Realforce TKL or HHKB?

[EMC Labs]

I'm thinking of getting a Topre keyboard but can't decide whether to get a TKL or HHKB. I like both and the price is relatively similar between the both. I'm mainly going to use it for typing etc and sometimes gaming perhaps. I just want to ask what your opinions are on these two keyboards and what you prefer and avoid.

Thanks in advance.

[cekagekh]

Except for portability, RF is better in every way.

[EMC Labs]

Hmm, okay. How so? I was on the fence with my decision but am leaning towards the HHKB more now. But I've never tried any Topre keyboards so I can't say what the pros and cons are.

[nelamvr6]

Don't forget the Leopold keyboards, they are excellent also.

Personally I don't think you can go far wrong no matter which you choose. But I don't particularly care for the HHKB layout.

I have both a Realforce and a Leopold factory silenced keyboards, and I really love both. The build quality on both are stellar.  So I would suggest that you go with whichever your personal taste and budget dictate, and I am certain you will be quite happy.

[EMC Labs]

Don't forget the Leopold keyboards, they are excellent also.

Personally I don't think you can go far wrong no matter which you choose. But I don't particularly care for the HHKB layout.

I have both a Realforce and a Leopold factory silenced keyboards, and I really love both. The build quality on both are stellar.  So I would suggest that you go with whichever your personal taste and budget dictate, and I am certain you will be quite happy.

Thank you! This definitely helps me out. I was expecting both the HHKB and RF to be different keyboards besides the layout.

[nelamvr6]

Don't forget the Leopold keyboards, they are excellent also.

Personally I don't think you can go far wrong no matter which you choose. But I don't particularly care for the HHKB layout.

I have both a Realforce and a Leopold factory silenced keyboards, and I really love both. The build quality on both are stellar.  So I would suggest that you go with whichever your personal taste and budget dictate, and I am certain you will be quite happy.

Thank you! This definitely helps me out. I was expecting both the HHKB and RF to be different keyboards besides the layout.

They are quite different. The Leopolds and Realforces are both pretty similar because their construction is very similar. The HHKBs are the outliers since they have a plastic mounting plate, and that gives them a different feel and sound. A lot of people really love that feel and sound, but that is a personal preference kind of thing.

Really there is no easy way to describe the differences, it is a shame that there is no easy way to try these yourself.

I'm sorry that I appear to have re-muddied the waters.

[EMC Labs]

Don't forget the Leopold keyboards, they are excellent also.

Personally I don't think you can go far wrong no matter which you choose. But I don't particularly care for the HHKB layout.

I have both a Realforce and a Leopold factory silenced keyboards, and I really love both. The build quality on both are stellar.  So I would suggest that you go with whichever your personal taste and budget dictate, and I am certain you will be quite happy.

It's fine. Currently, I may purchase the HHKB but I can't justify the price for the plastic components it uses. I looked on Norbauer's website and found out he is working on a HHKB housing, so I am looking forward to see what like looks like. In the mean time, thanks for you insight, I really do appreciate it. I'll probably go for the HHKB.

Thank you! This definitely helps me out. I was expecting both the HHKB and RF to be different keyboards besides the layout.

They are quite different. The Leopolds and Realforces are both pretty similar because their construction is very similar. The HHKBs are the outliers since they have a plastic mounting plate, and that gives them a different feel and sound. A lot of people really love that feel and sound, but that is a personal preference kind of thing.

Really there is no easy way to describe the differences, it is a shame that there is no easy way to try these yourself.

I'm sorry that I appear to have re-muddied the waters.

[EMC Labs]

Don't forget the Leopold keyboards, they are excellent also.

Personally I don't think you can go far wrong no matter which you choose. But I don't particularly care for the HHKB layout.

I have both a Realforce and a Leopold factory silenced keyboards, and I really love both. The build quality on both are stellar.  So I would suggest that you go with whichever your personal taste and budget dictate, and I am certain you will be quite happy.

Thank you! This definitely helps me out. I was expecting both the HHKB and RF to be different keyboards besides the layout.

They are quite different. The Leopolds and Realforces are both pretty similar because their construction is very similar. The HHKBs are the outliers since they have a plastic mounting plate, and that gives them a different feel and sound. A lot of people really love that feel and sound, but that is a personal preference kind of thing.

Really there is no easy way to describe the differences, it is a shame that there is no easy way to try these yourself.

I'm sorry that I appear to have re-muddied the waters.

For some reason my last post didn't include my text. Anyways, I will probably go for the HHKB now. Although, I can't yet justify its price with its plastic components. But I am looking forward to see Norbauer's HHKB housing he says he is working on from his website. Thanks for your insight, I really do appreciate.

I have one last question, what exactly is the difference between the Pro 2 and the Type S? The price difference is quite large and I am really not sure.

Thanks again.

[Signature]

Don't forget the Leopold keyboards, they are excellent also.

Personally I don't think you can go far wrong no matter which you choose. But I don't particularly care for the HHKB layout.

I have both a Realforce and a Leopold factory silenced keyboards, and I really love both. The build quality on both are stellar.  So I would suggest that you go with whichever your personal taste and budget dictate, and I am certain you will be quite happy.

Thank you! This definitely helps me out. I was expecting both the HHKB and RF to be different keyboards besides the layout.

They are quite different. The Leopolds and Realforces are both pretty similar because their construction is very similar. The HHKBs are the outliers since they have a plastic mounting plate, and that gives them a different feel and sound. A lot of people really love that feel and sound, but that is a personal preference kind of thing.

Really there is no easy way to describe the differences, it is a shame that there is no easy way to try these yourself.

I'm sorry that I appear to have re-muddied the waters.

For some reason my last post didn't include my text. Anyways, I will probably go for the HHKB now. Although, I can't yet justify its price with its plastic components. But I am looking forward to see Norbauer's HHKB housing he says he is working on from his website. Thanks for your insight, I really do appreciate.

I have one last question, what exactly is the difference between the Pro 2 and the Type S? The price difference is quite large and I am really not sure.

Thanks again.

Type S is the silenced version which means it has small plastic rings in the bottom of each stem, dampening the high pitch bottoming out sound. Some people prefer the silenced version and some don't and you can always silence mod a regular hhkb

[EMC Labs]

Don't forget the Leopold keyboards, they are excellent also.

Personally I don't think you can go far wrong no matter which you choose. But I don't particularly care for the HHKB layout.

I have both a Realforce and a Leopold factory silenced keyboards, and I really love both. The build quality on both are stellar.  So I would suggest that you go with whichever your personal taste and budget dictate, and I am certain you will be quite happy.

Thank you! This definitely helps me out. I was expecting both the HHKB and RF to be different keyboards besides the layout.

They are quite different. The Leopolds and Realforces are both pretty similar because their construction is very similar. The HHKBs are the outliers since they have a plastic mounting plate, and that gives them a different feel and sound. A lot of people really love that feel and sound, but that is a personal preference kind of thing.

Really there is no easy way to describe the differences, it is a shame that there is no easy way to try these yourself.

I'm sorry that I appear to have re-muddied the waters.

For some reason my last post didn't include my text. Anyways, I will probably go for the HHKB now. Although, I can't yet justify its price with its plastic components. But I am looking forward to see Norbauer's HHKB housing he says he is working on from his website. Thanks for your insight, I really do appreciate.

I have one last question, what exactly is the difference between the Pro 2 and the Type S? The price difference is quite large and I am really not sure.

Thanks again.

Type S is the silenced version which means it has small plastic rings in the bottom of each stem, dampening the high pitch bottoming out sound. Some people prefer the silenced version and some don't and you can always silence mod a regular hhkb

Oh, okay! That really clears up some of confusion. It's quite expensive the Type S, but I like silent switches so I might go for that now. Thank you!

[rowdy]

I have both.

HHKB is only available in 45g, which is too light for me with MX switches, but bearable on the HHKB.

I have a 55g uniform RealForce.

Given that I prefer heavier switches (e.g. MX black, MX white, MV green, BS), it probably won't come as a surprise that I prefer the feel of the 55g RealForce.

However I like the sound, feel and size of the HHKB more.

If your gaming involves lots of function key presses, especially in the heat of battle, you might find the RealForce easier to use as it has dedicated function keys.

Also consider the FC660C, which is similar to the HHKB, but has arrow keys.  Note that the JP HHKB also has arrow keys.

And, why isn't this thread in the keyboards section?

[EMC Labs]

I have both.

HHKB is only available in 45g, which is too light for me with MX switches, but bearable on the HHKB.

I have a 55g uniform RealForce.

Given that I prefer heavier switches (e.g. MX black, MX white, MV green, BS), it probably won't come as a surprise that I prefer the feel of the 55g RealForce.

However I like the sound, feel and size of the HHKB more.

If your gaming involves lots of function key presses, especially in the heat of battle, you might find the RealForce easier to use as it has dedicated function keys.

Also consider the FC660C, which is similar to the HHKB, but has arrow keys.  Note that the JP HHKB also has arrow keys.

And, why isn't this thread in the keyboards section?

Thank you very much for your preferences! I don't mind too much about the difference between 45g and 55g.

I was going to go for the HHKB now and was happy to hear you enjoyed the sound, feel and size of the board. Now, I'm stuck deciding which colour to go far.

Lastly, why isn't it in the keyboard section? Okay, I'm sorry.

Thanks again.

[rowdy]

I have both.

HHKB is only available in 45g, which is too light for me with MX switches, but bearable on the HHKB.

I have a 55g uniform RealForce.

Given that I prefer heavier switches (e.g. MX black, MX white, MV green, BS), it probably won't come as a surprise that I prefer the feel of the 55g RealForce.

However I like the sound, feel and size of the HHKB more.

If your gaming involves lots of function key presses, especially in the heat of battle, you might find the RealForce easier to use as it has dedicated function keys.

Also consider the FC660C, which is similar to the HHKB, but has arrow keys.  Note that the JP HHKB also has arrow keys.

And, why isn't this thread in the keyboards section?

Thank you very much for your preferences! I don't mind too much about the difference between 45g and 55g.

I was going to go for the HHKB now and was happy to hear you enjoyed the sound, feel and size of the board. Now, I'm stuck deciding which colour to go far.

Lastly, why isn't it in the keyboard section? Okay, I'm sorry.

Thanks again.

'Tis in the keyboard section now

[shadowku]

=P You might eventually end up getting both, and then some mods on each.
Tons of mods available (BKE Redux, silencing rings, lube, keycaps, HASU controller) and Topre keyboards are very easy to tinker on.

After having a RF87-silenced, 2 HHKBs, FC660C, Novatouch, I've found my ideal Topre keyboards+configs.
I definitely prefer the HHKB for the layout and the sound.

For gaming, I still do use my HHKB mostly unless it's a MMO that requires a lot of key-mappings. I've gotten rid of most of my RF and FC660C so I use my Novatouch if I need it. Though, I don't like the Novatouch and I'm waiting until I can get a silenced FC980C.

[nelamvr6]

=P You might eventually end up getting both, and then some mods on each.
Tons of mods available (BKE Redux, silencing rings, lube, keycaps, HASU controller) and Topre keyboards are very easy to tinker on.

After having a RF87-silenced, 2 HHKBs, FC660C, Novatouch, I've found my ideal Topre keyboards+configs.
I definitely prefer the HHKB for the layout and the sound.

For gaming, I still do use my HHKB mostly unless it's a MMO that requires a lot of key-mappings. I've gotten rid of most of my RF and FC660C so I use my Novatouch if I need it. Though, I don't like the Novatouch and I'm waiting until I can get a silenced FC980C.

Another possibility would be to not do any mods at and just enjoy a great keyboard.

[shadowku]

Another possibility would be to not do any mods at and just enjoy a great keyboard.

=) I replied to you in the other HHKB/RF/Topre thread.
I just can't do stock HHKB.
Stock RF is really not bad, though. I could do that.
I couldn't do stock FC660C either, and likely, my FC980C will need to be modded when I get it.

I just hate my Novatouch.

[nelamvr6]

Another possibility would be to not do any mods at and just enjoy a great keyboard.

=) I replied to you in the other HHKB/RF/Topre thread.
I just can't do stock HHKB.
Stock RF is really not bad, though. I could do that.
I couldn't do stock FC660C either, and likely, my FC980C will need to be modded when I get it.

I just hate my Novatouch.

Well, to each their own. It's obviously your keyboard, you should do what makes you happiest.

Personally I have never detected the slightest roughness in either my FC660C or my Limited Edition, which both are factory silenced. I couldn't tell if the purple sliders are why they feel so smooth, it's entirely possible.

I just think it's a good idea that newbes just getting into the hobby get both sides of the debate. A lot of people here think that every single keyboard absolutely needs to be modded, and I don't think that's true.

Cheers!

[Tactile]

... A lot of people here think that every single keyboard absolutely needs to be modded, and I don't think that's true.

 

[rxc92]

... A lot of people here think that every single keyboard absolutely needs to be modded, and I don't think that's true.

 

 
 

[chive_]

I own a stock black printed HHKB and a white 55g Realforce 87u with some lubing and silencing rings. Personally, I'm in the same boat as Rowdy - I enjoy the heavier feeling of 55g domes, but I prefer the HHKB layout and sound more. I'm going to modify my HHKB with the 55g domes, lube and then possibly silencing it, making what I see as the perfect compromise between the two.

However, it's definitely expensive to splurge on both to figure out what you enjoy. Given your lack of preference between 45g and 55g, it sounds to me like the HHKB is the way to go! I really enjoy the printed black, it has a more modern feeling and is slightly more useable for me, as I can touch type alphas but symbols are a struggle for me.

[Dreamre]

Another possibility would be to not do any mods at and just enjoy a great keyboard.

=) I replied to you in the other HHKB/RF/Topre thread.
I just can't do stock HHKB.
Stock RF is really not bad, though. I could do that.
I couldn't do stock FC660C either, and likely, my FC980C will need to be modded when I get it.

I just hate my Novatouch.

Just sell your Novatouch to me at cost  .

[shadowku]

Just sell your Novatouch to me at cost  .

I actually found it on Kijiji a few months ago for very cheap. I was quite thrilled.
Definitely wouldn't sell it at that cost. But I might sell it soon to get a FC980C.

[OnceS]

Realforce in general is better.
HHKB can still be good if you spend time learning the layout.

[EMC Labs]

Realforce in general is better.
HHKB can still be good if you spend time learning the layout.

Thanks for your input.

[EMC Labs]

=P You might eventually end up getting both, and then some mods on each.
Tons of mods available (BKE Redux, silencing rings, lube, keycaps, HASU controller) and Topre keyboards are very easy to tinker on.

After having a RF87-silenced, 2 HHKBs, FC660C, Novatouch, I've found my ideal Topre keyboards+configs.
I definitely prefer the HHKB for the layout and the sound.

For gaming, I still do use my HHKB mostly unless it's a MMO that requires a lot of key-mappings. I've gotten rid of most of my RF and FC660C so I use my Novatouch if I need it. Though, I don't like the Novatouch and I'm waiting until I can get a silenced FC980C.

Another possibility would be to not do any mods at and just enjoy a great keyboard.

Yeh, I agree with you.

[EMC Labs]

I own a stock black printed HHKB and a white 55g Realforce 87u with some lubing and silencing rings. Personally, I'm in the same boat as Rowdy - I enjoy the heavier feeling of 55g domes, but I prefer the HHKB layout and sound more. I'm going to modify my HHKB with the 55g domes, lube and then possibly silencing it, making what I see as the perfect compromise between the two.

However, it's definitely expensive to splurge on both to figure out what you enjoy. Given your lack of preference between 45g and 55g, it sounds to me like the HHKB is the way to go! I really enjoy the printed black, it has a more modern feeling and is slightly more useable for me, as I can touch type alphas but symbols are a struggle for me.

Thanks for your advice! Since I started the thread, I recently purchased a HHKB. I'm really happy with it and really like the feel and sound of typing. Although, I did go for the "white" blank HHKB for aesthetics.

While I'm at it, I am having trouble with the backspace as it is not deleting the letters when I type. How could I fix this?

[chive_]

I own a stock black printed HHKB and a white 55g Realforce 87u with some lubing and silencing rings. Personally, I'm in the same boat as Rowdy - I enjoy the heavier feeling of 55g domes, but I prefer the HHKB layout and sound more. I'm going to modify my HHKB with the 55g domes, lube and then possibly silencing it, making what I see as the perfect compromise between the two.

However, it's definitely expensive to splurge on both to figure out what you enjoy. Given your lack of preference between 45g and 55g, it sounds to me like the HHKB is the way to go! I really enjoy the printed black, it has a more modern feeling and is slightly more useable for me, as I can touch type alphas but symbols are a struggle for me.

Thanks for your advice! Since I started the thread, I recently purchased a HHKB. I'm really happy with it and really like the feel and sound of typing. Although, I did go for the "white" blank HHKB for aesthetics.

While I'm at it, I am having trouble with the backspace as it is not deleting the letters when I type. How could I fix this?

Did you flip the third dip switch on? I believe that's the one that turns the Delete key into a Backspace key.

[EMC Labs]

I own a stock black printed HHKB and a white 55g Realforce 87u with some lubing and silencing rings. Personally, I'm in the same boat as Rowdy - I enjoy the heavier feeling of 55g domes, but I prefer the HHKB layout and sound more. I'm going to modify my HHKB with the 55g domes, lube and then possibly silencing it, making what I see as the perfect compromise between the two.

However, it's definitely expensive to splurge on both to figure out what you enjoy. Given your lack of preference between 45g and 55g, it sounds to me like the HHKB is the way to go! I really enjoy the printed black, it has a more modern feeling and is slightly more useable for me, as I can touch type alphas but symbols are a struggle for me.

Thanks for your advice! Since I started the thread, I recently purchased a HHKB. I'm really happy with it and really like the feel and sound of typing. Although, I did go for the "white" blank HHKB for aesthetics.

While I'm at it, I am having trouble with the backspace as it is not deleting the letters when I type. How could I fix this?

Did you flip the third dip switch on? I believe that's the one that turns the Delete key into a Backspace key.

Ah, that's probably why. I had thought about that actually.

Thank you!