HHKB purchasing questions

[steve.v]

I would like to purchase a HHKB Pro 2 and I was wondering if there are any good web stores that sells these boards. I was able to find elitekeyboard.com and they look promising. I just hope I don't get sent one that has been on display, opened or used. Are there any credible official affiliated websites that sells Topre keyboards?

[intelli78]

As far as I know, EK is the exclusive U.S. distributor. There is literally nothing to worry about if you order from them, though, they aren't going to send you a used keyboard. I have placed multiple orders with them and never had a problem.

That said, you might be able to save money if you order from Japan using WhiteRabbitExpress or another proxy. The dollar-yen exchange rate is quite favorable right now.

[steve.v]

Thank you. Are there any additional features to the type-S, other than the quiet mod, to the professional 2 series?

[jabar]

no the type-s is a very simple change, no other features, for a hefty markup

you can look on amazon for Japanese market HHKB options, might be cheaper than EK. I would also suggest you look into the FC660C as a HHKB alternative.

[intelli78]

Some people say the keys on the type-S are slightly straighter, or that there's a slightly different feel to the keys' travel, but that's all pretty hard to quantify. The only advertised difference is the silence mod.

[intelli78]

FC660C as a HHKB alternative.

A reasonable suggestion, but IMO the case-mounted switches of the HHKB provide a much more fun / "alive" typing experience than the Leo. The Leo is a well-built unit, but a bit boring to type on compared to the HHKB, I think.

[dustinhxc]

Some say the Type S is smoother to press then a normal hhkb pro 2 with dental bands (for silencing yourself) Since they are $44 off it is tempting to try one out.. If only they made it in dark grey. But yeah Elitekeyboards.com ships with amazing packaging! I love ordering from them. I love my dark grey model though. Works great. Type S has a Type S logo and little foam pads inside under the plungers.

[SaySo]

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[dustinhxc]

Hi,

I bought my hhkb type-s from EK, the packaging is great and the keyboard was brand new with a seal on the box.
The shipping was very fast, but the package stayed 10 days at customs (100€ for the taxes... outch).

Ouch! So I still havent had to pay taxes on any imported items, do they mail you a invoice or something?

[SaySo]

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[dustinhxc]

Hi,

I bought my hhkb type-s from EK, the packaging is great and the keyboard was brand new with a seal on the box.
The shipping was very fast, but the package stayed 10 days at customs (100€ for the taxes... outch).

Ouch! So I still havent had to pay taxes on any imported items, do they mail you a invoice or something?

Here in Belgium, more than 22€ you have to pay taxes. My package was sent via USPS so it was delivered by local post agency (BePost). The declared value was written on the package, so they calculate the taxes with that. It was my package against 106€ ^^
I bought my Caselabs S3 (with options) for approximatively the same price and it was sent by UPS, I remember that I had to pay less taxes (66€).

So does this mean you pay the taxes when you pick up your item or they send you an invoice?

[SaySo]

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[dustinhxc]

So does this mean you pay the taxes when you pick up your item or they send you an invoice?

For my HHKB, I paid taxes when I pick up my item.
For my caselabs, UPS sent me an invoice (with courier, they paid the taxes for you for faster delivery, but they claim it after that).

Oh ok, good to know, thanks!

[thirdkind]

Another satisfied EK customer here. I've ordered 4 keyboards, several sets of keycaps, and some wrist rests from them and they've all arrived very well packed and in perfect condition. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again (and I will, because there's no such thing as "done" in this hobby).

[Shikarikato]

If you do intend to buy a Type-S you're probably better off just grabbing it off of Amazon.jp or from PFU direct.

[eth0s]

Well, the Type-S is down to $365 (USD) at EK.  http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400wns

Why did you guys make me look that up?  Now i want to buy another one.  Damn, Damn, DAMN.  I don't need another one, but I WANT another one so bad.

@OP:  I say get the Type-S.  Just do it.  Swoosh.   

[Macsmasher]

We had a discussion last year about whether the silent Topre switch was any different than what you could mod yourself. The silent switch housing is different (purple) from the standard. I think we figured that the purple switch housing was engineered to accommodate the silencing material (whatever that is) to maintain the same key travel as the standard switch.

[Polymer]

Yes..the purple plunger is slightly different..it has space to accommodate the extra bit the ring is going to use...

All of the mods to normal topre switches will have their travel reduced because they lack that extra bit...

[dustinhxc]

Type-S is down to $356. Or you can get the normal for $260 and some Lube.

[naasfu]

At least for CONUS people, HHKBs are cheaper through Amazon.co.jp + Tenso proxy.  However, EK gives you a 2 year warranty service.  No idea what the options are if a Japan-purchased HHKB has issues.

What I did was order my HHKB board from EK, and lots of shiny accessories (keycaps, acrylic wrist rest, blue+red Esc+Control key pack) from Japan through Tenso.  EK shipped my board out super-fast.  It arrives tomorrow. 

I would have ordered the Type-S, but it only comes in white.

[Shikarikato]

Well you are in the same state as EK, so your shipping should be super fast. It's a 1 year warranty about everywhere else, but EK has a 2 year somehow.
If you are going to get a Type-S you should definitely look into using a proxy.

[naasfu]

Well you are in the same state as EK, so your shipping should be super fast. It's a 1 year warranty about everywhere else, but EK has a 2 year somehow.
If you are going to get a Type-S you should definitely look into using a proxy.

Ah, by fast I meant that I placed an order on Sunday, and EK shipped out the very next day.

Does anyone know if you are covered by warranty if you order from Japan?  I found some post earlier on saying something about it being valid for Japan only.