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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: kernelfodder on Wed, 27 November 2013, 23:37:10
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Hi There!
I'm seriously considering getting an HHKB Pro 2. But unfortunately my choice has come down to the aesthetics of the keyboard; typical isn't it?
I was wondering if any HHKB owners out there can shed some light on a few subjects. And if anyone in general can field their opinions about it. Anything at all, maybe I'm being a tad too picky and should go ahead and just flip a coin.
Printed or Non-Printed?
I'm fairly set on getting a Non-Printed one, as I'm quite familiar with the layout and I currently don't have a Non-Printed board. Seems fitting that the non-printed board would be the only Topre board, streetcred +1.
However if anyone has anything to say on this I would very much love to hear it.
White or Black?
I can't really decide on this. I like the look of both. I feel like the white harkens back to the era of the *nix terminals, and black keyboards are everywhere these days. But the black just has so much cybercredsz, how else will I increase my epeen?
Type-S?
I'm pretty much set on not getting the Type-S, mainly for the fact that its 200 dollars more. And from what I can tell, it doesn't get that much more quiet. Any differing opinions?
I know there will be a lot of you that might say "Just decide for yourself" and things like that, honestly I agree and I will eventually. But for a keyboard like this, I personally like to get all points of view. I would appreciate the input very much, and I hope that the community and any future HHKBp2 buyers might benefit from the discussion that comes out of this.
Cheers!
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So here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB pro 2 black with printed caps, buy a set of blank caps for the white board, buy a realforce 55g, also buy some lube and dental bands.
You mod the HHKB with the 55g domes from the realforce and the dental bands and lube.
Try out the caps see if they work for you being blank or not.
Sell whatever is leftover.
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I would love to do that. Unfortunately I live in SEA and I have a deadline to order the HHKB as its being couriered over here by a friend.
Interesting idea though.
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Legends or blank is really up to you. HHKB layout is different to the conventional fullsize or even TKL layout, so most people usually start with printed keycaps and upgrade (UPgrade ha!) to blanks when they bacome familiar with the layout. If you are already familiar with the layout, there is no reason why you should not start with blanks. I am happy with my printed keycaps, but then I switch between 3 or 4 keyboards on a daily basis.
I like white - a nice classic look. Many prefer black. Some mix and match. You can even (try to) get some coloured RealForce keycap sets and mix and match those too!
dustinhxc silenced his own HHKB recently, have a look here (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51403.0) - very informative series of pictures.
I am happy with mine as it is.
HHKB Hapster :)
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Thanks Rowdy!
Very Helpful post!
When I said I was familiar with the layout I meant just the 60%'s. I realize that the HHKB key layout is very different. Do you think its worth grabbing printed keys just to learn? They are about 80 bucks. Or is it easy to learn with a reference every one in a while?
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Thanks Rowdy!
Very Helpful post!
When I said I was familiar with the layout I meant just the 60%'s. I realize that the HHKB key layout is very different. Do you think its worth grabbing printed keys just to learn? They are about 80 bucks. Or is it easy to learn with a reference every one in a while?
Print a picture of it with the printed keys and keep it by your keyboard until you learn. Much cheaper.
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Agreed.
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Personally I'm quite a fan of legends... and legends don't get much more delicious than the ones on the HHKB keys!
(http://i.imgur.com/HvFsUlJ.jpg?1)
I was considering getting the black one then chucking white keycaps on it, but now that I've got the white version I think i prefer it.
As for Type-S, I got it through a friend in Japan. That $140 price difference is cut in half when buying from Amazon.co.jp :thumb:
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Is the sound difference really that noticeable?
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Hi There!
I'm seriously considering getting an HHKB Pro 2. But unfortunately my choice has come down to the aesthetics of the keyboard; typical isn't it?
I was wondering if any HHKB owners out there can shed some light on a few subjects. And if anyone in general can field their opinions about it. Anything at all, maybe I'm being a tad too picky and should go ahead and just flip a coin.
Printed or Non-Printed?
I'm fairly set on getting a Non-Printed one, as I'm quite familiar with the layout and I currently don't have a Non-Printed board. Seems fitting that the non-printed board would be the only Topre board, streetcred +1.
However if anyone has anything to say on this I would very much love to hear it.
White or Black?
I can't really decide on this. I like the look of both. I feel like the white harkens back to the era of the *nix terminals, and black keyboards are everywhere these days. But the black just has so much cybercredsz, how else will I increase my epeen?
Type-S?
I'm pretty much set on not getting the Type-S, mainly for the fact that its 200 dollars more. And from what I can tell, it doesn't get that much more quiet. Any differing opinions?
I know there will be a lot of you that might say "Just decide for yourself" and things like that, honestly I agree and I will eventually. But for a keyboard like this, I personally like to get all points of view. I would appreciate the input very much, and I hope that the community and any future HHKBp2 buyers might benefit from the discussion that comes out of this.
Cheers!
As said before by rowdy, printed key caps are mainly used by people who are familiar with the 60% layout. I have printed key caps on mine because mine is different, I am learning JIS layout and I am also somewhat fairly new to the 60% scene. Too bad in my case there are no unprinted key caps for my specific layout.
About colours, they say that the dust will be somewhat more visible on the black one. The white one however may get dirty over time (though not as quick as white ABS key caps seeing as how PFU chose to use PBT, the same more or less as with virtually every other Topre based keyboard out there). HHKB Pro2 black isn't exactly black it is more like gray. If you are going to choose that sort of colour you might also want to factor in that the legends on the keys may not be easily seen without a light at night. This is mainly because the legends are printed black, the same as with the white variant but it is probably more visible at night. If you are new to the 60% scene, it might actually be none the wiser to start with the white first if you prefer to sometimes work in the dark (I personally do at times).
To go with silenced or not depends on how comfortable one is with d-i-y silencing. Type-S indeed is more expensive than non Type-S but I wouldn't go as far as saying that it is $200 more unless you happen to live in places where customs tax are high. They are roughly around USD$2 (JPY¥182) for non printed HHKB Pro2 and about USD$70 (JPY¥7082) as of writing from amazon.co.jp (mostly Japanese, be warned):
Printed/legended key caps (first link is standard and the second is Type-S variant):
http://www.amazon.co.jp/PFU-Keyboard-Professional2-USB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-PD-KB400WN/dp/B000F1HWFU/ (http://www.amazon.co.jp/PFU-Keyboard-Professional2-USB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-PD-KB400WN/dp/B000F1HWFU/)
http://www.amazon.co.jp/PFU-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-%E7%99%BD%EF%BC%8F%E7%84%A1%E5%88%BB%E5%8D%B0%EF%BC%88%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E%E9%85%8D%E5%88%97%EF%BC%89/dp/B008GXT6SK/ (http://www.amazon.co.jp/PFU-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-%E7%99%BD%EF%BC%8F%E7%84%A1%E5%88%BB%E5%8D%B0%EF%BC%88%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E%E9%85%8D%E5%88%97%EF%BC%89/dp/B008GXT6SK/)
Blank/unprinted key caps (first link is standard and the second is Type-S variant):
http://www.amazon.co.jp/PFU-Keyboard-Professional2-USB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-PD-KB400W/dp/B000EXZ0V2 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/PFU-Keyboard-Professional2-USB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-PD-KB400W/dp/B000EXZ0V2)
http://www.amazon.co.jp/PFU-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-%E7%99%BD%EF%BC%88%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E%E9%85%8D%E5%88%97%EF%BC%89/dp/B008GXQWOG (http://www.amazon.co.jp/PFU-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-%E7%99%BD%EF%BC%88%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E%E9%85%8D%E5%88%97%EF%BC%89/dp/B008GXQWOG)
amazon.co.jp seems to not have gray version of Pro2 Type-S as of writing. Also amazon.co.jp does not ship outside Japan, so you need to use a forwarding/proxy service (which will cost you extra for forwarding fees but the fees vary from forwarder/proxy to forwarder/proxy) on top of paying fees for shipping the product to you. This may work out cheaper than buying it from certain places but you may forfeit 1 year warranty if for example you bought the keyboard not from elitekeyboards.com but direct from Japan.
Aurally, I guess the Type-S does not have that slightly harsher sound when maybe the slider goes down and up. Also because it has a foam in between each of the sliders on the Type-S when the key is released it does not make that "thock" sound quite loud. Notably because it has something in between to prevent the sound of plastic bumping on plastic that loud.
The slider/plunger design maybe quite different between a standard and a proper Type-S for instance the base of the slider is not as square on the standard one, it is more kinda like oval shaped on Type-S. The latches also on the normal one does not stick out as much on the standard one as it does for the Type-S. OO2 gave me part of the information I said about the differences with the design. I personally do not have the standard variant but I have seen a photo of where the slider is more smooth on the Type-S as opposed to normal.
I guess the slight differences in design between the two does not really make all that much difference. In other words, if I were to take the factory fitted foam off my HHKB it should sound as loud as a regular HHKB Pro would in theory. I guess having a smoother walls on the slider may prevent the wear and tear on the foam based silencing.
The price of the Type-S is somewhat unjustifiable I guess especially if one is willing to take their HHKB apart and fit their own silencers, etc. It has been done before as rowdy pointed out a link, there has been already a fair few people that have silenced their own HHKB via either dental band hack or foam hack. Foam hack requires a bit more work than dental band hack imo.
From my own personal point of view with my Type-S is that it sounds almost like as if it is some sort of a cheap membrane based keyboard. In other words, I am not able to hear the "thock" sound at all unless if say for instance I put my ear on the keyboard and try to hear the sound as I release the keys. Though I have yet to take the foam out and to try and see if the "thock" sound would be more pronounced than before
If by any means you prefer a cheaper alternative than for instance sourcing it from elitekeyboards, here is a good link describing one how to source HHKB (and other goods from Japan) by going through a forwarding/proxy service: [Guide] Bought my HHKB Pro 2 from amazon.co.jp : MechanicalKeyboards (http://en.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/18387i/guide_bought_my_hhkb_pro_2_from_amazoncojp/)
Also I believe (and from some people I have also heard from recommending) tenso.com is probably the best Japanese forwarding service out there.
Last but not least I want to make a note here that if you (by any means) sourced your HHKB from Japan. Do be aware that you do not have 1 year manufacturer's warranty. Instead if you have any issues with your HHKB the only way is to harrass your seller. I have noticed that my HHKB has an empty warranty "sheet". There was nothing filled out under the shop name and address nor was the purchasing date was noted. The said warranty sheet printed most of its terms and conditions in Japanese with the exception of one notable rule: "３．本書は日本国内においてのみ有効です。This warranty is valid only in Japan." This is written as it is on the warranty sheet. It is the only rule that is written in both Japanese and English. So here is basically your caveat emptor so to speak.
I believe that the seller bought the keyboard straight from PFU directly (through their website) and simply just forwarded the parcel onto me. My HHKB (because it is JP variant) means that I must go through some proxy/forwarding service as elitekeyboards does not offer this sort of keyboard. I do not know how elitekeyboards work but supposedly if one has issues with their HHKB they can send their keyboards back for replacement I guess however in my case I have to go nag my seller if there were issues with my HHKB.
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Is the sound difference really that noticeable?
the DIFFERENCE is noticeable..
but ask yourself.. if you only ever had that one board.. how would you ever hear the "difference"...
secondly_ it's still very loud compared to a regular dome board..
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The difference is quite noticeable and I think you should just go with a blank white HHKB Type-S...Getting the normal one makes you want to do a silencing mod, then you discover that you should've just gotten the HHKB Type-S to begin with.
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The difference is quite noticeable and I think you should just go with a blank white HHKB Type-S...Getting the normal one makes you want to do a silencing mod, then you discover that you should've just gotten the HHKB Type-S to begin with.
Except dental bands cost $5+an hour or so of work compared to an extra $140 for the Type-S ($260 vs $400 based off EK prices). Huge difference IMO.
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FWIW here's mine:
[attachimg=1]
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1. Personal preference. Printed for me, more or less know where buttons are but like the assurance
2. Personal preference. White for me, the font is clearer
3. Personal preference. For me, the non Type-S is already so quiet I don't want it any quieter. If you think differently, try the dental thingy mod
HHKB keys really feel awesome, grew on me over some weeks.. But missing my arrows and backspace+del, so ordered 2 87U 55gs :p
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I went with the black on black because I like how the white-grey caps looked on the black case, for the future when I want to change key caps.
I also went with the non-blank caps to get familiar with the layout, knowing full well when I changed to the white-grey caps, I will choose the blanks one.
As for Type-S or not, no idea. For the additional price, you might as well buy extra key caps. And to me, the thock sound is the signature of the HHKB. Why do you want to silence it?
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I absolutely love the classic white with legend.
My only issue is, I am transitioning to Colemak and I can't swap around these sculpted keys.
Are there any keycap sets out there that look like the classic font that I can get in Colemak?
Since I am a touch-typist, I could still go for classic white with QWERTY layout, just for the looks, though (prolly what I'll do).
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I might recommend a new user who dosent know the hhkb layout well to get a hhkb with printed keycaps
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I must say white caps are slightly nicer. First they're more readable if you're after legends, second they have a nicer slightly smoother texture.
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The difference is quite noticeable and I think you should just go with a blank white HHKB Type-S...Getting the normal one makes you want to do a silencing mod, then you discover that you should've just gotten the HHKB Type-S to begin with.
Except dental bands cost $5+an hour or so of work compared to an extra $140 for the Type-S ($260 vs $400 based off EK prices). Huge difference IMO.
The key travel is reduced quite a bit when you do the mod and isn't the same when you buy a Type-S where they use really thin rings and also have longer stems to account for the lost travel distance.
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The difference is quite noticeable and I think you should just go with a blank white HHKB Type-S...Getting the normal one makes you want to do a silencing mod, then you discover that you should've just gotten the HHKB Type-S to begin with.
Except dental bands cost $5+an hour or so of work compared to an extra $140 for the Type-S ($260 vs $400 based off EK prices). Huge difference IMO.
The key travel is reduced quite a bit when you do the mod and isn't the same when you buy a Type-S where they use really thin rings and also have longer stems to account for the lost travel distance.
Good point. I have noticed the travel change a bit.
As for my situation, I went with a black HHKB w/ printed black keys. I got used to the layout a bit and saved the HHKB layout picture on my desktop if I ever need to look up key location or function layer. Then I bought a set of blank white keys w/ blank red esc. Beautiful on a Black HHKB.
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Myself, I like black case and type s only comes in white. I like white blanks. I like silenced. Solution: black with printed so you have a printed version, white blanks, dental bands, open the case up and put dental bands on the sliders. The perfect board!
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I have a white non-printed. I have always like the clean look of otaku keyboards, and the two-tone caps really look better than the black ones imo.
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So here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB pro 2 black with printed caps, buy a set of blank caps for the white board, buy a realforce 55g, also buy some lube and dental bands.
You mod the HHKB with the 55g domes from the realforce and the dental bands and lube.
Try out the caps see if they work for you being blank or not.
Sell whatever is leftover.
Go with your instincts its your choice and have to type on it, do what is right for you!
Plan B what I would do;
I like black and white is nice but I fear a white case yellowing with age (its ABS)
Here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB black with printed caps.
Buy a HHKB Type S with blank or printed caps and a RF 87ub 55g and some lube. Mod the black HHKB with Type S plungers, 55g domes from the RF and lube it. Then you'll a have a Black HHKB 55g Type S done right and keep the caps you prefer.
Sell what's leftover easy peasy.
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The difference is quite noticeable and I think you should just go with a blank white HHKB Type-S...Getting the normal one makes you want to do a silencing mod, then you discover that you should've just gotten the HHKB Type-S to begin with.
Except dental bands cost $5+an hour or so of work compared to an extra $140 for the Type-S ($260 vs $400 based off EK prices). Huge difference IMO.
The key travel is reduced quite a bit when you do the mod and isn't the same when you buy a Type-S where they use really thin rings and also have longer stems to account for the lost travel distance.
Good point. I have noticed the travel change a bit.
As for my situation, I went with a black HHKB w/ printed black keys. I got used to the layout a bit and saved the HHKB layout picture on my desktop if I ever need to look up key location or function layer. Then I bought a set of blank white keys w/ blank red esc. Beautiful on a Black HHKB.
Do you have a picture of that?
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So here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB pro 2 black with printed caps, buy a set of blank caps for the white board, buy a realforce 55g, also buy some lube and dental bands.
You mod the HHKB with the 55g domes from the realforce and the dental bands and lube.
Try out the caps see if they work for you being blank or not.
Sell whatever is leftover.
Go with your instincts its your choice and have to type on it, do what is right for you!
Plan B what I would do;
I like black and white is nice but I fear a white case yellowing with age (its ABS)
Here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB black with printed caps.
Buy a HHKB Type S with blank or printed caps and a RF 87ub 55g and some lube. Mod the black HHKB with Type S plungers, 55g domes from the RF and lube it. Then you'll a have a Black HHKB 55g Type S done right and keep the caps you prefer.
Sell what's leftover easy peasy.
Thats almost a $800 board.
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So here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB pro 2 black with printed caps, buy a set of blank caps for the white board, buy a realforce 55g, also buy some lube and dental bands.
You mod the HHKB with the 55g domes from the realforce and the dental bands and lube.
Try out the caps see if they work for you being blank or not.
Sell whatever is leftover.
Go with your instincts its your choice and have to type on it, do what is right for you!
Plan B what I would do;
I like black and white is nice but I fear a white case yellowing with age (its ABS)
Here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB black with printed caps.
Buy a HHKB Type S with blank or printed caps and a RF 87ub 55g and some lube. Mod the black HHKB with Type S plungers, 55g domes from the RF and lube it. Then you'll a have a Black HHKB 55g Type S done right and keep the caps you prefer.
Sell what's leftover easy peasy.
Thats almost a $800 board.
Unless you plan to give away the leftovers for free, you still would be able to recouperate some costs. HHKB for instance hold their value fairly well on the resale market, so it is not like a complete write off.
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So here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB pro 2 black with printed caps, buy a set of blank caps for the white board, buy a realforce 55g, also buy some lube and dental bands.
You mod the HHKB with the 55g domes from the realforce and the dental bands and lube.
Try out the caps see if they work for you being blank or not.
Sell whatever is leftover.
Go with your instincts its your choice and have to type on it, do what is right for you!
Plan B what I would do;
I like black and white is nice but I fear a white case yellowing with age (its ABS)
Here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB black with printed caps.
Buy a HHKB Type S with blank or printed caps and a RF 87ub 55g and some lube. Mod the black HHKB with Type S plungers, 55g domes from the RF and lube it. Then you'll a have a Black HHKB 55g Type S done right and keep the caps you prefer.
Sell what's leftover easy peasy.
Thats almost a $800 board.
Well yes but in the end after selling leftovers you would end up with a custom Black HHKB 55g Type S for about the same price as a reg White Type S. Still a lot of money $400 i sch.
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So here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB pro 2 black with printed caps, buy a set of blank caps for the white board, buy a realforce 55g, also buy some lube and dental bands.
You mod the HHKB with the 55g domes from the realforce and the dental bands and lube.
Try out the caps see if they work for you being blank or not.
Sell whatever is leftover.
Go with your instincts its your choice and have to type on it, do what is right for you!
Plan B what I would do;
I like black and white is nice but I fear a white case yellowing with age (its ABS)
Here is what you do.
Buy a HHKB black with printed caps.
Buy a HHKB Type S with blank or printed caps and a RF 87ub 55g and some lube. Mod the black HHKB with Type S plungers, 55g domes from the RF and lube it. Then you'll a have a Black HHKB 55g Type S done right and keep the caps you prefer.
Sell what's leftover easy peasy.
Thats almost a $800 board.
Well yes but in the end after selling leftovers you would end up with a custom Black HHKB 55g Type S for about the same price as a reg White Type S. Still a lot of money $400 i sch.
Are you saying you wouldn't do it?
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As someone who likes the sound of blues, would I like the sound of the type-s?
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As someone who likes the sound of blues, would I like the sound of the type-s?
I thought the point of the type-s was to be silent....therefore no sound....
But topre doesn't sound anything like mx blues.
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As someone who likes the sound of blues, would I like the sound of the type-s?
I thought the point of the type-s was to be silent....therefore no sound....
But topre doesn't sound anything like mx blues.
I understand that, but I'm getting the feeling that people think the HHKB is too loud in the first place. Does that have any merit?
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As someone who likes the sound of blues, would I like the sound of the type-s?
I thought the point of the type-s was to be silent....therefore no sound....
But topre doesn't sound anything like mx blues.
I understand that, but I'm getting the feeling that people think the HHKB is too loud in the first place. Does that have any merit?
It's not super loud or anything, at least not to be. I suppose it partly depends on your typing style.
But there is the topre 'thock' that you see mentioned, not sure how else to describe it.
There are some user videos posted around showing regular topre, modded topres and type-s's I believe.
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I understand that, but I'm getting the feeling that people think the HHKB is too loud in the first place. Does that have any merit?
Not to me, not at all. People are saying the upstroke sounds plasticy but I don't get that at all
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That idea that MJ45 had :
HHKB Black
HHKB Type-S White
RF87UB 55g
And taking the 55gs to the black hhkb base and the type-s plungers. That looks quite appealing, but I'm having a hard time justifying the 900$ initial purchase price.
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That idea that MJ45 had :
HHKB Black
HHKB Type-S White
RF87UB 55g
And taking the 55gs to the black hhkb base and the type-s plungers. That looks quite appealing, but I'm having a hard time justifying the 900$ initial purchase price.
Don't worry it's not just you having trouble justifying it. In fact I have never seen or heard of one that has actually been done. There are some guys with just the 55g in an HHKB.
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That idea that MJ45 had :
HHKB Black
HHKB Type-S White
RF87UB 55g
And taking the 55gs to the black hhkb base and the type-s plungers. That looks quite appealing, but I'm having a hard time justifying the 900$ initial purchase price.
Don't worry it's not just you having trouble justifying it. In fact I have never seen or heard of one that has actually been done. There are some guys with just the 55g in an HHKB.
Pretty sure its been done.
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
Some of us just prefer heavier switches.
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
There is this post as well for instance: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51615.msg1138025#msg1138025
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Where can I find material on how to do the mods?
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Where can I find material on how to do the mods?
Not sure on what you meant by material, but there is a guide for instance here: http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/hhkp-pro-jp-variable-force-silencing-mods-t5196.html?hilit=silencing%20mod
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There are a few threads on the forum. I'm on my phone or else I'd post links.
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
I like MX blacks and greens - 60g?
reds and blues just feel too light for me now.
Topre is inbetween.
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
I like MX blacks and greens - 60g?
reds and blues just feel too light for me now.
Topre is inbetween.
Is your HHKB 55g?
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
I like MX blacks and greens - 60g?
reds and blues just feel too light for me now.
Topre is inbetween.
Is your HHKB 55g?
45g HHKB Pro 2.
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There are a few threads on the forum. I'm on my phone or else I'd post links.
I'd very much appreciate the links spamray, I can't find the threads anywhere.
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
I like MX blacks and greens - 60g?
reds and blues just feel too light for me now.
Topre is inbetween.
Is your HHKB 55g?
45g HHKB Pro 2.
Would you upgrade to 55g for 260 bucks?
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That idea that MJ45 had :
HHKB Black
HHKB Type-S White
RF87UB 55g
And taking the 55gs to the black hhkb base and the type-s plungers. That looks quite appealing, but I'm having a hard time justifying the 900$ initial purchase price.
Don't worry it's not just you having trouble justifying it. In fact I have never seen or heard of one that has actually been done. There are some guys with just the 55g in an HHKB.
Pretty sure its been done.
Definitely! Someone out there must have the money and inclination :) Just wish PFU would do it for us.
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
I like MX blacks and greens - 60g?
reds and blues just feel too light for me now.
Topre is inbetween.
Is your HHKB 55g?
45g HHKB Pro 2.
Would you upgrade to 55g for 260 bucks?
I would seriously consider it. HHKB is great feeling of oneness with cup rubber, but every now and again I find myself accidentally resting my finger a little bit too hard on a key and getting a row of characters across the screen.
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
I like MX blacks and greens - 60g?
reds and blues just feel too light for me now.
Topre is inbetween.
Is your HHKB 55g?
45g HHKB Pro 2.
Would you upgrade to 55g for 260 bucks?
I would seriously consider it. HHKB is great feeling of oneness with cup rubber, but every now and again I find myself accidentally resting my finger a little bit too hard on a key and getting a row of characters across the screen.
Would I be able to do the 55g mod to the HHKB without much modding experience? I still cant find much of a guide. The link posted above doesn't really help as it wasn't too clear to me on what to actually do.
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Basically you take them apart and swap domes. Nothing to it really.
But everyone is different.
Also here is a link to a thread and it has more links in it.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45098.0
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I wouldn't want to do that to my HHKB. Apart from not having time to do it properly, I wouldn't want to run the risk of damaging an expensive keyboard.
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I wouldn't want to do that to my HHKB. Apart from not having time to do it properly, I wouldn't want to run the risk of damaging an expensive keyboard.
I feel the same way, while a 55g type-s would be great, I just couldn't risk damaging the type-s.
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Would it be that easy to damage? Looking at the great posts provided by Spamray, it seems quite straightforward now. Or am I getting it wrong?
Btw, where does everyone get those cool topre caps?
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You just have to be careful when disassembling/assembling etc.
And there can be some trial and error getting springs and domes all in place properly.
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Quick question - changing caps should be easier than silencing right? Or do I have to juggle with springs too when changing key caps?
I now have another opportunity - my brother in law is going to Japan for a couple of days and I am thinking of asking him to buy the white/grey key caps. I have a black on black HHKB and my dilemma is whether I should buy white/grey blanks or white/grey with legends. It cost $45 each, much cheaper than EK and should I just bite the bullet and get both? Ahh.. decisions! I doubt after this anyone I know would go Japan again for years!
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I've heard some say typing on 55g makes them tired. Whats the appeal of getting 55g's?
I like MX blacks and greens - 60g?
reds and blues just feel too light for me now.
Topre is inbetween.
Is your HHKB 55g?
45g HHKB Pro 2.
Would you upgrade to 55g for 260 bucks?
It doesn't actually cost $260 because you can swap the domes and then sell the Realforce as a 45g board.
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Quick question - changing caps should be easier than silencing right? Or do I have to juggle with springs too when changing key caps?
I now have another opportunity - my brother in law is going to Japan for a couple of days and I am thinking of asking him to buy the white/grey key caps. I have a black on black HHKB and my dilemma is whether I should buy white/grey blanks or white/grey with legends. It cost $45 each, much cheaper than EK and should I just bite the bullet and get both? Ahh.. decisions! I doubt after this anyone I know would go Japan again for years!
Changing caps doesn't involve springs.
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Thanks SpAMRaY!!
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There is one spring under the spacebar on Topre keyboards.
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There is one spring under the spacebar on Topre keyboards.
Forgot about that one! I always leave it out.
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Would it be that easy to damage? Looking at the great posts provided by Spamray, it seems quite straightforward now. Or am I getting it wrong?
Btw, where does everyone get those cool topre caps?
Define "cool". Those fancy skull caps or caps with animal on it are clack keys and binge caps respectively. There are a few other companies that prints fancy stuff on the key caps that they sell but they are usually restricted to one form of mechanical switch (usually Cherry MX).
Topre boards have very little customisation available as of writing. Apart from clack factory or binge caps, the rest are vastly swapping in between blanks, legended keys with other languages printed on it, or even coloured key caps (in which you only have like five or six to choose from).
Oh right I forgot to include some links:
- http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33496.0
- http://deskthority.net/wiki/Realforce#Topre_Keycap_Set_Reference
Former link could do some updating, there's no listing for bingecaps for instance.
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^^Binge has a website.