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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: m3ll3n on Fri, 17 February 2017, 22:04:49

Title: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: m3ll3n on Fri, 17 February 2017, 22:04:49
I'm thinking of getting an hhkb but I've read that it has an inconsistent sound, such as 'asd' 'gh' and 'kl;' all sound different. How severe is this?

If it's apparent enough I will probably go with a 55g realforce which I've read sounds more consistent, but I would really like the case mount 'thock' of the hhkb if it's not that bad. Thanks for reading.

edit: fixed confusing parts

edit2: okay thanks guys i will get an hhkb
Title: Re: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: happylacquer on Fri, 17 February 2017, 22:07:42
If you mean they sound inconsistent between video, that's going to be the difference in microphone quality, microphone positioning, ambient noise, video compression, etc....

If you mean between the keys themselves, I've never noticed this. As far as I can tell, all HHKB are consistent, at least among each individual board. They all seem to sound the same in person.
Title: Re: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: Polymer on Fri, 17 February 2017, 22:11:54
There is going to be some inconsistency between keys..they won't all sound the same..but I wouldn't say it is a huge difference and it probably actually contributes to a bit of the sound...

A large number of GH users have pretty severe OCD so if they can deal with it, I'm sure you'll be fine...

What you should be more concerned with is the layout...I'm not sure I've seen anyone come back and say they want to sell the HHKB because every key didn't sound exactly the same...but quite a few have because they couldn't deal w/ the lack of dedicated arrow keys..
Title: Re: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: happylacquer on Fri, 17 February 2017, 22:44:55
Yeah it's the lack of FN keys that killed it for me. I didn't have any issue with right fn to use arrow keys.
Title: Re: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: ajx on Sat, 18 February 2017, 03:31:53
This is normal behavior from HHKB, inconstancy is pretty normal
Typing on Topre is a bit different from MX Cherry keyboard, more you type faster and less you will notice inconstancy on some keys
I opened many HHKB, tried to lube, align ruber dome and springs, there is nothing you can do about inconstancy
In other word, most of HHKB keys feels scratchy and inconsistent but it completely disappears when you are bottoming it out faster
Title: Re: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: Geroximo on Sat, 18 February 2017, 05:21:34
I've read that it has an inconsistent sound, such as 'asd' 'gh' and 'kl;' all sound different. How severe is this?
I don't experience any inconsistency. At least not more than on any other MX board.
A slight inconsistency is normal, because keycaps of different rows are shaped differently and thus make different sounds.
Also, every PCB has mounting holes, where you screw it to the case. The keys around the mounts will sound slightly different from the keys between the mounts.
Title: Re: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 18 February 2017, 09:20:57
no two keys sound alike.. on ANY keyboard ..

Winter of Ping. 2017 ?
Title: Re: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: callmejag on Sun, 19 February 2017, 22:50:39
It's the nature of the case-mounted switches somewhat. You're going to hear different sounds for different keys based on where they are located on the board. I find the difference in sound on the HHKB to be a part of the charm. Embrace it! My Realforce has much less of this variation, but the feeling of the board overall is also very different.
Title: Re: hhkb sound consistency?
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 19 February 2017, 23:24:23
Topre is a little wobbly so if you hit it the wrong way it'll make a different sound. Sometimes the sliders have a slightly different angle in the case.

Same issue happens with every keyboard.