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Author Topic: HHKB Grey vs. White?  (Read 8167 times)

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Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:10:15 »
What are people's opinions on grey vs. white for the HHKB Pro 2? On my RealForce, I like the white version since the dark grey on black keys on the black version are pretty difficult to see. Is it the same on the grey HHKB?

How about shiny key syndrome?

I like the look of the grey one better but have also found that with other keyboards, dark keys show shiny sooner.

Thoughts?
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Offline lootbag

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:22:32 »
I only bought a grey HHKB because it was being sold at a good price.
If I were to buy a new one I would go with white.
Classic look is the way to go.

That being said, I have not owned my grey long enough to have shiny keys.
The lettering will be difficult to see in low light conditions, almost looks like a blank keyboard.

However, once you get use to the layout, you really have to look down at the keys.
Not sure if you are a touch typist or not.
Key wear will show up less so on a white HHKB.

I see you have an 86U, in white I am guessing?
Nice keyboard, I am looking to have a white 87U shipped over to me by a friend in Korea.
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Offline ironman31

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:25:21 »
Black/gray may look cool, but I find it annoying sometimes that I can't see the keys (for situattions other than everyday typing, like gaming and finding a key in the dark)
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Keyboards:
IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard (Used), HHKB Pro 2 (White, Lettered), Realforce 87U all-45g in White, Filco Majestouch 2 TKL with Cherry MX Browns, Model F PC/AT,  Noppoo Choc Mini (MX Browns), Model F XT, IBM Model M 1397735 (bought NIB), (2) Siig Minitouch (GHSS) one with XM, one with complicated ALPs (modded),2 Dell AT101W, Cherry G80-11900HRMUS (modded with MX browns)


Pointing Devices:
Logitech G500, Evoluent VerticalMouse 3, Logitech G5, CST 2545W, Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball, Logitech M570, Logitech MX revolution

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:31:50 »
Thanks, I think my decision to go with the white one has been made!

I can touch type but not with numbers when doing things like my accounts in Quicken, etc. I found using a black keys board in the past a bit frustrating especially since I often do my bills at night with minimal lighting. (Nice night life I have eh?).
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Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:35:07 »
Quote from: lootbag;308766
I see you have an 86U, in white I am guessing?
Nice keyboard, I am looking to have a white 87U shipped over to me by a friend in Korea.



Yep, sure do!

I sorta don't like the variable key weighting though so that's why I'll probably gain purchase of the HHKB Pro 2 (45g uniform key weights). I know I may not notice a big difference in feel, but the form factor is also quite a bit smaller over the RealForce.  ;)
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Offline RiGS

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:40:04 »
Hey make sure to vote in my Realforce colour poll.
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=308717#post308717
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline Arc'xer

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:44:03 »
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Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:46:55 »
Quote from: Arc'xer;308783
Can always mix it up.


Hey, I like that Waterfield sleeve. Does it fit the keyboard perfectly? Does it protect it well without scratching/rubbing it anywhere?
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Offline RiGS

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 18:50:57 »
Quote from: phototristan;308775
Yep, sure do!

I sorta don't like the variable key weighting though so that's why I'll probably gain purchase of the HHKB Pro 2 (45g uniform key weights). I know I may not notice a big difference in feel, but the form factor is also quite a bit smaller over the RealForce.  ;)


Keyboard Co is going to offer 45g uniform weighted tenkeyless keyboards.
However Bruce is unsure about the colour yet. That's why I made a poll on that matter.
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 19:06:44 »
Quote from: RiGS;308787
Keyboard Co is going to offer 45g uniform weighted tenkeyless keyboards.
However Bruce is unsure about the colour yet. That's why I made a poll on that matter.


That's cool. I voted.

Just ordered the HHKB from a seller on Amazon -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EXZ0V2
« Last Edit: Wed, 09 March 2011, 19:11:45 by phototristan »
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Offline theferenc

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 22:22:53 »
I have a black/grey one, and I actually really like it. I have no issues seeing the keys at all, nor any shininess after several months of daily use.

Though, to be honest, I want a white one as well, but I specifically chose the darker one due to the last (and only) piece of white CE gear I've ever had looked nasty yellow so damn fast. It just made me sad.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 09 March 2011, 23:18:33 »
Quote from: theferenc;308871
I have a black/grey one, and I actually really like it. I have no issues seeing the keys at all, nor any shininess after several months of daily use.

Though, to be honest, I want a white one as well, but I specifically chose the darker one due to the last (and only) piece of white CE gear I've ever had looked nasty yellow so damn fast. It just made me sad.



Do the HHK white keyboards yellow that fast?
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Offline isp

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 00:50:26 »
Why choose when you can have both.
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hhkb

Offline RiGS

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #13 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 04:47:03 »
Quote from: phototristan;308898
Do the HHK white keyboards yellow that fast?


Nope, pbt plastic won't yellow.
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #14 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 11:47:40 »
Quote from: isp;308923
Why choose when you can have both.


Way too expensive to buy both!

Quote from: RiGS;308990
Nope, pbt plastic won't yellow.


Cool, thanks for that info.
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Offline hcry4

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #15 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 12:17:11 »
Yes, they are expensive, but it's hard to ignore the little voice that tells you to collect them all.
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Offline RiGS

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #16 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 12:37:33 »
It's all about self-discipline.
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline calavera

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #17 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 12:48:43 »
grey is more awesome looking, white is more practical. You really can't go wrong with either though.
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Offline lootbag

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #18 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 12:55:45 »
Quote from: RiGS;309249
It's all about self-discipline.


This statement says it all.
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Offline hcry4

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #19 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 13:23:48 »
Resistance is futile.
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Offline RiGS

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #20 on: Thu, 10 March 2011, 15:43:40 »
Quote from: hcry4;309272
Resistance is futile.


Yeah, I agree on that. However there are other ways.
http://www.cwu.edu/~cattinw/_private/Documents/Self-Discipline%20in%2010%20Days.pdf
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #21 on: Fri, 11 March 2011, 15:52:18 »
Received the HHKB Pro 2 today, it rocks! Typing on it now.

The only thing I'm initially having trouble getting used to is the position of the Delete key. I'm sure it will just be a short time for that though.

Pleasantly surprised,  I'm adjusting to the function arrow keys nicely as well as all the other embedded functions.
« Last Edit: Fri, 11 March 2011, 15:55:05 by phototristan »
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Offline theferenc

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #22 on: Fri, 11 March 2011, 17:03:05 »
Just so you know, after you get used to the HHKB layout, you'll be constantly seeing \\\\\\\\ when typing on other keyboards...
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline Engine

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #23 on: Fri, 11 March 2011, 23:15:58 »
Hey phototristan,
Enjoyed your keyboard reviews on youtube.  You do a nice job.  I found them helpful concerning my Space Saver purchase ane now my interest in Topres.  Which, by the way, why are you selling your 86U?  You gave it such a good review on youtube.  I had the impression is was your favorite or did you basically trade it for your new HHKB?  I know these boards are $$$!
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In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #24 on: Fri, 11 March 2011, 23:23:59 »
Quote from: Engine;310264
Hey phototristan,
Enjoyed your keyboard reviews on youtube.  You do a nice job.  I found them helpful concerning my Space Saver purchase ane now my interest in Topres.  Which, by the way, why are you selling your 86U?  You gave it such a good review on youtube.  I had the impression is was your favorite or did you basically trade it for your new HHKB?  I know these boards are $$$!

Thanks for the compliment.

Yes, I like the HHKB even more. I'm working on a video review and demo of it which I will post soon.

Actually, I'll probably get another RealForce Topre board when another tenkeyless one with uniform weightings comes out.

I prefer uniform key weighting versus the variable weighting of the 86U.
« Last Edit: Fri, 11 March 2011, 23:29:50 by phototristan »
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Offline Engine

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #25 on: Fri, 11 March 2011, 23:40:56 »
phototristan,
I look forward to the new video.  On your comment on the "uniform weighting" preference, can you explain why you prefer that?  Thanks.
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In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #26 on: Fri, 11 March 2011, 23:43:55 »
Quote from: Engine;310270
phototristan,
I look forward to the new video.  On your comment on the "uniform weighting" preference, can you explain why you prefer that?  Thanks.

It's hard to explain, because I can essentially type well on any keyboard.

Basically, I feel the lighter weighted keys are a bit too light for me since I tend to sorta hammer on the keys rather than type lightly. That's just my personal way of typing I guess.

The uniform 45g weighting on the HHKB Pro 2 seems just about perfect to me.
« Last Edit: Fri, 11 March 2011, 23:47:06 by phototristan »
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Offline Engine

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 11 March 2011, 23:58:09 »
I read yesterday in these forums that the keyboard Co will be offering them.  I'm pretty sure you know that though huh?  Rigs announced it recently and hence his "vote" for keyboard color.
Well, I was wondering about key weighting for ergo reasons.  You talked about that in your 86U review.  After having used it for a while, do you believe it would be helpful?
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In order of purchase:
Unicomp Space Saver(Black) - Topre Realforce 103U-UW -   Topre Realforce 103UB - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Blue - Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Blue - Filco Majestouch 2 MX Brown

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #28 on: Sat, 12 March 2011, 10:09:34 »
Quote from: Engine;310278
I read yesterday in these forums that the keyboard Co will be offering them.  I'm pretty sure you know that though huh?  Rigs announced it recently and hence his "vote" for keyboard color.
Well, I was wondering about key weighting for ergo reasons.  You talked about that in your 86U review.  After having used it for a while, do you believe it would be helpful?



Probably. If you like to sort of fly over the keys the variable weighting can indeed be better ergonomically, but really it's a preference choice IMO.
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Offline RiGS

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #29 on: Sat, 12 March 2011, 10:27:32 »
Quote from: phototristan;310268
Thanks for the compliment.

Yes, I like the HHKB even more. I'm working on a video review and demo of it which I will post soon.

Actually, I'll probably get another RealForce Topre board when another tenkeyless one with uniform weightings comes out.

I prefer uniform key weighting versus the variable weighting of the 86U.


I have managed to buy the full size Realforce in Finnish/Swedish ISO layout at ridiculously low price.
Hungarian layout is also ISO layout, however tilda through to equal keys have different symbols on them.
I have an idea to replace them with blank keys.
Afaik there is a blank set of white keys available for the HHKB.
Is it possible to interchange those keycaps between the HHKB and the Realforce?
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline RiGS

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #30 on: Sat, 12 March 2011, 13:25:03 »
Any help on this matter?
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline RiGS

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #31 on: Sat, 12 March 2011, 13:34:42 »
Afaik the the 86U/103U has longer spacebar than the 87U.
I have the 105U which has shorter spacebar as well.
So basically the shorter Realforce and the HHKB spacebar are interchangeable.
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Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #32 on: Mon, 14 March 2011, 13:04:38 »
BTW, I can really vouch for the Amazon seller I link to above (User-Side). I spoke with him on the phone before I placed my order and asked him a few questions and he was quite helpful.

He shipped my HHKB very quickly and communication was excellent (provided tracking number right away, shipped out right away, etc). He is from Japan but based in California. I bought from him since I didn't have to pay sales tax (win!) and I had some Amazon credit. Elite would have charged me sales tax in CA.

I sent him an email with well wishes about the tsunami this morning and he replied thanking me and said his family are all okay but he feels bad for Japan.

I concur.
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Offline phototristan

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #33 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 23:44:09 »
Quote from: theferenc;310106
Just so you know, after you get used to the HHKB layout, you'll be constantly seeing \\\\\\\\ when typing on other keyboards...



Boy you ain't kidding!

I'm noticing that already after having used the HHKB for a few days and then switched to my laptop keyboard. The delete key now seems so far up!
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Offline theferenc

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #34 on: Wed, 16 March 2011, 23:47:53 »
That's because it is! Stupid backspace key being in the wrong place on most keyboards.

I've actually converted about half of my office to that layout, by giving them either Sun keyboards, or modded Model Ms.

They have the same complaint. It makes me smile.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline chel-

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #35 on: Tue, 22 March 2011, 10:40:23 »
I agree. After using the hhkb layout it seems every keyboard is really poorly designed. I especially hate caps lock now.
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Offline bigpook

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HHKB Grey vs. White?
« Reply #36 on: Tue, 22 March 2011, 11:56:56 »
Quote from: chel-;315946
I agree. After using the hhkb layout it seems every keyboard is really poorly designed. I especially hate caps lock now.


I have to agree with that 100%.

Caps Lock current location on "standard keyboards" is retarded to me. What a waist of great real estate.
Same goes for the escape key and the backspace key.
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HHKB Pro 2 : Unicomp Spacesaver : IBM Model M : DasIII    
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