Finally got a HHKB Pro 2. My thoughts

[jksteger]

So I finally got myself a HHKB Pro 2.  It came in earlier this week.

Here are my thoughts on this $270 keyboard ($305.00 with shipping).

I like these Topre keys.  They feel better to me than my old RealForce keyboard, probably due to the all 45-gram keys or something.  I like the "thud" sound the keys make when bottoming out.  I had a HHKB Lite before, not the Lite 2 but the original HHKB Lite.  It has the exact same layout as this Pro 2.  All the keys are the same as far as I can tell.  This Pro 2 seems to have support for Mac so there are a few extra functions on this keyboard that the lite does not have.

Now here is where I am torn.

Is it worth the $270 price tag?  For me, not really.  The keys feel wonderful no doubt.  But they are not that far away from the feel of the HHKB Lite that I have already.  I picked up the HHKB Lite off eBay for $30.00 so this is a $240 difference in price.  The feel of the key is not worth $240.00 to me.  That's just my opinion, YMMV.

The layout.
I'm NOT a gamer of any sort so I use my keyboard for work and general computing.  Browsing websites, etc.  of course I mainly do this on my iPad.  So I use it for work mainly.  I'm a Windows & Exchange mail administrator for an international company.  I use the keys "\", and "end", "home", "PgUp" & "PgDn" quite a lot in my daily use.  I also use the arrow keys a lot too as I have to work with spread sheets all day too!  So I'm finding I'm getting frustrated with having to use the FN key to use these keys that I use all day long.

I think I could get used to it over time but do I want to?  I'm happy with a full 101 / 104 key layout.  Been using that layout for work for over 20 years now.  I press the keys w/o even looking at them, w/o even thinking about them.  Now I have to stop, look and think! Lazy, maybe but it's called "unproductive".  The faster I can get to what I need the more productive I am and I can go on to the next task.

Now I realize I had the HHKB Lite with the same layout so I cannot really say I didn't know what I was getting by the layout.  I use the Lite version quite a bit when the mood hit me a while back.  But since I've been really busy at work lately, I've been using a full sized keyboard or a TKL.  I can do without the number keys! 

My quest took me on a search for the best feeling keys.  I've tried the main 4 cherry switches: red, black, brown & blue.  My favorite is brown.  I've looked for the best layout.  I have a Pure and a Race.  I like the Race but the small right shift throws me off.  The Home, PgUp, etc. keys throw me off but at least they are dedicated and there is a dedicated arrow keys!  My Race is MX reds.  I actually hate typing on reds though!  I finally found MY favorite switch in a keyboard when I tried an Apple Extended Keyboard II.  My search was over!

I like the switches so much that I ordered a Matias Quite Pro for PC last night from mechanicalkeyboards.com and I'm thinking of selling this HHKB Pro2 and taking a loss!

So to sum it all up, at least for ME, like I said YMMV and probably will. 
I love the feel of the switches but the layout is not working for me at the moment.  My favorite switch currently is the AEKII and I can get a full-size keyboard with that switch so I believe that I will be best served by a Matias Quite Pro.  If I ever do want the HHKB layout, I will use my Lite version.  It's just not worth the difference in price for me.

I would also trade this HHKB Pro 2 for a TKL or full RealForce 45-gram or 55-gram keyboard.  It's not the keys, they are amazing, its the layout!

Thanks
J.

[behappy]

I got my HHKB Pro 2 a couple months ago and I love it - The only issue now is i'm getting into Starcraft II more and more, and to maximize my potential I think F keys are a must. 

Although I have gotten used to the HHKB layout and actually much prefer the closer backspace and the lack of a distinct caps lock button, I am probably going to be looking to buy a RF 87u 45g/55g uniform for three main reasons:

1. Topre switches are awesome
2. I'd like to try RealForce to get my own perspective on the HHKB vs. RF debate 
3. To become the best Starcraft player to ever walk the Earth.

But yeah, HHKB Pro 2 is a solid board and I'm looking forward to grabbing a RF of my own as well! 

[MJ45]

I got my HHKB Pro 2 a couple months ago and I love it - The only issue now is i'm getting into Starcraft II more and more, and to maximize my potential I think F keys are a must. 

Although I have gotten used to the HHKB layout and actually much prefer the closer backspace and the lack of a distinct caps lock button, I am probably going to be looking to buy a RF 87u 45g/55g uniform for three main reasons:

1. Topre switches are awesome
2. I'd like to try RealForce to get my own perspective on the HHKB vs. RF debate 
3. To become the best Starcraft player to ever walk the Earth.

But yeah, HHKB Pro 2 is a solid board and I'm looking forward to grabbing a RF of my own as well! 

I have also been using and loving my HHKB Pro 2 for textual use but it seemed lacking separate F-keys and arrow keys it was not optimal for gaming. Following the advice from other GH members I purchased a Realforce 87u 55g uniform and its ideal, its tactile and crisp without being too fatiguing. Most users say the 45g 87u feels softer than the 45g HHKB topre switch. I would highly recommend the 55g 87u since you like your HHKB.

[Aranair]

Mmm I found that my second HHKB is still a little stiff. (not as stiff as my first but it is still stiff lol)

MJ45, is the 87u really softer than the HHKB? How much difference is there really? (I know its a little hard to describe the difference but..)

[ideus]

Objectivity beyond the price tag syndrome. Great review.

[MJ45]

Mmm I found that my second HHKB is still a little stiff. (not as stiff as my first but it is still stiff lol)

MJ45, is the 87u really softer than the HHKB? How much difference is there really? (I know its a little hard to describe the difference but..)

Let just say for me the HHKB 45g is  the IDEAL low limit for me. Its also my first Topre switch keyboard, I own 4 Cherry MX keyboards and I prefer reds for extended typing and blacks for gaming, and have tried most Cherry Mx keyboards (browns, blue and green no custom switches). But most say the Realforce is softer or "mushy" compared to HHKB. For me it would have been a big mistake if it was. But I never used a 45g 87u, but for my purpose's I glad I chose the all 55g but it all boils down to personal preference. If I could have only one keyboard it would be a Realforce 87u 55g uniform, for me its the best all purpose keyboard.

[jksteger]

thanks.  i'm looking at getting a uniform 55g RealForce if I can ever sell this HHKB.  I've put it on eBay for $225.00, not enough post yet to place it here in the marketplace for sale.  I have it as a "Sale" not an auction.  I'm wondering if I should place it as an Auction with a buy it now of $225.00 and if no one uses BIN, just let the bidding begin.  My fear is that the winning bid would be something like $150.00.  My purchase and shipping was a total of $305.00.  I cannot take a $150 hit!  I would rather keep it than loose that kind of money on it. LOL

J.

[geminimech]

thanks.  i'm looking at getting a uniform 55g RealForce if I can ever sell this HHKB.  I've put it on eBay for $225.00, not enough post yet to place it here in the marketplace for sale.  I have it as a "Sale" not an auction.  I'm wondering if I should place it as an Auction with a buy it now of $225.00 and if no one uses BIN, just let the bidding begin.  My fear is that the winning bid would be something like $150.00.  My purchase and shipping was a total of $305.00.  I cannot take a $150 hit!  I would rather keep it than loose that kind of money on it. LOL

J.

Personally, I would set my reserve at your absolute lowest that you could possible accept,  and then use the BIN for a price that may be higher but still a reasonable cost if somebody absolutely has to have yours. 250.00 maybe?  That doesn't seem unreasonable for a desirable board that for all intents and purposes is new. 

[whiskerBox]

The HHKB is still my favorite keyboard. The feel, size, and layout are what keep me coming back to it.

[Aranair]

I do find that I like the sturdiness/feel of the hhkb, but I also realize that I get fatigued a little quicker on the hhkb than on my Cherry Brown.

It doesn't seem like alot of others feel that way. Maybe I just got girly hands D:

[jksteger]

Personally, I would set my reserve at your absolute lowest that you could possible accept,  and then use the BIN for a price that may be higher but still a reasonable cost if somebody absolutely has to have yours. 250.00 maybe?  That doesn't seem unreasonable for a desirable board that for all intents and purposes is new.

Thanks geminimech!  Why didn't I think of that!  Sometime the obvious eludes me!  If it doesn't sell then I will take that as a sign from the keyboard gods that I am to keep it and type on it until I become one with it. LOL   

[jksteger]

I had to remove the listing but re listed it with the auction and lowest price and a Buy it now option too.

Thanks,

J

[BearHug]

I just got mine today and i absolutely love it!
I have tried every cherry switch but topre pretty much blows them out of the water when it comes to typing, have not tried to game on it yet though.

Not used to layout yet but love form factor!

[Macsmasher]

Mmm I found that my second HHKB is still a little stiff. (not as stiff as my first but it is still stiff lol)

MJ45, is the 87u really softer than the HHKB? How much difference is there really? (I know its a little hard to describe the difference but..)

My HHKB Pro 2 loosened up after a couple of weeks of daily use. I've had it about a month now. I just got a 55g 87U yesterday, and it was stiff! But even after just one day of heavy use, it's beginning to break in and becoming lighter.

[Aranair]

glad to hear that, although, I sometimes wonder if its because we get used to it (as opposed to it becoming lighter:P)