HHKB.

[Fragil1ty]

I'm just curious because if I have enough money over Christmas time and what not, I play to buy one, I'm just wondering two things really.

1. What is the feel like on the HHKB compared to a MX Cherry switch?
2. I've read a lot of reviews, a lot of them claim that it is the best keyboard out there at the moment etc, I'm just wondering if this statement to be true or are the users saying this because they've spent over $200 for a keyboard?

Also, why on most sites is the Black version of the HHKB a lot, lot cheaper than the white version?

[czarek]

1. Totally subjective. HHKB feels very much like rubber dome. Super nice rubber dome, but you can find similarly feeling keyboards for less. It's power is in layout and form factor though.
2. Also subjective. I was using HHKB for months as a primary keyboard but it wears rather quick. Doesn't fail, but the feel is very different than the day you buy it, especially on keys you use most (Meta, Fn, Control). Now I only use it when travelling as it's much better than laptop keyboards, and has much more usable layout than Pokers. It's also relatively quiet when working in the office.

[zoolzoo]

HHKB feels very much like rubber dome.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaand its gonna be one of those threads.

[rowdy]

It is different, and after using it for a little while (please give yourself a week or two to become accustomed to it) you may find it difficult to switch back.

Or you might not - everyone is different.

But I have seen more people that like it than don't.

I like mine (using it to type this), but I am not obsessed with it and am likely to switch back to my Model M at some stage.  I am also collecting random DSA keycaps to go on my KeyCool with MX red to see what they feel like.  That is somewhat off topic, sorry.

[SpAmRaY]

Personally I have a hard time with anything other than a full size board but the layout of the HHKB was a fairly smooth transition, I used it for a few hours without too much of a headache, I can't say as much for attempting to try out a poker.

It doesn't feel like any MX switch as far as I'm concerned.

And I think the white may be more preferred because people get tired of having black keyboards. And the printed caps on the black keyboard are black on grey and some people don't like them as much.

Honestly spending $200 on a keyboard is really easy, considering a lot of MX user also buy replacement key caps, usb cables, cases etc, $200 goes pretty fast!

But like everything else it is personal preference. I recommend you read through the dozens of other HHKB threads and see what people have to say.

[badcop]

the layout is a blessing and a curse.  its doesn't look like much but after using it for a while you'll find yourself cursing and getting frustrated that arrows and the home block aren't where they're "supposed" to be on a regular board.  IMO its really the best for me.  YMMV but you really have to try it before you can dismiss it.

If you look at the poker, the costs can add up pretty quickly if you're looking into modding it.
Poker 2 - $110 shipped from MK.com
Thick PBT caps - ~$100 shipped from IMSTO
Springs - ~$10 shipped from sherry
Stickers - ~$10 shipped from techkeys/sherry
SS Plate (if you wanted to go that route) - $25
aluminum case - $200
lube - $10

you're up to $465 already...

[terran5992]

Topre switcehs are the best

[zoolzoo]

Topre switcehs are the best

You mean Thorpe?

[TheSoulhunter]

I like em!

[oscillik]

HHKB is definitely a subjective thing. I personally love mine, both aesthetically and practically. Unfortunately for you, you're very unlikely to actually get to demo one before you pull the trigger on one, so if you really have the itch, you'll have to scratch it and buy.

As Spamray has already mentioned, people tend to like the white ones more so they sell out quicker, and can command a higher price. I personally like my grey one. it's a nice change from the stark black of my Steelseries 7G, and to me looks a bit more 'future-retro'.

[Hypersphere]

I'm just curious because if I have enough money over Christmas time and what not, I play to buy one, I'm just wondering two things really.

1. What is the feel like on the HHKB compared to a MX Cherry switch?
2. I've read a lot of reviews, a lot of them claim that it is the best keyboard out there at the moment etc, I'm just wondering if this statement to be true or are the users saying this because they've spent over $200 for a keyboard?

Also, why on most sites is the Black version of the HHKB a lot, lot cheaper than the white version?

During the past several months, while searching for high-quality keyboards smaller than my IBM Model M or IBM SSK, I tried quite a variety. These included the following: Ducky Shine II mx brown, Filco MJ2 TKL mx blue, CM QFS mx green, vintage Cherry boards with mx white and black, Matias Mini Tactile Pro, KC84 mx blue, Tex Beetle mx blue, Poker II mx blue, Leopold FC660M mx blue, Leopold FC660C Topre 45-gram, and finally, the HHKB Pro 2 with Topre 45-gram.

Out of all of these, my favorites were the IBM SSK, Leopold FC660C, and HHKB Pro2. This selection was based largely on typing feel.

After using the HHKB Pro 2 for a few days, it has become my daily driver. I like the feel of IBM buckling spring and Topre switches much better than that of any Cherry switch I have tried. To me, these switches just feel more satisfying and provide the best feedback for accurate and rapid typing. I chose the HHKB Pro 2 overall because of its favorable combination of typing feel and sound, typing speed and accuracy, efficient layout, and elegant styling.

I do not think that the black version is cheaper than the white version. Be sure you are talking about the HHKB Pro 2 and not the "Lite 2" version, which does not have Topre switches.

I got the black version and put a new set of white and light gray keycaps on it. This gives it a modern look along with legible legends on the keycaps.

In my case, I already had one of the best keyboards ever made, the IBM Model M, but I chose the HHKB Pro 2 as my new primary keyboard.

The only other switch I would like to try is a 55-gram Topre. Unfortunately, this is available only in the Realforce 87u, which is a great keyboard, but it is a TKL and I have found that I prefer a 60% form factor. If PFU issues a Pro 3, I hope it will have a 55-gram Topre option. For now, I am very happy with my HHKB Pro 2.

[ITzNybble]

1. Totally subjective. HHKB feels very much like rubber dome. Super nice rubber dome, but you can find similarly feeling keyboards for less. It's power is in layout and form factor though.
2. Also subjective. I was using HHKB for months as a primary keyboard but it wears rather quick. Doesn't fail, but the feel is very different than the day you buy it, especially on keys you use most (Meta, Fn, Control). Now I only use it when travelling as it's much better than laptop keyboards, and has much more usable layout than Pokers. It's also relatively quiet when working in the office.

^^^^this

[Fragil1ty]

I'm just curious because if I have enough money over Christmas time and what not, I play to buy one, I'm just wondering two things really.

1. What is the feel like on the HHKB compared to a MX Cherry switch?
2. I've read a lot of reviews, a lot of them claim that it is the best keyboard out there at the moment etc, I'm just wondering if this statement to be true or are the users saying this because they've spent over $200 for a keyboard?

Also, why on most sites is the Black version of the HHKB a lot, lot cheaper than the white version?

During the past several months, while searching for high-quality keyboards smaller than my IBM Model M or IBM SSK, I tried quite a variety. These included the following: Ducky Shine II mx brown, Filco MJ2 TKL mx blue, CM QFS mx green, vintage Cherry boards with mx white and black, Matias Mini Tactile Pro, KC84 mx blue, Tex Beetle mx blue, Poker II mx blue, Leopold FC660M mx blue, Leopold FC660C Topre 45-gram, and finally, the HHKB Pro 2 with Topre 45-gram.

Out of all of these, my favorites were the IBM SSK, Leopold FC660C, and HHKB Pro2. This selection was based largely on typing feel.

After using the HHKB Pro 2 for a few days, it has become my daily driver. I like the feel of IBM buckling spring and Topre switches much better than that of any Cherry switch I have tried. To me, these switches just feel more satisfying and provide the best feedback for accurate and rapid typing. I chose the HHKB Pro 2 overall because of its favorable combination of typing feel and sound, typing speed and accuracy, efficient layout, and elegant styling.

I do not think that the black version is cheaper than the white version. Be sure you are talking about the HHKB Pro 2 and not the "Lite 2" version, which does not have Topre switches.

I got the black version and put a new set of white and light gray keycaps on it. This gives it a modern look along with legible legends on the keycaps.

In my case, I already had one of the best keyboards ever made, the IBM Model M, but I chose the HHKB Pro 2 as my new primary keyboard.

The only other switch I would like to try is a 55-gram Topre. Unfortunately, this is available only in the Realforce 87u, which is a great keyboard, but it is a TKL and I have found that I prefer a 60% form factor. If PFU issues a Pro 3, I hope it will have a 55-gram Topre option. For now, I am very happy with my HHKB Pro 2.

Thank you for the lengthy reply and thank all of you because I really want to get this keyboard, it seems to be sublime.

When I stated that I saw them at different prices, I was referring to this:

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2

I then realised that the $400 keyboard was that of the 'Type S' which I don't really know the difference, but I'll be buying the White Printed version if I do ever get one as I've had Black keyboards throughout my whole keyboard history.

I better get saving :>

[rowdy]

I'm just curious because if I have enough money over Christmas time and what not, I play to buy one, I'm just wondering two things really.

1. What is the feel like on the HHKB compared to a MX Cherry switch?
2. I've read a lot of reviews, a lot of them claim that it is the best keyboard out there at the moment etc, I'm just wondering if this statement to be true or are the users saying this because they've spent over $200 for a keyboard?

Also, why on most sites is the Black version of the HHKB a lot, lot cheaper than the white version?

During the past several months, while searching for high-quality keyboards smaller than my IBM Model M or IBM SSK, I tried quite a variety. These included the following: Ducky Shine II mx brown, Filco MJ2 TKL mx blue, CM QFS mx green, vintage Cherry boards with mx white and black, Matias Mini Tactile Pro, KC84 mx blue, Tex Beetle mx blue, Poker II mx blue, Leopold FC660M mx blue, Leopold FC660C Topre 45-gram, and finally, the HHKB Pro 2 with Topre 45-gram.

Out of all of these, my favorites were the IBM SSK, Leopold FC660C, and HHKB Pro2. This selection was based largely on typing feel.

After using the HHKB Pro 2 for a few days, it has become my daily driver. I like the feel of IBM buckling spring and Topre switches much better than that of any Cherry switch I have tried. To me, these switches just feel more satisfying and provide the best feedback for accurate and rapid typing. I chose the HHKB Pro 2 overall because of its favorable combination of typing feel and sound, typing speed and accuracy, efficient layout, and elegant styling.

I do not think that the black version is cheaper than the white version. Be sure you are talking about the HHKB Pro 2 and not the "Lite 2" version, which does not have Topre switches.

I got the black version and put a new set of white and light gray keycaps on it. This gives it a modern look along with legible legends on the keycaps.

In my case, I already had one of the best keyboards ever made, the IBM Model M, but I chose the HHKB Pro 2 as my new primary keyboard.

The only other switch I would like to try is a 55-gram Topre. Unfortunately, this is available only in the Realforce 87u, which is a great keyboard, but it is a TKL and I have found that I prefer a 60% form factor. If PFU issues a Pro 3, I hope it will have a 55-gram Topre option. For now, I am very happy with my HHKB Pro 2.

Thank you for the lengthy reply and thank all of you because I really want to get this keyboard, it seems to be sublime.

When I stated that I saw them at different prices, I was referring to this:

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2

I then realised that the $400 keyboard was that of the 'Type S' which I don't really know the difference, but I'll be buying the White Printed version if I do ever get one as I've had Black keyboards throughout my whole keyboard history.

I better get saving :>

Once you go Topre in general, everything suddenly gets more expensive.

[cactux]

The only way to answer your questions is by trying one. Some people love them, some people do not.  HHKB/Topre is not better nor worst than any other mechanical switch/layout. Is all about preference.

[MJ45]

If HHKB is not your cup of tea you can always sell it in the classifieds for a minimal loss. The only way to find out is to use it for a while.

[Hypersphere]

...
Once you go Topre in general, everything suddenly gets more expensive.

In my case, Topre is not necessarily more expensive than Cherry. For example, I bought a Poker II for $110, but not being satisfied with the keycaps, I bought a dye-sub PBT set for $95 and an aluminum case for $150. The total cost for my upgraded Poker II was $355, not including shipping costs. In contrast, I could be quite happy with a stock white/gray HHKB Pro 2, which costs $260, or a stock white/gray RF 87u, which costs $249. Although the base price for most Topre boards is higher than that of most Cherry boards, the stock RF and HHKB Pro 2 already have reasonably good cases and exceptional dye-sub PBT keycaps. Therefore, although as always YMMV, you might be less inclined to purchase customizations for these Topre boards than you would for Cherry mx boards.

[TimIsABat]

Very subjective, but it doesn't feel like rubber dome, and it doesn't feel like a cherry. It feels like it's own amazingness. The layout may take some getting used to but that is different with every person. I'm relatively used to mine already and I just got it. It's my new main driver so I love this thing. Seriously feels nice on the fingers.

[Exoverture]

I'm enjoying the FC660C quite a bit. Though, I find it a bit fatiguing, but that could be because of issues with my hands atm from long computer use.

To me, the layout is much better than HHKB and it provides a bigger heft which is preferable because it doesn't slide around. I thought that delete key being there was insane, but it proved to be very nice for shift+Del

Oh, and it doesn't feel like rubberdome at all. My school has some nice ones too that were mentioned here (something with an S), and it still doesn't feel as nice as topre.

[Hypersphere]

Very subjective, but it doesn't feel like rubber dome, and it doesn't feel like a cherry. It feels like it's own amazingness. The layout may take some getting used to but that is different with every person. I'm relatively used to mine already and I just got it. It's my new main driver so I love this thing. Seriously feels nice on the fingers.

Welcome to the HHKB club! Looks like you have already adapted well. I am still surprised at how quickly I felt at home with my HHKB Pro 2. I never thought it would displace my IBM SSK, but I am typing on the HHKB now while the IBM sits on the sidelines. Nevertheless, the SSK is one of the world's greatest keyboards, and I intend to keep it in my rotation.

[Hypersphere]

I'm enjoying the FC660C quite a bit. Though, I find it a bit fatiguing, but that could be because of issues with my hands atm from long computer use.

To me, the layout is much better than HHKB and it provides a bigger heft which is preferable because it doesn't slide around. I thought that delete key being there was insane, but it proved to be very nice for shift+Del

Oh, and it doesn't feel like rubberdome at all. My school has some nice ones too that were mentioned here (something with an S), and it still doesn't feel as nice as topre.

Glad you like your Leopold FC660C. It is a good keyboard, and if you prefer a more standard layout, then it would serve you better than the HHKB Pro 2. Before I got my HHKB Pro 2, I thought I would react the same way, but it was as if the HHKB Pro 2 was made for me, and I prefer the look and feel of the smaller and more symmetrical board. Moreover, I do not feel compelled to worry about finding replacement keycaps because the white and light gray dye-sub PBT keycaps look and feel just right. Nevertheless, if I had not liked the HHKB Pro 2 so well, I think I would have adopted the FC660C as the board to alternate with my IBM SSK.