HHKB Pro 2 Love

[Bucake]

^
of course he's gonna say that he prefers the rings that he sells...

Having tried both myself, I'd rather spend less money on the Silencing Rings than spend the extra ~$100+ for the Type-S version.

it was about best result, not best price-to-quality ratio.

but to reply; most people are probably better off getting aftermarket rings, economically-wise.
however, installing the rings takes a lot of time, and some people think it's worth paying extra to have them do it for you at the factory.


unfortunately it's hard to find an unbiased review, especially since very few people own both a Type-S and a HHKB with aftermarket rings installed.

I posted this in the media forum but figured I would share my video recordings of an HHKB unlubed and with lube. The difference is very noticeable. I'm so pleased with the results that I don't have a need for silencing rings.

wow, that's quite a big difference. what lube have you used, and did you only lube the sliders? : )

edit: apparently i have actually damaged my case a little bit. i guess i've screwed in two of the screws a little bit too tightly, and it's caused the plastic holes to split apart, slightly. i didn't see it happen so i don't know for sure that it was me, but i doubt it came like this from the factory. so yeah, there's a tip: be gentle when screwing the PCB back on!

[OfTheWild]

I posted this in the media forum but figured I would share my video recordings of an HHKB unlubed and with lube. The difference is very noticeable. I'm so pleased with the results that I don't have a need for silencing rings.

Thats some ASMR stuff right there!   
It definitely sounds really close to me.. maybe a bit less "clink" on the rebound. But if its a smoother action, thats impressive on an already smooth "thunk" type of a board.

[retrochick]

I posted this in the media forum but figured I would share my video recordings of an HHKB unlubed and with lube. The difference is very noticeable. I'm so pleased with the results that I don't have a need for silencing rings.

wow, that's quite a big difference. what lube have you used, and did you only lube the sliders? : )

I used krytox 103 and lubed sliders and stabs.

[Latin00032]

^
of course he's gonna say that he prefers the rings that he sells...

Boom roasted. I ended up buying a normal one and a set of rings. I will probably buy a Type-S to compare it to. While he may be just saying that he likes them better, since he sells them, it seems there are many fans of the Hypersphere rings around here.

I just bought a set of hypersphere rings. Lets see how they work after I get them in my hhkb.

[livingspeedbump]

I can't say EXACTLY when yet, but look for the interview with Professor Eiiti Wada to show up sometime this week 

[ideus]

I can't say EXACTLY when yet, but look for the interview with Professor Eiiti Wada to show up sometime this week 

He is an awesome man that appears not aware of the celebrity level he has within keyboard aficionados. I wrote him this year to ask if he knows about an improved version of the HHKB and he said he is not involve with the manufacturer/designer anymore. It would be great to read your interview.

[livingspeedbump]

I can't say EXACTLY when yet, but look for the interview with Professor Eiiti Wada to show up sometime this week 

He is an awesome man that appears not aware of the celebrity level he has within keyboard aficionados. I wrote him this year to ask if he knows about an improved version of the HHKB and he said he is not involve with the manufacturer/designer anymore. It would be great to read your interview.

One of the most humble and down to Earth people I've ever spoken too for sure. And yeah, it did seem like he was unaware of how much some of us really do still love the HHKB. Very few keyboards have such a dedicated following as it.

[Hypersphere]

^
of course he's gonna say that he prefers the rings that he sells...

I truly have tried to be objective, although clearly there is a reason for anyone to suspect bias. Of course, anyone can do a comparison for himself. The effect of the rings is similar between a Type-S HHKB and DIY-silenced HHKB, but I have noticed on my Type-S that the silencing seems not quite as even across the board as I have gotten with DIY silencing. I have not been able to do a comparison between a factory-silenced RF87U and DIY-silenced RF87U because I do not have a factory-silenced model, but I can say that silencing produces dramatic results. The before and after is the most dramatic on the CM Novatouch.

In fact, as others have discovered, there is a major improvement to be realized in Topre-switch keyboards by lubing the stabilizers and sliders. I have recently gotten the best results using Superlube 51010 oil. I apply it sparingly to just the slider rails using a small paintbrush. I do not put oil on the cylindrical part of the slider or switch housing. I also lubricate the plastic and metal contact points in the stabilzers. Finally, I have found that the spacebar sound can be deadened by placing self-adhesive squares of anti-skid foam rubber strips on top of the plate under the spacebar on each side of the spacebar switch.

So, for the best overall silencing, either install silencing rings or start with a Type-S, but also lube the stabilizers and switches and consider putting shock absorbers under the spacebar as well.

[livingspeedbump]

^
of course he's gonna say that he prefers the rings that he sells...

I truly have tried to be objective, although clearly there is a reason for anyone to suspect bias. Of course, anyone can do a comparison for himself. The effect of the rings is similar between a Type-S HHKB and DIY-silenced HHKB, but I have noticed on my Type-S that the silencing seems not quite as even across the board as I have gotten with DIY silencing. I have not been able to do a comparison between a factory-silenced RF87U and DIY-silenced RF87U because I do not have a factory-silenced model, but I can say that silencing produces dramatic results. The before and after is the most dramatic on the CM Novatouch.

In fact, as others have discovered, there is a major improvement to be realized in Topre-switch keyboards by lubing the stabilizers and sliders. I have recently gotten the best results using Superlube 51010 oil. I apply it sparingly to just the slider rails using a small paintbrush. I do not put oil on the cylindrical part of the slider or switch housing. I also lubricate the plastic and metal contact points in the stabilzers. Finally, I have found that the spacebar sound can be deadened by placing self-adhesive squares of anti-skid foam rubber strips on top of the plate under the spacebar on each side of the spacebar switch.

So, for the best overall silencing, either install silencing rings or start with a Type-S, but also lube the stabilizers and switches and consider putting shock absorbers under the spacebar as well.

I can also be found to have stated numerous times in the past that I prefer Hypersphere rings over the Type-S, and I don't sell them

For me, pricing is important. I don't find the Type-S to be worth the cost, when Landing Pads and Hypersphere rings are an option. I had a Type-S for a long time, and just didn't ever love it. And for me to keep a $300+ keyboard, I have to LOVE it. Mine had whistling issues and generally wasn't great.

I also had silenced Pro's/Pro 2's with Hypersphere rings and EK Pads to compare. THe EK Pads can work quite well, but they take a ton of time and effort to get perfect. Ironing them, making sure they are all even, and trimming them can take hours for an HHKB, I wouldn't have the time to even consider using them on a RF. In the end, they do sound/feel pretty good. Hypersphere rings, while a bit pricier, are a better option than the EK Pads and the Type S IMO. They feel great, sound great, and generally get the job done.

Also, as Hypershere mentioned, there are benefits to DIY silencing as well. I also lube all of my Topre boards, so I end up having to take them apart anyways, meaning I might as well DIY silence them while I'm at it and save some money.

[livingspeedbump]

Also, totally agree the Novatouch benefits the most from ANY silencing. It had quite a rattle to it and is unquestionably the loudest stock Topre board out there. I remember when they used to come with O-rings for silencing (not sure if that is still a thing?) but can attest to the fact that o-rings are the worst on Topre boards. Unlike Cherry boards, you obviously install them underneath the housing like the rest of the silencing methods, and they absolutely kill the travel distance and general feel of the keyboard 

[derb2k2]

having tried all known silencing mods for topre, I can safely say that Hypersphere's has worked best not only in terms of silencing, but also retaining the tactility (hardly affecting distance traveled) and feel of the unmodded topre switch. Was able to finally get rid of the damned dental bands 

I have a RF87 on the way so I'm going to order another set soon.

[Bucake]

I can also be found to have stated numerous times in the past that I prefer Hypersphere rings over the Type-S

For me, pricing is important.

there are benefits to DIY silencing as well.

so, do you prefer hypersphere rings over the type-s because of the cost and "benefits", or do you think they actually make the board sound or/and feel better than a type-s?

[Hypersphere]

@Bucake: I've only tried one Type-S HHKB, and an "n" of 1 is insufficient for a statistical analysis, but based on the one Type-S that I tried in comparison to 3 standard HHKBs that I have modded with silencing rings, I did not like the Type-S as well in terms of sound and feel. In fact, I contacted EliteKeyboards about the uneven sound and feel of the keys in the Type-S, and they told me that this was typical. There is also the cost consideration, but the cost should include more than the cost of parts. You also need to put a value on your time and effort. When you do this, you might conclude that it is better to buy a ready-made Type-S rather than going to all the time and trouble of doing it yourself.

Since the time that I have done the silencing mod on my HHKBs, I have done 3 Novatouch and 3 RF87U keyboards. Each time the result seems better. My most recent one was a RF87UB55; in addition to installing the rings, I lubed the stabilizers and all the switches with Superlube 51010 oil, and I put foam rubber shock absorbers under the spacebar. I also replaced the ABS spacebar with a PBT spacebar (from matt3o's efforts). I am typing on this RF now, and I really like how smooth and quiet it is.

[bocahgundul]

It really is so much better than the type s that my friend have. the sound and the feel is much better and no whistling issue. i think its because the lube I use but who really knows 

[OfTheWild]

@Bucake: I've only tried one Type-S HHKB, and an "n" of 1 is insufficient for a statistical analysis, but based on the one Type-S that I tried in comparison to 3 standard HHKBs that I have modded with silencing rings, I did not like the Type-S as well in terms of sound and feel. In fact, I contacted EliteKeyboards about the uneven sound and feel of the keys in the Type-S, and they told me that this was typical. There is also the cost consideration, but the cost should include more than the cost of parts. You also need to put a value on your time and effort. When you do this, you might conclude that it is better to buy a ready-made Type-S rather than going to all the time and trouble of doing it yourself.

Since the time that I have done the silencing mod on my HHKBs, I have done 3 Novatouch and 3 RF87U keyboards. Each time the result seems better. My most recent one was a RF87UB55; in addition to installing the rings, I lubed the stabilizers and all the switches with Superlube 51010 oil, and I put foam rubber shock absorbers under the spacebar. I also replaced the ABS spacebar with a PBT spacebar (from matt3o's efforts). I am typing on this RF now, and I really like how smooth and quiet it is.

Was there a noticeable difference in the key change to the PBT? Is it simply that the material is thicker and thus has a lower sound?

[bocahgundul]

@Bucake: I've only tried one Type-S HHKB, and an "n" of 1 is insufficient for a statistical analysis, but based on the one Type-S that I tried in comparison to 3 standard HHKBs that I have modded with silencing rings, I did not like the Type-S as well in terms of sound and feel. In fact, I contacted EliteKeyboards about the uneven sound and feel of the keys in the Type-S, and they told me that this was typical. There is also the cost consideration, but the cost should include more than the cost of parts. You also need to put a value on your time and effort. When you do this, you might conclude that it is better to buy a ready-made Type-S rather than going to all the time and trouble of doing it yourself.

Since the time that I have done the silencing mod on my HHKBs, I have done 3 Novatouch and 3 RF87U keyboards. Each time the result seems better. My most recent one was a RF87UB55; in addition to installing the rings, I lubed the stabilizers and all the switches with Superlube 51010 oil, and I put foam rubber shock absorbers under the spacebar. I also replaced the ABS spacebar with a PBT spacebar (from matt3o's efforts). I am typing on this RF now, and I really like how smooth and quiet it is.

Was there a noticeable difference in the key change to the PBT? Is it simply that the material is thicker and thus has a lower sound?

Yep there is some notabel difference it makes a deeper sound

[DAVYtm]

@Bucake: I've only tried one Type-S HHKB, and an "n" of 1 is insufficient for a statistical analysis, but based on the one Type-S that I tried in comparison to 3 standard HHKBs that I have modded with silencing rings, I did not like the Type-S as well in terms of sound and feel. In fact, I contacted EliteKeyboards about the uneven sound and feel of the keys in the Type-S, and they told me that this was typical. There is also the cost consideration, but the cost should include more than the cost of parts. You also need to put a value on your time and effort. When you do this, you might conclude that it is better to buy a ready-made Type-S rather than going to all the time and trouble of doing it yourself.

Since the time that I have done the silencing mod on my HHKBs, I have done 3 Novatouch and 3 RF87U keyboards. Each time the result seems better. My most recent one was a RF87UB55; in addition to installing the rings, I lubed the stabilizers and all the switches with Superlube 51010 oil, and I put foam rubber shock absorbers under the spacebar. I also replaced the ABS spacebar with a PBT spacebar (from matt3o's efforts). I am typing on this RF now, and I really like how smooth and quiet it is.

Was there a noticeable difference in the key change to the PBT? Is it simply that the material is thicker and thus has a lower sound?

Yep there is some notabel difference it makes a deeper sound

The smoothness of the ABS is something I really dislike, the PBT spacebar makes such a huge difference in feel for me

[Moratorius]

I used krytox 103 and lubed sliders and stabs.

Do you have any concerns about the consistency?  I've seen others mix 103 with 205 grease.

[trenzafeeds]

I'm enjoying mine a bit more.

[ajx]

^
of course he's gonna say that he prefers the rings that he sells...

Having tried both myself, I'd rather spend less money on the Silencing Rings than spend the extra ~$100+ for the Type-S version.

it was about best result, not best price-to-quality ratio.

but to reply; most people are probably better off getting aftermarket rings, economically-wise.
however, installing the rings takes a lot of time, and some people think it's worth paying extra to have them do it for you at the factory.


unfortunately it's hard to find an unbiased review, especially since very few people own both a Type-S and a HHKB with aftermarket rings installed.

I posted this in the media forum but figured I would share my video recordings of an HHKB unlubed and with lube. The difference is very noticeable. I'm so pleased with the results that I don't have a need for silencing rings.

wow, that's quite a big difference. what lube have you used, and did you only lube the sliders? : )

edit: apparently i have actually damaged my case a little bit. i guess i've screwed in two of the screws a little bit too tightly, and it's caused the plastic holes to split apart, slightly. i didn't see it happen so i don't know for sure that it was me, but i doubt it came like this from the factory. so yeah, there's a tip: be gentle when screwing the PCB back on!

Those screw holes on both side i assume?
I did same thing, one of those screw hole has been cracked, i don't think it would change anything

[dgneo]

it was about best result, not best price-to-quality ratio.

Yep, still standing by what I've said.

[livingspeedbump]

https://www.keychatter.com/2016/01/04/interview-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/


FINALLY the interview has been published on Massdrop!

[alexjd99]

https://www.keychatter.com/2016/01/04/interview-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/


FINALLY the interview has been published on Massdrop!

That was awesome! Thanks for doing this for all of us, it was a great read 

[DAVYtm]

https://www.keychatter.com/2016/01/04/interview-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/


FINALLY the interview has been published on Massdrop!

Great work as always man, fantastic read!

[livingspeedbump]

https://www.keychatter.com/2016/01/04/interview-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/


FINALLY the interview has been published on Massdrop!

Great work as always man, fantastic read!

THanks! Glad it finally paid off. Took a while to back and forth with him with edits and stuff because he is so busy and probably had to get some of what we were asking translated. We also didn't want to put the interview out with something like the Metal Case and make it seem like we were using the interview to sell something, that would be no good haha

[Madeupword]

Purchased, and best keyboard I've used. Was able to enter UEFI BIOS. In Mac mode with swapped Backspace, able to use media keys without additional software in OS X. Fluid on both Windows and Mac, great continuity from the Apple Wireless Keyboard. Actually adapted to navigation cluster quicker to Backspace placement. Now to look for one white Topre PBT spacebar.

Currently looking at the Magic Keyboard to replace the Apple Wireless Keyboard, but at $99, I'm contemplating to purchase another HHKB Pro 2.

[rowdy]

https://www.keychatter.com/2016/01/04/interview-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/


FINALLY the interview has been published on Massdrop!

Fantastic!

Why am I not surprised that the Professor has a Mac mini, RPi and Macbook Air - all great accompaniments to an HHKB.

[OfTheWild]

https://www.keychatter.com/2016/01/04/interview-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/


FINALLY the interview has been published on Massdrop!

Great work as always man, fantastic read!

THanks! Glad it finally paid off. Took a while to back and forth with him with edits and stuff because he is so busy and probably had to get some of what we were asking translated. We also didn't want to put the interview out with something like the Metal Case and make it seem like we were using the interview to sell something, that would be no good haha

Thats really cool! Thanks for posting it up.

[whmeltonjr]

https://www.keychatter.com/2016/01/04/interview-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/


FINALLY the interview has been published on Massdrop!

Great stuff! Wish one of the community questions would've been about which switch he preferred between the OG HHKB and the current variation.

[demik]

https://www.keychatter.com/2016/01/04/interview-professor-eiiti-wada-creator-of-the-hhkb/


FINALLY the interview has been published on Massdrop!

ctrl + f "demik wants you to adopt him" 0 of 0 found


much disappoint

[bocahgundul]

^
of course he's gonna say that he prefers the rings that he sells...

Having tried both myself, I'd rather spend less money on the Silencing Rings than spend the extra ~$100+ for the Type-S version.

it was about best result, not best price-to-quality ratio.

but to reply; most people are probably better off getting aftermarket rings, economically-wise.
however, installing the rings takes a lot of time, and some people think it's worth paying extra to have them do it for you at the factory.


unfortunately it's hard to find an unbiased review, especially since very few people own both a Type-S and a HHKB with aftermarket rings installed.

I posted this in the media forum but figured I would share my video recordings of an HHKB unlubed and with lube. The difference is very noticeable. I'm so pleased with the results that I don't have a need for silencing rings.

wow, that's quite a big difference. what lube have you used, and did you only lube the sliders? : )

edit: apparently i have actually damaged my case a little bit. i guess i've screwed in two of the screws a little bit too tightly, and it's caused the plastic holes to split apart, slightly. i didn't see it happen so i don't know for sure that it was me, but i doubt it came like this from the factory. so yeah, there's a tip: be gentle when screwing the PCB back on!

Those screw holes on both side i assume?
I did same thing, one of those screw hole has been cracked, i don't think it would change anything

Yep me too.

[livingspeedbump]

ironed landing pads from EK
I don't know about the type s feeling but from i ve watched on youtube, i prefer the silenced modded HHKB

Mine looks pretty similar to this although its modded in 55g

The only thing i dislike on my silenced mod, its keys feels like having little friction on some keys when you type softly and try to not bottom out

Ha, i thought the back of those hands looked familiar. Maybe there is something to that saying...

[bocahgundul]

Just need some artisan to make my board end game hhkb . Trying to sold this board but in the end I can't part away with this board, silly me said that custom will be better than hhkb  )

[Ryukuxyz]

Picked up one of these last month. Absolutely love it; it's my new daily driver. The layout is literally perfect for me with dip switches 3 and 5 on.

[bocahgundul]

Picked up one of these last month. Absolutely love it; it's my new daily driver. The layout is literally perfect for me with dip switches 3 and 5 on.

You should get hasu controller to make it better 
I use the BT one and couldn't be any happier 

[livingspeedbump]

Picked up one of these last month. Absolutely love it; it's my new daily driver. The layout is literally perfect for me with dip switches 3 and 5 on.

You should get hasu controller to make it better 
I use the BT one and couldn't be any happier 

I had one and never used it. Still have the controller somewhere around here. The layout just didn't need any further changes as far as i was concerned. Great product though.

[bocahgundul]

Picked up one of these last month. Absolutely love it; it's my new daily driver. The layout is literally perfect for me with dip switches 3 and 5 on.

You should get hasu controller to make it better 
I use the BT one and couldn't be any happier 

I had one and never used it. Still have the controller somewhere around here. The layout just didn't need any further changes as far as i was concerned. Great product though.

I use it because I use dvorak so whenever I use someone else computer I don't need to change setting in the computer just plug and play 

[jerue]

Just need some artisan to make my board end game hhkb . Trying to sold this board but in the end I can't part away with this board, silly me said that custom will be better than hhkb  )

*still wants to buy KMAC and 5k 


As much as I want to debate trying out a HHKB again I don't think I can deal with the plastic

I'd probably go 55g and if possible acquire a silenced Realforce or 2 for the sliders.

Aluminum RF > all

[bocahgundul]

Just need some artisan to make my board end game hhkb . Trying to sold this board but in the end I can't part away with this board, silly me said that custom will be better than hhkb  )

*still wants to buy KMAC and 5k 


As much as I want to debate trying out a HHKB again I don't think I can deal with the plastic

I'd probably go 55g and if possible acquire a silenced Realforce or 2 for the sliders.

Aluminum RF > all

Yep i've decided to keep topre. I never tried alu realforce because the case is near impossible to find  where do you find yours? Yep 5k and custom or model f to finish my addiction 

[bocahgundul]

I want to ask you guys do your hhkb make some spring sound? cause mine does

[rowdy]

I want to ask you guys do your hhkb make some spring sound? cause mine does

When typing?  Nope.

[bocahgundul]

I want to ask you guys do your hhkb make some spring sound? cause mine does

When typing?  Nope.

fixed it. Its because the screw on the pcb are not screwed nicely

[rowdy]

I want to ask you guys do your hhkb make some spring sound? cause mine does

When typing?  Nope.

fixed it. Its because the screw on the pcb are not screwed nicely

Easy fixes are good

[ajx]

Tightening screws until you feel a resistance right?

[bocahgundul]

Tightening screws until you feel a resistance right?

Yep

[DaveW]

I bought my HHKB second-hand and the only flaw that I've seen is this broken middle tab on the front of the case. It doesn't affect the device at all but I'd like to fix it if I can. What would be the best way to repair this?

[livingspeedbump]

I bought my HHKB second-hand and the only flaw that I've seen is this broken middle tab on the front of the case. It doesn't affect the device at all but I'd like to fix it if I can. What would be the best way to repair this?

Show Image

Id start with just a touch of epoxy.

[meow a cat]

My lovely HHKB. 

[heedpantsnow]

I bought my HHKB second-hand and the only flaw that I've seen is this broken middle tab on the front of the case. It doesn't affect the device at all but I'd like to fix it if I can. What would be the best way to repair this?

Show Image

Id start with just a touch of epoxy.

Be careful with any glue that is low-viscosity. Like don't use super glue. Some good two-part epoxy, mixed together, then applied with a toothpick would work I think.

[DaveW]

I bought my HHKB second-hand and the only flaw that I've seen is this broken middle tab on the front of the case. It doesn't affect the device at all but I'd like to fix it if I can. What would be the best way to repair this?

Show Image

Id start with just a touch of epoxy.

Be careful with any glue that is low-viscosity. Like don't use super glue. Some good two-part epoxy, mixed together, then applied with a toothpick would work I think.

Thanks guys. I figured it would be some type of epoxy but was worried about using the wrong thing.