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

[@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

[@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

[@izeepoo7764]

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

[@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!

[@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. 👍

[@JAYZ999]

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

[@GavinGoh89]

never gets old! :D

[@rivenacesu]

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

[@Zetler]

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

[@zeyzukbuzzy1400]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@jameshinrichsen9238]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@karlybarker]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@profosist]

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

[@cryptosecuritytools]

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

[@PitchYesDesenvolvimentos]

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

[@KypoWypo]

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

[@metal571]

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

[@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..

[@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.

[@yuchenzhang5313]

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

[@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.

[@SomeBlueRobot]

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.

[@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😉

[@kbwlr]

Big volume countdown was 🔥

[@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.

[@johansonbomba]

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

[@go6obg92]

BEST review I have ever watched in everything!

[@ELJefeReviews]

Excellent stuff here Brian!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@tommyguo6958]

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

[@destituteanddecadent9106]

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

[@realmtl6829]

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

[@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

[@johnp3224]

Keep pumping out that great keeb content!!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@josephhong3084]

Loving the big volume warning

[@mugensharp]

brian you have to try the abko K935P V2 with topre clone switches in it alot of people say that they like it even more than real topres and im inteseted to see how you think they might stack up to the real thing

[@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

[@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

[@phototristan]

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@JHawk]

Straight BEAST of a review. Great video man!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@kopkiwi08]

Another top quality video, keep em coming.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. )

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@johnmcsudden3176]

Nice review! Are the Leopold vids coming (maybe FC660C Silenced)?

[@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

[@vllssv]

Great review! What's latest update, months later - do you still prefer to type with this board instead of others?

[@ninjaman7777]

The best review channel ever, your video and voice are awesome, what camera and mic do you use for these awesome reviews?

[@mmcallery]

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

[@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

[@huynhdanny4623]

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

[@z3r0cool55]

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

[@aLexKcss]

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

[@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

[@theodor7224]

1:37 what keycap set / combo is that?

[@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.

[@possumwizard]

Your mustache is out of control and I love it

[@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.

[@dy1angeknk108]

Love this guy I get all my gaming gear tips here and what I should use

[@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.

[@aidankerrr]

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

[@vitaliyartstudi0]

Ahaha . Proffffffesional. No more words. I just will shut my... no more words. But video by you Brian as always cool looking!

[@juancarlosorozcoleyton2829]

Hey Brian, nice video as always! Have you had the time to tinker with it? I have heard people usually add dental rings to match the Type-S sound dampening, also soborthane is an option?

[@Simplenetwks]

so I have a "drop tokyo60". if I dont use "white keycaps with black lettering", all other gray keycaps are considered as "blanks" for me.

[@tc2241]

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

[@rafaelktist]

Nice review! Out of curiosity, which type of lube did you use ?

[@dmannion81]

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.

[@sarfaraz.hosseini]

I'm torn between Type S and the R2 limited edition. How do they compare?

[@panagiotislozos6521]

Videos are great, would appreciate a longer typing text for each category of sound though, it would make it more enjoyable 😊

[@cyberpisces0952]

Saw you reply to another comment about this but you gotta check out bke redux, would also highly recommend lubing them too cause they seem to have a rattley sound before lubing but lubing seems to get rid of it and quite frankly after lubing I think their some of the best sounding period and feel pretty damn nice too

[@DanielDiaz-by7fc]

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