What is the best alternative to Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2?
Pro Available with 4 different kinds of Cherry MX switches
The CODE keyboard uses Cherry MX mechanical key switches, regarded as top-quality switches. They have impressive levels of durability and consistently pass, with high marks, all the performance tests they are subjected to. There are 4 kinds to choose from: Blue, Brown, Green or Clear. The MX Blues...
Pro Full white backlighting
The CODE keyboard comes with backlighting that feels similar to the one found on Apple products. You can pick from seven brightness levels and the onboard memory saves your lighting preferences. They also have gone to a lot of trouble getting the backlighting even by painting the backplate white a...
Pro Solid construction
This keyboard is built solidly, using sturdy parts made of robust materials. It's mounted on a solid steel backplate, weighs over 2 pounds and has a dual layer PCB board. In this aspect, it’s comparable to other keyboards renowned for their build quality, such as those from the Ducky series.
Con Expensive
Compared to alternatives which offer RGB lighting, USB passthrough or other features, this keyboard is pretty expensive.
Con Sculpted keys make switching to Dvorak difficult
Dvorak is a keyboard layout that's an alternative to the commonly used QWERTY layout. While QWERTY was designed in the early days of typing, Dvorak is a more comfortable, modern layout which is technically superior. It is designed to have more flow than QWERTY, where the left hand does most of...
Pro Great build quality
Filco keyboards are renowned for their fantastic build quality. The keyboard weighs nearly 3 pounds and is built like a tank with virtually no flex in the backplate.
Pro Compact and simple design
The overall aesthetics of this keyboard are very clean and simple. The finish is not prone to fingerprints and the printing of the key labels on the side of the keycaps (on the ninja version) makes the keyboard look minimalistic while still being easy to see which keys are where.
Pro Uses Costar stabilizers
Filcos use Costar stabilizers, which are generally preferable for people who prefer a "snappy" feel to their keyboards.
Con Has no number pad
Some users require a number pad as it makes number crunching in spreadsheets much quicker, easier, as well as more accurate.
Con ABS keycaps aren't as durable as other materials
Some alternative keyboards have keycaps made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) which are more durable, have a nicer texture and generally are of better quality. Many Filco keyboard users switch out the default ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) keycaps for PBT caps, but this is going to cost...
Con Not backlit
The Filco does not come with key backlighting. This makes it harder to use in the dark (especially when hunting for special characters) and also isn't as flashy as RGB models.
Pro Topre switches at a good price
Topre switches are a high end switch which typically cost a hefty premium. They have mechanical components protected underneath a rubber dome which makes them more durable.
Pro Compact and portable footprint
If you love your keyboard enough to want to use it everywhere, it should be portable, especially if it's as expensive as this one is. The FC660C is very compact and easy to carry around.
Pro Solid construction
Heavier than the HHKB (Happy Hacking Keyboard).
Con Non standard key sizes
Non standard key sizes means your aftermarket keycap options are limited to non-modifiers. This issue also exists with virtually every other keyboard that utilises the Topre switch.
Pro Clusters of keys under each thumb means less reaching
Having multiple keys under the thumbs lets you keep the rest of your hands still, and helps prevent reaching. For example, the backspace key on a regular keyboard is way in the top right corner, while on the Kinesis keyboard it's under the left thumb. So, to hit the backspace button you just n...
Pro Optimised, ergonomic shape that significantly reduces the risk of RSI
This keyboard is sculpted to fit the curvature of your hand more naturally than regular flat boards. This helps reduce the risks of suffering repetitive strain injuries.
Pro Tweaked layout that saves your hands
This keyboard has numerous ergonomic advantages over a keyboard with a standard layout. Some of them are obvious and some are subtle, but they are synergistic and result in a typing experience that places far less stress on the hands. Learning a tweaked keyboard layout is a small price to pay to av...
Con Quite bulky, therefore not very portable
As a direct consequence of its unconventional ergonomic shape, the Advantage2 is quite bulky. At 16.5 in’ x 8 in’ x 2.88 in’ (419 mm x 203 mm x 73 mm), it's not the most portable keyboard.
Con Proficiency means overcoming a learning curve
Becoming an expert at using this keyboard’s optimized design needs time and patience, since it’s so different from what most people are used to. Some of its drastic layout changes can be disorienting at first. For example, the four arrow keys are separated: up and down on the right side cluster; le...
Pro Affordable
This keyboard's price is quite attractive.
Con Noisy switches
This keyboard uses Outemu switches, which are very noisy.
Con No backlighting
The Tomoko 87 doesn't have backlit keys.
Pro Less typing fatigue
The low profile is comfortable and the traveling distance is short. The keys are light to press, leading to less typing fatigue.
Pro Solid construction
Thanks to its thin aluminum enclosure, this keyboard is sturdy.
Pro Aesthetically impressive
Nothing really comes close to the Apple device's aesthetic flair.
Con Feels like a laptop keyboard
This keyboard feels like a laptop keyboard, since it's too flat. This isn't ideal for coding and makes this a pointless option for laptop owners who want an external keyboard.
Con Lacks feedback
Compared to other keyboards, it lacks a tactile feel when typing.
Con Easy for fingers to slide off the keys
Due to the keys having no concavity, it's easy for fingers to slide off the keys.
Pro Uses Topre key switches
Topre switches are a mix between mechanical switches and rubber dome switches. They have mechanical components, however they are covered beneath a rubber dome which protects the switch. They bring a mechanical feel, and mix it with the durability of a rubber dome switch.
Pro Variable key weights
Variable weights under each specific groups of keys was done in a bid to prevent RSI (repetitive strain injury). For instance, the groups of keys that the pinky finger hits are much lighter/softer than the rest of the groups of keys that are pressed by the rest of the fingers. Variable weights are...
Pro PBT keycaps
PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps last longer than other keycap materials, and are more durable. They are more expensive than ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which is why they are less commonly found.
Con Generally not cheap
When the keyboard is not sourced directly from Japan the price may vary (usually higher). At the same time, sourcing directly from Japan may only save one a couple of dollars here and there (after including the forwarding/proxy costs). Ideally, the best solution is to shop around and do one's...
Con Lack of customisation available
As is the case with virtually every Topre based keyboard, the 104UB comes with the disadvantage of lacking customisation options. This is mitigated by the fact Realforce generally sells a wide range of coloured keycaps for their keyboards.
Con Keys can occassionally chatter
It's pretty rare (maybe once every 3 months), but Realforce keyboard keys can "chatter" (at least on the Realforce 87u and 103u keyboards). The key is not physically stuck in the keydown position, but nevertheless, the input will continuously and endlessly repeat as if the key was be...
Pro Blank keys look sly
The 209 comes with blank keycaps, which looks great. It also helps learning how to touch type.
Pro Comfortable and ergonomic
The 209 is designed ergonomically, so it fits user's hands naturally, making it comfortable to use.
Pro Non-staggered keys for easier typing
This keyboard's keys are arranged in a non-staggered way. This allows for a more efficient, easier typing process.
Pro High quality components for a low price
The practical design of this keyboard is typical of high-end mechanical keyboards, only differing in the details. The matte black chassis has rounded corners and a simple design. This keyboard uses Cherry MX switches, common among keyboards that cost significantly more than the Leopold.
Pro Grainy keycaps
This Leopold keyboard ships with PBT (short for "polybutylene terephthalate") keycaps which have a grainy texture that some might prefer as it helps prevent fingers from slipping. They are also known to withstand wear well.
Pro Cherry stabilizers
The Leopold Tenkeyless Tactile Touch uses Cherry stabilizers on all of its keys.
Con Easily bends
This keyboard easily suffers from a bit of flexing, something other keyboards in this price range don't suffer from.
Con No backlighting makes night-time use harder
Backlighting is common among high-end keyboards, but the Leopold doesn't have this feature. While most users looking for a mechanical keyboard will be able to type without looking at the keys, sometimes the special characters can still be hit or miss. In the dark, it might take a few tries befo...
Con No extra features (such as macros or USB passthrough)
This is an affordable board, therefore it lacks some of the more premium features found on more expensive boards. It doesn't have any macro capabilities which can be useful for heavy users (macros are recorded key sequences which can be activated with a single button press - these can be used...
Pro Tasteful Branding
This keyboard's branding is polished and attractive.
Pro NKRO on all models
All Das Keyboard models come standard with N key roll over. This means that the keyboard can handle all simultaneous inputs, making it great for gaming or for really really fast typists.
Pro Available as a silent variant
With the Cherry MX Browns the Model S Professional is very silent and suitable for an office environment. Key presses rarely "bottom out" and it comes with o-rings to prevent noise from being generated when you do.
Con Loss in build quality after a change of manufacturer
There was a noticeable decrease in build quality after manufacturer change.
Con Large footprint
The Das Keyboard range does not come in tenkeyless variants, so all the keyboards are pretty big.
Con Fingerprint magnet
After some time, the glossy finish used for the case clearly shows fingerprints.
Pro Great value for money
The QuickFire Rapid keyboard is often recommended as a great beginners' keyboard on pretty much every enthusiast community out there due to its value for money. Its build quality is great, it's easy to find online & it comes with a good selection of switches for about half the price of...
Pro High quality mechanical key switches
The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid uses genuine Cherry MX key switches which are generally considered the best available mechanical switches. Their reputation is well-deserved, due to their excellent durability and superior performance and reliability. They go through vigorous testing to ensure they meet...
Pro Solid build quality
This keyboard is made by the same OEM as the Filco keyboard, so it's of comparable build quality. Given that the Filco costs a lot more money and has one of the best reputations in the industry for quality, this is a great selling point for the Quickfire Rapid.
Con No numpad
The tenkeyless design (no numpad on the right) makes the keyboard more compact, but isn't great for anybody that works with spreadsheets and data entry.
Con Keycap design
Media labels are on the top of the keycaps while FN labels should be on the front of the keycaps (OEM profile). Hence the user experience is not the best.
Con No backlighting
The QuickFire Rapid can be hard to use in the dark, since it has no backlighting. Also, some people feel backlighting gives a more premium look to the keybard. There is, however, an alternate version of this keyboard that comes with backlighting (the Rapid-i).
Pro Modular and disassembly friendly
The UHK is modular and has disassembly instructions embossed onto components and even printed on the circuit board. It records use data, so when key switches have reached the end of its lifespan, users can replace them.
Pro Programmable
Through the use of an app called Agent, users can configure the UHK to their liking.
Pro Feature customization via add-on modules
You can attach trackpoint, trackball, trackpad and additional key clusters to the board. This allows for extensive feature customization, for increased productivity and convenience.
Con Not shipping until Spring 2017
The HKB is not shipping yet. Manufacturers predict they will start shipping during Spring 2017.
Pro Great build quality
The Shine 3 has a dual layer PCB, plate mounted switches, as well as laser printed & UV Coated keycaps. Ducky also has the reputation of having some of the highest quality boards on the market.
Pro Highly customisable backlighting
The Shine 3 comes with fully programmable LED lights under each and every keycap. There are 6 backlight patterns to choose from: Full (100%), Breathing, Wave Marquee, Snake Marquee, Reactive mode, and Ripple mode. When you buy the Shine 3 you have the option of picking the color of the backlighting...
Pro Cherry MX switches
The mechanical Cherry switches have been known for 5 decades for their tactile quality and robustness. With the Shine 3, users can choose between Brown, Blue, Black or Red.
Con 1 year only warranty
The warranty is limited to 1 year.
Con Text on the ABS Keycaps can fade
The keycaps in the Ducky Shine are made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) so that backlighting is possible, however this material is known to quickly fade out after prolonged usage. To keep your keyboard looking like it's in top notch condition, you may need to replace the keycaps peri...
Pro Comfortable and ergonomic
The 227 is designed ergonomically, so it fits user's hands naturally, making it comfortable to use.
Pro Key layout customization
The 227 key layout can be altered: users can move functions between keys as they please. Settings are firmware-saved, so they apply even if the keyboard is moved to a different computer.
Pro Non-staggered keys for easier typing
This keyboard's keys are arranged in a non-staggered way. This allows for a more efficient, easier typing process.
Con Cable hassle when carrying around
Since this keyboard's USB cable is not detachable, there's always cable mess to deal with when transporting it.
Pro Aesthetics
Visually more appealing than your typical all-black keyboard.
Pro Solid, but compact
Achieves a solid feel without feeling heavy or bulky.
Pro Very lightweight keys
The easy-click keys allow minimum effort when typing.
Con Uncomfortable typing experience
Like the other Apple chiclet keyboards, it is not meant for touch typing: the switches are mushy and lack the tactile feedback, the keycaps are flat and so is the keyboard profile (not DSA or DCS, just plain ... flat).
Con Tenkeyless
This keyboard doesn't have a numeric pad.
Con Works well only with Apple gear
It doesn't work properly with hardware that's not from Apple.
Pro Backlighting has two color options
The keyboard backlighting color can be set to either green and blue or red and blue. This option can be switched on the fly.
Pro Compact layout
The 60% form factor means your hands almost never have to depart from home row for any reason, increasing efficiency.
Pro Wide switch choice
With this keyboard, there's a wide variety of switches to choose from. From practically all Cherry switches to cheaper, non-backlit Gateron or Matias switches.
Con Backlighting leaks from beneath the keycaps
At certain angles, the backlighting LEDs are unobstructed, which can become an issue.
Pro 5-Key rollover
Registers up to 5 keys pressed simultaneously.
Pro Portable
This is a compact keyboard, so it's very portable.
Pro Good quality mechanical switches
The Choc Mini uses Cherry mechanical switches, know for their durability and reliability.
Pro Tactile and "clicky" buckling-spring key switches
Buckling-spring switches are hardly used anymore, but they give some of the best tactile response when activated.
Pro Very sturdy
Although heavier than a modern keyboard, this keyboard is built like a tank. There is no flex, and the components were built to last.
Pro Solid construction
Quality construction, good materials.
Con Noisy to type on
Floss mod is available for the Type M to make the keyboard a little more quiet. However, since it's still a mechanical keyboard, it will be noisy. This keyboard will not be appreciated in the office.
Con Very hard to acquire
Out of stock for decades.
Con Some driver issues with USB-only computers
Using a PS/2 to USB adapter can kill rollover.
Pro Tilt and angle are adjustable for maximum comfort and ergonomy
The height of the middle section is adjustable. The two halves can be angled up to 15 degrees so that your hands can stay at a comfortable, natural angle while typing.
Pro Lightweight
Weighing only 1.3 pounds, this keyboard is light.
Pro Very portable
This keyboard folds in half, which is nice, since it makes it conveniently smaller for transportation. Since it folds inwards, the keys are protected from external elements.
Pro Ultimate customizability
You can map any key to any position easily using a simple GUI, including making hardware key layers. And, since the firmware is open source, you can modify it to do anything you want. Many of the hardware components can also be altered/replaced by equivalent parts.
Pro Split design lets you optimize positioning
You can arrange each side of the keyboard to match your hand positions. Helps keep your body straight and improve your posture.
Pro Open source
The ErgoDox has an open design, so if you want to modify anything at all, you can fork the Github repository.
Con Needs to be assembled
This can be fun, but some people just want a working keyboard without having to spend three hours with a soldering iron. It's tricky to find pre-assembled ErgoDoxes, and they're not mass-produced. It is also possible to commission an enthusiast to build one up as well. Some Massdrops of the...
Con Expensive
Getting a complete kit from Massdrop costs about $400. Sourcing each part individually ends up a bit under $200.
Con Tends to move around during use
Due to its split structure and lack of sturdiness, it tends to move during use.
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