7:30 Thank you SO MUCH for adding the “Big Volume” heads up on screen... so many times I crank up the volume to hear the clickity clackaty, then get my ears blown off when the sound test is over. On behalf of all the headphone users, I applaud you. :)
I owned a lot of different keyboards, at one point I had a vintage keyboard collection. I tried several different layouts, switches, cases... I've modified a lot of my keyboards. And I can say that the HHKB is by a far the best keyboard someone can possibly buy. It's glorious, it looks fantastic, it's the dream of every keybaord enthusiast.... I'd say it's as perfect as a keyboard can get, similar to your beard sir!
Dang bro. 200K will be here in literally no time. The quality of production, b-roll, content and the wide range of material covered is unmatched. Can't wait for more reviews. 👍
You can customize Topre by swapping rubber domes to change the weight. BKE Redux are suppose to be pretty nice. Personally, I love Outemu Silent Sky for silent switches.
I just found your channel recently and really appreciate the quality and attention to detail you bring to your content. not to mention the aesthetic. I have a HHKB with MX sliders, and the real issue is that the stabilized keys. It just wont accept the three stem keys so they have to be modified. I also have a Leopold FC660C and just today reverted MX sliders on it. Comparing the two the build quality on the Leopold is miles ahead, the inclusion of metal in the build makes a world of difference, no ping, that honestly sounds impossible considering how these are made. If you want another rabbit hole, get your hands on a norbauer case and an FC660c, thats a dream of mine.
I'd say for gamers if you're looking for a Topre board the Realforce line (specifically the RGBs) are probably your best bet. If you're set on getting a 60-65% board the Leopold FC660C is an option and can also be purchased in Type S form. The main advantage that one has is it's basically a bog standard 65% layout so it has normal arrow keys.
Using cheap 20Eur membrance boards all my life and after watching countless reviews and sound tests i decided to purchase one...i'm absolutely blown by design, feel and quality of the board. Of course for that price You would expect this but this exceeds my expectations by a mile. Having said that the only thing i need to get used to is smaller key cap area which for me causes sometimes hitting adjacent key when touch typing but i would assume i will have to adjust to that and position my hands differently. Layout was a natural thing to hop on - i really don't know how i could have used backspace so far away despite not using so often. Using emacs is also much more pleasant and i can now get rid of caps ctrl remap. On a side note i need to figure out why setting hhkb layout and choosing bsdel switch does not work (maybe it is written somewhere in paper instructions?). Overall i'm so happy that i got it i'm already considering geting regular (non type-s) one and using type-s as my portable board for office work :) Overall i never felt so good using any peripheral for my pc and i cannot recommend it more to anyone thinking of getting one! Happy hacking to all the owners preset and future!
You should try out a Niz Plum Keyboard. They use topre style switches with mx mount and are more affordable. It's worth noting that you can even change your actuation point (although for the whole keeb, not a single key, at least on the X87 EC I own), making it an interesting option for gaming.
I wouldn’t say realforce clone. They are more geared toward compact layouts these days. I don’t even know if their newest line includes TKLs anymore. Even their 8x key models are 65% form factors but with an added function row.
This was a great review with a solid combination of empirical data (your awesome audio recording with methodology completely visual, I like that), and easily understood and very specific opinions. I liked it a lot... And while it's clear that we have different preferences when it comes to keyboards (I type this message on my beloved IBM model M that you'll pry from my cold, dead hands), I appreciate getting a feel of what's available, particularly when it's backed by someone who is a knowledgeable enthusiast because it means that there are at least a few things that make whatever they're raving about a great, well-thought-out solution for some set of common problems. Thanks!
Dude I don't what it was about this one specifically, but the song kicking in at 1:04 for the showcase and syncing the bass up to the swap to the logo. MMPH. So good.
@Mach silent topre switches are way better because they were made with intention of being silent (they don't use rings). I think you can add silent rings also XD so it would be double silent switch
Hey, new here: as far as some customization there are BKE Redux that increase the tactile bump and in different weights. Not hotswap obviously but still some options that you could even have variable weights throughout the board. The only other thing other than the MX compatible stems you covered are cases, but that can get even more expensive then the board itself.
Have a Realforce PFU R2 Limited in the mail... Silenced Topres with variable actuation points. Those custom Norbaforce cases look sexy for this too. FYI I think just the RGB Realforce model uses the MX compatible stems.
Got the Hybrid non type s , and it’s really awesome, I thought 45 g were going to be too light for me but when you start typing on them they feel just right. I almost regretted buying it for such a high price but then again this is the only keyboard that I have that has Bluetooth, so I’m def going to take it to school or work , I have to mod it now with lube and silencing rings to make as close to a type s. I have a real force r2 on the way to keep it permanently on my home desk for work .
I have r2 and hybrid type s. So different and so good. Hybrid type s hase less resistance . All are so great. For gaming the r2 is a little too hard to press, but for typing its so good. I don’t know which is better. For me i prefer a little the hybrid type s overally😉
Had a Drop alt high profile with black gateron inks v2 and ended up selling it after finding out about topre switches and decided to give them a try. I love the feeling and sound. The only negative aspect I find is what is mentioned in this video; the availability of compatible keycaps with these switches is very scarce. I have gmk sets lying around but cannot use them on my board. I went with the Leopold FC660C Silent. Oh and did I mention it's made in Japan? And boyzz we know; Japan=quality
Nice review. Please do a review of the NIZ keyboard series. They are topre clone switch keyboards with 35g actuation force, which also have Bluetooth and my NIZ Atom66 even has RGB; they also have the CTRL keys and the Atom66 is a 60% KB and nevertheless has a DEL, dedicated arrow keys and a Tilde key (and yes, it is literally the same size as any other 60% layout). I'm typing on the NIZ Atom66 right now and it's an incredible experience really. Super quiet and even for gaming it is superior, because of the low actuation force, high actuation point (which even is adjustable) and the natural superiorness of EC switches for latency and debounce time. There is so much more I want to mention, but I dont't want to write a full review on it in the comments haha. I'll just say it's absolutely amazing and DEFO deserves alot more attention. :)
The Niz/Plum boards are a great option if you want that Topre feel. They have MX stems too. You can also pick up replacement rubber domes to customize Topre boards a bit. I have a Plum 75 w/bluetooth and love it.
Once you've tried Topre, and decide that you like it, man is it hard to go without typing on for extended periods of time. I have an HHKB Pro 2 with me that I haven't used in a while (45g domes), but at my workplace, my daily driver for at least a few months now has been the Realforce R2 TKL Ivory (55g domes), and man oh man...not even lubed or anything, but talk about buttery smooth. Quiet, too! Just the right amount of audio feedback when typing on them.
Not sure how long it'll last, but I'm feeling similar about my New Model M, which I recently picked up. Topre or Realforce is on my radar for a potential upgrade down the line, seem like great boards I'd appreciate and I am already using a half-baked UNIX layout made with the Linux keyset addon now. Maybe in the future I'll pick up either that, an UHK or a keychron, all of which I consider, but that'll probably be over 5 years at least.
Just a tip for people in the 60% life... I set my Fn key to the right alt, just besides the spacebar. I prefer this over the capslock key because you only need 1 hand on the board to use the arrow keys, rather than both hands. It's also not too far out of the way and really easy to hit with your thumb.
I manged to pick up my pro2 for €80. The listing said it was used and it arrived completely new. I love the layout in both games and day to day use because of the easy to reach ctrl and bs. (The switches are the best things I've ever used as well. )
FC660c with Hasu is my current board and I much prefer it. I like it better than HHKB (although I have only had gen 2 and not the newest HHKBs). My Niz is only 35g, which feels too linear but I want to try a 45g niz. If I could get closer to the feel of 45g topre in a Niz, I wouldn’t definitely prefer that.
By choosing AA batteries they have made sure that the keyboard doesnt become obsolete when the lithium ion battery degrades. I've had my HHKB for a LONG time now and use it everyday at work and home. Also I do earn a living typing on this keyboard... and am a coder so I guess I'm the target market anyway.
BadSeed Tech checkout Realforce R2 silenced pfu edition boards, probably the best OEM topre boards, 45g/55g both amazing. FC660C is solid too but I’d recommend the silenced version, stock HHKB and Leopold is very different but HHKB has more charm, the plastic plate offers a unique experience but Leopold feels much better in overall quality.
@@badseedtech yeah that charcoal is lit. Keycaps are still blank though which makes it super minimalistic but forces to be touch typist (which is ok for me). It even has red led on caps lock XD
honestly ive just been looking for an absolutely bulletproof board for use in programming and light gaming, and i was put onto this through a recommendation. the white/beige really gives me vibes i quite like. and from everything ive seen, its quite hard to kill these boards. likely will be a christmas gift to myself. cant decide on type s or normal hybrid though.
You're def going to have to do an update comparing the available 55g aftermarket spring weight, KBDfans silencing x rings, & even other keycaps to compare feel and sound.. will be waiting!
The best switch that I could compare to a topre, is the aqua zilent 62g. Recently built a 60% with those switches, feel VERY nice, low noise, soft bottom out, and a very crisp tactile bump.
Got an HHKB2 with KBDfans silencing rings and it's my all time favorite keyboard. Haven't lubed it as I tried lubed HHKB:s and it removed to much of the feeling of the topre switches imo.
Ive had a HHKB Pro 2 for some time I lubed it and its heaven to type on and even game on. I had printed keycaps when I bought it but eventually ordered and installed blank keycaps. I also have a realforce R2 tkl limited edition with the silent switches and its an amazing board as well.
HOLY SHIT I Love the name of the Video. I'm on Topre the world!!! I have a happy hacking non silent... I have an old realforce variable, and I just ordered a 30g silent Actuation Point Changer from japan.
Awesome review, well researched you definitely know that you're doing, if you have time try the Leopold FC660C lubed, it can rival the HHKB in terms feel and sound.
@badseed tech Man I came in assuming it was just another spec sheet reading techtuber, but you actually hit all of the points that makes the HHKB so important to the keyboard world. The HHKB layout really becomes intuitive once you get used it and go back to another stock profile. I now have all my capslocks remapped to ctrl, and windows to fn. among many other nice things talked about in this video, i also liked that you mentioned the ping on realforces and leopolds. Since leopold switched from chinese manufacturing to Japan, their topres have shown similar issues to the realforce due to the springs and metal plate. lubing the PCB (you saw that right) does fix it but nonetheless a disappointing build quality from japan. as for lubing the sliders (esp with 205g0), always remember that its always better to be less and more lube. you really only need very minimal esp for thick lube like that. good shit man, hope you continue with more keyboard content because you seem to do your research
Ok Ok OK I have given you praise for most of the stuff you say but @10:38 I did not need to hear that Came for the Keyboard review and stayed for the beard But as usual great vid with..... well straight talk
Good review. I bought a white one a couple of months, except that the pressure of the keys is a bit heavy, everything else is quite satisfactory. If 35g or 40g could be an option, that would be perfect. And your voice sounds like a Hollywood tough guy, HAHAHA
No F keys, no arrow keys, Windows only key mapping software. I’m a software engineer myself, supposedly the target audience for this keyboard, but it doesn’t appeal to me at all. I guess I get the theory behind it… you can use layers for the F and arrow keys to allow keeping your hands closer to the home row, which might improve your speed if you become proficient at it, but to me it just seems like you’re over complicating things for very little benefit. Not to mention, if you were so inclined, you could do the same thing on a board with an F row, and you would have the added benefit of more keys to map macros and shortcuts to.
I understand what you mean. However to make it work form me I use a software named Autohotkey and use a script to enable space as the fn key when held and regular spacebar when tapped. So when I hold down spacebar hjkl become my arrow keys and yuio become home pg up/dn end. Then I remapped the control to hold for control tap for escape. I still prefer 65s, ergos, and tkl but I love this thing. It’s a great office board.
Have you tried the Niz Plum or do you have plans to? I've tried my friends thousand dollar realforce and love the feel, but I can't justify the price so I want to know if a budget option would come close. Thanks!
Niz 35g is definitely an amazing option, especially when you use two keyboards to compare at the same time, Niz will make your hands feel relaxed. Now Niz has more layout options and better firmware.
Believe it or not MX Zilents are actually very similar to HHKB Topre switches. They are Frankenswitches invented by Krelbit who owns SwitchMod. They are Zealios Housings with Cherry MX Red or Black Silent Stems. They are silent liners but because of the tactile leaf of zealio housings hitting the rubber of the silent stem they feel like topre. I have an HHKB and a Tofu HHKB 60 with MX Zilents lubed with Krytox 205g0 and I can confirm they are very similar. Not the same but similar enough for me to prefer MX Zilents to almost any of switch. The one exceptions is Gateron Ink Silents lubed with Tryboisis 3203 but that’s a little bit louder and doesn’t have the tactile ish feel of the MX Zilents
Great review, just wondering, why are you not using it wireless? EDIT- Okay, just to due a bit of lag while you game. I use the keyboard in BT constantly but I'm not a gamer.
Looking forward to more topre content. Would be interesting if there is a topre board in a 65 or 75 layout, and most importantly QMK. It’s tough for me to drop $300+ on this small of a board with no QMK, buuuuut the Bluetooth is actually a big thing for me. It’s actually really hard to find a 4 device high quality keyboard
Once you go Topre, you don't go back. There's a reason why they call it "Happy" Hacking Keyboard. I have a custom HHKB Pro Silent running 55g domes... It's my baby. I also have one of the rare Novatouch TKLs running the Topre MX stems (purple). These will most likely get used to mod an HHKB hybrid board and keep the signature Topre sound and feel, but allow me to use some of my artisans and keycaps sets. It truly is like typing on clouds.
GUYSSSS, Who remembers the big collaboration with of everyone's keyboards about 9 months ago. Who else thinks she should see another one soon die to quarentine. It could be called quarentine set ups or something. Just a thought...
As a programmer topre is definitely endgame for my work/home keyboard. My current topre endgame is a norbaforce I personally wouldn't use if for gaming
I use two different Topre boards (HHKB Pro 2 type S and Leopold FC660c) and I've been testing different switches to find what is the closest to Topre. There isn't anything that I've found, though I have found that I really like the Yok purple trash panda's. I have tried Holy Panda, Halo True, Halo Clear, T1 tactiles, Zilents, most brown varients and some other randoms. I've tried stem, spring and both stem and swing swaps with pretty much all possible variations of the listed switch housings, and I enjoy the purple trashes the most currently.
