You ask a lot of subjective questions on this post. So let me do my best to offer my observations:
* The Type-S are more expensive due to demand and because additional work (and materials) are required to produce it.
* Being that much better is subjective. They are quietier and have a slightly different feel. Better is subjective.
* I have no idea if the keycap colors are the same or different on the non-silenced and type-s boards.
I would strongly recommend you have a go with a topre board on a test basis before dropping cash on one (unless you are swimming in cash). Even a Novatouch (topre domes with MX sliders) will give you a basic idea of what the difference is between topre and non-topre. The HHKBs are smoother than the Novatouch due to better sliders.
If you are in SoCal, I'd recommend a trip to elitekeyboards as they have showroom demo boards. Also, their price is a bit better than Amazon and they may not charge tax if you are out of the state of California. Then again, they do charge shipping so :shrug:
When I was asking about better, I really meant whether the type-S was using different or upgraded switches or other mechanics or if the difference was really just about the sound and a little bit of feel. I'm on the East Coast, right by DC, so I think the trip to SoCal for the keyboard probably isn't worth it (this time). I'll check out their shop though, may be something fun to see the next time I'm out there.
I'm not worried about spending the cash to buy either. If I got it from Amazon and really disliked it, I could always send it back, too.
I believe both the regular and Type-S flavors of HHKB come with the same keycaps, at least when you are looking at the "White" HHKB's. Both the regular and Type-S versions are available in blank and printed white keycaps, although in my experience the printed Type-S is more difficult to find in stock. It sounds like you are more interested in the white version of the HHKB which is convenient as the Type-S is not available in dark-grey. If you go down the regular HHKB route you can choose from the dark-grey printed and dark-grey non-printed keycaps in addition to the white printed/non-printed.
That's what I thought about the keycaps. Thanks for confirming.
The price difference between Type-S and normal HHKB is about the same on EK.
The keycaps are the same - HHKB only has 4 keycap sets - white printed (what you have linked), white blank, black printed, and black blank.
Some say they prefer the Type-S, which has rubber rings on the sliders to make the upstroke a bit quieter. Many say that spoils the distinctive thock sound of a Topre keyboard.
A few even silence their own normal HHKB. Again some prefer self-silenced, and some say that was the worst thing they ever did to their HHKB.
Personally I like the thock from an unsilenced HHKB, and mine is white and printed, and the keycaps are great!
Although I did manage to get a white PBT space bar to replace the standard ABS one which had developed a little shine.
Great info, thanks! I'm not concerned about the amount of noise the keyboard produces, I was mostly asking about the differences from the perspective of one using better switches, but it sounds like the Type-S just has had effort put in to keep the noise down. It's a bummer they use ABS on the space, which gets used so much. I'd probably have to replace mine with PBT right away to be happy with it.
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I found this video, which seems to do a good job of capturing the sounds of the keyboards. My Filco is pretty loud (browns in an aluminum case), and volume isn't a problem at all. I work from home most of the time, and when I travel, I typically just use my laptop keyboard instead of hauling a separate board with me. I think I like the sound of the original the best.
Guess I'll decide today whether I'm going to order one and maybe pull the trigger.
I've got a Filco MJ2 TKL with a plasti-dipped aluminum Vortex case, Pegasus Hoof, custom Mimic breakaway cable, and set of Vortex keycaps right now. Maybe I should sell it and have a change?
