Reddit reviews Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional2 (White)

Hello,

I switched to vim as my primary editor of choice 1.5 years ago. Before that, I was using text editors mostly (Sublime Text) and working in web. And prior to that, I came from using IDEs with compiled languages. Today, I work with vim (GVim, i'm not in the terminal usually but it doesn't hurt my productivity at all to use straight vim) and c++.

The primary advantages to me were that I have a completely cross-platform editor setup that I can throw onto a machine or update in minutes. I was using mac/windows/linux daily at one point, so that was really important to me.

The main reason that I stepped away from IDEs, though, is because I feel that they hide a little too much of what's going on behind the scenes from you. When I started out developing in C++ in college, I distinctly remember wondering how compilation really works besides pressing Visual Studio's build button. How does managing a build system work? Managing dependencies?

So, when I re-taught myself C++ (which I'm now working in professionally, too) I wanted to do it from the lowest level. Just editing text, invoking the compiler myself, using CMake for a build system. I initially did it to learn how all the separate parts come together, but now I find that each of my tools individually are much easier to work with than when the IDE wraps them up for you as a whole.

Aside from that, a silly reason for enjoying vim is that it actually makes the act of editing your code kind of fun. It's kind of interesting how focused in coding you become when the actual act of typing out a bunch of code is fun. I'm even looking at this keyboard to take that a bit further.

Anyway, Vim isn't for everyone because of the time it takes to start being more productive than what you used before. But, if you're looking for something cross-platform, light-weight, and with an enormous amount of high-quality community support and plugins then IMO it can't be beat.

Happy Hacking!

This for sure I had been eyeing this keyboard for a long fucking time but I never pulled the trigger because of the outrageous price. Unfortunately, drunk me decided sober me needed a gift. Thankfully, this keyboard is fucking great. I still don't know if it's $200 great.

Now you are going to say HHKBs are Apple clones ...

HHKB Pro2 white comes with those as standard, I think?

Edit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000EXZ0V2/

Right here. I'm not saying yours is a bad price, however, I personally would buy a new one. I've already got a Pro 2 Type-S and JP both with Hasu BT controllers. Regardless, your HHKB is in great shape and not a bad price at all. Best of luck with the sale. :)

Fuck, so I just watched some reviews of Topre switches and man I need to get Topre switches. That "thunk" is gangsta. I see on amazon the HHKB Pro 2 is $250. Does that sound about right or are there places where it goes on sale?

Edit: I see it is $235 on EliteKeyboards

I bought this around April 16 of this month, it just shipped yesterday.

I got it for $192.

Ill update you guys when i receive it, expected arrival date is May 16-June 7.

EDIT:

Link to the one I bought at Amazon

Yes. Only once. I bought an HHKB, and declared it for JPY 5k. I only needed to pay 12% VAT of the declared value + shipping. Downside of this is that you'll get a smaller value on your (shipping) insurance.

Realforce 87U is a TKL Topre. As someone else commented though, you're not losing keys with a smaller board. Just those "dedicated" keys. You can use Fn to access them.

HHKBPro 2 has a pretty weird function layer layout, (look at the front side printed functions. Those are accessed by holding onto the FN key to the right) imo.

Make sure to look at this very closely before buying into it since it's non-programmable without buying an alternate controller, bluetooth version, battery not included and replacing the old one (which is super easy).

Check out Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional2. The nerdiest of all keyboards out there.
https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-White/dp/B000EXZ0V2

PS: Unix and vim friendly only.

I feel I've wasted a post after looking back at yours. Curious about the HHKB so I looked it up. It's $250+ on Amazon... since it's so expensive, made in Japan and has good reviews I'd like to ask you if you think it's worth the price tag as I might then consider putting it on my Wishlist.

Edit: Link to one I assumed you had.

I don't think so, at least not in the US.

Not sure if you can see this link

I can order it right now from Amazon for 211USD. This is what I did before and I think it actually shipped from Japan, but I was none the wiser. :)

p.s. I love this keyboard.

Basically, it's cheap..
https://www.amazon.de/Happy-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-White/dp/B000EXZ0V2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1487678835&sr=8-2&keywords=hhkb+pro+2

FYI this is $230 new, free shipping, on Prime, minus the blanks: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-White/dp/B000EXZ0V2 - so basically $35 more for a blank version.

Link!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EXZ0V2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QrroxbYSJ5SRA

And link!

https://imgur.com/O9rMOxL

Also, this lower prime pricing has brought down the Amazon Warehouse Deals pricing for this item. I've been buying a lot of Amazon Warehouse Deal items and I find that most of their stuff is brand new open box items without warranty.

Amazon Warehouse Deals Price: $182.58
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000EXZ0V2/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000EXZ0V2/ref=olp_f_primeEligible?ie=UTF8&f_primeEligible=true

you have to click on the "other sellers" link and from there filter to Prime Shipping. also if you go back to the main page and scroll down you can choose different models, black/white, legend/no legend etc.....i think this link is white w/ legends

I meant 15k yen, but I mistyped. And yeah, a Type-s like that would cost more. On Amazon.jp, the normal ANSI ones are ~20k yen, but I've seen them cheaper in pictures of Japanese stores and such.

I bought mine for $220 USD, so the price should be about $285 CAD. That is pretty expensive.

But it looks like there are other listings that are closer to that $285 mark: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000EXZ0V2/ref=s9_simh_gw_d0_g147_i2?pf_rd_p=7cf14d94-60e4-4596-a8e9-56f4486162d0&pf_rd_s=grid-unrec-3&pf_rd_t=Gateway&pf_rd_i=mobile&pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_r=C1Z05B771HQM6SJ1YXJT

I want to buy one too so bad but yeah import tax etc but amazon are selling them from japenese vendors http://www.amazon.co.uk/Keyboard-Professional2-capacitance-non-contact-PD-KB400W/dp/B000EXZ0V2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_computers_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=09N0X80HWBAFC2F8HBTF

Looks like the Happy Hacking Keyboard https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000EXZ0V2/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_gxiWzb1PVRC7C it's pretty sweet I've been thinking about getting it

It's a 60% keyboard, not TKL: http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-White/dp/B000EXZ0V2

Yep! And it does seem they have mac friendly legends

In terms of Cherry MX switches for an absolute beginner -

For gaming you want a linear switch for faster click registration and easier key presses. (Cherry MX Red)

For typing you want a clicky, tactile switch so you can feel the key presses and possibly make less mistakes. (Cherry MX Blue)

Cherry MX Browns are usually the middle-ground and preference for people who don't like the loudness or the full tactility of the Blues, but still want some tactility over the linear Reds. It does well for both typing and gaming.

Different manufacturers (Cherry, Kailh, ALPS, Zealios, etc) will sometimes call their switches different colors but the consistent factors are usually tactile, linear, or clicky. It can seem kind of crazy at first with all the different names but as long as you can recognize the base type of switch that you want, everything else will follow pretty easily.

The second common factor is switch weight, this is very much subject to personal preference so I would highly suggest trying some sample switches first but even then it doesn't really compare to using a board full of them. For my own personal experience I've tried all different kinds of weights and while I like the feel of heavy switches a lot, I don't think that they hold up to extended periods of use unless you reaaally like heavy switches. They can be tiring on your fingers and it's not something I think most people would enjoy powering through. There's not really any benefit to going heavier other than your own personal enjoyment so if you feel like it would take getting used to, I would just go with the regular weight switches.

If you're wondering why Kailh in particular, the switches that they make are very similar to Cherry MX's but they're smoother and just feel so much better than their Cherry MX counterpart (Most Kailh switches are named the same as the Cherry MX versions). They also have a new-ish version of their switches called the BOX and all you really have to know about the BOX vs regular is that the BOX's just feel smoother than the already smoother regular Kailh switches.

If you're going to be gaming and typing I would go with the Kailh BOX Browns, it's the same thing as the Burnt Oranges just not so heavy. :
https://novelkeys.xyz/products/kailh-box-switches

Please also be aware that you can't hot-swap switches in the KBparadise V80 and if you get the Kailh's you either have to solder them into a board or buy a hot-swappable board.

This Team Wolf Zhuque board, although not the prettiest with the lights on, is really well built and the metal casing really makes a difference in how your keys feel. It is hot-swappable meaning you can just use the included tool or tweezer out the switches and swap them to whatever you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Team-Wolf-Swappable-Mechanical-Keyboard-Blue/dp/B01AFBJQA8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538166099&sr=8-1&keywords=team+wolf+zhuque

The only other hot-swap board on the market I'm aware of is the twice as expensive and half as built Glorious PC Gaming Race board. It looks nicer and it's full RGB but the plastic housing feels very cheap compared to the Zhuque.

To sum it up real quick, if you're going with KBparadise V80 go with Cherry MX Brown. If you're going with the Kailh BOX Browns get the Team Wolf Zhuque.

tldr; get an HHKB

I messed around with those Cherry MX boards, but then bit the bullet and got an HHKB. I wish I went straight for the gold to begin with. You have that chance. Yes, it's far more expensive than you probably expect, but nothing else compares to the Topre switches in an HHKB or Realforce board. I personally prefer the HHKB because of the size, removable cord, and the dedicated Mac mode. I also seem to work better with fewer keys and a robust function layer.

Your gift card will only cover half the cost, but think of it as getting the world's best keyboard for the price of a really good keyboard. Also, auto mechanics sometimes pay this much for just one tool that they will use far less than you'll use this. I bet you earn a lot more than the average auto mechanic, so why not treat yourself to keyboard perfection.

http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional2-White/dp/B000EXZ0V2

If money isn't a huge issue, HHKB pro 2 is the best by miles. Not only does it have a compact layout making it easy to travel with, but it doesn't have the annoying high pitched sound of Blue switching, and the very loud mechanical sound of a buckling spring that will likely annoy anyone nearby.

Beyond that, it is still known as one of the most satisfying keyboards to type on because it gives a nice thock sound. It also comes in a dark grey with black legends which is less legible so I wouldn't get it unless you really think you will be able to master the function keys.

Unfortunately it will run you $200 on amazon. However I've seen quite a lot of enthusiasts that have like 10+ keyboards, half being custom hand built that cost $400-$600each, give HHKB the #1 slot when asked what their favorite keyboard is to type on. A lot of them use it as their daily driver, which is kind of insane as most custom keycaps can't be used on an HHKB.