I joined the Dark Side and ordered a HHKB Pro 2

[Macsmasher]

Yes, I have Cherry boards. My daily driver is a silenced variable RF 87U, which is absolutely my favorite. But I simply couldn't resist the temptation to buy a HHKB Pro 2.

Let's call this my 'coming out' and accepting my Nerdness. I'm 55. I've been writing software since the days of dual floppies on my IBM 8088. My wife and kids laugh at me because I go to youtube just to listen to the sound of different keyboards.

But I'm no longer going to be ashamed of my Nerdhood! I'm no longer going to be embarrassed because I have Unicomp's website bookmarked. Or because my idea of a fun Sunday afternoon is looking at PBT keycap colors online. Or because I use Colemak layout. Or that I hang out on typing websites after working all day just so I can type more on Topre switches.

That's right dammit! I am going to sit tall and proud, waving the flag of Nerdville, as I ride into the sunset on my virtual horse...which looks extremely realistic on my 680 GTX rendered at 2560x1600 on my 30" wide gamut display because I modded it with upgraded 2k textures.

[DavinDidIt]

Welcome to the club!  The transition between a normal layout and the HHKB layout will probably take a week or two to really sink in.  You will love it for sure

[esoomenona]

You callin' me a nerd, old man!? I kid, I kid. Welcome! I'm glad you're finally embracing it. Their is no stopping what's in your heart.

[AKIMbO]

Yes, I have Cherry boards. My daily driver is a silenced variable RF 87U, which is absolutely my favorite. But I simply couldn't resist the temptation to buy a HHKB Pro 2.

Let's call this my 'coming out' and accepting my Nerdness. I'm 55. I've been writing software since the days of dual floppies on my IBM 8088. My wife and kids laugh at me because I go to youtube just to listen to the sound of different keyboards.

But I'm no longer going to be ashamed of my Nerdhood! I'm no longer going to be embarrassed because I have Unicomp's website bookmarked. Or because my idea of a fun Sunday afternoon is looking at PBT keycap colors online. Or because I use Colemak layout. Or that I hang out on typing websites after working all day just so I can type more on Topre switches.

That's right dammit! I am going to sit tall and proud, waving the flag of Nerdville, as I ride into the sunset on my virtual horse...which looks extremely realistic on my 680 GTX rendered at 2560x1600 on my 30" wide gamut display because I modded it with upgraded 2k textures.

^ )

[daerid]

I hope I am this cool at 55

[noons]

I couldn't resist either, mine comes monday  I accepted my nerdness long ago, hey it pays the bills! My fiance thinks the keyboard thing is a little crazy, but she sort of accepts it as well. She still can't understand why I would need more then one for at home and one at work though, or why anyone would spend 270 on a keyboard... Really I am not sure myself I will find out soon though.

[tp4tissue]

Vader joined the dark side, then he lost all his arms and legs... "regret, perhaps? no?"

Then his son goes estranged, and he's all like,, I'm sad 

[Macsmasher]

I couldn't resist either, mine comes monday  I accepted my nerdness long ago, hey it pays the bills! My fiance thinks the keyboard thing is a little crazy, but she sort of accepts it as well. She still can't understand why I would need more then one for at home and one at work though, or why anyone would spend 270 on a keyboard... Really I am not sure myself I will find out soon though.

Congrats! Mine arrives Monday as well. Yeah, I resisted as long as I could. I ordered the white non-silent with key inscriptions. I would've preferred the silent (love it on my 87U), but wasn't willing to pay $400 for it. I need a board I can take to my client's anyway. So even if it doesn't replace my 87U, I'm ok with that.

As a coder, I rely upon my F keys a lot. Also moving windows from display to display. Upon initial consideration of the HHKB, I wrote it off as simply novel. But then I started paying attention to how much I'm still moving my hands with my TKL to navigate with the arrow keys. And reaching way up for the F keys. Yes, I know it's not that much farther. But after a few hundred of those a day, and the distance starts becoming an issue. I can envision being able to actuate an F key without any break in my typing rhythm, just like Shift and a letter for caps. Why not the same for F keys?

Not sure how I'm going to like the lack of a left Fn key. And I don't really want to lose my left Alt. I use it for keyboard shortcuts.

In theory, and with practice, I can see being able to perform those same tasks on the HHKB without leaving home position. Only time will tell....and that time starts Monday!

[orlando]

The only problems I've encountered with my HHKB pro 2:

Constantly attempting to use HHKB shortcuts on other keyboards. 

Wanting to buy more HHKBs.

[daerid]

The only problems I've encountered with my HHKB pro 2:

Constantly attempting to use HHKB shortcuts on other keyboards. 

Wanting to buy more HHKBs.

^^^^ this

[Tempest790]

Yes, I have Cherry boards. My daily driver is a silenced variable RF 87U, which is absolutely my favorite. But I simply couldn't resist the temptation to buy a HHKB Pro 2.

Let's call this my 'coming out' and accepting my Nerdness. I'm 55. I've been writing software since the days of dual floppies on my IBM 8088. My wife and kids laugh at me because I go to youtube just to listen to the sound of different keyboards.

But I'm no longer going to be ashamed of my Nerdhood! I'm no longer going to be embarrassed because I have Unicomp's website bookmarked. Or because my idea of a fun Sunday afternoon is looking at PBT keycap colors online. Or because I use Colemak layout. Or that I hang out on typing websites after working all day just so I can type more on Topre switches.

That's right dammit! I am going to sit tall and proud, waving the flag of Nerdville, as I ride into the sunset on my virtual horse...which looks extremely realistic on my 680 GTX rendered at 2560x1600 on my 30" wide gamut display because I modded it with upgraded 2k textures.

Ha ha!  I peruse through YouTube listening to all kinds of keyboard sounds.  Must be a fetish or something.  Some people love the smell of napalm in the morning.  I love the sound of nice click clack keyboard.

8088.  Yep, I remember those.  My first computer that I used was a Commodore PET (whew!) and CBM's networked and sharing a dual 5¼ floppy drive.  I believe the PET's had 4K of RAM and the slightly upgraded CBM's had a whopping 8K.  Who could use all that memory!  I programmed with SYS, Poke, and Peek commands.  Talk about cryptic.

More on topic, I wonder what kink of keyboards those old computers had?  I was young and never gave it much thought back then.  I do remember using very clicky keyboards in High School though.  Can't remember what brand they were, but they were LOUD.

I'm kind of tempted to get a Realforce keyboard since the HHKB isn't really my style but I might just pick up a used one first.

I guess a good question to ask, if you love Cherry Reds, what Topre switch would you recommend?  Or do you think the variable is the way to go?


Back off topic, what do you mean by modded 2K textures?  I currently use an HP ZR30w which is also a wide gamut with support for 1.07 billion colors.  I have a Quadro 600 now, but will be upgrading to the new K2000 when it comes out.  I can run 10 bit color but only in select programs like Photoshop and Maya.

[daerid]

If Cherry Reds (even Browns) are your fav, I'd suggest starting out with a 45g uniform.

[Flyersfan1]

I one day will get a RF/HHKB, reading threads like this only intensifies my interest in them.  Until then, i'll use my Dell Quietkey RT7D5JTW, which I consider be kind of a poor mans topre board.  )

[ksm123]

If only I could rationalize spending so much money on a keyboard...

I wonder why they do not sell this keyboard in UE. Without rationally priced distributor in Europe, the merchandise, delivery, customs and VAT would be well over $400 :-(

[Matt3o]

I'd like to get one but I navigate a lot with arrow keys and don't know if I can get used to the layout...

[Mugen]

Yes, I have Cherry boards. My daily driver is a silenced variable RF 87U, which is absolutely my favorite. But I simply couldn't resist the temptation to buy a HHKB Pro 2.

Let's call this my 'coming out' and accepting my Nerdness. I'm 55. I've been writing software since the days of dual floppies on my IBM 8088. My wife and kids laugh at me because I go to youtube just to listen to the sound of different keyboards.

But I'm no longer going to be ashamed of my Nerdhood! I'm no longer going to be embarrassed because I have Unicomp's website bookmarked. Or because my idea of a fun Sunday afternoon is looking at PBT keycap colors online. Or because I use Colemak layout. Or that I hang out on typing websites after working all day just so I can type more on Topre switches.

That's right dammit! I am going to sit tall and proud, waving the flag of Nerdville, as I ride into the sunset on my virtual horse...which looks extremely realistic on my 680 GTX rendered at 2560x1600 on my 30" wide gamut display because I modded it with upgraded 2k textures.

Awesome post, one of the best i've seen in a long time. almost brought me to tears, i can relate. Have fun man.

[GordonZed]

I know this has been said already, but I'd just like to second that I hope I am this cool at 55. My dad's 55 and I still have to set up his Outlook for him. After all these years, I've finally convinced him to change his desktop wallpaper, but no luck on converting him from IE, or getting him to change his homepage from our ISP's default. Ugh.

[lazerpointer]

Love the user name. I would smash a Mac any chance I could get 

Welcome to the dark side my friend... Enjoy the cookies. Seriously though, HHKB is Win.

The only problems I've encountered with my HHKB pro 2:

Constantly attempting to use HHKB shortcuts on other keyboards. 

Wanting to buy more HHKBs.

+1!

[vivalarevolución]

I embraced my nerdness on the tail end of my 25th year not too long ago. And I am loving it.

[MJ45]

I've been using my HHKB Pro 2 for a little over a month now loving every keypress its a real pleasure. I got used to the layout quick. Most say the HHKB feels better than a Realforce, but I would like to get a 87U 45g. when funding is available. You'll love the HHKB. 

[eth0s]

 

Yes, I have Cherry boards. My daily driver is a silenced variable RF 87U, which is absolutely my favorite. But I simply couldn't resist the temptation to buy a HHKB Pro 2.

Let's call this my 'coming out' and accepting my Nerdness. I'm 55. I've been writing software since the days of dual floppies on my IBM 8088. My wife and kids laugh at me because I go to youtube just to listen to the sound of different keyboards.

But I'm no longer going to be ashamed of my Nerdhood! I'm no longer going to be embarrassed because I have Unicomp's website bookmarked. Or because my idea of a fun Sunday afternoon is looking at PBT keycap colors online. Or because I use Colemak layout. Or that I hang out on typing websites after working all day just so I can type more on Topre switches.

That's right dammit! I am going to sit tall and proud, waving the flag of Nerdville, as I ride into the sunset on my virtual horse...which looks extremely realistic on my 680 GTX rendered at 2560x1600 on my 30" wide gamut display because I modded it with upgraded 2k textures.

LOL.  Welcome to freedom.  Now all you need is a nerdy avatar.  I highly recommend something with a unicorn in it.  But maybe you aren't ready to go that far yet.  Baby steps. 

But seriously, you've learned not to take yourself so seriously, which is the way to go.

[sth]

 you can't be part of the club if you hate on unix OSes while using a unix layout board.

here's a nickel, kid. get yourself a better computer.

[metalliqaz]

you can't be part of the club if you hate on unix OSes while using a unix layout board.

here's a nickel, kid. get yourself a better computer.

Unix sucks   That being said, I use *nix every single day because it's the best option.

[sth]

you can't be part of the club if you hate on unix OSes while using a unix layout board.

here's a nickel, kid. get yourself a better computer.

Unix sucks   That being said, I use *nix every single day because it's the best option.

came with a complimentary barf bag

[Throne]

The only problems I've encountered with my HHKB pro 2:

Constantly attempting to use HHKB shortcuts on other keyboards. 

Wanting to buy more HHKBs.

This post sold me on the HHKB. my poor wallet

[Photekq]

As soon as I get the money I'll buy one. It's something I'd love to try.

[Macsmasher]

Yes, I have Cherry boards. My daily driver is a silenced variable RF 87U, which is absolutely my favorite. But I simply couldn't resist the temptation to buy a HHKB Pro 2.

Let's call this my 'coming out' and accepting my Nerdness. I'm 55. I've been writing software since the days of dual floppies on my IBM 8088. My wife and kids laugh at me because I go to youtube just to listen to the sound of different keyboards.

But I'm no longer going to be ashamed of my Nerdhood! I'm no longer going to be embarrassed because I have Unicomp's website bookmarked. Or because my idea of a fun Sunday afternoon is looking at PBT keycap colors online. Or because I use Colemak layout. Or that I hang out on typing websites after working all day just so I can type more on Topre switches.

That's right dammit! I am going to sit tall and proud, waving the flag of Nerdville, as I ride into the sunset on my virtual horse...which looks extremely realistic on my 680 GTX rendered at 2560x1600 on my 30" wide gamut display because I modded it with upgraded 2k textures.

Ha ha!  I peruse through YouTube listening to all kinds of keyboard sounds.  Must be a fetish or something.  Some people love the smell of napalm in the morning.  I love the sound of nice click clack keyboard.

8088.  Yep, I remember those.  My first computer that I used was a Commodore PET (whew!) and CBM's networked and sharing a dual 5¼ floppy drive.  I believe the PET's had 4K of RAM and the slightly upgraded CBM's had a whopping 8K.  Who could use all that memory!  I programmed with SYS, Poke, and Peek commands.  Talk about cryptic.

lol, definitely old school. My first 'laptop' was the Compaq Portable...

http://oldcomputers.net/pics/compaqI.JPG

It had a 10MB HBB and 640K of ram. I paid an extra $1,000 for a 1MB ram dim. That was back when everything booted from a floppy. It was magical to boot it up without having to insert my DOS disk. I've got some great stories related to this computer, but that's for another thread.

I'm kind of tempted to get a Realforce keyboard since the HHKB isn't really my style but I might just pick up a used one first.

I guess a good question to ask, if you love Cherry Reds, what Topre switch would you recommend?  Or do you think the variable is the way to go?

The only thing I like about reds is the light actuation. (Don't recall ever saying I loved them.) Aside from that, I don't like linear switches. My favorite Cherry switch is the brown. But, the hard landing and noise is what prompted me to try Topre switches. Maybe it's my age, but my knuckles were aching at the end of the day on my browns. I'm sure related to the plastic against plastic hard landing. The analogy I use when comparing Cherry to Topre switches is that it's like running on asphalt in bare feet vs a good pair of running shoes.

I know most guys here like the 45g or 55g Topre switches. I've only used the variable, but I can't see them getting any better. I'm very happy with the key weighting. It did take some adjustment. What I mean by that is that I had to consciously change my typing style to lighter and more relaxed. The way to describe it is to relax and simply 'tickle' the keys. I probably lose 5 - 10wpm because I'm not racing. But for coding, speed is not the end-all. If I had to transcribe documents all day, I might feel different about that. I'm perfectly content and very productive at 60 - 70wpm.

Back off topic, what do you mean by modded 2K textures?  I currently use an HP ZR30w which is also a wide gamut with support for 1.07 billion colors.  I have a Quadro 600 now, but will be upgrading to the new K2000 when it comes out.  I can run 10 bit color but only in select programs like Photoshop and Maya.

I love my ZR30w! And I've got a ZR2440w on each side of it, all on independent monitor arms. At times, I feel like I'm in a tanning booth, but you never have too much screen real estate! I usually run one of the 2440s in portrait with project notes & scope, my coding window on the other 2440, and the app on the ZR30w. I find the setup to be very productive. I'm pretty much paperless. Even yellow pad project notes I take in client meetings I scan and add to the project. I use Microsoft OneNote for this. Visio as well of course, but only for diagrams.

Anyway, the 2K texture reference is to the game Skyrim. You can download what's called mods and upgrade the vanilla game to be graphically off-the-chart beautiful if you have the hardware to run it.

[Macsmasher]

I'd like to get one but I navigate a lot with arrow keys and don't know if I can get used to the layout...

That's my biggest concern as well. I work on three displays, and am constantly using my arrow keys to move windows between them. But as it is now, I've got to move my hand over to use them. The concept behind the embedded keys is that you can pull off the same functions, but without your hands leaving home row. Intriguing concept for sure. Will it work in practice? Not sure. It arrives Monday. I'll give it a week and probably start another post with my initial impressions / opinions on the layout. It's a neat looking layout. But it has to translate into efficiency, productivity and comfort or I won't use it. I'm way too old to be considering the coolness factor as part of the equation. That's for you young bucks. Besides, my 3 year old granddaughter thinks I'm cool regardless of my keyboard. That's all that counts. 

[noons]

Mine came early!! It was supposed to be here monday, but surprisingly arrived today. I have to say I LOVE LOVE the torpe 45g switch, but man this layout has me messed up more then I thought it would. I just dont know if I can live with it, but I will have to try it out for a few days before I make any rash decisions. I can get used to almost everything except the arrow keys. It is not even the lack of arrow keys that bother me, but the fact that the function key is just below to the right of the arrow keys. This makes holding down the function key and using the arrow keys very straining on my hands. IDK I will try enabling sw4 I think it is to turn the meta key on the left side into a function key, but I think I will miss not having the "windows" key there too much. Overall though I think I found the switch I have been looking for I just dont know if I found the keyboard I have been looking for.. Kind of thinking a realforce uniform 45 may have been better for me, but again I need to give it a bit of time. I am also kind of worried about trying to get used to the layout here and then using my leopold at work.

[Macsmasher]

Mine came early!! It was supposed to be here monday, but surprisingly arrived today. I have to say I LOVE LOVE the torpe 45g switch, but man this layout has me messed up more then I thought it would. I just dont know if I can live with it, but I will have to try it out for a few days before I make any rash decisions. I can get used to almost everything except the arrow keys. It is not even the lack of arrow keys that bother me, but the fact that the function key is just below to the right of the arrow keys. This makes holding down the function key and using the arrow keys very straining on my hands. IDK I will try enabling sw4 I think it is to turn the meta key on the left side into a function key, but I think I will miss not having the "windows" key there too much. Overall though I think I found the switch I have been looking for I just dont know if I found the keyboard I have been looking for.. Kind of thinking a realforce uniform 45 may have been better for me, but again I need to give it a bit of time. I am also kind of worried about trying to get used to the layout here and then using my leopold at work.

I hear that. It's a $300 roll of the dice.

I know some of you guys use the HHKB because of the nerd factor. Don't get me wrong...that's a valid reason. We're all nerds here and I love that kind of stuff myself.

But how many of you HHKB guys work on this layout day in and day out? (You Unix admins don't count. I respect what you do. Really. I mean desktop developers in a Windows or Linux environment. And Mac sycophants will need to get permission from Apple before they're allowed to comment.)

So, excluding the aforementioned studly Unix admins and the hippies using the People's Party alternative to a real computer, how many guys make a living on this thing?

[chel-]

Mine came early!! It was supposed to be here monday, but surprisingly arrived today. I have to say I LOVE LOVE the torpe 45g switch, but man this layout has me messed up more then I thought it would. I just dont know if I can live with it, but I will have to try it out for a few days before I make any rash decisions. I can get used to almost everything except the arrow keys. It is not even the lack of arrow keys that bother me, but the fact that the function key is just below to the right of the arrow keys. This makes holding down the function key and using the arrow keys very straining on my hands. IDK I will try enabling sw4 I think it is to turn the meta key on the left side into a function key, but I think I will miss not having the "windows" key there too much. Overall though I think I found the switch I have been looking for I just dont know if I found the keyboard I have been looking for.. Kind of thinking a realforce uniform 45 may have been better for me, but again I need to give it a bit of time. I am also kind of worried about trying to get used to the layout here and then using my leopold at work.

Personally I find that I need the Fn key on the left. Some of the keys are to difficult to press without it.

[noons]

Mine came early!! It was supposed to be here monday, but surprisingly arrived today. I have to say I LOVE LOVE the torpe 45g switch, but man this layout has me messed up more then I thought it would. I just dont know if I can live with it, but I will have to try it out for a few days before I make any rash decisions. I can get used to almost everything except the arrow keys. It is not even the lack of arrow keys that bother me, but the fact that the function key is just below to the right of the arrow keys. This makes holding down the function key and using the arrow keys very straining on my hands. IDK I will try enabling sw4 I think it is to turn the meta key on the left side into a function key, but I think I will miss not having the "windows" key there too much. Overall though I think I found the switch I have been looking for I just dont know if I found the keyboard I have been looking for.. Kind of thinking a realforce uniform 45 may have been better for me, but again I need to give it a bit of time. I am also kind of worried about trying to get used to the layout here and then using my leopold at work.

Personally I find that I need the Fn key on the left. Some of the keys are to difficult to press without it.

Yea that definitely helped. I am starting to get used to it. Will see if I can get used to the layout. A few min ago I just had a brain fart about the arrow keys, I went to use them they wern't there and then it took me a good 15 seconds to remember. I havent had any coffee yet though so that might be part of the problem

Oh did I mention I love these switches?!

[daerid]

My day job includes Visual Studio, so that means I'm primarily on my RF's. However, whenever I'm coding on my Mac, I always use the HHKB. Starting the 1st of April I'll be working full time from home, so maybe I'll just make the jump to the HHKB and report back how it works out.

[duncan]

The only problems I've encountered with my HHKB pro 2:

Constantly attempting to use HHKB shortcuts on other keyboards. 

Wanting to buy more HHKBs.

+1

[Polymer]

Mine came early!! It was supposed to be here monday, but surprisingly arrived today. I have to say I LOVE LOVE the torpe 45g switch, but man this layout has me messed up more then I thought it would. I just dont know if I can live with it, but I will have to try it out for a few days before I make any rash decisions. I can get used to almost everything except the arrow keys. It is not even the lack of arrow keys that bother me, but the fact that the function key is just below to the right of the arrow keys. This makes holding down the function key and using the arrow keys very straining on my hands. IDK I will try enabling sw4 I think it is to turn the meta key on the left side into a function key, but I think I will miss not having the "windows" key there too much. Overall though I think I found the switch I have been looking for I just dont know if I found the keyboard I have been looking for.. Kind of thinking a realforce uniform 45 may have been better for me, but again I need to give it a bit of time. I am also kind of worried about trying to get used to the layout here and then using my leopold at work.

Personally I find that I need the Fn key on the left. Some of the keys are to difficult to press without it.

Yea that definitely helped. I am starting to get used to it. Will see if I can get used to the layout. A few min ago I just had a brain fart about the arrow keys, I went to use them they wern't there and then it took me a good 15 seconds to remember. I havent had any coffee yet though so that might be part of the problem

Oh did I mention I love these switches?!

I use the fn key on the left for other things but the arrows I find easier to just use my right pinky and index/middle finger to do the arrow keys..

Granted, I far would've preferred to use left fn and IJKL which would make it in the same configuration as WASD and normal arrow keys..but it is fine..

Took awhile to get used to switching back and forth between the HHKB backspace and a normal backspace but you eventually do get used to going back and forth (it just takes awhile).  I haven't had any issues getting used to the control key placement (it is better anyways). 

I have mine setup so the bottom row is..

fn alt spacebar alt windows

Seems to do what I want and I'm not giving up any functionality.   dipswitch 1, 3, 4, 5. 

[Macsmasher]

My day job includes Visual Studio, so that means I'm primarily on my RF's. However, whenever I'm coding on my Mac, I always use the HHKB. Starting the 1st of April I'll be working full time from home, so maybe I'll just make the jump to the HHKB and report back how it works out.

Aside from the media functions and swapping Clrl with Caps Lock, are there benefits to this layout in Mac over Win? In other words, why would you prefer your RF for win app dev? I love my 87U. Maybe the HHKB won't provide any benefit.

As a side note, I'm big on keyboard shortcuts. Not just moving apps between displays, but even menu navigation.

And I would like my LAlt and left Win. But I know it will be one or the other with the HHKB. How do you have your board configured?

The following shortcuts are some for which I use normally use LAlt or left Win. If you use these too, how do you deal with these on the HHKB?

Left Win + Arrow Key = Maximize / Restore / Minimize a window, dock to left or right of display.
Left Win + Shift + Arrow = move windows between displays
Left Alt + underlined letter = perform a menu command
Left Alt + Up Arrow = move up a level in file explorer
Left Alt + Home = displays Start menu on remote system when using Remote Desktop

[Polymer]

My day job includes Visual Studio, so that means I'm primarily on my RF's. However, whenever I'm coding on my Mac, I always use the HHKB. Starting the 1st of April I'll be working full time from home, so maybe I'll just make the jump to the HHKB and report back how it works out.

Aside from the media functions and swapping Clrl with Caps Lock, are there benefits to this layout in Mac over Win? In other words, why would you prefer your RF for win app dev? I love my 87U. Maybe the HHKB won't provide any benefit.

As a side note, I'm big on keyboard shortcuts. Not just moving apps between displays, but even menu navigation.

And I would like my LAlt and left Win. But I know it will be one or the other with the HHKB. How do you have your board configured?

The following shortcuts are some for which I use normally use LAlt or left Win. If you use these too, how do you deal with these on the HHKB?

Left Win + Arrow Key = Maximize / Restore / Minimize a window, dock to left or right of display.
Left Win + Shift + Arrow = move windows between displays
Left Alt + underlined letter = perform a menu command
Left Alt + Up Arrow = move up a level in file explorer
Left Alt + Home = displays Start menu on remote system when using Remote Desktop

Most of those you can still do...like right win+arrow key is not that bad doing in one hand...

What it means though is you'll need to learn the different combinations and might need to adjust how you do things...you can still retain the left windows key if you want...but that also means you'll need to always use the right fn (which is easily possible). 

There is just no way to fit ALL of the keys you need into a space that is significantly smaller than normal...

For those that can't adjust, really the only easy way to go would be a Realforce..which will feel almost the same (slightly different) but you don't have the learning curve associated with where the different keys are, different combinations....After awhile you'll be fine with going back and forth but it does take time..

IMO, they should've used the extra space left on the keyboard to add a few more keys...and made it so the arrow keys were in a "normal" configuration..but it isn't all that bad the way it is..I just think it would've shortened the learning curve...

[daerid]

Aside from the media functions and swapping Clrl with Caps Lock, are there benefits to this layout in Mac over Win? In other words, why would you prefer your RF for win app dev? I love my 87U. Maybe the HHKB won't provide any benefit.

As a side note, I'm big on keyboard shortcuts. Not just moving apps between displays, but even menu navigation.

And I would like my LAlt and left Win. But I know it will be one or the other with the HHKB. How do you have your board configured?

The following shortcuts are some for which I use normally use LAlt or left Win. If you use these too, how do you deal with these on the HHKB?

Left Win + Arrow Key = Maximize / Restore / Minimize a window, dock to left or right of display.
Left Win + Shift + Arrow = move windows between displays
Left Alt + underlined letter = perform a menu command
Left Alt + Up Arrow = move up a level in file explorer
Left Alt + Home = displays Start menu on remote system when using Remote Desktop

The main benefit for me in using the HHKB on a Mac is that 1. it's Unix based, so when I drop to the terminal the HHKB is a natural fit. 2. I don't have 20 years of Windows keyboard muscle-memory to unlearn.
I've been making a living in Visual Studio for about a decade now, and haven't really had the luxury of learning a new layout for my day-to-day work. Like, you, I'm a heavy keyboard user, and try to use the keyboard for pretty much everything (something that Windows 8 has made much easier now).

On a side note, I don't know where you got the idea that you have to choose between LAlt and LWin. Whenever I've used my HHKB on Windows I've had both readily available (as well as RAlt and RWin). The main pain point is the arrow cluster + six pack (ins/del/home/end/pgup/pgdn), and the backslash. The backslash is extremely annoying to hit on the HHKB, which makes navigating Windows paths a total PITA.

My DIP configuration is 2,3, and 6 switched on, with the rest off. When I plug it into a Windows machine, I flip switch #5 ON, which swaps Meta/Win and Alt to the expected positions on a PC keyboard.

[Macsmasher]

Aside from the media functions and swapping Clrl with Caps Lock, are there benefits to this layout in Mac over Win? In other words, why would you prefer your RF for win app dev? I love my 87U. Maybe the HHKB won't provide any benefit.

As a side note, I'm big on keyboard shortcuts. Not just moving apps between displays, but even menu navigation.

And I would like my LAlt and left Win. But I know it will be one or the other with the HHKB. How do you have your board configured?

The following shortcuts are some for which I use normally use LAlt or left Win. If you use these too, how do you deal with these on the HHKB?

Left Win + Arrow Key = Maximize / Restore / Minimize a window, dock to left or right of display.
Left Win + Shift + Arrow = move windows between displays
Left Alt + underlined letter = perform a menu command
Left Alt + Up Arrow = move up a level in file explorer
Left Alt + Home = displays Start menu on remote system when using Remote Desktop

The main benefit for me in using the HHKB on a Mac is that 1. it's Unix based, so when I drop to the terminal the HHKB is a natural fit. 2. I don't have 20 years of Windows keyboard muscle-memory to unlearn.
I've been making a living in Visual Studio for about a decade now, and haven't really had the luxury of learning a new layout for my day-to-day work. Like, you, I'm a heavy keyboard user, and try to use the keyboard for pretty much everything (something that Windows 8 has made much easier now).

On a side note, I don't know where you got the idea that you have to choose between LAlt and LWin. Whenever I've used my HHKB on Windows I've had both readily available (as well as RAlt and RWin). The main pain point is the arrow cluster + six pack (ins/del/home/end/pgup/pgdn), and the backslash. The backslash is extremely annoying to hit on the HHKB, which makes navigating Windows paths a total PITA.

My DIP configuration is 2,3, and 6 switched on, with the rest off. When I plug it into a Windows machine, I flip switch #5 ON, which swaps Meta/Win and Alt to the expected positions on a PC keyboard.

Sorry...I wasn't clear. What I failed to explain is that I'm expecting to have a Fn key on the left. I just looked at the switch dip settings on EK. Looks like it's the Left Win key I'll lose do get that.

I take it you only actuate the secondary layer with the right Fn key?

[daerid]

Yup

[Polymer]

Yeah..I have the left FN key rather than windows...but now that I think about it I rarely use it if ever...My thoughts when I first got it was that I'd use left FN and the arrow keys but that doesn't happen specifically because of the position of the arrow keys..which I now use with the right fn key because when I put my pinky on the right fn the arrow keys are right there (although I still argue IJKL is better). 

[noons]

Well after using the keyboard for a bit. I am starting to fall in love with it. I do still miss the left windows key so will see if I keep it as a fn key. Oddly enough I havent made as many mistakes as I thought I would especially with the blank keys. With the small size I feel like my brain naturally knows where to look for the proper keys. I really thought the backspace key and the pipe key would mess me up a lot, but so far it really hasn't. The real test will be on monday when I go back to work and type on my tkl.

[Dgsbllx]

Going back to TKL is frustrating as hell initially!

[noons]

Going back to TKL is frustrating as hell initially!

Hah I can imagine.. You think it's possible to train yourself to go back and forth though? I think thats what I am worried about the most... Well at least until I can purchase another one

[DavinDidIt]

Hah I can imagine.. You think it's possible to train yourself to go back and forth though? I think thats what I am worried about the most... Well at least until I can purchase another one

I do it, no problems here

[Polymer]

Going back to TKL is frustrating as hell initially!

Hah I can imagine.. You think it's possible to train yourself to go back and forth though? I think thats what I am worried about the most... Well at least until I can purchase another one

There is definitely a learning curve there...at first it was quite difficult to go back and forth...not only was there a feel difference but backspace, arrow keys and other stuff...at some point you wonder why you're trying to because you may lose speed....and then things start falling into place and switching back and forth becomes a lot easier...

[flacman]

Hey noons, is your Leopold TKL an 700R? I have pretty much the same kit as you and I find that the board has a really strange, how much scratchy travel - how does your Red compare?

I loooooove my HHKB2, bought it in Japan and used it for a portion of the trip at the hostels. I'm not an elite 100% touch typist, so typing out numbers on the HHKB is still a pain with the black-on-black design.

[noons]

Hey noons, is your Leopold TKL an 700R? I have pretty much the same kit as you and I find that the board has a really strange, how much scratchy travel - how does your Red compare?

I loooooove my HHKB2, bought it in Japan and used it for a portion of the trip at the hostels. I'm not an elite 100% touch typist, so typing out numbers on the HHKB is still a pain with the black-on-black design.

Nope, mine is a 200R. IDK red just isn't my style. I did like it more then the blues, but I realized I do like some feedback. I really like my leopold with browns though. It is probably my second favorite switch style and is currently my daily driver at work.

[noons]

Well this morning was a little interesting. Took a few min to get adjusted using my TKL. Although I mapped my caps lock key to control now to help ease the pain