I think, at this point, any review of any HHKB product is more or less gonna say the same thing: it's subjective, expensive, I like some things, hate others, etc... The one thing I wish reviewers would say more of, and something I think would alleviate a LOT of the flame wars that surround this device: It was originally designed as a modular, single-solution keyboard for programmers/users of UNIX-based machines. Eiiti Wada is a computer scientist who got sick of having to learn a new layout for every terminal that came out, so he designed the HHKB to be: LIGHT, compact, and universally accessible to the UNIX operating system. He also wanted the layout to be optimized for use with the Emacs and Vi/Vim editors, hence the location of the ESC & Control keys. The first model had a standard rubber dome over membrane layout, but they upgraded to Topre switches because they're capacitive, are rated for 30M keystrokes, and reduce typing fatigue. Everything else is the way it is in order to remain true to Eiiti Wada's original intent: small, light to transport, universally accessible to UNIX machines. That's it. If you are the target audience, the price doesn't matter, because it will become your primary means of interfacing with your work. It's not a toy - it's an investment in your career. Like a set of Snap-On tools for a mechanic, a firefighter's $300 handmade axe, or a salesperson's Montblanc. If you're getting it for any other reason, be aware of what you're buying and ask yourself if the reasons justify the cost. If it doesn't make sense, then this product is not for you. If it does, try it and see if you like it. If you like it, congrats - you have a tool that will last the length of your career. If you don't - keep looking. The end.

I liked your older reviews just because they were unique and informative.

Objective and concise. Enjoyed the new review format very much. Kudos!

Awesome review format! But the music is little bit too much. It would have been nicer if you had used something slower and quieter. I personally don’t like reviewers shouting, making weird gestures, simply acting like a child while reviewing a product. You were in the middle of a good balance of seriousness and fun in a mature way. Keep up the good work! Lastly, the final music would have been a better choice for the beginning review.

Love the new format, really helpful!

I appreciate the new format! Straight and to the point while still retaining personality!

The format was fantastic. Bravo.

It was actually one of the best most informative video I've seen on the keyboard and it was one of the shortest which is great.

Love the editing

Nice video. Been waiting for your HHKB review since for ages. Can you do a 2017 room tour ? That would be awesome^^

Love the new review format! What light is that behind you?

Hey, Rhinofeed just watched a couple of your videos and love what you are doing. I had a question regarding what keyboard I should purchase next. I want something silent good for typing and gaming. Backlighting isn't necessary but will gladly accept it. I've kinda narrowed down my search to topre switches as they seem to fit the bill but wanted to get your opinion. I also need a smaller keyboard as this is going to be used with my laptop. The FF660C is really promising to me as it sits the bill but wanted to know what other options I have thanks.

I love the honesty. Thanks for another great video!

Would be great if you could do a review of the FC660C Topre board by Leopold. I really have the same initial impression as you did, coming from the FC660C, but eventually have started to really appreciate the HHKB more, and ended up buying the BT version as well, which had small improvements over the usb one.

I like this new format, but I personally would prefer the b-roll while you're going over the keyboard instead of your face. :p

Great review!

Huge fan of the new style b roll was great at the end especially!

Thanks for the review. Made my day.

I really like the new video style in the beginning but just a couple pointers. The music was a little too loud. Also, you ended up repeating what you had already mentioned in the beginning again later in the video.

I actually watch for the very reason of your in depth reviews. Not really a big fan of the short quick format honestly. Personally I think Topre feels horrible when it's plate mounted compared to case mounted plastic. It's a major reason I sold my Real force and stuck with the HHKB.

Awesome review; love the format! One thing: I think that the B-Roll included at the end would be better if included before you sit down for your intro, or right after. Just felt a bit awkward to me at the end. Keep it up! Cheers, though!

I honestly didn't mind the long keyboard reviews before, but if you're bored doing that I totally understand. The minimalist review style is pretty good though, right to the point.

Feedback about the review itself: I am a 24/7 HHKB user and agree with all the points you criticized. The keyboard has an inexcusably bad build quality for its price. But the reason why I still won't change it for any other keyboard is its superb layout, form factor and the topre switches. I wish they made an aluminum version.

I like the new review format

With the community being as developed as it is now, all you can do is offer your own personal opinion on the HHKB. The reason one person hates it is the reason another person loves it, it's a truly subjective thing. Either way, I really enjoyed the new style, and it's also good to see you in the video again, talking slightly off script and bringing your own personality to the video.

Actually I really liked the longer more detailed reviews you did previously. They were good enough that I watched them several times through while contemplating my MK purchase. Also the HHKB should put keys where all that wasted space is at the bottom (like the logo). I can't believe they'd waste space like that on a 60%.

what bag is that you're using for this keyboard?

your background behind the text blends in with youtubes dark theme. looks cool

Are you going to get your hands on the Vortex Vibe? I get it, it's a 60% mechanical with a numpad, but hey let's add that to the collection right?

NEW RHINO VID 😍

I prefer the old reviews I think it's much better when you talk about the keyboard, rather than just typing it in a video, but thank you for the effort :)

How did you get so quick at typing?

Mine doesn't creak and it doesn't have the inconsistent sound.

I think they got a pretty good grip on the bottom So, it doesn’t rarely slides

2020 critics love this review style and honest opinion. Not a single lie or misconstrued truth uttered. WE JUST WANT YOU BACK!

I keep wanting to try this one out, but the layout and quality bother me. I wish the Pok3r came in topre, but obviously that's not happening, since they'd have to change the entire keyboard to accommodate capacitive keyswitches.

Ok I think your voice is very similar to the one on TokyoSaurus channel, is it your channel too?

hi, can you plz provide the link for the keyboard bag @ 1:19

I like the new format, Your audio, timing, and color grading is superb. Your review of the Vortex Race 3 inspired me to buy one. I watch thousands of videos on tech, end up buying maybe 2 things a year, and you managed to inspire me to purchase something with that review. (Constructive Criticism) I think that a black screen with text is less effective than showing the part of the keyboard described behind the text. There is nothing wrong with text bullet point edits, but the black background is a bit boring to look at. I think this format works with Keyboards you find to be underwhelming, however with keyboard you like a lot (ex: The Vortex Race 3) I'd stick to your usual beautiful detailed reviews. I'd re-frame your monologue or match the refresh rate of your monitor to stop it from flickering behind you, and avoid showing cables if they aren't well managed. With all that said i'd still watch your channel regardless :) Keep up the great work, I love your channel!

I like your reviews a lot. Your review of the Pok3r helped me decide buying one. However seeing and reading this review left me with the impressing you wanted the HHKB to be a Pok3r 3 with Topre switches and different layout instead of judging it on its own merits or faults. As for the new style of review, having black screens with one or two words on it didn't look that good, nor did having b-roll at the end of a "minimal" review.

The link for Writing report is not working

Nice change, keep it up

why is your monitor flickering

where can I buy HH2

Great video. I liked it. It was different and quirky. Very entertaining. But I understand that this isn't for everyone, so I think it'd be best for you to go more in-depth after the whole cute little presentation. I, personally, liked it though.

The one time I hoped for a long video review. The people who find it boring aren't really interested in the review, and I tend to treat "long reviews" like podcasts. You make some great points though. Although the HHKB is fun to type on, the creators of the HHKB need to step up their game.

I really like the way you did this review! And I totally agree that they should update the keyboard to make it feel more modern. I still love mine tho! :3

A metal backplate and led lighting would ruin the HHKB. You can only change the HHKB so much before it's no longer the HHKB. I have so many keyboards that are all a bit samey, the HHKB stands out amongst the crowd. I agree regarding the creaking and rubber feet/snap out feet though.

Just ordered very casually

That was really good. I don't mind the short videos/new editing style. Honestly, do whatever makes YOU happy. Keep it up bro.

I would want to have more voiceover within the review and longer period of time in which the keyboard appear, everything else love it!

I've actually stayed away from any Topre boards due to the price. However I've had the opportunity to borrow an HHKB every now and then, and I have to say, they do feel good. I'm just not sure it's $200 good. By the way I love how you're showing yourself in your videos now!!!

loved it!

In addition to my previous comment, I think the reason of the hype is that when people pay 200 dollars for a keyboard, they feel bound to like it. I have seen many people saying all but good things about particular brands in mechanical keyboard world, but I have realized the hype and misinformation when I started changing and returning many until I found a perfect mechanical keyboard, which still has some minor issues that I can ignore.

What's up with this new format yo?

This is great.

Loved the style and felt the same way. My Leopold feels like it should cost 5x as much due to the solidness and overall weight of the keyboard. Imagine something like *that* in an aluminum case. This keyboard was cool for what it did at the time it came out and will always remain a staple in the MK arena, but they just need to do an HHKB3 already. There’s more than enough market awareness to make it a fruitful venture.

Nice editing. I've never understood the HHKB. Design-wise it seems to throw the baby out with the bathwater. A 104 keyboard is an evolved design; a TKL an adaptation of that. The HHKB seems to be an applied theory, and while I've heard some programmers like it, I suspect few use it that way. It just doesn't seem productive. (Note: I'm typing this on an Alps 60% and regretting not having waited for a TKL.) I'm curious about the feel of Topres.

One of the commentators asked me about my favorite keyboard. Here is my answer. First of all, just because different models use the same switch does not mean the experience of typing with those keyboards and the swithces is the same. In fact, I have seen this problem even from the same brand. So there is no perfect mechanical keyboard to me, or I have not seen one but so far what I have liked better than the others were Das Keyboard Model S and Filco Minila Air. Das Keyboard 4 Pro typing experience was almost horrible to me. Mind that I have tried Das Keyboard, Corsair, Razor, Logitech, and many others. I am a software engineer and a doctorate student so I type quite a lot. In fact, that is how I make my living. There are more criteria for a good keyboard than simply a key switch or key cap. The ergonomics of the keyboard, for instance, will change what angle you press a key from, and that changes how the key responds. When you press right from the top, it is usually easier and more pleasant to press. The sound it makes feels better. Depending on the size of your fingers, and whether you press slightly from the sides, the sound and the experience of the keys change. That is something ignored most of the time. So when you try a keyboard, try it in a way that you would normally use the keyboard, not pressing right from the top. The key caps, whether the keys are mounted rock solid, and batch of the key switches, etc. are all changing factors even among the same brand and key switches. If you get a good Cherry Mx Brown keyboard, such ad Das Keyboard Model S, you will like the sound of it. Also, if you are using it in your quite room, the sound experience will differ from an office environment where there is a lot of white noise. It will block some of the sandy sound of the brown key switches which I have experienced a lot in my Das Keyboard 4 Pro. I also recommend Filco Minila Air Cherry MX Blue, which was the best Blues I have ever gotten.

Loving it but im not that fast at reading stuff.

hasu does offer nice custom controllers (without USB ports, fits Pro1 and 2), so if programming is the only thing you miss that would let you use the tmk firmware. Don't get the BT version though, it's not low power enough. PFU has gone to great lengths to change the matrix scan to 3.3V and uses completely different controllers. Not a fan of the review style btw, it's like scrolling through an imgur album with image subtitles.

I dig the style, but would prefer more info about the switches. I mean I pretty much know everything about this board so I don't believe I'm necessarily the target audience, but defining Topre in your experience would much help with the meat of the video I think. Maybe even add some simple commentary over the super nice b-roll, just a thought. The editing was dope though, definitely something new. And maybe mention mods to the board, adding programmability with hasu, diff domes, lub etc etc. But that again that depends on what you want your video to be. Also I think the board is super overhyped as well, but I'm stuck with it till some gb's ship. Not my cup o tea. Looking forward to some more Rhinofeed vids though, buy more customs! Haha

I loved that! :D And if you want to check similar layout in metal go check out TEX YODA, or it's second generation, it's amazing and it has trackpoint :D

Intro sound pls

Bless you. I sold mine after a month. The keyboard has a reputation as being the be all end all, but in reality, it's just average. (mine even had a squeaky spacebar that I could not get to go away. $200 on rubber domes and a squeaky spacebar? Nope. Much happier with my ducky year of the horse (ducky mini).

Nice review but I would enjoy if you also read it out loud - I typically watch these type of videos on a second monitor so being able to listen to it instead of reading would be great!

FC660C is where it's at.

Constructive criticism on your video: Try to defeat your camera shyness. Don't look away from the camera too often. Practice makes perfect. I enjoyed the typographic part, but it was overextended. Try to speak in between, divide it into parts. The music could have been a little slower. I've been following you since you had around 100 followers. Keep up the good work. You are my favorite keyboard reviewer on KZfaq. And as I said, keep practicing. You have a future in this.

RHINO VIDEO!!!

make more videos pls

I liked the minimal review style, with one nitpick: please curl your apostrophes! :-)

Obviously feel is subjective, but I much prefer the feeling of the plastic plate than the metal ones on some other Topre boards I tried. It does feel a bit like a toy, but as I take it with me a fair bit that's not really an issue. The HHKB (and the JP version, the one I own) are certainly overhyped, but they're still great boards. Good review though, at least you aren't one of the "where's my numpad?? no control key????" idiots. keep em coming!

Did you upload this in 360p only, or is something wrong with my computer?

I regret buying my hhkb until i silenced it. I bought silence-x from kbdfans and they made the keyboard feel and sound so much nicer. Only 25 bucks for 125 pieces.

I liked the format. I think I would have liked a more in-depth review personally, but this wasn't bad. Ultimately these things are subjective, and a completely objective review would have fallen flat on it's face. You point out legitimate flaws in the design of an aging product, and there's something positive to be said about that.

that format sucks but still great video! I dont think there are any backlit topres I think thats a limitation of the switch type BUT I totally agree that there should be some metal and that they should put a cherry mx stem on the topre like the nova touch.

Just get a HASU usb to usb controller and then you get programmable layers.

Finallyyyyyyyy. We need FC660C now...

I got this Keyboard just a few days ago from a fellow reddit user. I purchased it due to numerous resources/review praising it to the moon. Here is my review: Negatives - Expensive. - Flimsy, Plastic, outdated layout. - Too light, the keyboard moved if you have man hands. There is no weight to it. - no program-ability other than few dip switches ..useless dip-switches - Awkward to type on, may be others have caught up in competition with better layouts. I have a TKL Topre RealForce 87u so its not the Topre switch. I do like the slightly lite 45g Topre Swich on the HHKB P2. The Only positive I will give the keyboard is that I sold it yesterday to a coder who was very happy to have it.

Nice vid but kepp that music down please

I'm using a Type-S as my daily driver at work (again) and I think it's a better overall board than the standard HHKB. I agree with your sentiment about them needing to modernize it. I did a video a while ago stating 10 things I'd like to see in a "Professional 3" version. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fr58l9per825gp8.html By the way, there are PBT spacebars available for Topre keyboards and there's a Chinese company on eBay selling colored keycaps for these. I picked up a set of blank pink WASD, arrow, Esc and spacebar for I think $20.

I agree about your design changes it's too bad the new one was so underwhelming. PFU doesn't put much in the way of resources toward the HHKB. It took them like 17 years to come out with an updated model between the Pro 2 and the Hybrid. They could have just hired any of these custom PCB designers from GeekHack or wherever to help them update the HHKB design for a tiny share in the profits. Hell most people would do it just to get credit on the design. I've seen so many custom boards that essentially emulate everything great about the HHKB and ditch everything that's bad about it already except for TOPRE. Somehow, someone needs to figure out how to get an aftermarket source for the rubber Topre domes and figure out the PCB. Then we can just thumb our noses at HHKB and leave them in the dust (with a nostalgic look back).

1:57 - What now?

Nice review, but music was too loud. Especially around typing moment: 1:01

As much as I want to own one, I'd rather spend my money onto building a Zealios keyboard. A b.face can also offer that kind of layout + it's programmable.

i like 12 minutes reviews :(

Prefer your old style of video.

I love it. Keep up the good work man! BTW I'll take that HHKB if you're just gonna toss it out ;)

I like the new style a lot! I'm surprised you didn't mention the price on this thing. For that kind of cash you'd expect all these issues to be resolved...

I like this style of review. But you did spend a lot of time before and after talking. Cut that down and I think you have the recipe for greatnesa

I didn't like it because I hate reading subs, the reason for that is that I usually drink coffee and eat something during watching the video. But after all it's constructive and gives imagination, so I would rather like it, but I would prefer voiceover next time.

Blanks screens of text are a poor use of the video format.

Topre boards are incredibly overpriced :( definitely a pass on this one

I too like rubb.... topre switches.

I'm glad I tried this keyboard before buying it, it's a trash keyboard for the price spent and I think the 45g topre is terrible compared to the 55g. Price want even an issue, I was ready to spend any money for a quality 60%. However I think the only current way to achieve that is a custom board. The split backspace is the only interesting feature.

It's a good keyboard, but it's absolutely not worth $200.

I tried it and hated it, not sure why

Metal everywhere should be a thing! \m/

still an overpriced rubber domes...

yey no views xd