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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Elocutive on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:22:45

Title: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Elocutive on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:22:45
I see it all the time in the polls but never see it go up. Is there a reason why? will it ever happen?
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Fragil1ty on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:44:30
I see it all the time in the polls but never see it go up. Is there a reason why? will it ever happen?

Too much of a premium product in my opinion. Mass drops usually sell for a lot lower than what they're actually worth, so I'm not even sure how many they would have to sell for the order to be worthwhile and personally, I don't think the demand for HHKB or Topre boards in general is as high as it is for MX or Keycaps, so there's the supply and demand issue there, also.

But that's just my opinion.

Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:45:59
Massdrop had the 104 key topre boards and they sold out very quickly a couple times.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Fragil1ty on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:49:38
Massdrop had the 104 key topre boards and they sold out very quickly a couple times.


The type heaven? damn, dat ugly. ;_; but I guess that's what makes the keyboard world unique, everyone has different likes and dislikes.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:52:59
Massdrop had the 104 key topre boards and they sold out very quickly a couple times.


The type heaven? damn, dat ugly. ;_; but I guess that's what makes the keyboard world unique, everyone has different likes and dislikes.

I was talking about the Realforce 104UB-DK.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: hwood34 on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:53:07
Massdrop had the 104 key topre boards and they sold out very quickly a couple times.


The type heaven? damn, dat ugly. ;_; but I guess that's what makes the keyboard world unique, everyone has different likes and dislikes.
The RF with the high profile caps sold out really quickly
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:53:20
Massdrop had the 104 key topre boards and they sold out very quickly a couple times.


The type heaven? damn, dat ugly. ;_; but I guess that's what makes the keyboard world unique, everyone has different likes and dislikes.
Nope, they did an exclusive run of Realforce 104UB-DK's earlier this year. It's the Realforce model designed by Ducky I think. They sold out very quickly.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Fragil1ty on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:58:33
Oh wow, that's actually a really nice looking keyboard! Was it a lot off the normal price? Bet that was a great deal.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:00:38
Oh wow, that's actually a really nice looking keyboard! Was it a lot off the normal price? Bet that was a great deal.
If I recall correctly it was a little over $200 shipped, it was indeed an awesome deal! I hope they do another run someday.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: dorkvader on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:33:18
They probably can't get a distributor that'll get them any

Something about elitekeyboards being the only official distributor for north america.

I think the ducky edition is different somehow.

Just a theory though.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Elocutive on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:33:50
They probably can't get a distributor that'll get them any

Something about elitekeyboards being the only official distributor for north america.

I think the ducky edition is different somehow.

Just a theory though.
That makes a lot of sense.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:34:53
Apart from that, you'd need to find someone to manufacture several hundred of them.  And there's probably only one that would do that - PFU?
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:38:13
Well the Realforce 104 UB-DK is 45g all uniform.  And there are no other full size 45g models at the moment so it's kind of a rare item.

Honestly I'd get one too just because I still prefer 45g over variable.

But yeah as far as I know it's a limited item so I'm not sure if Topre will make more of them.  :(
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:43:56
Well the Realforce 104 UB-DK is 45g all uniform.  And there are no other full size 45g models at the moment so it's kind of a rare item.

Honestly I'd get one too just because I still prefer 45g over variable.

But yeah as far as I know it's a limited item so I'm not sure if Topre will make more of them.  :(
There's the Type Heaven  :) There are some available on eBay, but they're nearly $400, which is kind of outrageous.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: dante on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:49:43
Would be nice to see a 104 55g; EK last sold the 103UB 55g in 2011.  Leopold had sold 104 w/ 55g - but only with Hangul legends and haven't seen those in quite a while.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:51:46
Would be nice to see a 104 55g; EK last sold the 103UB 55g in 2011.  Leopold had sold 104 w/ 55g - but only with Hangul legends and haven't seen those in quite a while.

I would be very tempted to buy that.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:52:26
lol yeah I have a Type Heaven too.

Though I kind of like the PBT keycaps on Topre, so I was hoping they'd release a 45g Realforce 104U or simpley sell PBT version Type Heaven.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sun, 12 October 2014, 21:53:13
Hyde-
If you can handle the layout-here's another option for you. 
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9D%B1%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC-REALFORCE108UH-S-%E9%9D%99%E9%9F%B3%E3%83%95%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-%E6%8A%BC%E3%81%97%E4%B8%8B%E3%81%92%E5%9C%A7ALL45g-SA010S/dp/B004U8IVK4/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1413168932&sr=1-6 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9D%B1%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC-REALFORCE108UH-S-%E9%9D%99%E9%9F%B3%E3%83%95%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-%E6%8A%BC%E3%81%97%E4%B8%8B%E3%81%92%E5%9C%A7ALL45g-SA010S/dp/B004U8IVK4/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1413168932&sr=1-6)

It's actually pretty affordable too, you'll need a proxy though :(

I think that's the first silenced uniform topre board I've ever seen...
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Lu_e on Sun, 12 October 2014, 22:06:56
^ Your earlier URL worked fine for me, http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004U8IVK4

& I tried to order one shipped to the US with my JP amazon account I've used for DVD's before, but they wont ship the keyboard :p So yeah need a proxy
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: remdell on Sun, 12 October 2014, 22:34:36
All Topre boards featured on Massdrop have done well in sales.  My guess is that Realforce boards are much broader in supply, and just easier for Massdrop to hit someone up to obtain. 

Personally, I probably won't be buying the HHKB on Massdrop simply because the tax and shipping barely saves me much from MSRP.  However, a good chunk of the keyboards I own from those who end up not liking their purchases from Massdrop.  The Realforce 104UB-DK that I got off a Massdrop trade continues to be my favorite feeling Topre board.  I own an 86U and an FC660C printed, but for some reason the 104UB-DK just has better resonance and a more solid bottoming-out experience (slightly snappier than printed FC660C and not as mushy as the 86U).  The 87U 55g is real close to the 104UB-DK, but it's just too firm for me.  I hope the 87U 45g EK edition is what seals the 45g deal for me if not a dyesub/blank FC660C.  I'm still getting an HHKB though because I use my printed FC660C so much for its softness.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Hyde on Mon, 13 October 2014, 00:53:24
Hyde-
If you can handle the layout-here's another option for you. 
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9D%B1%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC-REALFORCE108UH-S-%E9%9D%99%E9%9F%B3%E3%83%95%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-%E6%8A%BC%E3%81%97%E4%B8%8B%E3%81%92%E5%9C%A7ALL45g-SA010S/dp/B004U8IVK4/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1413168932&sr=1-6 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9D%B1%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC-REALFORCE108UH-S-%E9%9D%99%E9%9F%B3%E3%83%95%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-%E6%8A%BC%E3%81%97%E4%B8%8B%E3%81%92%E5%9C%A7ALL45g-SA010S/dp/B004U8IVK4/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1413168932&sr=1-6)

It's actually pretty affordable too, you'll need a proxy though :(

I think that's the first silenced uniform topre board I've ever seen...

45g and silent and full size?  This is a deadly combination.  :eek:

Oh man if only they can get an English layout then this would be perfect.

:thumb:
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: remdell on Mon, 13 October 2014, 02:17:03
Hyde-
If you can handle the layout-here's another option for you. 
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9D%B1%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC-REALFORCE108UH-S-%E9%9D%99%E9%9F%B3%E3%83%95%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-%E6%8A%BC%E3%81%97%E4%B8%8B%E3%81%92%E5%9C%A7ALL45g-SA010S/dp/B004U8IVK4/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1413168932&sr=1-6 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9D%B1%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC-REALFORCE108UH-S-%E9%9D%99%E9%9F%B3%E3%83%95%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-%E6%8A%BC%E3%81%97%E4%B8%8B%E3%81%92%E5%9C%A7ALL45g-SA010S/dp/B004U8IVK4/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1413168932&sr=1-6)

It's actually pretty affordable too, you'll need a proxy though :(

I think that's the first silenced uniform topre board I've ever seen...

45g and silent and full size?  This is a deadly combination.  :eek:

Oh man if only they can get an English layout then this would be perfect.

:thumb:

Woah, I just noticed that the switch sliders AND housings are purple.  They stand out quite well against the white backplate.  This along with a JP HHKB would probably be the only JP layout boards I'd consider purchasing.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Sneaky Potato on Mon, 13 October 2014, 14:37:35
Once a bunch of people (myself included) voted for the HHKB Pro II as a massdrop item, and then we all got an email from Massdrop saying that they had contacted PFU and apparently they weren't on board for a price drop for ANY of the PFU products.

It was a really sad day.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: davkol on Mon, 13 October 2014, 16:50:30
Well, yeah. If you've ever read any of EK's replies on the topic, it shouldn't surprise you at all. In other words, normal Topre/PFU keyboard drop ain't gonna happen, until the Japanese completely change their international business model.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 13 October 2014, 18:09:33
I see it all the time in the polls but never see it go up. Is there a reason why? will it ever happen?

Too much of a premium product in my opinion. Mass drops usually sell for a lot lower than what they're actually worth, so I'm not even sure how many they would have to sell for the order to be worthwhile and personally, I don't think the demand for HHKB or Topre boards in general is as high as it is for MX or Keycaps, so there's the supply and demand issue there, also.

But that's just my opinion.

i got mine for $175 new in Japan, it's just that PFU want it to be an elite product

at least, that's what the nice rep at PFU told me when i asked why they only sell through 1 channel in the US
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: dustinhxc on Mon, 13 October 2014, 18:10:34
Massdrop had the 104 key topre boards and they sold out very quickly a couple times.


The type heaven? damn, dat ugly. ;_; but I guess that's what makes the keyboard world unique, everyone has different likes and dislikes.
Nope, they did an exclusive run of Realforce 104UB-DK's earlier this year. It's the Realforce model designed by Ducky I think. They sold out very quickly.

My Realforce 104 UB-DK Uniform 45g. Is my favorite board! Such a great deal!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: dante on Mon, 13 October 2014, 18:24:33
I see it all the time in the polls but never see it go up. Is there a reason why? will it ever happen?

Too much of a premium product in my opinion. Mass drops usually sell for a lot lower than what they're actually worth, so I'm not even sure how many they would have to sell for the order to be worthwhile and personally, I don't think the demand for HHKB or Topre boards in general is as high as it is for MX or Keycaps, so there's the supply and demand issue there, also.

But that's just my opinion.

i got mine for $175 new in Japan, it's just that PFU want it to be an elite product

at least, that's what the nice rep at PFU told me when i asked why they only sell through 1 channel in the US

Har har har - an elite product with an ABS spacebar.  You should have asked the rep about that. :D
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Novus on Mon, 13 October 2014, 18:29:05
Yes it will!
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Premonition on Mon, 13 October 2014, 21:28:04
I see it all the time in the polls but never see it go up. Is there a reason why? will it ever happen?

Too much of a premium product in my opinion. Mass drops usually sell for a lot lower than what they're actually worth, so I'm not even sure how many they would have to sell for the order to be worthwhile and personally, I don't think the demand for HHKB or Topre boards in general is as high as it is for MX or Keycaps, so there's the supply and demand issue there, also.

But that's just my opinion.

i got mine for $175 new in Japan, it's just that PFU want it to be an elite product

at least, that's what the nice rep at PFU told me when i asked why they only sell through 1 channel in the US

Har har har - an elite product with an ABS spacebar.  You should have asked the rep about that. :D

Psh, what's all this ABS hate? Almost all of the doubleshot sets are ABS, a single key surely can't be that bad.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: ComradeSniper on Mon, 13 October 2014, 21:51:51
I see it all the time in the polls but never see it go up. Is there a reason why? will it ever happen?

Too much of a premium product in my opinion. Mass drops usually sell for a lot lower than what they're actually worth, so I'm not even sure how many they would have to sell for the order to be worthwhile and personally, I don't think the demand for HHKB or Topre boards in general is as high as it is for MX or Keycaps, so there's the supply and demand issue there, also.

But that's just my opinion.

i got mine for $175 new in Japan, it's just that PFU want it to be an elite product

at least, that's what the nice rep at PFU told me when i asked why they only sell through 1 channel in the US

Har har har - an elite product with an ABS spacebar.  You should have asked the rep about that. :D

Psh, what's all this ABS hate? Almost all of the doubleshot sets are ABS, a single key surely can't be that bad.

Well, when that single key is the most used one on the keyboard and no replacements are offered...
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: demik on Mon, 13 October 2014, 21:54:15
Yes it will!

No it won't!
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Hyde on Mon, 13 October 2014, 22:07:09
Massdrop had the 104 key topre boards and they sold out very quickly a couple times.


The type heaven? damn, dat ugly. ;_; but I guess that's what makes the keyboard world unique, everyone has different likes and dislikes.
Nope, they did an exclusive run of Realforce 104UB-DK's earlier this year. It's the Realforce model designed by Ducky I think. They sold out very quickly.

My Realforce 104 UB-DK Uniform 45g. Is my favorite board! Such a great deal!  :thumb:

Yeah I was really really close on pulling the trigger on that one except I wasn't a fan of the color scheme (white keycaps + black case).  I actually wish Topre can release an all white version instead of two tone.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: remdell on Mon, 13 October 2014, 22:19:32
I see it all the time in the polls but never see it go up. Is there a reason why? will it ever happen?

Too much of a premium product in my opinion. Mass drops usually sell for a lot lower than what they're actually worth, so I'm not even sure how many they would have to sell for the order to be worthwhile and personally, I don't think the demand for HHKB or Topre boards in general is as high as it is for MX or Keycaps, so there's the supply and demand issue there, also.

But that's just my opinion.

i got mine for $175 new in Japan, it's just that PFU want it to be an elite product

at least, that's what the nice rep at PFU told me when i asked why they only sell through 1 channel in the US

Har har har - an elite product with an ABS spacebar.  You should have asked the rep about that. :D

Psh, what's all this ABS hate? Almost all of the doubleshot sets are ABS, a single key surely can't be that bad.

Well, when that single key is the most used one on the keyboard and no replacements are offered...

I have to agree... 

I ended up cracking my Type Heaven spacebar right down the middle when carefully attempting to remove it.  I was able to replace it thanks to EK stocking black spacebars, but now I'm scared of removing my colored Topre spacebars.
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: dustinhxc on Tue, 14 October 2014, 00:25:22
I see it all the time in the polls but never see it go up. Is there a reason why? will it ever happen?

Too much of a premium product in my opinion. Mass drops usually sell for a lot lower than what they're actually worth, so I'm not even sure how many they would have to sell for the order to be worthwhile and personally, I don't think the demand for HHKB or Topre boards in general is as high as it is for MX or Keycaps, so there's the supply and demand issue there, also.

But that's just my opinion.

i got mine for $175 new in Japan, it's just that PFU want it to be an elite product

at least, that's what the nice rep at PFU told me when i asked why they only sell through 1 channel in the US

Har har har - an elite product with an ABS spacebar.  You should have asked the rep about that. :D

Im pretty sure they use ABS Spacebars because of warping issues. Right?

Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: bazh on Tue, 14 October 2014, 01:28:26
Massdrop had the 104 key topre boards and they sold out very quickly a couple times.


The type heaven? damn, dat ugly. ;_; but I guess that's what makes the keyboard world unique, everyone has different likes and dislikes.
Nope, they did an exclusive run of Realforce 104UB-DK's earlier this year. It's the Realforce model designed by Ducky I think. They sold out very quickly.

My Realforce 104 UB-DK Uniform 45g. Is my favorite board! Such a great deal!  :thumb:

Yeah I was really really close on pulling the trigger on that one except I wasn't a fan of the color scheme (white keycaps + black case).  I actually wish Topre can release an all white version instead of two tone.


Topre had a 105 in all white color sold by Verrkokauppa (ISO Finnish layout)


But that was a while back when I hadnt moved to Fin :(
Title: Re: Will the HHKB ever be on massdrop?
Post by: Novus on Tue, 14 October 2014, 02:14:12
Yes it will!

No it won't!
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