Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 Review HHKB Pro 2

[Sarslyable]

anyone know of a keyboard with this layout that uses cherry mx reds?

[usefulidiot00]

@Sarslyable the closes would be a KBC Poker...they are hard to come by.

[whateveraffair]

Hi Tristan, first of all, big fan of your videos, seems like we share the same interests (apple, keyboards and leather goods!). I use Filco keyboards currently (blue and brown switches) also I own many IBM model Ms, I like to have this tactile feedback when I type, but the Topre has linear feel to the keys? could you perhaps explain the different in feels? some say topres are real smooth, is that a good thing? does that improve your typing speed/accuracy?

[phototristan]

@whateveraffair The Topre keys are not linear as far as I know. Maybe someone else with experience with a linear Filco can comment on the difference in feel between the HHKB Pro 2.

[whateveraffair]

@phototristan oh i might have read it wrong on the topre being linear, so that means the topre is more comparable to the brown switches? how do they feel compared to the browns?

[AppleSouffle]

How does typing on this keyboard feel compared to your basic membrane keyboard?

I've read that the keys you press with your pinkies require less force than the other keys. The best description I've read for typing on a keyboard with topre switches is - It's like typing on clouds of boobs.

[phototristan]

@AppleSouffle That's only on a variable weighted 'board like the Realforce 86U,of which this is not. This has uniform 45g key weight which is just about perfect IMO. Way better than a typical rubber dome 'board.

[Jabbaz03]

what about the F1, F2, F3, F4...etc buttons ?

[phototristan]

@Jabbaz03 Yes, they are there.

[Jabbaz03]

what about the F1, F2, F3, F4...etc buttons ?

[TheLich17]

I see u know a lot about keyboards... do you have any idea where i coulld purchase a cherry keyboard RED, Cherry G80-3600LYCJA?

I'm from Europe, and i woould like to have normal keys, not chinese or korean... Do you have any idea if this can be done? Thanks in advance.

[phototristan]

@TheLich17 I can't say that I know the answer to this one, sorry! Maybe someone else can comment?

[TheLich17]

@phototristan Ok, still thanks for the answer :) I hope someone else knows...

[Ubernoob85]

@TheLich17 Elitekeyboards just got some today. I think shipping starts the 20th but you can preorder now.

[TheLich17]

@Ubernoob85 Oh, this exact model? i saw they got some, but are u sure this is the model i want? Anyways, i looked through it, thanks for the hint, really helped! If not anything else, ive found a good site where i can order mechanical keyboards :)

[GrouchOsa]

@TheLich17 amazon or pchome elitekeyboards

[TheLich17]

@GrouchOsa Thanks a lot :)



[djjfresco]

hey dude, between the HHKB Pro2 and the Real Force 86U what do you prefer. I'm debating on getting a new keyboard, so i was wondering what you like - maybe a VS. video? Also, i dunno if you've tried the HHKB Lite, but if you have is there any real difference between the Pro and the Lite?

[phototristan]

@djjfresco I prefer the form factor of the RealForce, mainly for the dedicated arrow keys. But I prefer a 45g uniform keyweight which the HHKB Pro 2 has. I'm not sure if the Lite HHKB even has Topre keys? If not, I would not even consider it.

[djjfresco]

@phototristan thanks for getting back to me. I think i will get the realforce. I kind of like having the extra keys. i only wish they made a mac version.

[phototristan]

@djjfresco It does work with map, with a little bit of tweaking/adjustment on your part.

[manueldaman]

Good keys but sorry I think not having dedicated Delete keys and F-keys is just stupid. The main selling point of this keyboard is the feel and quality, and anyone who buys it and praises it will inevitably think it is a half-assed keyboard because a lot of useful keys have been omitted in the name of coolness and looks.

[phototristan]

@manueldaman I don't know what you're talking about. It has a dedicate delete key.

[Metroidam11]

Where do you purchase this from?

[phototristan]

@Metroidam11 I got mine from a seller on Amazon.

[bl00dwaste]

"its small so you dont have to stretch your fingers"

WTF has the world come to? Is it really that much hard for you to move ur hand just ANOTHER 5CM more?

I know people are getting lazy but this is just RIDICULOUSLY lazy

[phototristan]

@bl00dwaste It's called ergonomics.

[bl00dwaste]

@phototristan ergonomics is one thing, developing a keyboard so you don't have to stretch your finger one more inch just cause it takes half a second longer... just the idea sounds morbidly obese.

shrinking a keyboard and reducing the number of keys in it... and raise its price?

It's not gonna save your fingers that much of a deal

It's not gonna make you code/type any faster than other keyboards (significantly)

i only see more space in your desk AND your wallet.

[phototristan]

@bl00dwaste Programmers love this board so the proof is in the putting so to speak. It's highly sought after. You diot have to like it, that's why there are other boards.

[bl00dwaste]

@phototristan touché

[lolchobo]

@bl00dwaste The reason why programmers love this keyboard is because they replaced the position of the CTRL key with the Caps Lock key, which makes it much more comfortable for them to use CTRL functions.

The price comes from the build quality (materials used, the precise work and care needed to make it). In case you weren't aware, this board uses Topre capacitive keyswitches, which is basically the cream of the crop of keyswitches. This board gives an EXTREMELY pleasurable typing experience.

[qt247ha]

i stopped reading what you typed when i saw that you use the "morbidly obese" people to describe something seemingly disgusting to you. you may show your dislike for the keyboard, but this has nothing to do with obese people. you may say that i am obese and I am not ashamed to say that I am. Learn to respect people before you want people to read your comments. not all obese people are "lazy" typers. what's wrong with people liking this keyboard because of how it feels for them?

[bl00dwaste]

@qt247ha I'll just answer your last question. The disproportional price. REGARDLESS of "how it feels".

I can build a decent computer with that kind of money, Hell, I can buy a shitty laptop with that amount.

[SteveJawbs]

@bl00dwaste Do you use that logic to everything in your life? Do you have a shitty car that runs "fine", inexpensive dollar-store dishware, cheap no-brand shoes, a 5 dollar plastic watch that simply tells the time, etc. (you get my point).

Of course people don't need to spend ridiculous amounts of money on things, but people do BECAUSE of the quality of the product. Your comment about not regarding the feel of the keyboard is wrong, as that is the ONLY applicable reason to buy expensive items.

[bl00dwaste]

@SteveJawbs I dont have a 5$ watch BUT i dont spend 250$ on a freaken watch. I like to wear nike for instance, BUT I dont spend 250$ on a pair of sneakers.. and in all honesty, todays market is all about consumption and making once durable products into something disposable in a matter of months. quality? ye right. Why would i spend 250 dollars on a keyboard these days when i can spend 20 and it lasts the same time? cause of how it feels? its a KEYBOARD, not a monitor nor a car.

[SteveJawbs]

@bl00dwaste To answer your question, YOU would not spend 250 on a keyboard, but guess what? Despite what your parents told you, you are not special!

Who would buy a $250 pair of sneakers? Most likely a very serious runner who cares about his equipment. Who would pay $1000 for a top-of-the-line monitor? Someone who does graphic design. Who would pay $250 for a keyboard? Someone who uses it for hours and hours a day, as their job requires it; a programmer for instance.

[SteveJawbs]

@bl00dwaste So no, most people like yourself who cruise on YouTube, or maybe go on Facebook or play some video games probably would not want or need this keyboard.

I'm still not sure if you're getting it. To some people, their life is in front of the computer, and they interact with it by a keyboard. Now if you were making your living by using a keyboard for literally hours at a time, every day for many years, wouldn't you want a better feeling keyboard?

Seriously, open your mind a little.

[bl00dwaste]

@SteveJawbs I also do a lil scripting for games but do not digress to prove your point. the point here is the price of that said keyboard, which imo is outrageous and not proportional to what ur actually buying.

But hey, im not saying you shouldnt buy it, whatever floats ur boat.

perhaps you dont work for a living and think its worth to spend a quarter of ur salary on a set of keystrokes. my mind is that open, to reality.

[phototristan]

@bl00dwaste It's a great keyboard and worth every penny, but not for everyone. The fact that I still use it as my 'daily driver' should tell you something. I've tried tons of 'boards and this is the one I use most.

[SteveJawbs]

@bl00dwaste Actually, I make a living working in front of a computer all day, and THAT'S why I support this keyboard.

The keyboard is the main input device for interaction with my computer, and since what I do on my computer keeps me financially sustained, I'd like to have a comfortable keyboard.

Here's a good example: a musician can spend 300 dollars on a used standard Mexican Fender strat, but most professionals don't; they buy 1000-2000 dollar American ones.

[SteveJawbs]

@bl00dwaste They could easily buy 6 used Mexistrats and still sound great, but the American made one is much more comfortable, sound better (somewhat), and is overall well-built and feels fantastic.

I mean, it's literally their instrument that allows them to make money and to stay alive; when a person is dependent like that on something, I don't see how you can consider it a waste of money; what else is SO important in your life that you need to save that relatively small amount of your money?

[bl00dwaste]

@SteveJawbs answering ur question: life itself.

Its called saving up. just saying.. but sure if u work with a computer go ahead and buy it

[AppleSouffle]

Bl00dwaste, you're guessing. A membrane keyboard will last for 5 million keystrokes. A mechanical keyboard will last for 50 million keystrokes, 10 times as long. And each key can be replaced. With a membrane keyboard, if the A key stops working, you have to replace the whole keyboard.

Cherry switch keyboards sell for 80 - $150 and they're so much better for typing. The topre switch keyboards, like the Happy Hacking, are the next step up. If you type a lot, it's worth the expense.

[bl00dwaste]

@AppleSouffle if A key stops working ill buy another 15$ keyboard..

how do you come up with those statistics anyway? I have only used 3 keyboards in my whole life and i have a pc since '98. I spent 50-60 dollars tops on keyboards since then. you're telling me this 250$ piece of... hardware can last 13 years? hell make it a decade, absolutely nothing is meant to last nowadays. But like I said, and not wanting to be rude, if you like it then by all means purchase the damn gadget.

[SteveJawbs]

@bl00dwaste The manufacturers themselves give out these statistics.

Also, your posts go back for months! Why are you so on about this keyboard and criticizing everyone who likes the keyboard? Do you go to the airport and tell people who are riding first class that they are wasting money just to get a comfier seat?

[bl00dwaste]

@SteveJawbs perhaps you didnt notice im not criticizing the comments, but the product.

Also, I am "on" about this keyboard simply because every time I go on youtube I see people replying to my comments, you see, to prove their points. I also like to reply, to answer questions, to prove my point.

oh, and the airport joke, glad you made it. are you aware there are flights CHEAPER than this keyboard? seriously. If this doesnt show the disproportion here, i dunno what will.

[Th3James]

I could never use this. It's so god damn small.

[phototristan]

@Th3James The keys are the same sizes as any normal keyboard.

[VaiographyCA]

Where's the Ctrl key? i can't find it. Btw, is this keyboard good for FPS games...o.0?

[phototristan]

@VaiographyCA It's right above the left shift key.

[galacticaphantome]

@VaiographyCA It's ok for games, but it's mainly used by unix coders since most of the time they are working in a Command Terminal setting. Having the control where caps lock is usually located allows coders to get quicker access to control commands.

[aznguyen316]

@VaiographyCA it's the caps lock. ftw!

[phototristan]

@Zensuji Yep, it's a great keyboard once you get use to the layout. I'm using it as my daily keyboard and really like it a lot.

[ussherpress]

Is this still your regular daily keyboard? I'm thinking of dropping some cash for this, but it's so expensive. I type all day on a keyboard at work and use Emacs primarily, so it probably would be beneficial, but man, that price. :)

[phototristan]

@ussherpress Yep, I'm using it as my daily keyboard these days. I'm liking it.

[mrsone2000]

Hey, you got a HHKB! So....HHKB Pro2 vs Realforce 86U? Which one do you prefer?

[phototristan]

@mrsone2000 They are both very nice. I prefer the HHKB2 though for the uniform key weighting.

[OnyxCode]

will you decipher the OnyxCode ...

[erikpcarlson]

Hey, Tristan! What happened to your Apple Trackpad?

[phototristan]

@erikpcarlson I still have it. I just use it when I feel like it.