Happy Hacking Lite2 vs. KBC Poker vs. Filco Majestouch-2 vs. Leopold Tenkeyless

[TimIsABat]

I apologize for asking so many questions, but I am really new to the world of Mechanical Keyboards. Part of researching is questioning right? It is also a big commitment to buy a keyboard because I am a college student using sold book money, gaming peripherals, and games to buy a new keyboard (hopefully getting $120 total if lucky).

In previous posts I have been mentioning the Filco, Leopold, and the CM Storm but replaced the CM storm for the HHKB Lite 2 and KBC Poker.

The Poker I am debating on actually getting the red switch for I am told that the bump in the browns is hardly noticeable and maybe just get the reds instead even though they don't have the bump.

The HHKB and the Poker are both mini lacking function keys (but can be activated with FN key), but the Poker lacks the arrow keys.

I am mostly using these keyboards to type lesson plans, papers, as well as gaming (mostly CS:GO and League of Legends).

I've mostly seen HHKBs used for typing rather than gaming and the Poker I've mostly seen on typing as well. Is the HHKBs and Poker still good for gaming? I know HHKB keyboards use a different switch, is it any better or worse than Cherry MX switches?

What are people's suggestions? (I posted something about my dilemma on choosing a keyboard in the new member section but no one answered )

EDIT: I am also planning to switch the keycaps for blank keycaps (debating on ABS or PBT depending on price). Are the keycaps on the HHKB easy to customize? Again sorry for bombarding with questions and help post.

[iAmAhab]

If I'm not mistaken, the HHKB Lite is not actually a mechanical keyboard. Other then that I don't have much to offer.

[Photekq]

If you're on a budget stick to leopold, cm qfr or a keycool. All good boards at low prices.

The HHKB LITE is a rubber dome board, while the HHKB PRO is a topre board. Don't buy either - one is rubber dome and the other is too expensive for you.

I wouldn't recommend a poker either. You might not like the layout. Just get a TKL or full board - you know you'll be satisfied with them.

[TimIsABat]

If you're on a budget stick to leopold, cm qfr or a keycool. All good boards at low prices.

The HHKB LITE is a rubber dome board, while the HHKB PRO is a topre board. Don't buy either - one is rubber dome and the other is too expensive for you.

I wouldn't recommend a poker either. You might not like the layout. Just get a TKL or full board - you know you'll be satisfied with them.

I've already put my heart into getting a TKL because 1) it looks sexy (especially with blank keys) 2)I only use the numpad when I use a calculator on the fly (but my iPhone has a calculator so its useless to use my numpad).

I mentioned the MJ2 because I found it for a really really good price (gonna come out less than $120 with shipping O.O), but its bid only...hopefully freaking Cash4Books gives me my money soon so I can get it (chose C4B because they offered the most money for my books).  If not I am most likely going to invest in a leopold with cherry brown switches.

I just wish there was a place in the NJ area where I can try out brown vs red :/ . Tried out the blues on a blackwidow in the microsoft store...I type pretty light even on a rubber dome, and the blues (or maybe it was just the build on the widow ultimate) were just too stiff for my liking.

[Photekq]

Honestly the Filco isn't anything special. I owned one. I'm sure you'll be just as happy with a qfr, keycool or a leopold.

[tricheboars]

i use 60%/Poker boards for everything except starcraft II. the layout on the poker is great and only takes like 1 week to get use to.  smaller boards are superior in a number of ways.

however, i think tregular boxed poker's are crap. All cherry boards must have a plate and an aluminum case. Add that and you got a winner. If you dont plan on modding your board at all get a Filco or Leopold.

thats my 2 cents.

[TimIsABat]

i use 60%/Poker boards for everything except starcraft II. the layout on the poker is great and only takes like 1 week to get use to.  smaller boards are superior in a number of ways.

however, i think tregular boxed poker's are crap. All cherry boards must have a plate and an aluminum case. Add that and you got a winner. If you dont plan on modding your board at all get a Filco or Leopold.

thats my 2 cents.

The only two mods that I will probably doing are changing the keycaps to blank (and red escape key...If I had gold keycap I would totally do that for the escape key A$AP) and o-ring for sound reasons (school...no one wants to hear loud clicks in the library). If I was any good at SC2 I would be using it for that A LOT (I love the game but now I feel like I wasted $40 bucks on HoTS D:...I may return to it though...). I constantly get hand cramps and have slight carpal (drums do that to you), that is the reason for me getting a mechanical keyboard. I'll probably settle for the Filco ($103-120 with shipping/brown switches) if I can get it cheaper than a Leopold (a little more than $112 with shipping/brown or red...just wish I can try the different switches so I could decide).

I'll probably do a topic on it as to my experience...

[jalaj]

Check out Ducky TKL options. Consensus is that the quality of the current Duckies are on par with Filcos.
Ducky offers more features than the Filcos, including backlighting and more MX switch options. If you're on a tighter budget, then the CM QFR lineup is a good alternative.

[developej]

imo, poker 2 is a great keyboard for the money. you get a plated board, thick pbt, extra RGB modifier keys and a keypuller. i just got one and it is really, really good. only thing is it is relatively heavy, i'd say almost double the weight of kbt pure (also 60% kb)

[fateswarm]

i use 60%/Poker boards for everything except starcraft II. the layout on the poker is great and only takes like 1 week to get use to.  smaller boards are superior in a number of ways.

however, i think tregular boxed poker's are crap. All cherry boards must have a plate and an aluminum case. Add that and you got a winner. If you dont plan on modding your board at all get a Filco or Leopold.

thats my 2 cents.

Do you own any Topre boards? I'm also investigating my future options and I find it rare for anyone with a Topre not picking it over others.

[tricheboars]

no. but i am in the market for a 55g black realforce 86u.

[TimIsABat]

Hmmm thanks guys. Wondering how the poker is for gaming... Prolly gonna settle for filco or leopold now it's a matter of reds vs browns

[tricheboars]

i game on my poker with blues. for fps, arpg, and any game that doesnt use function keys i think it is better for gaming. i dont have the large bezel to deal with. the keys are just there.

i love my poker. it is one of the best purchases i ever made. poker's need a plate and aluminum case though. without one i dont know if i like the poker.