hhkb pro 2, taking the plunge.

[Funktion]

I want a new board. my Filco tenkeyless with reds is wonderful but I'm searching for a new keyboard with some tactile response. Initially I wanted to just a get a new Filco with blues but of course I kept searching, reading, drooling, and hhkb looks so pretty...

I'm not too concerned with the topre switches from everything Ive heard they are dream to type on. granted I will be a little sad to lose the ability to use my custom key caps. My biggest concern is difficulty to switch from a traditional US layout, and how it impacts gaming.

gaming wise, honestly I don't have a ton of time to play anymore but how do hhkb work with say SC2? are the function keys a pain in the ass or easy enough to use with one hand on board and mouse. Currently I'm studying chemical engineering but I don't expect to be doing a ton of programming. This would definitely be recreational use primarily.

key caps are fun but not the focus a $150 plus board, I want function and quality above all else. I wonder however are topre caps far more difficult to find or expensive relative to mx cherry?

Anyways thanks for being my sounding board. Any comments are appreciated.

[SpAmRaY]

I would encourage you to search on google using this

Code: [Select]

site:geekhack.org hhkb gaming

or substitute any other phrase with hhkb, topre keycaps etc, you will literally find dozens of threads about the exact same things you are asking about

[Funktion]

I would encourage you to search on google using this

Code: [Select]

site:geekhack.org hhkb gaming

or substitute any other phrase with hhkb, topre keycaps etc, you will literally find dozens of threads about the exact same things you are asking about

Understood, mostly used this as a place to organize my thoughts. Comments mostly are a bonus. 

[Ludovician]

the HHKB can be horrible for gaming depending on your game, simply because it's missing several relevant keys.

I use a Realforce at home and the switches don't bother me while gaming at all.

It's not easy to use the function layer on the HHKB with one hand. The arrow keys are alright (with your right hand), but are still awkward for gaming, and the F1-12 keys would be pretty much impossible.

The layout is nice for typing and the HHKB is quite portable, but for your purposes a Realforce 87U might be better. They also come in 55g if that's your preference.

[SpikeBolt]

I think the HHKB2 is bad for SC2 because of its layout. You should be binding F1, F2, F3 to your bases and 1,2,3,4 to unit groups/buildings. If you don't do this then I guess it's okay (you should seriously be doing this, though).

[Funktion]

I think the HHKB2 is bad for SC2 because of its layout. You should be binding F1, F2, F3 to your bases and 1,2,3,4 to unit groups/buildings. If you don't do this then I guess it's okay (you should seriously be doing this, though).

My exact concern.

[clacktalk]

f keys are impossible to press with one hand. i enjoy playing any non-rts/fps game with my hhkb.

for keycaps, you're limited to the PFU keycaps that come in white/black printed/unprinted combinations or realforce printed/unprinted keysets (these are rarer and way more expensive, and come in a variety of colors). people have dyed caps to add variety, and they look really nice.

[Air tree]

Fps, and games that do not have a lot to do with the F keys are fine, but beyond that I would think a game like SC2 would be tough. If topre is what you're after then a Realforce is probably your best bet.

And yes topre keycaps are very hard to find and expensive. Since Realforce stopped making keycaps I believe a set will probably run you $130+ dollars, once you find someone or where to sell you a set. Besides sets you can find artisans caps with equal ease as mx.