HHKB Pro 2 vs. Realforce 104UB vs. Topre Type Heaven 104K -- Thoughts?

[scarlatch]

Let me start by saying I realize these keyboards are all fairly different in what they are and what they offer, outside of the Topre switches.  I'm at the point that I want to get a board with Topre switches, but I'm pretty torn on what's right for me.  I've read the reviews, but I wanted to take an informal poll on what others like and dislike about these.

I've almost completely ruled out the Topre Type Heaven.  I've mostly set my mind on getting something with PBT keycaps, and I don't much want to spend $150 on a board and spend even more money replacing the keycaps just as soon as I get it.  With that said, the price point is still tempting for the Type Heaven.

Setting out, I thought I wanted to get a full size board, but the HHKB Pro 2 has me intrigued.  I really like my TKL boards and use them almost exclusively but on occasions really wish I had the numpad (don't really want to purchase an accessory to get this functionality).  Unlike some compact boards, as I understand it, a lot of the functions of a full size board are still accessible to the HHKB Pro 2 using various shortcuts.  For people with extended experience using the HHKB Pro 2, are these unwieldy to use over time?  I'm someone that doesn't use a ton of shortcuts as it is, but I do type A LOT, thus my interest in a Topre board. 

I'm presently leaning toward the Realforce because it's more or less what I was after when I set out on the search for a new board; however, the intrigue is still there for the HHKB Pro 2.  Thoughts?

[Sifo]

If you think you can get used to the HHKB layout, get it, it's the best layout there is hands down.

If you don't want to adapt to the change then just get a Realforce.

But they both feel different, especially because of the mounting of the switches on the hhkb.

[Fragil1ty]

Personally I'm all about the form factor keyboards, more specifically the 75% boards and although the HHKB is 60% I would still always go with that one over the other two options that you have suggested here.

I came close to buying a HHKB once but issues problems occurred I just didn't end up receiving it, but without a doubt if I did in-fact receive that keyboard, it would be my main driver, I've heard nothing but great things. The only problem though? it must be an absolute ***** trying to get used to those non-dedicated f1 keys as you have to press a modifier for them to work, same for the up, left, down and right etc.

HHKB though, hands down.

[cphead]

Personally I'm all about the form factor keyboards, more specifically the 75% boards and although the HHKB is 60% I would still always go with that one over the other two options that you have suggested here.

I came close to buying a HHKB once but issues problems occurred I just didn't end up receiving it, but without a doubt if I did in-fact receive that keyboard, it would be my main driver, I've heard nothing but great things. The only problem though? it must be an absolute ***** trying to get used to those non-dedicated f1 keys as you have to press a modifier for them to work, same for the up, left, down and right etc.

HHKB though, hands down.

The arrow keys are actually second nature to me now - it's really nice that the FN key and arrow cluster is close enough that I can use it with only one hand (as opposited to WASD arrow cluster).

+1 for HHKB

[Sifo]

Personally I'm all about the form factor keyboards, more specifically the 75% boards and although the HHKB is 60% I would still always go with that one over the other two options that you have suggested here.

I came close to buying a HHKB once but issues problems occurred I just didn't end up receiving it, but without a doubt if I did in-fact receive that keyboard, it would be my main driver, I've heard nothing but great things. The only problem though? it must be an absolute ***** trying to get used to those non-dedicated f1 keys as you have to press a modifier for them to work, same for the up, left, down and right etc.

HHKB though, hands down.

The arrow keys are actually second nature to me now - it's really nice that the FN key and arrow cluster is close enough that I can use it with only one hand (as opposited to WASD arrow cluster).

+1 for HHKB

Well this just depends where your Fn key is

I prefer wasd cluster plus a left side Fn key because I'm used to my left hand doing all the work.

But I understand people wanting to keep both hands on their keyboard at all times so if you prefer using your right hand for arrows, hhkb is the way to go.

[eth0s]

HHKB Pro 2 vs. Realforce 104UB vs. Topre Type Heaven 104K -- Thoughts?

Well, you are comparing a 60% with full-sizers.  First of all, skip the Type Heaven.  It has ABS keycaps.

Second of all, you should be thinking of a Realforce TKL.

Third of all, it depends on whether you want 45g, 55g, silent or ergonomical variable-weighted switches.

So you some thinking to do.

[blingcaps]

any reason why you excluded the leopold fc660c?

[neunelfer]

Personally I'm all about the form factor keyboards, more specifically the 75% boards and although the HHKB is 60% I would still always go with that one over the other two options that you have suggested here.

I came close to buying a HHKB once but issues problems occurred I just didn't end up receiving it, but without a doubt if I did in-fact receive that keyboard, it would be my main driver, I've heard nothing but great things. The only problem though? it must be an absolute ***** trying to get used to those non-dedicated f1 keys as you have to press a modifier for them to work, same for the up, left, down and right etc.

HHKB though, hands down.

The arrow keys are actually second nature to me now - it's really nice that the FN key and arrow cluster is close enough that I can use it with only one hand (as opposited to WASD arrow cluster).

+1 for HHKB

Agreed, sometimes when I switch to my Filco and use the arrow keys I actually go to press an FN key with my pinky.

To add to this: the HHKB is an awesome little keyboard with a great form factor and a very appealing look. The tight layout reduces your hand movement and it takes up very little space.

[scarlatch]

any reason why you excluded the leopold fc660c?

I'd say this is absolutely an oversight on my part.  I've heard some mixed things about the Leopold Cherry MX boards.  What's your take on the FC660C? 

[Dyslexic]

any reason why you excluded the leopold fc660c?

I'd say this is absolutely an oversight on my part.  I've heard some mixed things about the Leopold Cherry MX boards.  What's your take on the FC660C?

Plate-mounted topre goodness. This keyboard is a frigging tank and feels amazing to type on. Mind you, I've dental banded and lubed my switches (so basically it's a type-s FC660C). Felt great even before the mod though.

[scarlatch]

Went with the HHKB.  Excited to get my hands on this bad boy. 

[rowdy]

Went with the HHKB.  Excited to get my hands on this bad boy. 

Nice one!

White or black?

Lettered or blank?

Silenced or not?

[scarlatch]

Went with the HHKB.  Excited to get my hands on this bad boy. 

Nice one!

White or black?

Lettered or blank?

Silenced or not?

I went black, lettered, non-silent.  Really like the looks of the black board, slightly prefer lettered over non-lettered for general use, and the silenced (though tempting) isn't a feature I need in the end so I passed on it. 

[dante]

Well, you are comparing a 60% with full-sizers.  First of all, skip the Type Heaven.  It has ABS keycaps.

I disagree as I prefer the Typeheaven ABS to the Realforce PBT.

Just because something is PBT doesn't make it better.

[rowdy]

Went with the HHKB.  Excited to get my hands on this bad boy. 

Nice one!

White or black?

Lettered or blank?

Silenced or not?

I went black, lettered, non-silent.  Really like the looks of the black board, slightly prefer lettered over non-lettered for general use, and the silenced (though tempting) isn't a feature I need in the end so I passed on it. 

Nice choice

The charcoal on black keys almost look blank, so you have the best of both worlds.

You can apply aftermarket silencing - dental bands is one popular method.  If you really want to, that is.

[Hypersphere]

My first HHKB Pro 2 was the black lettered version. Then I added the gray and white keycaps for greater legibility; looks great in the black case. After a while, the "clack" on the return stroke bothered me. I sometimes wish I had gone with the Type S. Note that the Type S uses a special switch in addition to adding a pad to silence the upstroke clack. However, they ought to make this standard and lower the price somewhat.

Overall, the HHKB Pro 2 has all the others beat with respect to the best combination of styling and design, form factor, and layout. However, although I like Topre switches, I prefer IBM capacitive buckling springs, as found in the IBM Model F keyboards, such as the XT, AT, and F-122. IBM also made a few HHKB-like keyboards in the F series, the 62-key PN 6019284 for the 4704 terminal; if something like this could be made today, it would be my first choice.

[Rafen]

I have a Realforce and an HHKB Pro 2. After using both of the board for the last couple of weeks I can honestly say that I like the feel and build quality better on the Realforce. The switch weight is also a lot better in 55g weight compared to the 45g. The HHKB layout is amazing by far, so much so that I changed the layout on my Realforce to mimic it.

With all that being said I still love the HHKB for the layout and small form factor which works perfectly on my desk at work. Glad I have both boards but like the Realforce a little more since it has 55g switches and the plate that gives it a more stable typing experience. I don't think you can go wrong with either of the boards.

[Hyde]

Well, you are comparing a 60% with full-sizers.  First of all, skip the Type Heaven.  It has ABS keycaps.

I disagree as I prefer the Typeheaven ABS to the Realforce PBT.

Just because something is PBT doesn't make it better.

I actually find this true at least for Cherry MX keycaps.  There are certain qualities I like about PBT but there are other things I like better about ABS regarding typing feels.  So sometimes PBT feel like a sidegrade for me.

I currently own a Type Heaven and I really enjoy typing on it, though I'd still want to try a RealForce eventually so I can decide myself which I like better. 

[allocerveau]

Great choice with the HHKB. Don't be afraid if you have trouble the first couple of days adapting to the layout and switches, we all have. Like someone else said, the Fn + arrow keys will become second nature.

[dante]

Well, you are comparing a 60% with full-sizers.  First of all, skip the Type Heaven.  It has ABS keycaps.

I disagree as I prefer the Typeheaven ABS to the Realforce PBT.

Just because something is PBT doesn't make it better.

I actually find this true at least for Cherry MX keycaps.  There are certain qualities I like about PBT but there are other things I like better about ABS regarding typing feels.  So sometimes PBT feel like a sidegrade for me.

I currently own a Type Heaven and I really enjoy typing on it, though I'd still want to try a RealForce eventually so I can decide myself which I like better. 

I prefer the feel of the Type Heaven ABS - much more gentle on my old hands than the Realforce PBT.  Also, if you listen to Youtube videos of typing on the TypeHeaven the audio is usually way overboosted.  Yes the pitch is higher than PBT but the video creator blows it out of proportion.