fyi, i'm a programmer...
A) HHKB layout is absolute best stock keyboard layout on the market, and also the absolute best looking keyboard. After using it for 1 week, the layout was the most accommodating and efficient layout of any keyboard I've used regardless of the number of keys on the board.
B) Topre.... I suppose for people who are into bells and whistles the "thock" could be music to some people's ears, but regardless of that, I'm sorry to say,
those Topre keys are destroying your fingers.
C) I returned that HHKB even though I wanted to keep it because it looked so cool. But I've been using keyboards and mice for 20 years now. Unfortunately, I have learned some lessons the hard way. After the first 3 years, using mice destroyed my right hand. I was forced to switch to my left hand for mouse use. To this day, I can't use my right hand with a mouse, if I do, it only takes 5 minutes before my hand and arm start hurting. I was forced to try every different kind of mouse... Air mouse, mouse pads that work by using you fingers on a pad, or with a pen, roller balls, etc, etc. Mouse I have been using for the last three years is Steel Series Sensei (rubber exterior).
D) Enter the last 5 months. I had a project that took 12 weeks, and I averaged 15 hours a day 7 days a week on my keyboard. As a result, some underlying problems with ergonomics came to a head.
E) I bought HHKB and loved the layout and look. Keys were too resistant. I purchased an all 30g Topre board on Reddit, and converted my HHKB to all 30g. Yay! That was good for about 3 days.
Even then the keys were not easy enough on my fingers.
F) Enter the search for a 60% layout with absolutely the least resistance... I got a 60% Gateron Clear.
G) 60% Gateron Clear keyboard: KBParadise V60:
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1481The keys are very easy to activate and have little resistance. I believe these are rated at 30g but believe me, 30g on a cherry/gateron is much easier to activate than 30g topre. I love these switches.
The stock gateron clear switches had two issues that bugged me a bit:
1) a bit click clacky noisy,
2) travel distance a bit to far.
Fixed both problems with the purchase of Blue Rubber O-Ring Switch dampeners that have a reduced travel distance of 0.4mm.
The kbparedise keyboard is not of superb quality, but it is okay enough. I'm using the switches I need.
H) Now I'm looking to get a custom board with HHKB layout and Gateron Clear switches.
Summary
While the layout and looks of HHKB are excellent, the health of your fingers are much more important. If you've got money to spend on a HHKB, go a bit farther and get someone to build you a custom board with the HHKB layout and Cherry or MX Switches that are not slowly but surely thocking your fingers to death... literally and actually.