Decided its time for a HHKB pro 2. What do I need to know?

[thefebruaryman]

Hey all. Been using mechanical keyboards for a while now and tried a few. Got me a couple of duckies. And out of all the switches I have used I have most liked the cherry mx blues. But now its time for a HHKB pro 2. For some reason I need to own one.

I am use to UK layout.
My core OS is opensuse with a bit of windows.
I program in python and use ipython and vim for my days work.
And I love my clacks

What do I need to know?

[steve.v]

It's all personal preference

[Puddsy]

depends

some people love it, especially on GH

i for one couldn't stand the layout and traded it for a realforce which i'm not too excited about either

for some, it's really as simple as "do you like white or black more" then buy applicable HHKB

[rowdy]

HHKB is much easier to use on a Unixy computer than a Windowsy one, because Unix uses Ctrl sequences for cursor motion and Windows does not.

As the HHKB does not have dedicated arrow keys, home, pg up etc., transitioning to it on a Windows computer could take much longer.  I tried for a day, and ended up giving up.  I use function keys, arrow keys, and other cursor navigation keys far too much.

So I took my HHKB home and started using it on my Mac.  Works like a treat.  I have since learned the arrow keys, and that's about all I use on the Mac.  Most other navigation I do with Ctrl sequences (^a beginning of line, ^e end of line and so on).

Using vim you is mostly Ctrl sequences and hjkl for navigation - piece of cake with HHKB layout.

But your biggest problem might be moving away from a UK (ISO?) layout.  HHKB is closest to ANSI, except backspace is where it should be just above Return, and Ctrl is between left shift and Tab, again where it should be.  Once you get used to those two key positions, you will \\\\\\ all the time when you try to backspace on a conventional keyboard (maybe, I do on ANSI, not sure about ISO).

[FrostyToast]

If you really wanted an ISO HHKB then your best bet would be the HHKB JP.
It has an ISO enter as well as a **** ton of other keys.

[Polymer]

But the other keys are in different positions and the shift is way way way to the right on the JP HHKB...I think it would take just as much time, if not more, to adjust to the JP version....It also has a shifted row on the bottom...

The extra keys on it are nice..and it has dedicated arrow keys...but if it was great I think more people would be trying to get it on here...

[thefebruaryman]

Cheers for all the suggestions. I don't think it will be to difficult getting use to the US layout there are only a few keys that are different. It does make more sense to have the double quote above the single. Having the enter key in easy pinkie reach would be nice as well. Might have to work out what the unicode for the £ sign is though
Don't think that the hhkb JP is for me. There are too many changes that would make moving between keyboards a nightmare and a reason for wanting a HHKB pro 2 was so that I wouldn't have to move my right hand as much for the keys I want. Finding this is giving me some odd aches in my wrist.

If I go ahead with getting one I will do a post for the UK users experience ie break in time, pros and cons and work arounds.

cheers again

[TopreFan333]

So I took my HHKB home and started using it on my Mac.  Works like a treat.  I have since learned the arrow keys, and that's about all I use on the Mac.  Most other navigation I do with Ctrl sequences (^a beginning of line, ^e end of line and so on).

Same. Also using a Mac here, and I've found getting used to the arrow keys actually easier than getting used to the Delete key placement.

How are you doing those CTRL sequences? I'm using OPT + arrows to jump back and forward a word at a time, throwing in SHIFT to highlight words as I move.

[tp4tissue]

Basically, HHKB looks cute..

Now when it comes to using it..  You have to get around the limitations by setting up layers via software..  because the hardware layering is clumsy and not optimal..


I've always been against minimalism on keyboards because there are ALWAYS situations where just a few more re-mappable keys will come in handy..

[Sencha]

I'm UK and switched to ANSI a couple of years back. I really dislike ISO now. Personally I love the HHKB and if you got an inkling you may want to try one I doubt it will go away. I know it never did with me, would of saved money if I just caved straight away.

Oh and PM'd

[Novus]

remember type - s or go home

[ideus]

Basically, HHKB looks cute..

Now when it comes to using it..  You have to get around the limitations by setting up layers via software..  because the hardware layering is clumsy and not optimal..


I've always been against minimalism on keyboards because there are ALWAYS situations where just a few more re-mappable keys will come in handy..

The HHKB is like a girl with a hot body with no brains. You may enjoy her company for a night or two, but it would be dead boring for any time after, and she likes to do anything in her own way.

[gropingmantis]

I also use UK ISO (albeit with an ISO HHKB layout) and switching to ANSI is whats putting me off getting an HHKB. Why oh why dont they just make an ISO version? Its not hard.

[ideus]

I also use UK ISO (albeit with an ISO HHKB layout) and switching to ANSI is whats putting me off getting an HHKB. Why oh why dont they just make an ISO version? Its not hard.

You can get the GON Happy under $400 with an ISO layout in HHKB style.

[gropingmantis]

Thats what I have! I just wish custom Topre keyboards were possible/easier. Or better yet, this layout with Buckling Spring.

[ideus]

Thats what I have! I just wish custom Topre keyboards were possible/easier. Or better yet, this layout with Buckling Spring.

A BS HHKB? Well, you may keep dreaming. Or spend some money to build a handmade prototype with parts harvested from other boards, and some custom made components.

[byker]

Basically, HHKB looks cute..

Now when it comes to using it..  You have to get around the limitations by setting up layers via software..  because the hardware layering is clumsy and not optimal..


I've always been against minimalism on keyboards because there are ALWAYS situations where just a few more re-mappable keys will come in handy..

The HHKB is like a girl with a hot body with no brains. You may enjoy her company for a night or two, but it would be dead boring for any time after, and she likes to do anything in her own way.

Have you actually owned an HHKB and adjusted to it, or are you just talking **** about it? The layout actually works really well, and is not boring. I use mine as my daily driver and never wish for any other keys.. I have also never had to re-map any keys on it.. For me and many others, it has both the looks and the function.

[oledome]

If you really wanted an ISO HHKB then your best bet would be the HHKB JP.
It has an ISO enter as well as a **** ton of other keys.

Damn that HHKB JP is the hotness.

[SpikeBolt]

I also use UK ISO (albeit with an ISO HHKB layout) and switching to ANSI is whats putting me off getting an HHKB. Why oh why dont they just make an ISO version? Its not hard.

You can get the GON Happy under $400 with an ISO layout in HHKB style.

Which doesn't have Topre switches. Lel

[Novus]

Basically, HHKB looks cute..

Now when it comes to using it..  You have to get around the limitations by setting up layers via software..  because the hardware layering is clumsy and not optimal..


I've always been against minimalism on keyboards because there are ALWAYS situations where just a few more re-mappable keys will come in handy..

The HHKB is like a girl with a hot body with no brains. You may enjoy her company for a night or two, but it would be dead boring for any time after, and she likes to do anything in her own way.

Somehow I doubt you've ever actually experienced that yourself.

[SpAmRaY]

remember type - s or go home

+1

[Hypersphere]

The HHKB Pro 2 layout is efficient and intuitive, but not everyone likes it. Some don't like the return-stroke "clack" of the Topre switches, in which case you might want to consider a Type-S or doing a silencing mod.

[demik]

you might like it, or you might not. it's a big investment, but luckily if you don't think it's for you then you can resell at a minimal loss.

there isn't really much anybody can tell you, since switch/layout choice is a personal preference.

[radio_killah]

You just purchased end game. Welcome to the club.

[ideus]

Basically, HHKB looks cute..

Now when it comes to using it..  You have to get around the limitations by setting up layers via software..  because the hardware layering is clumsy and not optimal..


I've always been against minimalism on keyboards because there are ALWAYS situations where just a few more re-mappable keys will come in handy..

The HHKB is like a girl with a hot body with no brains. You may enjoy her company for a night or two, but it would be dead boring for any time after, and she likes to do anything in her own way.

Somehow I doubt you've ever actually experienced that yourself.

True: I have never been with a bimbo. )

[TopreFan333]

True: I have never been with a bimbo. )

Keep the misogynist crap to yourself, eh?

[tjcaustin]

Basically, HHKB looks cute..

Now when it comes to using it..  You have to get around the limitations by setting up layers via software..  because the hardware layering is clumsy and not optimal..


I've always been against minimalism on keyboards because there are ALWAYS situations where just a few more re-mappable keys will come in handy..

The HHKB is like a girl with a hot body with no brains. You may enjoy her company for a night or two, but it would be dead boring for any time after, and she likes to do anything in her own way.

Somehow I doubt you've ever actually experienced that yourself.

True: I have never been with a bimbo. )

Keep the misogynistic crap to yourself, eh?

I'm about 80% convinced he's just in the long term troll now.

Enjoy the thock and brotherhood.

Then be wanting to spend money to get novatouch sliders to get the best part of cherry on the best part of topper.

[radio_killah]

Basically, HHKB looks cute..

Now when it comes to using it..  You have to get around the limitations by setting up layers via software..  because the hardware layering is clumsy and not optimal..


I've always been against minimalism on keyboards because there are ALWAYS situations where just a few more re-mappable keys will come in handy..

The HHKB is like a girl with a hot body with no brains. You may enjoy her company for a night or two, but it would be dead boring for any time after, and she likes to do anything in her own way.

Somehow I doubt you've ever actually experienced that yourself.

True: I have never been with a bimbo. )

Keep the misogynistic crap to yourself, eh?

Ideus really is turning into Elrick. 

[katushkin]

I also use UK ISO (albeit with an ISO HHKB layout) and switching to ANSI is whats putting me off getting an HHKB. Why oh why dont they just make an ISO version? Its not hard.

It's not that hard to swap between the two. I use ISO at work and ANSI at home. Sometimes I prefer ANSI tbh, I only got an ISO mech because i can't change the input language at work. When you accept ANSI into your life, you will find it's a lot easier to enjoy more of the world of keyboards

[Oobly]

Some people report developing finger pain using 45g Topre. It's partly due to the s-shaped force curve of all rubber dome boards that makes it really hard to reduce the force when you bottom out. I'd rather have a nice healthy MX board and live without the "thock".

Also, the layout is a bone of contention. I like some aspects of it, but the arrow and edit key positions suck, IMHO (especially for those who are used to either HJKL or inverted T arrows and have been using them for a long time), and I need to use them a lot in my work. Not being programmable means you can't change them.

They're not easily moddable, and the mods you can do usually require you to buy another Topre board to get parts from (55g domes from Realforce or sliders from Novatouch for instance).

It has a plastic plate, the feet are slippery and you can't get aftermarket keycaps for it (except some artisan caps and some Realforce sets from ebay).

They're expensive. For no good reason.

Other than that, they're okay, I guess.

[Bucake]

does anyone know if it's 'easy' to sell a hhkb or hhkb type-s? i mean, is there a relatively steady demand for them?
because i've been thinking about getting one for a while, but i don't want to be stuck with it if it turns out i don't like it

as for the purple sliders (type-s), what do they actually silence? upstroke, downstroke, both?

[SpikeBolt]

Whenever I see one for sale on DT it sells in a couple of days...

[ideus]

Whenever I see one for sale on DT it sells in a couple of days...

The possibility to re-sell a HHKB is the best motivation to get one? interesting )

[paicrai]

[SpikeBolt]

Whenever I see one for sale on DT it sells in a couple of days...

The possibility to re-sell a HHKB is the best motivation to get one? interesting )

Who said it was the best motivation? It's just reassuring to know that if you fail to adapt to the layout or the switches you can get most of your money back. It's just a safety net, that's all.

[ideus]

Whenever I see one for sale on DT it sells in a couple of days...

The possibility to re-sell a HHKB is the best motivation to get one? interesting )

Who said it was the best motivation? It's just reassuring to know that if you fail to adapt to the layout or the switches you can get most of your money back. It's just a safety net, that's all.

Of course.

[Ludovician]

Whenever I see one for sale on DT it sells in a couple of days...

What is DT? I'm trying to sell one right now.

Edit: Deskthority?

[ideus]

Whenever I see one for sale on DT it sells in a couple of days...

What is DT? I'm trying to sell one right now.

Edit: Deskthority?

Yes.

[Zensuji]

I myself have sold two HHKBs on DH in the last month. First went in a couple of days and the second in a couple of hours. In fact both times ended up having multiple people wanting them. Then the 55g and 45g Topre I sold took nearly up to a week. But even then what's a week?. Trying a HHKB is a very easy no risk thing (unless you end up buying loads of them LOL). The only reason I sold those two was to grab a Type-s for noise levels. The HHKB is by far my favourite board. Grab one!!

[ideus]

The best board is the one I want to keep using. Isn't it?


No, wait, pay for something just for the sake of trying it, just be sure there is a "market" of people that want to do the same thing.    Don't care at all about wasting time, nor money, this is a hobby after all, so the most time and money you waste the better (!?)

[SpAmRaY]

The best board is the one I want to keep using. Isn't it?


No, wait, pay for something just for the sake of trying it, just be sure there is a "market" of people that want to do the same thing.    Don't care at all about wasting time, nor money, this is a hobby after all, so the most time and money you waste the better (!?)

But how can you know which board is for you if you don't try them out?

[ideus]

The best board is the one I want to keep using. Isn't it?


No, wait, pay for something just for the sake of trying it, just be sure there is a "market" of people that want to do the same thing.    Don't care at all about wasting time, nor money, this is a hobby after all, so the most time and money you waste the better (!?)

But how can you know which board is for you if you don't try them out?

There used to be something called common sense, and other thing called basic principles of Economy. Or, we are in a distorted field where those myths do not apply anymore?

[SpAmRaY]

The best board is the one I want to keep using. Isn't it?


No, wait, pay for something just for the sake of trying it, just be sure there is a "market" of people that want to do the same thing.    Don't care at all about wasting time, nor money, this is a hobby after all, so the most time and money you waste the better (!?)

But how can you know which board is for you if you don't try them out?

There used to be something called common sense, and other thing called basic principles of Economy. Or, we are in a distorted field where those myths do not apply anymore?

Like most of your replies that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

If someone wants to buy a keyboard to try and they have the means to do so why not? They may or may not like it however if they never try it they won't know if it is the one for them.

True they can make an educated guess based on all of the feedback found in this forum to get a good idea of what keyboard might work best for them but ultimately some things are only learned through experience.

[ideus]

The best board is the one I want to keep using. Isn't it?


No, wait, pay for something just for the sake of trying it, just be sure there is a "market" of people that want to do the same thing.    Don't care at all about wasting time, nor money, this is a hobby after all, so the most time and money you waste the better (!?)

But how can you know which board is for you if you don't try them out?

There used to be something called common sense, and other thing called basic principles of Economy. Or, we are in a distorted field where those myths do not apply anymore?

Like most of your replies that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

If someone wants to buy a keyboard to try and they have the means to do so why not? They may or may not like it however if they never try it they won't know if it is the one for them.

True they can make an educated guess based on all of the feedback found in this forum to get a good idea of what keyboard might work best for them but ultimately some things are only learned through experience.

A respectable opinion as any other. Of course, each one expends their money and time as they please. However, it is true as well that some products just do not provide a surplus -a value in excess- for the money you pay for them. In the other hand, buyer's remorse compensates for bad decisions, most of the time.

[SpikeBolt]

The best board is the one I want to keep using. Isn't it?


No, wait, pay for something just for the sake of trying it, just be sure there is a "market" of people that want to do the same thing.    Don't care at all about wasting time, nor money, this is a hobby after all, so the most time and money you waste the better (!?)

But how can you know which board is for you if you don't try them out?

There used to be something called common sense, and other thing called basic principles of Economy. Or, we are in a distorted field where those myths do not apply anymore?

I don't care if I overpay for a product, if I like it more than anything else then it's worth it to me. It may or may not be worth it to you but that hardly matters. Buy what you want, respect people who buy what they want. As SpAmRaY said you can't really evaluate something without trying, specially on something as subjective as how "x" feels.

[TopreFan333]

People's weird offense at the very idea of the HHKB aside, the point of some of these posts is that can be resold for close to the original price pretty easily, so it's not a huge risk to buy one if you find the layout or feel (or whatever) is not for you.

[TopreFan333]

However, it is true as well that some products just do not provide a surplus -a value in excess- for the money you pay for them. In the other hand, buyer's remorse compensates for bad decisions, most of the time.

You realize "value" is a completely subjective metric, right?

[ideus]

Topreism is one of those aspects of life that are so strange, so unique, that us mere mortals are unable to understand. 

[nubbinator]

Topreism is one of those aspects of life that are so strange, so unique, that us mere mortals are unable to understand. 

Methinks someone needs to spend a month with a HHKB.  I had major doubts and thought it was Kool-Aid until I borrowed one.  Now it's my go to board at home while I'm running Ergo Clears at work.

[exitfire401]

Topreism is one of those aspects of life that are so strange, so unique, that us mere mortals are unable to understand. 

Methinks someone needs to spend a month with a HHKB.  I had major doubts and thought it was Kool-Aid until I borrowed one.  Now it's my go to board at home while I'm running Ergo Clears at work.

I hated them at first. Then I made one 55g.