HHKB lite (original) vs HHKB Lite 2

[jksteger]

guys I have a question for all of you that have had the opportunity to use the HHKB Lite and the HHKB Lite 2.  I currently have the HHKB lite (original) one and although its rubber dome, it doesn't seem to bother me all that much.  I'm a systems administrator and use the keyboard for my admin work on a daily basis.  As this keyboard is kind of old I'm noticing the keys are a little stiffer than they used to be and that sometimes the shift will not take or a keystroke will go missing! 

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a Pro2 but for the little I use the keyboard, little bust of typing, adding users, input some code, and since I don't game at all, I'm thinking that $270.00 may be a little overboard.

I've read that the HHKB Lite & Lite 2 are terrible to type on but is that in relation to Topre and mechanical switches?  I mean, how to they compare to say a Microsoft keyboard that is rubber dome?  I've also read that the HHKB Lite is better to type on than a Lite 2.  Is this true?

Basically, if typing on a mid-range priced Microsoft keyboard is just fine or the "standard", how will a HHKB Lite2 rate in comparison?


Thanks for your time, awaiting feedback so I can make an informed decision.

J:

[IvanIvanovich]

Maybe replace it with an MX based Pure? They are in a similar price range.

[OrpheusX]

I used one for 10 years without complaint. Not sure the feel is remarkably better or worse than a decent rubber dome. It's reasonably well built, feels solid. Ultimately you're paying the extra for the terrific (and Unix friendly layout) and the dedicated arrow keys. If they saw fit to use the Lite2 layout with the Topre switches I'd be in heaven. I also think they'd sell more boards...

I've been using a Pure for the last four months or so. It's nice as well though, for me, the layout isn't as good.

[jksteger]

thanks.

I was about to pull the trigger on a HHKB pro 2 but my daughter needed new glasses so my $$$ had to go to the glasses.  I think I will order a HHKB Lite 2.  My luck will be that its no better than the current HHKB Lite Original I have now.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[pyro]

Don't. Seriously. The HHKB Lite 2 is the worst keyboard I ever typed on, by a very large margin. I wouldn't even pay 1$ for that keyboard again. When I sold mine on ebay, I even added a note to a better keyboard ( a kbc poker / pure ), that's how guilty I felt that somebody would pay me money for such a bad keyboard. The keys are just way too hard. Even the cheapest Microsoft keyboard is better.

Just let me write that again: In all of my life the HHKB Lite 2 was the worst keyboard I ever (EVER!) typed on.

If you're like me and won't be satisfied unless you get what you consider "best" in the end, save up and get a Pro for christmas or lurk until someone sells one around here (although I wasn't psyched about that one either, but at least it's not UTTER CRAP LIKE THE LITE2).

I ended up liking my KBC Poker with Cherry MX Red keys much more than the HHKB Pro.

[jksteger]

thanks,
I purchased a KBT Race with cherry reds from a fellow GeekHacker yesterday.  It's on its way.  All I can do now is just wait!

Thanks,
J

[OrpheusX]

Don't. Seriously. The HHKB Lite 2 is the worst keyboard I ever typed on, by a very large margin. I wouldn't even pay 1$ for that keyboard again. When I sold mine on ebay, I even added a note to a better keyboard ( a kbc poker / pure ), that's how guilty I felt that somebody would pay me money for such a bad keyboard. The keys are just way too hard. Even the cheapest Microsoft keyboard is better.

I can see someone not liking it but 'keys are too hard' == worse keyboard ever? Hyperbole is not your friend.

[tp4tissue]

thanks.

I was about to pull the trigger on a HHKB pro 2 but my daughter needed new glasses so my $$$ had to go to the glasses.  I think I will order a HHKB Lite 2.  My luck will be that its no better than the current HHKB Lite Original I have now.

Thanks,
Jeremy

WAIT WAIT WAIT... try Zennioptical.com, you can get prescription glasses for $20 shipped.....

They take 2 weeks to get to your house.. but the price is unbeatable... 

Well, actually there are other glasses sites now that are cheap, including walmart.. they all use the SAME OEM.

[jksteger]

WAIT WAIT WAIT... try Zennioptical.com, you can get prescription glasses for $20 shipped.....

They take 2 weeks to get to your house.. but the price is unbeatable... 

Well, actually there are other glasses sites now that are cheap, including walmart.. they all use the SAME OEM.

I will do that when I need new glasses.  I've already done the deed!