HHKB: Must the user bottom out?

[dotancohen]

I understand that the Happy Hacker keyboards use Topre capacitive switches. Does that mean that one must bottom out the key for the keypress to register? How is this an improvement over simple rubber membrane switches?

[woody]

I understand that the Happy Hacker keyboards use Topre capacitive switches. Does that mean that one must bottom out the key for the keypress to register?

No, it's registered somewhere in the middle, thanks to the capacitive sensing. I type gently, but still bottom out on the HHKB, even if with a light force. Still a rubber dome with wrong force-displacement curve.

How is this an improvement over simple rubber membrane switches?

Reliability. And the plunger construction helps with off-center press.

[dotancohen]

I see. I actually managed to find this image after I posted, that shows that one need not bottom out the Topres:
http://www.overclock.net/picture.php?albumid=3859&pictureid=22303
I even found ripster posting there, apostasy!

Reliability. And the plunger construction helps with off-center press.

That is exactly my problem. Off-center keypresses on my otherwise terrific MS Ergonomic 4000 bind and actually hurt my fingers in addition to not registering. I had to cut half the Enter key off to prevent the binding, I cut all the rubber domes to reduce pressure and I wrap the stems with teflon tape!

Do Cherry switches also perform well for off-center keypresses? I just ordered a keyboard with Cherry Browns, and I hope that this issue doesn't show up there as well!

[Findecanor]

There is also the Happy Hacking Lite, which is a chaper rubber dome, not a Topre.

[Chobopants]

I see. I actually managed to find this image after I posted, that shows that one need not bottom out the Topres:
http://www.overclock.net/picture.php?albumid=3859&pictureid=22303
I even found ripster posting there, apostasy!

That is exactly my problem. Off-center keypresses on my otherwise terrific MS Ergonomic 4000 bind and actually hurt my fingers in addition to not registering. I had to cut half the Enter key off to prevent the binding, I cut all the rubber domes to reduce pressure and I wrap the stems with teflon tape!

Do Cherry switches also perform well for off-center keypresses? I just ordered a keyboard with Cherry Browns, and I hope that this issue doesn't show up there as well!

If it's a Filco, absolutely. I actually hit many keys off-center and the Filco handles it beautifully. The Leopold, on the other hand, has some issues with that on the larger keys due to less stabilized stabilizers.

Topres are awesome for their cool luxury feel but they aren't distinct enough from a rubber dome such that if you have a keyboard ignorant friend type on it they likely wont get what is so special about it except the texture of the keycaps. Cherry switches you can definitely tell there's something different and special going on there and you will notice a much more distinct "mechanical" feel.

[dotancohen]

If it's a Filco, absolutely. I actually hit many keys off-center and the Filco handles it beautifully. The Leopold, on the other hand, has some issues with that on the larger keys due to less stabilized stabilizers.

Thanks. I just ordered a Ducky and I wonder if it is closer to the Filco or the Leopold. From the price I'm assuming it's closer to the Leopold. I wonder if I could mod that.

[dotancohen]

That's confidence-inspiring, rip. By the way, I did just read 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. Two free internets to whoever can guess how deep the sub went!

Can these things be modded (stabilisers) to better handle off-center keypresses?

[Chobopants]

I have not seen anyone attempt it yet. I think it would be a non-trivial mod but would be pretty neat if someone figured one out.

Cherry style stabilizers are fine for most people, I just don't like them. I'm really picky.

[Mazora]

Sometimes I fall asleep in front of my workstation and when I wake up couple seconds later, the screen is full of aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

without even bottoming out the "a" key.

[HaveANiceDay]

Sounds like a terrible nightmare!

[dotancohen]

I have not seen anyone attempt it yet. I think it would be a non-trivial mod but would be pretty neat if someone figured one out.

Cherry style stabilizers are fine for most people, I just don't like them. I'm really picky.

Does that mean that the Duckys use Cherry style stabilisers and the Filcos use something else?

[dotancohen]

Sometimes I fall asleep in front of my workstation and when I wake up couple seconds later, the screen is full of aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

without even bottoming out the "a" key.

Must be Cherry Blacks, seeing how your nose holding up your entire head doesn't make enough force to bottom out. Did I ever tell you about the time I drove a tractor over a Cherry Black, and only by jumping up and down in the cab was I able to register a keypress?

[Chobopants]

Does that mean that the Duckys use Cherry style stabilisers and the Filcos use something else?

I do not know 100% but Cherry stabilizers are the most common so I'd wager so if I had to just guess. I'm sure you could figure out on the wiki somewhere.

[pitashen]

Does that mean that the Duckys use Cherry style stabilisers and the Filcos use something else?

Yes.

Don't worry too much.  Given that you have not yet tried other mechanical keyboard (as it seems), You'll like (love) the one you just ordered once you receive it and start spending some times with it. I wouldn't want to be overly concerned about the comparison between brands and different designs. You might find yourself dissatisfied/regret with your purchase, when it is not so bad.

[dotancohen]

Don't worry too much.  Given that you have not yet tried other mechanical keyboard (as it seems), You'll like (love) the one you just ordered once you receive it and start spending some times with it. I wouldn't want to be overly concerned about the comparison between brands and different designs. You might find yourself dissatisfied/regret with your purchase, when it is not so bad.

‎Thanks, Pita. There is actually a term for the natural feeling of regret that one feels after any purchase: buyers remorse. I'll try my best not to suffer it! Thanks!