geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: FlukE on Sat, 26 September 2015, 09:26:57
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What do you guys think? I've been saving for a HHKB pro 2 for a while but then the topre realforce showed up on massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/topre-realforce-104u-and-wooden-wrist) and now I'm torn between the two, which one do you guys thinki should get?
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looks like the 104 is ergonomic (https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/th/104u_ergochart_1000_th0x0.png).
personally i don't dig the variable weighting and my pick would be the hhkb.
it's personal preference. go for the weighting you (think you would) like more.
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Totally depends on your usage.
Do you need a full size board? Would a compact board work better? Are you willing to put up with function layers?
Also do you want variable weighted switches (104) or all 45g (HHKB)?
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I think if you're into using a keyboard to its full extent and really good ergonomics I think myself would lean towards the realforce 104u, if you were to be into browsing and productivity (and shortcuts) i think the hhkb pro 2 would be my choice, just by observation, take my opinion with a grain of salt as i'm just judging the exterior and the layout and i've never used them as i'm not experienced with keyboards.
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Spam asked the right questions.
Very simple.
Do you need a numpad?
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Spam asked the right questions.
Very simple.
Do you need a numpad?
exactly
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Spam asked the right questions.
Very simple.
Do you need a numpad?
And even if you do, you could always get a separate numpad and have the best of both worlds.
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Depends on what you want. I totally prefer the 60% layout over any other board. HHKB ftw.
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I vote TKL or HHKB with separate numpad.
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looks like the 104 is ergonomic (https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/th/104u_ergochart_1000_th0x0.png).
^this. variable weighted is the way to go.
Buy 104 if you don't care about real estate on desktop and DO NOT PLAY GAME!
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Yeah, as others have said, go with the HHKB if you like the 60% layout, go with the 104 if you want full size. I personally like the TKL Realforce boards like the 87U, just something else to consider.
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For proper office productivity, I would go 104u with variable weighting. Has everything you need and is ergonomically weighted. For general home use and gaming I much prefer hhkb.
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Do you need a numpad?
I used TKL for a while, tried going back to 104, and then ended up with TKL with a separate numpad on the left of the main board.
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The numpad seems to be the decision point here. Before moving to TKL about three years ago, I relied on my full sized keyboard numpad for all number entry. I never used the top row numbers. I was a touch typist that never learned to touch type numbers. But I had a copy of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, and in it she had number only drills. So over the course of about a week, I learned to use my top row numbers rather than always reach for the numpad. Now, I only use my numpad if I'm doing dedicated spreadsheet data entry. Everything else, I use the top number row. Phone numbers, zip codes, even QuickBooks accounting entries are all done from top row numbers. And since my hands remain on home row, typing numbers with text is seamless. Much faster than reaching for the numpad when a few numbers are required.
When I need a dedicated numpad, I just pull it down beside my keyboard as in the picture. It lives right above my right mouse pad. For me, the added ergonomics of having my right mouse closer with a TKL board far outweighs the benefit of having a numpad taking up valuable work space real estate when I don't need it. When I do need it, it's always right there.
I am willing to bet those who insist on a full sized keyboard can't / don't touch type top row numbers. If that's the case, do yourself a favor and learn to use those numbers. You'll be glad you did.
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I vote both. That's an option, right? :D
I'm with Macsmasher here. In the past, I used the numpad simply because I never learned to touch type the number row. Now, if I'm typing a LOT of numbers, I still prefer a numpad, as I can tenkey pretty well, but that's edge case usage for me.
There's so much difference between a 60% and a full size, its hard to justify one over the other depending on usage. Why not consider a Realforce 87u instead of the 104u?
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Lot of things to consider, money being chief. If not, think of if you ever need dedicated arrow keys/FN, and if the answer is rarely, then HHKB is your go-to, if you like the layout. I have one and use it all the time, but it's just because I need a keyboard to put on my laptop.