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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: thatsmrdoctortoyou on Sun, 02 October 2016, 22:06:06

Title: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: thatsmrdoctortoyou on Sun, 02 October 2016, 22:06:06
Hey all,

Do any of you notice that your typing speed on the HHKB (or other topre switch boards for that matter) is lower than other boards with mx switches?

I've been strictly using only the HHKB pro2 for a couple months now, and only recently began using my poker2 with mx clears after hyperfuse came in. Here's what I discovered: my typing speed on the HHKB is consistently around 85-90 wpm. However, after a few hours typing on the poker2 (to get reacquainted to the non-HHKB layout  ;)) my typing speed jumped up to >100. Honestly, prior to the past couple days I've probably only scored >100 on typing test maybe a handful of times. Now I'm consistently getting >100 wpm. And, when I try to type on the HHKB again, my speed drops back down to 80-90.

What I've noticed is that the topre switches seem to have a greater actuation distance than the mx clears. I suppose the dental-band mod or even hypersphere rings could help with this, although I don't think I mind the additional travel of the topre; I just type slower on them.

Anyway, this post is intended really just to note my observation, not to complain about the HHKB. The classic HHKB "thock," the smooth character of the switches, and the glorious layout of the HHKB are waaaaay too appealing to stop using the hhkb.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: Altis on Sun, 02 October 2016, 23:29:17
I find I type quickest on 45g Topre. Doesn't matter all too much if it's HHKB or Realforce 87U, though.

It's very rare that I accidentally  press an adjacent key or only press a key partway down while using Topre due to the intensity of the tactile hump.

Strangely enough, I also seem to type quite quickly and accurately on one of the Apple aluminum keyboards (not the latest ones though).
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: Polymer on Mon, 03 October 2016, 04:52:14
Hey all,

Do any of you notice that your typing speed on the HHKB (or other topre switch boards for that matter) is lower than other boards with mx switches?

I've been strictly using only the HHKB pro2 for a couple months now, and only recently began using my poker2 with mx clears after hyperfuse came in. Here's what I discovered: my typing speed on the HHKB is consistently around 85-90 wpm. However, after a few hours typing on the poker2 (to get reacquainted to the non-HHKB layout  ;)) my typing speed jumped up to >100. Honestly, prior to the past couple days I've probably only scored >100 on typing test maybe a handful of times. Now I'm consistently getting >100 wpm. And, when I try to type on the HHKB again, my speed drops back down to 80-90.

What I've noticed is that the topre switches seem to have a greater actuation distance than the mx clears. I suppose the dental-band mod or even hypersphere rings could help with this, although I don't think I mind the additional travel of the topre; I just type slower on them.

The distance is the same...it could just be you respond faster using Clears....everyone will be different...
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: xondat on Mon, 03 October 2016, 04:57:12
It depends on what I've been using at the time. If I've been using my HHKB for a while, I'm generally quicker as I'm less prone to make mistakes. However, if I use my 78g Zealios I'm usually immediately quicker but overall I make more mistakes.
Edit: Generally average 95 wpm.
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: dgneo on Mon, 03 October 2016, 05:09:54
Opposite for myself. I find that with my HHKB I can average 105-110wpm, whereas any MX board that I've tried so far, I average around 75-80 wpm.
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: Fictiouz on Mon, 03 October 2016, 05:10:14
I find I'm consistently quicker on MX vs. Topre due to the way that Topre functions. I find the keystrokes much longer, therefore I feel as though it is taking me longer to type. MX I have used for longer and have gotten used to releasing after feeling the key register (I don't use linears). Needless to say I am more accustomed to MX, but I will see a 5-10 wpm drop when using Topre. I'm sure this could improve with constant use, but Topre seems to be more fatiguing to type on due to the long keystrokes in my opinion.
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: Erikdayo on Mon, 03 October 2016, 06:28:54
I type a little faster on my MX red board than I do my Topre board. My MX board is Reds. But I make less errors on Topre which probably evens things out a bit.
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: thatsmrdoctortoyou on Mon, 03 October 2016, 12:14:27

The distance is the same...it could just be you respond faster using Clears....everyone will be different...

Really!? Wow I would have sword that the travel distance was shorter on the clears. I think you're right though, for whatever reason the clears seem to be a bit faster for me. But, I enjoy the HHKB better!

Opposite for myself. I find that with my HHKB I can average 105-110wpm, whereas any MX board that I've tried so far, I average around 75-80 wpm.

Oh interesting! Maybe I still need more time with the HHKB to adjust to the switches, considering I've used MX for years and only a few months ago began using topre.
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: oneproduct on Mon, 03 October 2016, 18:26:03
I'm a bit faster on cherry reds than anything else. I imagine the lighter force lets you sort of dance over the keys a bit faster. Not sure how I fare between brown and topre though, which are the other two switches I like.
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: klennkellon on Mon, 03 October 2016, 23:51:29
My fastest WPM is on MX Blues
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: fublamchu on Tue, 04 October 2016, 13:21:53
My fastest is on 45G Topre, but the difference between my Topre speeds and my MX speeds are usually negligible (like a 3-4 WPM difference)
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: Dyaems on Wed, 05 October 2016, 03:40:01
My fastest probably is on Gat/MX Blues, because I practiced alot on 45g topre, while getting the same speed on an unpracticed Blues :(
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 05 October 2016, 04:16:30
Yes, but only because HHKB is 45g and I prefer heavier switches.
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: atlas3686 on Wed, 05 October 2016, 05:33:23
I find I am a bit quicker on Topre but I think that's just a matter of being more accustomed to it. Interestingly, although I prefer my 55g Realforce I am actually a little faster on average on my type-s.
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: Auxo on Wed, 05 October 2016, 06:23:12
My typing speed is so slow, around 75-90. I think it has less to do with the switches and just my inability to type very well :')
Title: Re: Typing speed: HHKB versus MX?
Post by: linch8 on Fri, 21 May 2021, 11:44:38
I have a similar experience as the OP, I type a bit faster with zealios than I type on topre(HHKB hybrid type s). The gap is noticeable, about 5-10 WPM difference , but I have used zealios a bit longer.