HHKB Professional Hybrid Type-S Review: Bluetooth AND Silent? I'm on Topre the World

[@Polymath2B]

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. :)

[@xtrust6139]

1

[@lucas_yinghao]

TRUE I just instantly dropped a like after seeing that notice, really appreciate it

[@destituteanddecadent9106]

It's the little things.

[@intagengaming8462]

Thumbnail on point as always. Quality is so consistent

[@badseedtech]

Thanks bro! 👊

[@kyndow7149]

"But they are just rubber domes" Yeah, just like a 240hz monitor is just a screen.

[@naisanza]

Got my first HHKB Pro v2 back in college. Costed 3 paychecks. Best purchase ever and ages amazingly well.

[@jacenouzen]

it costs me jusst barely above 2 paychecks worth. But im still scared, hence why im here for the review hahaha

[@nanoluciani]

...and there has to be tons of lube involved, just like countless other areas of my life. - Brian P., 2020.

[@charliep1098]

Nano Luciani when did he say that ?

[@charliep1098]

Nvm 😂

[@hectormanuelgomezmedina9387]

@@charliep1098 10:37

[@mikaelhuostila4005]

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. 👍

[@rivenacesu]

Ah yes. My favorite anti-aliased beard giving me the best tech reviews.

[@PaladinJenkis]

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!

[@JAYZ999]

I just love the music sync and B roll when he says YOU READY? LETS GO. Perfect.

[@GavinGoh89]

never gets old! :D

[@sEaNoYeAh]

It's cool you're reviewing this, it's probably going to be some people's first encounter with some non-MX style switches. Great video as always

[@ShadVanDenHul]

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.

[@Toblehrone]

​@August Canaille what do you mean? I thought they were nice? Plus, it's not like it's impossible, and at least you're not soldering/desoldering.

[@rattheiii6652]

no one cares

[@izeepoo7764]

So glad I found this channel, some of the most high quality vids not ruined by sponsors.

[@Zetler]

This guy is an amazing tech reviewer. His details are off the charts.

[@CalHenders0n]

I couldn’t agree more about this board. The layout is also something that I now prefer. I have found myself taking this to and from work.

[@ggcadc]

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.

[@rajvinder89]

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.

[@joshhardin666]

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!

[@lem0nification]

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!

[@jameshinrichsen9238]

im a huge fan of your channel bro. found you like a week ago and am binge watching your videos. keep it up!

[@zeyzukbuzzy1400]

This channel deserves more subscribers. High quality content every time. Hoping to see some full custom in the future!

[@BravoSix_Going_Dark]

Still my ALL TIME FAV. Tech channel , this channel got everything i am looking for. Thank you for keeping me sane over this difficult time in life.

[@yawarjamal909]

Writing this comment via my HHKB :D .... definitely a different feeling typing on this, love it so far!

[@F2l0ny]

Thank you for putting that "Big Volume" notification!

[@sayoohnara]

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.

[@Donbros]

Niz is realforce mx clone basically

[@geoken2]

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.

[@karlybarker]

Love my hhkb. I picked up mine second hand for a reasonable price, applied silencing rings and lubed it. Love that thock!

[@justschrooten631]

An alternative to this keyboard is the Leopold fc660c. It also has silent topre switches and is 65%.

[@badseedtech]

Showed it at the end of the video 😉

[@Donbros]

@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

[@Toblehrone]

Got my Novatouch (around less than $200 USD), and I'm loving it! The good feeling of oneness with cup rubber is amazing.

[@Dhaydon75]

congrats maining mine to this day.

[@BEZQu4liTy]

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. :)

[@badseedtech]

Oh this is interesting fr. Will definitely look into this.

[@cyrillusthedragon6649]

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.

[@jmisc]

The sound after lubing is the same as Niz Plum. Niz Plum is also great with Bluetooth (3 devices), and no weird layout… and cheaper..

[@profosist]

Glad you enjoyed the "Good feeling of oneness with cup rubber"

[@TimothyWLong]

I've had mine for almost a month. It was a replacement for my older non type s pro 2, and the new one is a joy to type on.

[@johansonbomba]

I work as a network engineer, and that arrow key cluster is *chef's kiss* imo

[@sakurakos88]

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

[@Donbros]

It is better to have mx and topre boards both. Because it is fun to switch between them for different reasons

[@lucasmunoz7413]

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.

[@meinland4439]

thanks for including links to the other shit in the video, I was about to ask about the cable connecting the HHKB

[@ahobimo732]

The precision of this beard was quite striking, which I assume is the intended effect.

[@ChickenSoupMusic]

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.

[@badseedtech]

Yes they do indeed. A buddy of mine has a staggering collection of Norbaforce builds and they're pretty incredible.

[@ravenmiyagi484]

ChickenSoupMusic R2 PFU boards are the best OEM boards out there. You won’t be disappointed, 45g version is super smooth but I prefer the 55g.

[@MrCatLady]

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.

[@sleepdeprived9181]

not near topre feel sadly. niz is very linear.

[@kbwlr]

Big volume countdown was 🔥

[@cryptosecuritytools]

great to see a youtuber using a legit audio compressor. BadSeed Tech's audio is always top notch and now we know why

[@yuchenzhang5313]

Great review! I just bought it several weeks ago. Love it!

[@destituteanddecadent9106]

Came for the keyboard, stayed for the beard. Respect for this level of quality maintenance.

[@gx.santiago6842]

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 .

[@AndyS2K76]

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😉

[@TheNinjamanAway]

I'm not afraid to admit that pun in the title was good. Nice.

[@realmtl6829]

Dude, your voice man! You could review a cardboard box and I'd still watch lol. Keep it up!

[@tommyguo6958]

Lubing the HHKB Types-S make so much change to the sound and feelings! Definitely lube it!

[@ELJefeReviews]

Excellent stuff here Brian!

[@noidsuper]

Norbaforce hype

[@Chozo_Ghost]

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.

[@WyvernDotRed]

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.

[@KypoWypo]

oh yeah, Brian never disappoints. Will always be my favorite Tech YT. Love the channel!

[@jkon156]

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.

[@toufusoup]

I personally prefer the Leopold FC660C if you want to run a 60-65 percent. It’s built better than the HHKB and has a more standard layout.

[@sakurakos88]

Got the fc660c last week silenced made in japan i love it !

[@potion95]

I have an Fc660c and an HHKB pro hybrid and i love both but i think i like my HHKB more for some odd reason.

[@potion95]

Oh and the FC660c is silenced with purple switches

[@Donbros]

agree dude. Fc660c has sexy layout. Someone could make type c daugtherboard and case so I would need to use adapter krs mth if I want custom cable

[@geoken2]

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.

[@mmcallery]

You should see the prices for these in Australia. Over $600AUD and i still want one and still love topre.

[@sukpoiu]

I'm getting that same Blue/Gray FC660C (Silent 45g) teased at the end there as soon as they restock later this week. Very excited

[@tc2241]

This guys voice is like a distant lawn mower on an easy Sunday morning

[@Memann208]

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.

[@ShaunakDe]

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.

[@calvinlim9485]

Yup, pretty sure that was the plan

[@jusmanhung7080]

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!

[@shawnhu]

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.

[@CimInc]

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.

[@ShadVanDenHul]

You should try a Leopold FC660c if you like Topre Switches.

[@badseedtech]

Just waiting for the restock on the charcoal variant

[@ravenmiyagi484]

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.

[@Donbros]

@@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

[@Squiddles_]

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.

[@arvidhedebark4103]

First video and haven't finished it yet but I have something that needs to be said first. You my good sir have a stupendous beard! Back to the video.

[@ShaunakDe]

My HHKB Pro2 is over a decade old at this point and it still works as good as new. The only reason I am upgrading to this one, is because I want to :P

[@louisgarbour2737]

Just so you know, you can actually change the "switches" on Topre. I think it's BKE redux or something like that

[@DarrinLin]

Louis Garbour we call that a done swap

[@GraysonCarr]

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.

[@kayseeday]

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.

[@thearctican1]

Topre is love, Topre is Life. Correction, not all Realforce boards include MX compatible sliders, and the ones that do sound like doo doo.

[@janjanapostol4559]

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.

[@JHawk]

Straight BEAST of a review. Great video man!

[@johnp3224]

Keep pumping out that great keeb content!!!!

[@b3nhor]

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. )

[@josephhong3084]

Loving the big volume warning

[@reidschneyer9104]

If you don't want BT or USB-C, I'd personally recommend getting a used HHKB Pro 2, I bought mine for under $200

[@i_want2bfaze237]

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...

[@lucidjade]

I'm hypnotized by your beard game. Wh-what were we talking about?

[@isak1917]

Super nice board! Got mine a few weeks ago and it is really nice! Pretty much what the pro2 should have been without mods

[@sabianbutler112]

Okay the keyboard is cool and all. But can we all take a second talk about this man’s beard?!?! Like damn that’s a nicee lookin beard my man💯

[@aLexKcss]

Man, that beard is fucking incredible. Love the videos, you've got yourself another sub

[@JeffMontgomeryIII]

@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

[@pedroca2913]

6:17 is what you came for Enjoy!!!

[@J3zu5]

i actually didn't like the sound but maybe the feel is good.

[@lukasderstecher4582]

Aaawwww Yeeaaahhh

[@sleehwtoh1]

Upstroke is louder than downstroke, the o rings dampen the upstroke to remove the harsh clack and it becomes more thocky

[@elu1631]

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!

[@kopkiwi08]

Another top quality video, keep em coming.

[@go6obg92]

BEST review I have ever watched in everything!

[@LordGurciullo]

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.

[@shawnhu]

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

[@ShouriSeifuku]

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.

[@HeadShotKilla10]

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

[@Donbros]

But they are linear ...

[@ricardofernandes23]

Very excited to see videos about the leopold's!

[@Donbros]

You can watch overview in my chamnel while waiting for bt to make his XD

[@larryfoster423]

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

[@aidankerrr]

I Love This Rewiew. And I Love your Videos To keep up the Good Work. (Might get this keyboard)

[@z3r0cool55]

You can switch Dome. BKE are making i think 4 different dome for topre, @Chyrosan22 did a review on them a while ago.

[@possumwizard]

Your mustache is out of control and I love it

[@caramel7149]

I listen to this versus watching, so if my mind wanders it feels like DMX does audio/tech reviews for a living.

[@metal571]

0:12 nope, you underestimate your audience of professional software engineers and their interest in such boards :P

[@huynhdanny4623]

Great review as always! Hopefully, you'll do one for the Vortex Tab75

[@brandonpetersen9232]

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

[@kyndow7149]

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.

[@EyesReye]

I'm rocking blues as a programmer, my colleagues hate me :) I work at home ^^

[@srirachaszn2265]

I enjoy the detail and effort you put into your reviews. It would be a pleasure if you could do a review of the mousepad company strata bold 3 mouse pad.

[@ynz]

This mans beard is badass just like the keyboards you showcase. *NEW PBS BEARDCAPS COMING SOON*