Yup, we have that in the states though as well. Everything electronic costs more in stores than online.
There are plenty of electronics you can buy at retail that cost less than online. I recently purchased a Zotac Zbox EN760 SFF computer, 16 GB RAM kit, and a 240 GB SSD from a local retail store for less money than it would have cost from either Amazon or Newegg, sales tax included. I got a 32 GB MicroSD card for less than $10 from Walmart.
The thing is, the HHKB is a highly niche product. Most anyone who wants one has to at least be somewhat clued in and technologically savvy and that they would at least do a modicum of research before making a purchase. Of course, with the culture of instant gratification being what is probably throws that idea out the window.
I would be curious to know exactly what the price difference is between the two. I could kind of sort of see it if it were $10-20, but if it's something like $50 or more, then that's entirely baffling. Whatever the case, I'm certainly no one to judge how anyone chooses to spend their money. We are talking about a $200-300 keyboard after all.
Yeah, obviously the store has to make some profit, and even buying at retail prices they can't match online prices. I just don't understand why people still buy the stuff.
That policy has been changing - Best Buy will match Amazon and Newegg, and I believe Walmart does as well.