Topre or Bust?

[rowdy]

As mentioned previously, I don't think I could have made a mistake choosing between the Realforce and HHKB, after comparing the products I don't think it is fair to say one is better than the other.  Both keyboards are great in their own respect.  I think for most it may come down to form factor and intended purpose. 

Many people end up getting one of each.

I have an HHKB, and I'd get a RF 87U 55g uniform if I could afford one.

[keshley]

As mentioned previously, I don't think I could have made a mistake choosing between the Realforce and HHKB, after comparing the products I don't think it is fair to say one is better than the other.  Both keyboards are great in their own respect.  I think for most it may come down to form factor and intended purpose. 

Many people end up getting one of each.

I have an HHKB, and I'd get a RF 87U 55g uniform if I could afford one.

This. Although I'd likely harvest the domes for another board eventually... sigh, keyboards.

[dgneo]

HHKB.

[toxicdrift]

im more biased to the 87u since its my first topre board ... ill try a hhkb eventually just not at the moment.

[robbles]

I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.

[bocahgundul]

I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.

not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?


but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB 

[iLLucionist]

Honestly, you'll end up having both. Question is which one to start with. There are two arguments:

1) HHKB: omg that layout, case mounted. So smooth.
2) 87U: omg plate mounted Topre! Choice of writers!

In the end, you will always wonder how the other one would have felt. I started HHKB, got curious and bought the 87U later.

[FLFisherman]

I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.

not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?


but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB 

The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.

The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. 

[iLLucionist]

I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.

not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?


but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB 

The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.

The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. 

Personally, I like the 87U more. But that's because it is plate-mounted and 55g. HHKB is also reaaaalllyy good, though.

[robbles]

I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.

not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?


but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB 

The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.

The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. 

It's the end-all, be-all 60% to me. Like a drug, some people get addicted after their first hit and some don't. Just wanted to warn OP that maybe he should try other options before potentially getting hooked like me.

[demik]

I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.

not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?


but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB 

The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.

The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. 

Personally, I like the 87U more. But that's because it is plate-mounted and 55g. HHKB is also reaaaalllyy good, though.

In terms of switch, 87u 55g is godly

But in terms of layout and complete package, hhkb. Tkl is just too damn big.

[LiquidEvilGaming]

As someone who owns both a RF 87U 55G and a HHKB Pro 2 I find the switches almost interchangeable,the 55 has a bit more snap and thock to it but over long periods of use is a tad more tiring than the HHKB is.  However both are not tiring at all compared to even my MX brown boards,pick the layout you prefer is my advice as that's ultimately way more of a deciding factor.  As far as 45 vs 55 I would be equally happy with either if I didn't already own both.

[iLLucionist]

I will warn, the HHKB is like a drug. Once you get one, you'll refuse using another board until you get used to the layout. And once you're used to the layout, every other keyobard just feels wrong. I'd like to experiment with some non-Topre switches that I haven't tried but at this point, I can't unless I can build a custom with the HHKB layout. It is just that good. Just a warning.

not really tho its a good board but that doesn't mean you will instantly say that all board feels wrong you never try some 70s or 80s switches eh?


but still HHKB is a really good keyboard with a really addicting switches. The only topre that is good is HHKB 

The HHKB is really pushed as the end-all, be-all of keyboards. It's undeniably good, but way overhyped.

The HHKB Illuminati are going to have my head for this. 

Personally, I like the 87U more. But that's because it is plate-mounted and 55g. HHKB is also reaaaalllyy good, though.

In terms of switch, 87u 55g is godly

But in terms of layout and complete package, hhkb. Tkl is just too damn big.

This. I have a HHKB on the road and at the office, but a 87U at home.

If only they would merge HHKB with 87U and make a plated HHKB with 55g Topre... would buy instantly.

[Hypersphere]

@gohono3: You made a good choice. You were very fortunate in being able to try out the alternatives at EK and to get personal advice from Brian -- he is quite the expert on keyboards.

The layout, symmetry, and size of the HHKB are winning features. The plate-mounted Topre switches in the RF provide a more solid sound and feel, but I agree that the HHKB is more fun.

Enjoy!

[gohono3]

Nah don't go for some MX programmable if you're happy with the HHKB, instead, get one of Hasu's TMK converters and use that in your HHKB!

Thanks for the great advice! I saw that Hasu just restocked so I put an order through.

[callmejag]

I started with the HHKB and fell in love with the layout / form factor. Then I couldn't resist the 55g Realforce I kept hearing so much about. It's as good as people say. But then you miss the layout of the HHKB. Finally I gave in and did a dome swap along with silencing. The silenced 55g HHKB is the ultimate Topre board in my opinion. But not a cheap one...lol.

[demik]

bust, easily. boobs are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than any keyboard.

[iLLucionist]

I started with the HHKB and fell in love with the layout / form factor. Then I couldn't resist the 55g Realforce I kept hearing so much about. It's as good as people say. But then you miss the layout of the HHKB. Finally I gave in and did a dome swap along with silencing. The silenced 55g HHKB is the ultimate Topre board in my opinion. But not a cheap one...lol.

How do you do a dome swap actually?

[rowdy]

bust, easily. boobs are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than any keyboard.

+1

Or perhaps I should say +2

[callmejag]

I started with the HHKB and fell in love with the layout / form factor. Then I couldn't resist the 55g Realforce I kept hearing so much about. It's as good as people say. But then you miss the layout of the HHKB. Finally I gave in and did a dome swap along with silencing. The silenced 55g HHKB is the ultimate Topre board in my opinion. But not a cheap one...lol.

How do you do a dome swap actually?

It's not too tough as long as you take your time and are careful not to lose any of the springs in the process. KeyChatter has a good little write up on the mod that I used as a reference.

https://www.keychatter.com/2015/07/21/how-to-moddifying-an-hhkb-with-55g-domes/

[cryptokey]

bust, easily. boobs are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than any keyboard.

mmmmm them domes.

[iLLucionist]

I started with the HHKB and fell in love with the layout / form factor. Then I couldn't resist the 55g Realforce I kept hearing so much about. It's as good as people say. But then you miss the layout of the HHKB. Finally I gave in and did a dome swap along with silencing. The silenced 55g HHKB is the ultimate Topre board in my opinion. But not a cheap one...lol.

How do you do a dome swap actually?

It's not too tough as long as you take your time and are careful not to lose any of the springs in the process. KeyChatter has a good little write up on the mod that I used as a reference.

https://www.keychatter.com/2015/07/21/how-to-moddifying-an-hhkb-with-55g-domes/

Cool, thanks!