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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: watduzhkstand4 on Fri, 22 May 2009, 17:04:46

Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Fri, 22 May 2009, 17:04:46
I'm pretty sure you guys subscribed to their e-mail but for the ones that didn't, elitekeyboards.com will start selling the Topre Realforce 87u and HHKB Pro 2 starting Memorial Day Weekend.

This is the rest of the e-mail I got.

Our special order of FILCO keyboards with Blue Cherry MX key switches
has been delayed; we now have a shipping date for the second week of
June. Apologies to those who have been patiently waiting. FYI, for this
order we'll be offering two Tenkeyless boards, one with blank keycaps.

Many of you have inquired about blank key caps for existing FILCO boards,
so we're happy to announce that these will be available in the beginning
of July 2009.

Coming in June:

Zero Series Tenkeyless with ALPS switches and Brown Cherry Tenkeyless
with blank keycaps.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Fri, 22 May 2009, 17:14:34
Quote from: ripster;92152
Ugh.  This has not been a good week for Arnold.
Show Image
(http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/09/12/schwarzenegger_wideweb__470x399,0.jpg)


The other stuff is all good news.  I guess I'll live.


yea I'm pretty bummed out too because I was looking forward to see some tenkeyless blue =(
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: bigpook on Fri, 22 May 2009, 17:27:49
Wow, is that his wife? Marie Schriver? She looks like she has aged a decade or so...
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Fri, 22 May 2009, 17:49:02
woot!
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: IBI on Fri, 22 May 2009, 18:13:08
Quote from: ripster;92163
It's too EASY now.  Where's the excitement of the hunt!!


You could always move to Europe.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: bigpook on Fri, 22 May 2009, 18:43:43
I think we are all very curious about what the pricing will be on the HHKB's. The white one looks pretty sharp.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: Viett on Fri, 22 May 2009, 18:45:30
I was a bit disappointed that the FKBN87MC's would be another month, but I'm excited to hear that there will be blank key models.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Fri, 22 May 2009, 19:19:10
If it's anything like what he said before (competitive with current sellers), then I'm not sweating it.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Fri, 22 May 2009, 20:50:48
but I'm hoping the shipping won't be a rape of $54 if I buy it here and the price itself won't cover that shipping!
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: rdjack21 on Fri, 22 May 2009, 21:42:47
Kinda bummed out about the  FKBN87MC being delayed another month. But did you notice this:
(http://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/th/FTP500UB_iso_th500x300.jpg)

It looks very interesting. Multi-touch with four buttons. Might be a good alternative to a mouse. Wonder if it works with Linux.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Fri, 22 May 2009, 23:00:12
I find that very interesting. Wonder if that will work similar to something like a mac touchpad.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: Qwertyuiop on Fri, 22 May 2009, 23:45:24
How is that really any different from the old Alps Glidepoint/Cirque Touchpad devices?
http://www.cirque.com/desktoptouchpad/touchpad-mouse-overview.aspx

Other than it says Filco on it, and probably costs more, heh. The side buttons don't look very useful.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: majestouch on Sat, 23 May 2009, 00:55:48
Quote from: Qwertyuiop;92214
How is that really any different from the old Alps Glidepoint/Cirque Touchpad devices?
http://www.cirque.com/desktoptouchpad/touchpad-mouse-overview.aspx

Other than it says Filco on it, and probably costs more, heh. The side buttons don't look very useful.

Actually, I've owned Cirque Smart Cat for years and I've had the chance to play with the Smartrack over the last couple of weeks, so I can compare:) The multi-touch on the Smartrack is the most redeeming and fun feature; I find browsing with the Smartrack takes less effort than using a mouse or trackball thanks to the 2 finger scrolling gesture. The wider format makes moving around easier on the FILCO, and the movement feels more responsive than the old Cirque. The two top mounted bubble buttons are easy to press and give a solid clunk when depressed, yet they're firm enough that you don't press them accidentally; whereas I always found the buttons on the Cirque small and frustrating. The two side buttons double as the top two buttons and are convenient if you want to lean back and hold the Smartrack with two hands, they aren't meant to be used while it is sitting on a desk. Overall, I find it much more comfortable to use than my Cirque (of course I can be accused of bias for obvious reasons;).  So for what it is worth, IMHO, I'd say the difference is rather large, and the Smartrack is cheaper than the Cirque Smart Cat and Smart Cat Pro.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: wellington1869 on Sat, 23 May 2009, 01:22:19
so whats the price on the 87u? (and whats shipping?)  LIke everyone else i'm curious even tho i wont be getting one, lol.

Ah, here we go:
"$256.00 Each" for the 87u. Avail in black and white.

How much is shipping though?
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: tuco on Sat, 23 May 2009, 01:40:24
majestouch: any 104-key blue-cherry Filco's going to be available?

Thanks.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: pmyshkin on Sat, 23 May 2009, 01:41:20
Is the HHKB Pro 2 really worth $250? That kind of price tag seems prohibitively expensive to me.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Sat, 23 May 2009, 02:24:23
Woot ordered!

btw shipping was $10.50 from CA to NV (2-5 ground), and $20 for 1-2 Business.

Probably the best deal on HHKB's and Topres in a long time (considering most places require a shipping service coming from Japan). So it came out to be about the same from ordering from stlensbar if you go for the 1-2 day shipping.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: wellington1869 on Sat, 23 May 2009, 02:35:32
Quote from: pmyshkin;92243
Is the HHKB Pro 2 really worth $250? That kind of price tag seems prohibitively expensive to me.


well, this is where personal taste and personal finances will determine the answer :)

For me its 'no' on both counts - while I admire the topres, they're not loud enough for me; and as for finances, a big 'no' on that one, so the question is decided for me on both counts ;)  

That said, they are fine keys for sure.  It just so happens that the 1401 that I got for $20 shipped, satisfies both my taste and my finances ;D

clickety clackety chunka chunka - I couldnt do without the addicting racket :)
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Sat, 23 May 2009, 02:39:11
Quote from: pmyshkin;92243
Is the HHKB Pro 2 really worth $250? That kind of price tag seems prohibitively expensive to me.


I guess that really all depends on what you feel is important. I code as a job, and a hobby. I also do a lot of PC gaming, invest a lot of time reading forums and news websites, as well as post, and also contribute to a friends website with blog posts. I type a lot. My keyboards get used as much as my trackball and monitor do. I have no objections spending a little more money for something that I use so often, like an expensive monitor or an expensive set of speakers


edit: I answered his question even more down here Ripster lol! Yeah, I've been wanting one...and just had been waiting patiently. I mean...I love brown and blue cherries, I guess if I were on some crumby board with linear switches or something, I'd have gotten it earlier.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: pmyshkin on Sat, 23 May 2009, 03:11:48
Quote from: o2dazone;92250
I have no objections spending a little more money for something that I use so often, like an expensive monitor or an expensive set of speakers


Sure, but I assume you already have a collection of fine keyboards. The question then becomes, is an HHKB or a Topre that much of an improvement on the ones you already have?

Anyway, I'm not trying to start an argument. I was just wondering if someone who owns an HHKBP2 was going to unconditionally assert that it is indeed twice as good as the filco.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: kyamei on Sat, 23 May 2009, 04:27:55
Quote from: pmyshkin;92253
Sure, but I assume you already have a collection of fine keyboards. The question then becomes, is an HHKB or a Topre that much of an improvement on the ones you already have?

Anyway, I'm not trying to start an argument. I was just wondering if someone who owns an HHKBP2 was going to unconditionally assert that it is indeed twice as good as the filco.

I can't say its twice as good as a Filco, but I do much prefer it over my Filco.  Enough to make me very very tempted to buy another Realforce instead of waiting for the blue Cherry Filcos.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: sixty on Sat, 23 May 2009, 05:26:38
Quote from: IBI;92165
You could always move to Europe.


Actually EliteKeyboards do ship internationally. Of course we still have to pay a lot more for shipping costs and probably deal with customs.. but its still much cheaper than the previous sources.

Personally I was very happy to read about the blank keycaps coming up!
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Sat, 23 May 2009, 07:32:45
Quote from: pmyshkin;92253
Sure, but I assume you already have a collection of fine keyboards. The question then becomes, is an HHKB or a Topre that much of an improvement on the ones you already have?

Anyway, I'm not trying to start an argument. I was just wondering if someone who owns an HHKBP2 was going to unconditionally assert that it is indeed twice as good as the filco.



pmyshkin: I'm in a similar situation as you. But, it's hard to know if it's as good as it sounds. The only way is to try it for yourself. However, after having given it careful thought (and still unsure), I've decided to not go ahead. A Topre will cost me around $300 Canadian, that's a bit too much for me (for now?). Also, what I'm afraid is it might have a soft landing. I prefer a crisp landing.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 23 May 2009, 08:18:37
I agree with webwit that the HHKB is overpriced. Just about every keyboard in my collection is overpriced : ) I still bought them anyways.

I know what it feels like to want something but for whatever reason can't afford to buy it ( at least right now). The object of your desire can then become your main focal point and everything else blurs.
The sad thing is that when you do eventually buy it, whatever that may be, it will surely disappoint as nothing will live up to your grossly inflated expectations.

Having said that, the HHKB is a pretty neat keyboard and I use mine on a regular rotation. It is not satisfying as my model m's or unicomps but the key layout and feel of the rubber dome and spring are top notch. I am glad that I have an HHKB in my collection.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Sat, 23 May 2009, 08:23:22
Quote from: bigpook;92281
I
I know what it feels like to want something but for whatever reason can't afford to buy it ( at least right now). The object of your desire can then become your main focal point and everything else blurs.
The sad thing is that when you do eventually buy it, whatever that may be, it will surely disappoint as nothing will live up to your grossly inflated expectations.


There is a lot of truth in that. The more we wait for something, the more we tend to desire it and the higher our expectation gets. This can backfire like you said in the sense that we can be dissapointed after we eventually get it.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 23 May 2009, 08:46:48
Quote from: patrickgeekhack;92284
There is a lot of truth in that. The more we wait for something, the more we tend to desire it and the higher our expectation gets. This can backfire like you said in the sense that we can be dissapointed after we eventually get it.


I got my HHKB here from a fellow member at a great price. The HHKB's have always been held in high regard here but  at the time I did not/would not pay the high cost. I just seemed so expensive. But like I said I got it at a great price and am glad I have it. Its not worth the cost, but then again what is?
I have a black one and plan on getting a white one before Xmas.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: IBI on Sat, 23 May 2009, 08:57:22
Quote from: sixty;92259
Actually EliteKeyboards do ship internationally. Of course we still have to pay a lot more for shipping costs and probably deal with customs.. but its still much cheaper than the previous sources.


Not really, it's the same price as GeekStuff4U and while a US-based retailer is a big advantage to those in the US because of warranty and legal protection it makes little difference to us in Europe whether we buy from American or Japan. (although Majestouch is very helpful at the moment so I can understand why you might prefer Elitekeyboards).

I'm hoping the next couple of years will see an EU-based distributer offering EU-layout Torpe and HHKB boards, but we shall have to wait and see.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Sat, 23 May 2009, 11:04:42
Quote from: ripster;92296
Patrick - gotta move south if you want a crisp landing.
Show Image
(http://www.popularwealth.com/funny-pictures/falling-from-roof.jpg)


Topres are definitely for people that prefer a soft landing.

This is from some Canadian blog.  You guys must get pretty bored up there.


LOL. It can get pretty as bad as far as snow is concerned. This is my backyard after a snowstorm
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/pngpingching/Blog/IMG_1235.jpg )

I don't get that bored LOL. I work full-time, study part-time and now have a daughter.  And some  like winter sport. Maybe I will get into winter sports with my little girl.

That being said, if I move South of the border, I'll have a bigger problem. I would like to own some guns for target shooting :-) I nearly went for my gun licence in Canada, but then learned that my wife was pregnant.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Sat, 23 May 2009, 11:48:12
Wow this thread grew overnight!

Quote from: pmyshkin;92253
Sure, but I assume you already have a collection of fine keyboards. The question then becomes, is an HHKB or a Topre that much of an improvement on the ones you already have?

Anyway, I'm not trying to start an argument. I was just wondering if someone who owns an HHKBP2 was going to unconditionally assert that it is indeed twice as good as the filco.


You're right. I have two very nice keyboards, and from just reading reviews, I don't think I'll love it as twice as a Filco (even though it was double the price). I guess I've convinced myself to buy it, so it's a little hard convincing people the same way! LOL ~ I'll let you know how I feel about it after some use though :)
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Sat, 23 May 2009, 11:55:56
Quote from: webwit;92258
Technically I think it is overpriced. When looking at the switches, case, materials, etc. it looks like Costar can do it for less than half. If you can afford one and like the Topres (this is the problem, no trial) it is worth it if you're typing each day. Just two pair of designer jeans. In fact, in you'd prefer to type on a second choice costing less than half for years, you're doing it wrong.


True on all accounts. There's no way to test drive something. If you're going into this stuff blindly without trying it out, like most of us have done, and end up not liking it...then I guess that just sucks for the buyer. But from seeing peoples comments, I don't think that'll be the case. I'm still a keyboard noob, only having tried two switches (which were both tactile cherries). Personally speaking, something I use so often, I have no objection to spending the money. But it's different for everyone, especially when it's $250 keyboards
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: pmyshkin on Sat, 23 May 2009, 13:12:42
Quote from: ripster;92322
BTW - the Filco is a definitely "worth it" for me - over $100 price point where you get the quality to beat 99% of what's out there.  It's nice being back.


I think I would get a filco tenkeyless. Its price is still justifiable.

I would also like to take the time to thank those geekhackers that bravely buy exorbitantly expensive products without much confidence and share reviews with the rest of us.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Sat, 23 May 2009, 13:28:23
I hope the cameraman isn't standing downwind of that...
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: IBI on Sat, 23 May 2009, 16:43:37
Quote from: webwit;92293
There is a big difference. Geekstuff4u has a warranty with a no cost return if the board is faulty. I haven't checked them lately, but last time it was just the HHKB with the great pricing.


Ah, I didn't realise geekstuff4u had a warranty service, I'd missed that section on their site. The £20 price difference (in the case of the Realforce 87U) seems well worth it for that - although I'm not fond of the condition that the goods are my responsibility in transit. That stunt would be illegal for any UK business to pull.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Sat, 23 May 2009, 19:46:13
notice how on elitekeyboards.com it says, "for quantities over 2, please cpntact us for pricing."

I've seen many people on this forum wanting to get the Realforce 87u and HHKB Pro 2. Do you think they will give us some discount of we order in bulk?
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Sun, 24 May 2009, 00:29:09
Quote from: IBI;92369
That stunt would be illegal for any UK business to pull.


I would love that law in the States. Maybe if we ***** enough we can get it!! (we're pretty good at that *****ing thing)
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Mon, 25 May 2009, 12:27:56
Just thought I'd mention that I was given $14.50 off the purchase of my HHKB, $10 from an HHKB promotional, and $4.50 off from shipping (I guess it was cheaper than what I paid for). Elitekeyboards/Majestouch is a classy and professional dealer, and little things like this just add to what a great merchant he is.

Thanks elitekeyboards! Looking forward to giving some feedback on the hhkb :)
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: majestouch on Mon, 25 May 2009, 13:05:21
The price on the HHKB has been lowered, I'll call it a Memorial day promotion, hopefully we can keep it low, but get one now...before GM files for bankruptcy and the USD goes south:


(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3e/Zimbabwe_%24100_trillion_2009_Obverse.jpg)
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: ironcoder on Tue, 26 May 2009, 09:35:50
Yeah I'm probably going to spring for the Blue Cherries myself. Hope they're priced like the current ones. If not, a little more fishing will be in order.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: skriefal on Tue, 26 May 2009, 11:05:02
I believe the lowered price applies only to the Happy Hacking Keyboard.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 26 May 2009, 11:23:23
Yes, it was the same as the Realforce's
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: majestouch on Tue, 26 May 2009, 14:17:05
Quote from: ripster;92735
OK, I'm confused.

Memorial day is over.  The price listed for a Realforce 87U is $256.  Is the "sale" over?   Or is there a discount at the end of the checkout process?   Or are you given a mini-typing test that forces you to type at 120WPM to show your worthiness?

Not complaining, I want you to make as much money as you can off those Topres so you're feeling generous when the Blue Cherries arrive.

And since my Mom taught me to "Never Pay Retail" have you ever thought of a "Geekhack Discount"??


I thought only your teenage son was surly; guess it runs in the family!

If you can type 120WPM+ with 99%+ accuracy, then we might be able to work something out.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 26 May 2009, 14:33:55
Quote from: webwit;92790
121wpm, 100% accuracy. What did I win?

lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol


I'm convinced!
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: majestouch on Tue, 26 May 2009, 14:49:17
Quote from: webwit;92790
121wpm, 100% accuracy. What did I win?

lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol


Not exactly what I meant :) I am serious about this. If you have legitimate skill, PM me.
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Tue, 26 May 2009, 14:58:53
Quote from: majestouch;92793
Not exactly what I meant :) I am serious about this. If you have legitimate skill, PM me.


Today is Day 1 of my training. The best I've done on speedtest  (http://speedtest.10-fast-fingers.com/) is 95 WPM with 1 mistake (G80-3000 keyboard).
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 26 May 2009, 15:45:37
Quote from: ripster;92798
And DON'T CALL ME SURLY!
Show Image
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/bigmclargehuge/misc/air05.jpg)


gold
Title: elitekeyboards finally selling realforce 87u and HHKB Pro2!
Post by: pmyshkin on Tue, 26 May 2009, 16:50:07
Quote from: majestouch;92793
Not exactly what I meant :) I am serious about this. If you have legitimate skill, PM me.


Is elitekeyboards planning an ad that shows their keyboards let you type faster?