haha

Just two now I'm sending the type heaven to my mother for her birthday. I told her if she hated it to let me know and I'll sell it here and buy her something else.



Lucky mother!
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: PadawanGeek on Sun, 22 September 2013, 21:10:14
I so want a 55G 87U, or an FC660C, just waiting for the local distributer to bring stock of them in.....then it'd down to which comes first.
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Sun, 22 September 2013, 21:56:44
Just trying to add more to this psycho collection (as my girlfriend calls it lol). I cannot wait x.x
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: terran5992 on Mon, 23 September 2013, 03:59:26
Congratz on your HHKB, You can now join the topre club
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: Moosecraft on Mon, 23 September 2013, 13:55:50
I hate that HHKB's are so expensive in europe, no one stocks them T_T
Title: Re: Buying a HHKB Pro 2 very soon...NEED OPINION!
Post by: TimIsABat on Mon, 23 September 2013, 15:30:59
Congratz on your HHKB, You can now join the topre club

:D Thanks to unnatural XD.