PFU HHKB Professional Hybrid Type-S White PD-KB800WS

I never thought I would really like this keyboard. I thought it would simply be a learning experience, and I would end up selling it on eBay or something. Once I got it though, did a couple simple mod's, and spent some time learning the very different layout (from anything I've ever used), I'm now using this as my "daily driver", and REALLY enjoying it.First off was the whole idea of a relatively quiet keyboard. I've had several MX-style keyboards, and have really enjoyed using them. I've always been a tactile switch fan, so at least this keyboard had that going for it. After spending some time typing on the Topre switches, I have found I like the experience over a regular tactile MX-style switch. I did take the board apart and lube the rails on the sliders, and I really notice the difference in smoothness and sound. After the lube, the keys move just a wee bit more smoothly, and even the very tiny amount of rattle is gone. This is a quick mod, and I highly recommend it.Next I would say is the materials. I have owned all-plastic boards in the past, and I just couldn't get beyond the plasticky sound. Given all the unique attributes of the Topre switches, that feel and sound is not an issue in this board at all. Despite no foams in the board at all, nor applying anything mod I would normally do (like the tape mod), I love the sound of this board. I do believe my co-workers appreciate the sound as well. :-) Plastic is plastic, so I can't say the board is made of super-high quality materials. I own boards with aluminum, copper, and carbon fiber, so I am familiar with really premium materials on boards. All that said, despite the basic material being plastic, it does not interfere with the functionality or enjoyment of using this board in any way. When I tried one of the non Type-S boards, I think the plastic material was more obvious there, and I ended up returning that one. This Type-S board with the lubed sliders really sounds great I think, and doesn't feel cheap at all.Finally, the layout. I was a programmer for decades, but I didn't get this board until I had retired from coding. That said, I'm definitely a keyboard nerd, and don't mind the various combinations of keys used to do things other boards do with a single key (e.g., arrow keys, function keys, Home, End, etc.). After having used it now for a couple weeks, things like selecting and copy/pasting text is getting much faster, as is quickly navigating using keys like Home and End. This will undoubtedly continue to improve and get faster over time.So far, they key mapping software has worked without a hitch. The two AA batteries are holding up very nicely. The keyboard has been a joy to commute/travel with. The Bluetooth functionality has worked perfectly between my PC at home and my Mac at work.Bottom line for me: I own four other MX-style keyboards ranging in price from $70 to almost $500. I like them all, but they're all currently sitting in my closet while I use and enjoy this board every day. Yes...$300 is a lot for a board. That's a serious financial commitment. I can only say having spent more on other boards, this was $300 well spent, and I'd do it again.I REALY like this board, and intend on continuing to use it as my daily driver for the foreseeable future! I've never written an Amazon review this long, but that's how enthusiastic I am about this board!

Thanks to a Japanese cult classic, my keyboard grail quest has finally come to conclusion. ☀️ Lubed Topre-switches for the win! It’s such a distinctive feel. I went for throw-back ‘90s colors. I mean sure it's still in the honeymoon phase for me but this is the greatest keyboard I've ever used as of now.≫ Lubed Topre electro-capacitance switches with dampening O-rings. A rubber dome and spring mechanism makes for the distinctive feel and satisfying thock sound.

This keyboard is pretty much what you'd expect. Top tier Topre board that feels good to type on.However, is it worth the money? On another website, this keyboard runs for 337; its previous versions sit around 220 and 280. So what's jacked up its price so much? Nothing much changed. Same layout. Same color. Same switches. Silent Topre? BT? These are definitely unimpressive features of a keyboard on this time and age of tech gadgets. We got full BT keyboards that go for $30 dollars.I already own a FC980 Leopold, and I thoroughly enjoy it. HHKB feels a lot lighter than the FC980, and the keypress definitely feels lighter even though they're both 45g. And I know that it's supposed to be silent, but there is hardly a Thocc. Leopold is FAR sturdier and is also lower profile than HHKB. When you hold it up you feel like you're holding a premium keyboard, whereas HHKB is just all plastic.Nothing will change my mind about the price tag. Times are changing and there are cheaper alternatives to Topre that still are as good or better than HHKB like Niz, so HHKB needs to step up their game plan. I've checked multiple sources of polls and people always preferred 660c and Niz over HHKB. Also says something when it's so darn difficult to find an article on HHKB that isn't 4-5 years old.I honestly would go with the Leopold 660C if I could find a BT version of it.So bottom line, at least for me, the only advantage HHKB type-s has to the Leopold 660C is the built-in BT functionality, even though jacking up the price by a 100 bucks still feels excessive.Also, if I'm paying close to 400 dollars for a keyboard, I expect to get at least the cable?If you're a busy person and definitely want a wireless Topre, and an extra 100-150 dollars doesn't bother you, go with this. If you are that same person above but want to save some money and go for what people call a better EC than HHKB, go with Niz. Finally, if you have time and the resources to get the BT kit for the 660C, get the 660C and the BT mod.For now I will continue using it just because I'm cursed with the hobby of collecting keebs.There's a reason why I still gave it 4 stars despite all my whining. The keyboard does not disappoint.

I've used Cherry MX Blues, Browns, and (obviously) membrane keyboards. Without a doubt this is the best typing experience by far. Keystrokes are crisp, and honestly I've never typed faster.Yes it's expensive and yes it was a hard pill to swallow... But man is it fun and it's extremely portable. The layout is a bit odd, but honestly the backspace key feels better... And the function key to access arrows isn't that big of a deal.If you earn your living with a keyboard, this is an awesome investment.