HHKB Lite vs. Lite 2

[graywolf]

Has anyone used both the older Lite and the current Lite 2?

If so, how does the key feel compare? In photos it looks like the Lite is the same size as the pro while the Lite 2 is bigger, is that correct? Will someone who considers a Model M the standard to compare to be reasonable happy with a HHKB Lite?

[xsphat]

I have. The Lite 2 feels like crap, the Lite 1 feels all right. The Lite 1 is the same size as the Pro 2 (which I also own), and if you like the M as a standard, you'll hate the Lites and love the Pro2, even though it is not clicky.

[iMav]

Has anyone used both the older Lite and the current Lite 2?

If so, how does the key feel compare? In photos it looks like the Lite is the same size as the pro while the Lite 2 is bigger, is that correct? Will someone who considers a Model M the standard to compare to be reasonable happy with a HHKB Lite?

Sorry.  Unfortunately, you'll have to bite the bullet and save up for the Pro...the Lite is no substitute and you won't like it.

[Waves77]

I own a Lite 2 as well and I have to agree: it's absolute crap, ESPECIALLY compared to a model M, the lite 2 has a very gummy feel to the keys. I'd rather typer on a cheap dell board

[bigpook]

I have a Lite 2 also, while I won't say it is absolute crap, it in no way compares to my model M's.  I would say the Lite 2 is a higher quality rubber dome key board. All in all, I think you are paying for the form factor, not the keys.
From what I understand, you get the form factor and the keys when you go to the HHKB Pro 2.

[itlnstln]

Is there a basic comparison of what the HHKB Pro 'boards feel like?  I don't particularly care for the layout (I like BIG keyboards ), and the cost is prohibitive, so I don't think I will ever buy one, but I would like to know how it is to type on the capacitive switches.

[bhtooefr]

Well, there is always the Topre Realforce 101... (or the Korea-only Realforce 86, if you don't want a numpad...) made by the same company, using the same capacitive switches.

[Korbin]

Is there a basic comparison of what the HHKB Pro 'boards feel like?  I don't particularly care for the layout (I like BIG keyboards ), and the cost is prohibitive, so I don't think I will ever buy one, but I would like to know how it is to type on the capacitive switches.

I don't think there is any other board that comes close to what the HHKB pro feels like. It's a different key action all together IMO.

[Bluemercury]

Well, there is always the Topre Realforce 101... (or the Korea-only Realforce 86, if you don't want a numpad...) made by the same company, using the same capacitive switches.

I've seen some topre keyboards on the benippon site and they're also expensive.....they use the same switch or tech of HHKp2 then?

[parisnight]

As I understand it the HHKB switches all require equal force to depress while the switches on Topre branded keyboard has lighter touch to match the weaker fingers, hence the name RealForce.  I wonder which would feel better.  I think pianos are regulated to keep the force even between keys, even those on the periphery.

[graywolf]

Sorry.  Unfortunately, you'll have to bite the bullet and save up for the Pro...the Lite is no substitute and you won't like it.

Well, unfortunately if it has to be the Pro, I am not ever going to have one unless someone just gives it to me (SIGH!). In my introductory post I mentioned, that I considered the Keytronics to be the minimum usable keyboard, how would the original HHKB Lite compare in feel to them?

As someone who learnd to type on a pre-WWII mechanical portable typewriter --My mom got it as a HS graduation gift in 1939, and let me use it as a kid as long as I used all ten fingers-- I like the idea of what is basically a typewriter layout keyboard. However, even if I could afford it, I am not going to pay $300+ to find out if I like using one as much as I like the idea of one.

There does seem to be some new-old-stock Lites available out there at reasonable prices. The Lite-2 seems to me to have been designed by the marketing department, to do away with the "problems" the unwashed "thought" the Lite (and the Pro) had. In other words, they thought it would sell better to the hunt-and-peckers of the world.

[itlnstln]

they thought it would sell better to the hunt-and-peckers of the world

Or just the peckers of the world...

[itlnstln]

Are the switches linear kinda like black Cherries, or are do they have some tactility to them (the Pro switches, that is)?

[bhtooefr]

As I understand it the HHKB switches all require equal force to depress while the switches on Topre branded keyboard has lighter touch to match the weaker fingers, hence the name RealForce.  I wonder which would feel better.  I think pianos are regulated to keep the force even between keys, even those on the periphery.

There's actually a couple different schools of thought on this, with conflicting research.

I do know that IBM's research indicated that equal force for all keys was better, and that's why the Model M is equal force.

[iMav]

Are the switches linear kinda like black Cherries, or are do they have some tactility to them (the Pro switches, that is)?

There is some tactile feel to them.  About as subtle as the Cherry browns but, at the same time, providing a bit more resistance (if that makes any sense).  

As many have stated here...I have YET to meet a HHKB Pro owner that doesn't adore their keyboard.

[bhtooefr]

It's a shame that all you can try in stores here are Microsoft and Logitech rubber domes and scissor-switch boards. Cherry, PFU, and Unicomp would probably do better if their products were in stores. (Then again, Unicomp might not - all the keycaps would get stolen off the display models. )

[xsphat]

I think the HHKB Pro 2 has a firmer touch than the browns and are more tactile. They are just better feeling switches I think. Look, it is a damned expensive keyboard, but it is wildly popular. That speaks volumes about it.