HHKB Pro 2

[Fragil1ty]

Is this keyboard worth getting if I'm primarily going to be using it for gaming? as the only things that I'm concerned about at the moment is the fact that it has no arrow keys (dedicated) and no F-keys (dedicated), so I'd have to use the FN key + the key that I'd like to use.

I've also read up that the HHKB is not the best option because of the fact that it has limited  NKRO.

So yeah my question still stands, is this a viable keyboard for gaming?

[Belfong]

If you search this board, there are many threads with this exact topic so, um, take it over there?

[Fragil1ty]

If you search this board, there are many threads with this exact topic so, um, take it over there?

Searched and didn't find any, so go crawl back in your hole.

[Belfong]

Your search fu sucks.
Here it is:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55503


I realize the topic is not obvious but then again, your topic was generic too. No wonder you can't find.

[jakkdl]

I've found that the built-in search is pretty bad, a google search with

Code: [Select]

relevant search terms site:geekhack.orgworks way better

[riotonthebay]

Searched and didn't find any, so go crawl back in your hole.

Please don't be rude

[atlas3686]

Topre switches are generally not well liked for gaming, personally I enjoy them and don't have any trouble gaming on them but it really depends how serious a gamer you are. The HHKB is a pleasure to type on and a phenomenal board in general. If you would like some more opinions use the search as indicated.

[varslot]

I don't mind using topre for gaming, because it's delicious to press down the keys. For the layout it depends on what kind of game you're playing. I mainly play FPS, so I don't use that many macro keys, but if you're playing RTS like StarCraft... You know the drill.

My suggestion is: try it. You can sell it for almost the exact price you payed for it anyway.

[mljs54]

Really not worth stressing over.  I game perfectly fine on all my Topre boards, including my HHKB Type-S (and on a regular HHKB Pro 2 prior to that).  5+ hrs of Titanfall yesterday.  In fact, a Type-S feels pretty damn amazing to game on.  If you really need dedicated F keys and like Topre, just get a Realforce 87U.

IMO, you should base your decision on 1) the HHKB layout for typing/coding/etc and 2) whether you like how HHKB Topres feel vs those on a Realforce.  If you don't like the layout, there's no point spending $200+ on a HHKB.

[RESPRiT]

I did lots of research on the HHKB and a bit on Topre (although I had already tried it first hand) before getting one. I don't know how to explain this, but basically the layout just felt right once I got it. The fn takes a bit of getting used to, but the arrow keys are remarkably natural, in fact I almost prefer them because I don't have to use them as much. I can only imagine using dedicated arrow keys for gaming, but I game on a cherry board anyways. You didn't mention it, but it was one of my concerns at first: the control placement. I am SO glad they put the control in the capslock place. It was really easy to get used to and feel a lot better than having it in the bottom. Overall, I think the HHKB is a safe board to pull the trigger on, and if worst comes to worst, it has a nice resale value.

[dustinhxc]

I use the Leo FC660C myself for gaming.

[rowdy]

I game on almost everything.  HHKB I find a bit too light - so often I see my character repeatedly jumping for no reason, and it turns out my thumb is resting a little too heavily on the space bar.

[Puddsy]

It mostly comes down to the kind of games you primarily play.

Are you an RTS player? Topre probably isn't for you. A few notable players have said that they dislike Topre when compared to MX blues or even rubber domes. The majority of these players said that it feels like too much of a "middle ground" in comparison to MX or rubber dome. Usually one or the other is preferred.

Are you an ARTS/MOBA player? It matters less than you think here. Mouse is a much bigger component in these types of games, but the keyboard certainly still matters. I'm personally of the opinion that MX switches are better, but some Chinese DotA pros swear by their realforce keyboards.

Are you an FPS player? MX reds/blacks. I've never met a CS player who uses anything else. Most TF2 players (and I know a lot of those) use MX reds/blacks as well, but I've talked to some that use MX blues as well. There's no question here.

Anyway, that's my $0.02, so take it how you will. Don't swear by this post, I'm biased against Topre. I know plenty of casual (read: not playing for money) gamers use Topre with no problem.

I use MX reds mostly, but MX blues and browns do make appearances in my gaming rotation.

[AKIMbO]

I swear by the HHKB for CSGO.  You can't float the switch like you can on mx, but stutter stepping on topre is easier imo.

[epzy]

It mostly comes down to the kind of games you primarily play.

Are you an RTS player? Topre probably isn't for you. A few notable players have said that they dislike Topre when compared to MX blues or even rubber domes. The majority of these players said that it feels like too much of a "middle ground" in comparison to MX or rubber dome. Usually one or the other is preferred.

Are you an ARTS/MOBA player? It matters less than you think here. Mouse is a much bigger component in these types of games, but the keyboard certainly still matters. I'm personally of the opinion that MX switches are better, but some Chinese DotA pros swear by their realforce keyboards.

Are you an FPS player? MX reds/blacks. I've never met a CS player who uses anything else. Most TF2 players (and I know a lot of those) use MX reds/blacks as well, but I've talked to some that use MX blues as well. There's no question here.

Anyway, that's my $0.02, so take it how you will. Don't swear by this post, I'm biased against Topre. I know plenty of casual (read: not playing for money) gamers use Topre with no problem.

I use MX reds mostly, but MX blues and browns do make appearances in my gaming rotation.

H2k Rubino uses G710+.

[Bucake]

i'm absolutely loving my KBT Pure Pro for (fps) gaming. i have mine with pbts and red switches.
it's an awesomely sturdy (plate-mounted) keyboard (and also is a 60% keyboard, like the HHBK) and, as a bonus, this keyboard has dedicated arrow keys.

personally i am not a fan of the small backspace key, and the delete key is bigger than i need it to be, so i'd have preferred to have them them switched. the right shift is an 1x1 as well (like the backspace key). obviously this is because of the dedicated arrow keys there.

if your aim is gaming (rather than typing alot like coding) then i'm sure, like me, you will get used to the smaller backspace and rshift keys.
but if your game(s) require(s) you to use the the F-keys very frequently, then i would suggest a keyboard which has a dedicated row for it.

it's preference, but i figured i'd share my experience :j

[Pacifist]

This question has been asked so many times, its even in the FAQ of the Simple Questions Simple Answers thread

• Can I play video games on a RealForce/HHKB? Up to FAQ

Yes, it shouldn't hinder your abilities in any manner. I follow the StarCraft 2 professional scene and I know for a fact that TT1 and MC both have used RealForce keyboards in competition.
 

[Polymer]

It mostly comes down to the kind of games you primarily play.

Are you an RTS player? Topre probably isn't for you. A few notable players have said that they dislike Topre when compared to MX blues or even rubber domes. The majority of these players said that it feels like too much of a "middle ground" in comparison to MX or rubber dome. Usually one or the other is preferred.

Are you an ARTS/MOBA player? It matters less than you think here. Mouse is a much bigger component in these types of games, but the keyboard certainly still matters. I'm personally of the opinion that MX switches are better, but some Chinese DotA pros swear by their realforce keyboards.

Are you an FPS player? MX reds/blacks. I've never met a CS player who uses anything else. Most TF2 players (and I know a lot of those) use MX reds/blacks as well, but I've talked to some that use MX blues as well. There's no question here.

Anyway, that's my $0.02, so take it how you will. Don't swear by this post, I'm biased against Topre. I know plenty of casual (read: not playing for money) gamers use Topre with no problem.

I use MX reds mostly, but MX blues and browns do make appearances in my gaming rotation.

I love Topre for typing but agree with everything you said...

Topre can be used for gaming but something doesn't feel right with it for me...Others might love it but you really don't see a lot of pros use them and I'm going to guess the reason is feel..and I don't mean how it feels when pressing it (although FPS I can see why you want linear) but when you bottom out.  The same feel of Topre when you hit bottom where it feels a bit more organic vs. Cherry MX is the same reason why I think Cherry MX feels better for gaming..Topre doesn't seem mashable or doesn't feel right when you hit bottom many times in a row..there is something almost arcade like w/ cherry...I don't know..I'm doing a pretty poor job of describing it but that is sort of how I'm thinking of it anyways..

[Bucake]

how about the Race / Race 2? i believe they are both slightly lengthier than hhkb, but do have an F-row and dedicated arrow keys.

[Fragil1ty]

Okay, thank you all for your kind answers.


Currently in the works of buying one (the black model) and just wanted to know really as I don't want to spend that amount of  money without doing extensive research and what not.


I currently type/game on Reds, I use the function keys for league, I play mainly mobas/fps games etc, so it shouldn't be that much of a huge problem.

[varslot]

It mostly comes down to the kind of games you primarily play.

Are you an RTS player? Topre probably isn't for you. A few notable players have said that they dislike Topre when compared to MX blues or even rubber domes. The majority of these players said that it feels like too much of a "middle ground" in comparison to MX or rubber dome. Usually one or the other is preferred.

Are you an ARTS/MOBA player? It matters less than you think here. Mouse is a much bigger component in these types of games, but the keyboard certainly still matters. I'm personally of the opinion that MX switches are better, but some Chinese DotA pros swear by their realforce keyboards.

Are you an FPS player? MX reds/blacks. I've never met a CS player who uses anything else. Most TF2 players (and I know a lot of those) use MX reds/blacks as well, but I've talked to some that use MX blues as well. There's no question here.

Anyway, that's my $0.02, so take it how you will. Don't swear by this post, I'm biased against Topre. I know plenty of casual (read: not playing for money) gamers use Topre with no problem.

I use MX reds mostly, but MX blues and browns do make appearances in my gaming rotation.

H2k Rubino uses G710+.

I used to play CS with him back in the glory days of 1.6. I don't think he cares too much about his equipmen TBH. As long as it works and is stable, he's happy I guess.

Black/reds = most common for gaming, but I think the reason is simply because people don't care too much about keyboards in genereal. Why use 3x the price on something they don't care about? And when they first get a mechanical keyboard, it's probably gonna be one of the most known manufacturer like SteelSeries who only offer red and black. Or they type "best switch for gaming" in Google (you know what they'll find, and they just go with it.).

It's all about preference. I enjoy gaming on blues, but black is also good. Red is too light for me, and I haven't tried browns enough to have an opinion about them for gaming.
I think I could game on any switch, and I wouln't feel any difference in my performance, as long as I'm used to it. And I really do consider myself as a long time hardcore gamer on a semi-competative level.

[Fragil1ty]

It mostly comes down to the kind of games you primarily play.

Are you an RTS player? Topre probably isn't for you. A few notable players have said that they dislike Topre when compared to MX blues or even rubber domes. The majority of these players said that it feels like too much of a "middle ground" in comparison to MX or rubber dome. Usually one or the other is preferred.

Are you an ARTS/MOBA player? It matters less than you think here. Mouse is a much bigger component in these types of games, but the keyboard certainly still matters. I'm personally of the opinion that MX switches are better, but some Chinese DotA pros swear by their realforce keyboards.

Are you an FPS player? MX reds/blacks. I've never met a CS player who uses anything else. Most TF2 players (and I know a lot of those) use MX reds/blacks as well, but I've talked to some that use MX blues as well. There's no question here.

Anyway, that's my $0.02, so take it how you will. Don't swear by this post, I'm biased against Topre. I know plenty of casual (read: not playing for money) gamers use Topre with no problem.

I use MX reds mostly, but MX blues and browns do make appearances in my gaming rotation.

H2k Rubino uses G710+.

I used to play CS with him back in the glory days of 1.6. I don't think he cares too much about his equipmen TBH. As long as it works and is stable, he's happy I guess.

Black/reds = most common for gaming, but I think the reason is simply because people don't care too much about keyboards in genereal. Why use 3x the price on something they don't care about? And when they first get a mechanical keyboard, it's probably gonna be one of the most known manufacturer like SteelSeries who only offer red and black. Or they type "best switch for gaming" in Google (you know what they'll find, and they just go with it.).

It's all about preference. I enjoy gaming on blues, but black is also good. Red is too light for me, and I haven't tried browns enough to have an opinion about them for gaming.
I think I could game on any switch, and I wouln't feel any difference in my performance, as long as I'm used to it. And I really do consider myself as a long time hardcore gamer on a semi-competative level.

I've noticed that you use the HHKB-S, what do you use that for? Do you use that for typing/general use and then use the blue keyboard for gaming or do you use the HHKB for all things including gaming?


Would love to know what the general consensus is surrounding these boards, I mean, obviously I know that most people who buy/use them are programmers and what not (I'm a website developer myself) so the appeal is there, but I would be using it as my main driver and I would be putting my Noppoo away when it did arrive etc.

[varslot]

It mostly comes down to the kind of games you primarily play.

Are you an RTS player? Topre probably isn't for you. A few notable players have said that they dislike Topre when compared to MX blues or even rubber domes. The majority of these players said that it feels like too much of a "middle ground" in comparison to MX or rubber dome. Usually one or the other is preferred.

Are you an ARTS/MOBA player? It matters less than you think here. Mouse is a much bigger component in these types of games, but the keyboard certainly still matters. I'm personally of the opinion that MX switches are better, but some Chinese DotA pros swear by their realforce keyboards.

Are you an FPS player? MX reds/blacks. I've never met a CS player who uses anything else. Most TF2 players (and I know a lot of those) use MX reds/blacks as well, but I've talked to some that use MX blues as well. There's no question here.

Anyway, that's my $0.02, so take it how you will. Don't swear by this post, I'm biased against Topre. I know plenty of casual (read: not playing for money) gamers use Topre with no problem.

I use MX reds mostly, but MX blues and browns do make appearances in my gaming rotation.

H2k Rubino uses G710+.

I used to play CS with him back in the glory days of 1.6. I don't think he cares too much about his equipmen TBH. As long as it works and is stable, he's happy I guess.

Black/reds = most common for gaming, but I think the reason is simply because people don't care too much about keyboards in genereal. Why use 3x the price on something they don't care about? And when they first get a mechanical keyboard, it's probably gonna be one of the most known manufacturer like SteelSeries who only offer red and black. Or they type "best switch for gaming" in Google (you know what they'll find, and they just go with it.).

It's all about preference. I enjoy gaming on blues, but black is also good. Red is too light for me, and I haven't tried browns enough to have an opinion about them for gaming.
I think I could game on any switch, and I wouln't feel any difference in my performance, as long as I'm used to it. And I really do consider myself as a long time hardcore gamer on a semi-competative level.

I've noticed that you use the HHKB-S, what do you use that for? Do you use that for typing/general use and then use the blue keyboard for gaming or do you use the HHKB for all things including gaming?


Would love to know what the general consensus is surrounding these boards, I mean, obviously I know that most people who buy/use them are programmers and what not (I'm a website developer myself) so the appeal is there, but I would be using it as my main driver and I would be putting my Noppoo away when it did arrive etc.

I have my HHKB at work, and I'm a graphic designer. So my general use for it is shortcuts in Ps/Id/Ai, and some typing.
I did use it at home for a short period, but my workspace is safe from robbery, so I just keep it there at all time.
The MX blue is at my home, and is used for gaming and casual stuff.

For me it's the best of both worlds. Topre is delicious to press down, and I actually wish I did more typing at work.

I'm still not sure if MX blue is my final destination for home usage, I'm still curious to try out MX brown for a longer period of time.
The work keyboard is set, there is no way I will switch out topre.

I might get a HHKB or RF with no silence at home aswell. Time and money will tell.

[knguyen553]

I find HHKB's 45g switch too light for gaming. Sometimes i rest my pinky on the control key without even knowing. If you have to choose a topre switch then I would recommend the realforce 87U 55g uniformed.

[varslot]

I find HHKB's 45g switch too light for gaming. Sometimes i rest my pinky on the control key without even knowing. If you have to choose a topre switch then I would recommend the realforce 87U 55g uniformed.

Yes, I think I agree.