Some Topre questions

[axiosjackson]

I am looking to purchase my first Topre keyboard and really like the sound of the Silenced keys like on the HHKB Type-S. Now I have heard some people say that the Realforce and Leopold keyboards are higher quality because of a metal backplate. Is this true? Also are the feet on the HHKB Pro 2 really as bad as some say or are they just not as amazing as people would like? Keep in mind I am coming from a 60% keyboard so I like either size(TKL or 60%). I guess I just wanna know all the info I can before I make a $200+ purchase.

[Puddsy]

HHKB is often not what people shape it up to be here

I for one think it's a crappy layout on switches that are decent

get a realforce 55g and call it a day

[KangarooZombies]

I am looking to purchase my first Topre keyboard and really like the sound of the Silenced keys like on the HHKB Type-S. Now I have heard some people say that the Realforce and Leopold keyboards are higher quality because of a metal backplate. Is this true? Also are the feet on the HHKB Pro 2 really as bad as some say or are they just not as amazing as people would like? Keep in mind I am coming from a 60% keyboard so I like either size(TKL or 60%). I guess I just wanna know all the info I can before I make a $200+ purchase.

I own both, and use both equally right now.

Although i can tell you that the Realforce does feel higher "quality" or sturdier because of the metal backplate. That isn't necessarily a good thing for everyone because part of the charm of the HHKB is the lightness and thockyness that comes along with a plastic casing.

Both keyboards are amazing, at the end of the day you cant really go wrong with either, but if you like the form factor of the HHKB, i say go for that. Its easily my favorite keyboard in my collection.

[axiosjackson]

HHKB is often not what people shape it up to be here

I for one think it's a crappy layout on switches that are decent

get a realforce 55g and call it a day

The 55g is high on my "list." However I really like the silenced Topre and I really don't want to do the landpad mod as someone else suggested to me. I wouldn't mind someone with a non-uniform 87u commenting on how they like it compared to the uniform(Silenced 87u only comes in variable weighting). I think it is weird how the outer keys require higher force even though they are still being used by the pinky finger.

[epzy]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

[exitfire401]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

The lack of plate really means nothing since the slider housings are built into the top of the frame. Lack of a plate in Topre is not half as critical as lack of plate in MX or Alps. All having a plate does on the RF or FC660 is hold separate housings, rather than having them molded together.

[axiosjackson]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

Where would I go to purchase replacements?

[Hypersphere]

RF switches are metal-plate mounted. HHKB Pro 2 switches are case mounted. This feature alone does not necessarily make the RF of higher quality. The two mountings are just different; one is not necessarily superior to the other. However, this factor may make the RF feel more solid to the user than the HHKB Pro 2.

I favor the HHKB Pro 2 for its following qualities: unique and efficient layout, form factor, symmetry, styling, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, and Topre switches.

I use various other keyboards as well, but I like the HHKB Pro 2 layout so much that I remap my other keyboards to the extent possible to the HHKB Pro 2 layout.

Having said all this, although I am reasonably satisfied with the HHKB Pro 2 as it is, if I could change some things, I would ask for the following: metal plate, 55g Topre or capacitive buckling spring switches, complete programmability, and possibly a Bluetooth option.

My current daily driver is an IBM XT keyboard with Soarer's converter, remapped to a hybrid Mac-HHKB layout, and retrofitted with a detachable USB cable.

[epzy]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

Where would I go to purchase replacements?

I've been using something called "Blue lounge kicks". You can find them on Amazon.

[axiosjackson]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

Where would I go to purchase replacements?

I've been using something called "Blue lounge kicks". You can find them on Amazon.

This is what you are talking about? http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

[epzy]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

Where would I go to purchase replacements?

I've been using something called "Blue lounge kicks". You can find them on Amazon.

This is what you are talking about? http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

Yeah.

[axiosjackson]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

Where would I go to purchase replacements?

I've been using something called "Blue lounge kicks". You can find them on Amazon.

This is what you are talking about? http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

Yeah.

Well i was going for a Realforce TKL, however from what I have heard so far is that I would probably like a HHKB Pro 2 Type-S with different rubber feet. When I apply the rubber feet do I just apply them or should I remove the stock ones?

New Goal:
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400ws#
and
http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

[exitfire401]

I just applied mine. Left the original ones on and applied in another spot.

[Puddsy]

those bluelounge things are apparently really good

[epzy]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

Where would I go to purchase replacements?

I've been using something called "Blue lounge kicks". You can find them on Amazon.

This is what you are talking about? http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

Yeah.

Well i was going for a Realforce TKL, however from what I have heard so far is that I would probably like a HHKB Pro 2 Type-S with different rubber feet. When I apply the rubber feet do I just apply them or should I remove the stock ones?

New Goal:
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400ws#
and
http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

No need to remove the old ones actually, that would just hurt the re-sale value.

[eth0s]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

Where would I go to purchase replacements?

I've been using something called "Blue lounge kicks". You can find them on Amazon.

This is what you are talking about? http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

Yeah.

Well i was going for a Realforce TKL, however from what I have heard so far is that I would probably like a HHKB Pro 2 Type-S with different rubber feet. When I apply the rubber feet do I just apply them or should I remove the stock ones?

New Goal:
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400ws#
and
http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

No need to remove the old ones actually, that would just hurt the re-sale value.

Well, personally I like the original front feet on the HHKB Pro 2 Type-S.  After looking at those Blue Lounge Kicks strips, they may be a superior product, but there is nothing wrong with the original feet on the HHKB's.  The stock HHKB feet are small but grippy little rectangles of rubber.  However, I think that maybe if your HHKB is kept in a dry indoor environment like Norway in the winter, they maybe can dry out and harden, which would make them like hard little black chunks of plastic, which would be bad feet indeed.  But, I dunno if that happened to epzy or not.  Anyway, the OP should just get the HHKB Pro 2 Type-S first, without any extra feet, and make sure he likes it.  If he likes it, he can evaluate the feet, and decide if they need to be replaced.  If he doesn't like the HHKB, I would suggest that he saves all the packaging and the bill of lading and the invoice, so he can prove that he only owned it for 4 days (or w/e) and he's decided it sucks and that he prefers to go back to his 'ol reliable scratchy browns on his 'ol trusty CF Storm.  If OP keeps all original sales documents I'm sure he can recoup 85-90% of his purchase price.  I would pay $320 for a basically brand-new HHKB Pro 2 that has no cat hair or sneeze effluvia/ spittle on it.  And most importantly, no shine on the space bar.   

[axiosjackson]

The lack of plate doesn't mean it's inferior in terms of quality to a RF/Leopold FC660C. The rubber feet does indeed suck, so I'd recommend replacing them.

Where would I go to purchase replacements?

I've been using something called "Blue lounge kicks". You can find them on Amazon.

This is what you are talking about? http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

Yeah.

Well i was going for a Realforce TKL, however from what I have heard so far is that I would probably like a HHKB Pro 2 Type-S with different rubber feet. When I apply the rubber feet do I just apply them or should I remove the stock ones?

New Goal:
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400ws#
and
http://www.amazon.com/Bluelounge-Design-Protective-Tablets-KS-GR/dp/B005J6SRY6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404679621&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+lounge+kicks

No need to remove the old ones actually, that would just hurt the re-sale value.

Well, personally I like the original front feet on the HHKB Pro 2 Type-S.  After looking at those Blue Lounge Kicks strips, they may be a superior product, but there is nothing wrong with the original feet on the HHKB's.  The stock HHKB feet are small but grippy little rectangles of rubber.  However, I think that maybe if your HHKB is kept in a dry indoor environment like Norway in the winter, they maybe can dry out and harden, which would make them like hard little black chunks of plastic, which would be bad feet indeed.  But, I dunno if that happened to epzy or not.  Anyway, the OP should just get the HHKB Pro 2 Type-S first, without any extra feet, and make sure he likes it.  If he likes it, he can evaluate the feet, and decide if they need to be replaced.  If he doesn't like the HHKB, I would suggest that he saves all the packaging and the bill of lading and the invoice, so he can prove that he only owned it for 4 days (or w/e) and he's decided it sucks and that he prefers to go back to his 'ol reliable scratchy browns on his 'ol trusty CF Storm.  If OP keeps all original sales documents I'm sure he can recoup 85-90% of his purchase price.  I would pay $320 for a basically brand-new HHKB Pro 2 that has no cat hair or sneeze effluvia/ spittle on it.  And most importantly, no shine on the space bar.   

What exactly is the reason for the ABS spacebar? Is it simply standard or what?

[Puddsy]

PBT warps a lot when it's cooling down, which can cause a lot of problems with fit

ABS doesn't have these problems

[rowdy]

Without a plate, the HHKB is very light.  You would probably add weights to it if you wanted to make it heavier, although part of the appeal is that it is so light.

I was surprised when I got mine.

I like to make micro adjustments to the keyboard position as I type, and the HHKB is ideal for that.

[solar]

The HHKB and the 660C are great due to their size and weight.  The hhkb is significantly lighter, like others have said, and once you get used to the layout, it is freaking awesome.  Adding a colemak or dvorak layout makes it even more so. 

[Hypersphere]

After using a HHKB Pro 2 for a while, then switching to an IBM Model F XT, I am now using a RF 87u 55g. The RF is my current favorite. I have remapped the keys to a HHKB/Mac layout. Although I prefer the 60% form factor and intrinsic layout of the HHKB, the RF sounds and feels more solid than the HHKB. Overall, I prefer the typing experience of the RF. The 55g Topre switches feel just right and they are quieter than the switches in the HHKB, even though they are not Type S or silenced.

[Novus]

HHKB TYPE S

[rowdy]

After using a HHKB Pro 2 for a while, then switching to an IBM Model F XT, I am now using a RF 87u 55g. The RF is my current favorite. I have remapped the keys to a HHKB/Mac layout. Although I prefer the 60% form factor and intrinsic layout of the HHKB, the RF sounds and feels more solid than the HHKB. Overall, I prefer the typing experience of the RF. The 55g Topre switches feel just right and they are quieter than the switches in the HHKB, even though they are not Type S or silenced.

These are some of the reasons I would like to try 55g Topre.

[MJ45]

I am looking to purchase my first Topre keyboard and really like the sound of the Silenced keys like on the HHKB Type-S. Now I have heard some people say that the Realforce and Leopold keyboards are higher quality because of a metal backplate. Is this true? Also are the feet on the HHKB Pro 2 really as bad as some say or are they just not as amazing as people would like? Keep in mind I am coming from a 60% keyboard so I like either size(TKL or 60%). I guess I just wanna know all the info I can before I make a $200+ purchase.

I own both, and use both equally right now.

Although i can tell you that the Realforce does feel higher "quality" or sturdier because of the metal backplate. That isn't necessarily a good thing for everyone because part of the charm of the HHKB is the lightness and thockyness that comes along with a plastic casing.

Both keyboards are amazing, at the end of the day you cant really go wrong with either, but if you like the form factor of the HHKB, i say go for that. Its easily my favorite keyboard in my collection.

Same here, The HHKB was my first Topre experience then the Realforce 87ub55g which is also great feeling just as most say it is. But for extended typing or writing I think the HHKB is best and makes it pleasurable for me. Both are excellent but I'm glad I tried HHKB first to know for myself what all the talk was about. As I have said many times if I could have only "ONE" keyboard it would be the HHKB. But as most people on GH I have more than one so I'd recommend getting both if you can.   

[docwlad]

Well, the FC660C's the only Topre board I have experience with, so I can't give you any sort of comparison. But I can say that it is a really good keyboard. Feels solid, has a nice weight to it, and if you can get the dyesub keycaps it just puts a cherry on top. I've also heard people say that they feel closer to 55g than 45g, but, again, this is my first Topre board so I can't speak to that.

So if you want to try out the HHKB layout, then go for it. But you probably won't be disappointed regardless of whether you go with HHKB, Realforce, or Leopold.

[Hypersphere]

Now I have the Leopold FC660C, HHKB Pro 2, and RF 87u 55g (black). I like them all, for different reasons.

FC660C
Pro: compact, solid, detachable cable.
Con: lack of replacement keycaps; not as easy to reconfigure to HHKB layout as some boards.

HHKB Pro 2 (white and black) (I put white caps on the black case)
Pro: 60% form factor, superb efficient and intuitive layout, styling/design/symmetry, beautiful dye-sub PBT keycaps, detachable cable.
Con: expensive, standard version has hollow clack sound on keystroke returns.

RF 87u 55g (black) (I put a set of white HHKB caps on just the alpha and number keys)
Pro: standard TKL form factor and layout. Very solid. Substantial 55g key weight. Beautiful dye-sub PBT keycaps.
Con: somewhat expensive, prefer a 60% form factor. Non-detachable cable.

Of course, everyone's now talking about the forthcoming CM Novatouch TKL with 45g Topre switches and Cherry mx-compatible stems. This one has the advantages of a detachable micro-USB cable and the ability to swap out the stock caps for any Cherry mx set available. This looks quite promising; it remains to be seen if the CM product will live up to the quality of the RF. It is rumored that if the Novatouch is successful, CM might introduce other options or models. If so, I would love to see a 60% board with plate-mounted 55g switches that is configurable to a HHKB layout.

[Fragil1ty]

I am looking to purchase my first Topre keyboard and really like the sound of the Silenced keys like on the HHKB Type-S. Now I have heard some people say that the Realforce and Leopold keyboards are higher quality because of a metal backplate. Is this true? Also are the feet on the HHKB Pro 2 really as bad as some say or are they just not as amazing as people would like? Keep in mind I am coming from a 60% keyboard so I like either size(TKL or 60%). I guess I just wanna know all the info I can before I make a $200+ purchase.

One of the problems that I did in-fact have on the HHKB Pro 2 was the feet. My solution for this was to just not use them or just some blue-tac to make them stay in place.


Solid keyboard over all. To be honest, don't read into it too much, just buy the board, if you don't like it? Re-sell it on here for the full value, they are the Macs of the keyboard world.


gl.

[rowdy]

I am looking to purchase my first Topre keyboard and really like the sound of the Silenced keys like on the HHKB Type-S. Now I have heard some people say that the Realforce and Leopold keyboards are higher quality because of a metal backplate. Is this true? Also are the feet on the HHKB Pro 2 really as bad as some say or are they just not as amazing as people would like? Keep in mind I am coming from a 60% keyboard so I like either size(TKL or 60%). I guess I just wanna know all the info I can before I make a $200+ purchase.

One of the problems that I did in-fact have on the HHKB Pro 2 was the feet. My solution for this was to just not use them or just some blue-tac to make them stay in place.


Solid keyboard over all. To be honest, don't read into it too much, just buy the board, if you don't like it? Re-sell it on here for the full value, they are the Macs of the keyboard world.


gl.

I am resting mine on a sheet of drawer liner - solid as a rock - won't budge unless I really shove it.

Plus it dampens the echo from the desk on the downstroke, so I can only here that sweet thock

[Hypersphere]

When I got my first HHKB Pro 2 and wrote a detailed review,

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48804.0

one of the things that bothered me a little was the lack of rubberized feet on the rear of the keyboard. However, in actual use, I can't tell the difference between the hard plastic feet on the HHKB and rubberized feet on some of my other keyboards.

This is especially true since I bought a Perixx DX-2000 extra large mouse pad. I like have one long continuous surface for both my keyboard and mouse. If you really want to add some stability to the placement of your keyboard and add some sound dampening as well, you might try one of these oversized mouse pads.