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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: aref on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:00:58

Title: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: aref on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:00:58
I've been looking at an HH2L, but know nothing about the keyboard. Has anyone
used one and how do the key switches feel? Are they Topre-like in feel?  I've seen
the keyboard for about $90 on Amazon, which I know is on the high side. Your feedback
will be appreciated. Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000U1DJ2/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d1_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=17NVW45NRV31VR3R5WAA&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: hashbaz on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:07:54
The HHKB Lite is standard rubber dome.  I've heard mixed opinions on how it feels vs. other rubber dome boards, but I think it's fair to say that it's nothing special.  I sure wouldn't pay $90 for one.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: aref on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:10:30
The HHKB Lite is standard rubber dome.  I've heard mixed opinions on how it feels vs. other rubber dome boards, but I think it's fair to say that it's nothing special.  I sure wouldn't pay $90 for one.

I did a little price research and found it selling for about $30 less on some sites. Thanks for the feedback.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:22:22
Arrow keys aside, it will give you an indication whether you like the HHKB 60% layout or not.

If you find that you like it, and can get by without dedicated arrow keys, you might consider upgrading to HHKB 2 Pro at some stage.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: aref on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:24:37
I like the HHKB Pro 2 Pro. My only concern is the lack of cursor keys. I use my KBs for writing, no coding or gaming,
and cursor keys get a lot of use on my keyboards. Lately it's been an 55-gram, 87U I've been using pretty much exclusively.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: n0rvig on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:28:14
I used to use an HHKB 2 Lite. It's just like people describe above. The keys feel like the standard rubberdomes that you'd find on any other board. I think it's a definitely worth trying out if you can find one for $30. Personally, I wish I'd had the money to go big and buy the Topre.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: aref on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:35:20
I used to use an HHKB 2 Lite. It's just like people describe above. The keys feel like the standard rubberdomes that you'd find on any other board. I think it's a definitely worth trying out if you can find one for $30. Personally, I wish I'd had the money to go big and buy the Topre.

If I could find one for $30, I'd buy it, no second thoughts. I've never used a 60% keyboard. My preference has been TKL. I sold off or gave away my full-size KBs, save a Unicomp Ultra Classic; and the only reason I've kept it is that it has little resale value at $79 new. Also, an interesting feature on the 2 Lite I'm looking into is the 55-gram (non-Topre) key weighting--I find the feel of my Topre 55-gram key switches to be ideal for me.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: hcry4 on Thu, 13 March 2014, 19:47:45
I'm selling one for $50...
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: aref on Thu, 13 March 2014, 20:00:50
The posted and PM'd feedback I've gotten tells me the keyboard is really not worth considering for the price.
One guy said if I like my 55g Topre switches, I'll not like the HHKB 2's rubber domes at all. I may put the $90
toward another 87U (backup; as if I need a backup--likely not). I think it's an 87U/55g love affair.

Thanks for the offer, hcry4.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 13 March 2014, 20:06:52
The posted and PM'd feedback I've gotten tells me the keyboard is really not worth considering for the price.
One guy said if I like my 55g Topre switches, I'll not like the HHKB 2's rubber domes at all. I may put the $90
toward another 87U (backup; as if I need a backup--likely not). I think it's an 87U/55g love affair.

Thanks for the offer, hcry4.

That is completely understandable :D
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: aref on Thu, 13 March 2014, 20:08:02
The posted and PM'd feedback I've gotten tells me the keyboard is really not worth considering for the price.
One guy said if I like my 55g Topre switches, I'll not like the HHKB 2's rubber domes at all. I may put the $90
toward another 87U (backup; as if I need a backup--likely not). I think it's an 87U/55g love affair.

Thanks for the offer, hcry4.

That is completely understandable :D

Thanks, brother!
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: wharrislv on Fri, 14 March 2014, 16:48:17
I have both a HHKB Pro 2 and a lite.  The lite feels very slightly better than a $10 dell keyboard, but the layout is HHKB (with arrows) so I still use it as a KVM board in a server rack.  I would NOT recommend it for a daily driver.  Unless you care not about feel/sound/etc. and are only looking for the layout, it isn't worth anywhere near their asking price.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: ideus on Fri, 14 March 2014, 17:05:57
I have both a HHKB Pro 2 and a lite.  The lite feels very slightly better than a $10 dell keyboard, but the layout is HHKB (with arrows) so I still use it as a KVM board in a server rack.  I would NOT recommend it for a daily driver.  Unless you care not about feel/sound/etc. and are only looking for the layout, it isn't worth anywhere near their asking price.


You just can't compare two different technologies for switches. Capacitive and rubber domes.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: davkol on Fri, 14 March 2014, 17:07:59
You can. Yes, you can.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: Fragil1ty on Sat, 15 March 2014, 09:54:07
Wouldn't even bother buying this to be honest, just get a standard MX board, something of better quality and what not, because from the reviews that I've read thus far, it's a crappy board that is not really worth the money >:

Better yet just save up for a HHKB2 Pro. >demfeels.
Title: Re: Happy Hacking 2lite?
Post by: aref on Sat, 15 March 2014, 10:34:11
I'll stay with my 55-gram 87U and use my CMQFR for an alternative keyboard.
Thanks for the feedback.