Leopold, Ducky or HHKB?

[Zengster]

Hello there!

I am currently in the search for a new keyboard after getting sick of my Razer Blackwidow Ultimate. Currently, I am about to pull the trigger on a Leopold FC700R, Ducky 9087G2 Pro or HHKB Pro 2. The thing about the HHKB is if I decide to buy that one it will be second hand (roughly three years old and in a rather grimy condition, but works fine). My question is, which keyboard would you recommend? I am a frequent typist although I also game occasionally, but whichever keyboard I choose, I will have a good idea of what switch I want (except the HHKB which only comes with Topre switches of course).

Thanks for the help,

Zengster

PS: Here are some links to the particular versions if you're interested:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=19568
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=22054

[okooko]

The Ducky has PBT caps but no backlighting, Leopolds are nice and HHKB is probably outside your price range honestly.

If you type alot, cant really go wrong with Ducky/Filco/Leopolds. I picked up a variable 87U from PCCG not too long ago, loving it right now. I can see myself getting an MX board soon

[daerid]

I can't recommend Topre enough. But if it's in bad condition, I'd pass.

[nar]

Of the Leopold and the Ducky, I'd go with Leopold since its cheaper, they are roughly the same in quality, especially with the PBT keycaps.

Now if you can get a used HHKB in fully working condition for roughly the same price (like less than $150), I'd definitely go for it if you have the time to spend cleaning it out. Won't get a good deal like that elsewhere. If its more in the $200+ range, it would really depend on your budget.

[khaangaaroo]

The HHKB should be pretty easy to take apart and soak. All the plastic parts should separate from the electronics in one piece. No desoldering or removing of individual keys required.

[Zengster]

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll see if I can look around for some better prices. On a side note, does anyone know if you can get a custom PBT keycap set? WASD only offer ABS, but to be honest I don't know whether the difference is major enough to justify PBT over ABS or vice versa.

[TheQsanity]

get a topre if you can afford it

[Polymer]

I actually looked at these exact same boards...

There really isn't much of a difference between the Duckys and the Leopold..to me the Ducky keys looked a bit slicker in some pics which isn't what I wanted..so that plus it was a bit more expensive is what led me to the Leopold.  From what I've been reading though, things like replacing the spacebar on the Leopold isn't that easy because it isn't the same standard everyone else uses..I didn't get the impression the Ducky had that limitation.

In any case, I got the Leopold...it is rock solid...

But oddly enough...I was just able to pick up a HHKBP2 dirt cheap so I'll be trying that out as well....

[pokpok]

I had the same exact leopold and i had the usb disconectivity issue in less then 10 months.

Maybe i was just unlucky (I don't know how to fix the issue either tried everything beside opening the case of the keyboard)