I like durability in a keyboard...here's mine/still works fine! http://www.mediashow.ro/show/117439-11/tastatura-arsa.jpg :D

RealNC:

My keyboard doesn't have LEDs and is not programmable nor does it have any extra keys. It's a standard 104-key mechanical keyboard. No bling. This thing... No arrow keys? No dedicated function keys? No ins/home/pgup key group? I don't know. It looks completely unusable to me 😛 On the other hand, my hands are kind of huge. So maybe this helps people with human-sized hands 😛

Depends on the kind of programmer you are. Some ppl code in Xcode Swift where you use your mouse more than your keyboard and some ppl code in vim where you dong even need arrow keys. And guess what, vim is way more productive in typing than any other system. This keyboard is very good for people that can use it. If you use arrows then maybe you are not in the target group that hhkb had in mind. Also I find it easier to press shift+numbers than moving my hand to the numpad area.

Goes straight to the storage room after an hour. Sticking to Cherry Red Silent. Lack of dedicated F keys makes little sense to me. Here is my JetBrains/VS keymap: F1: Go to definition F2: Refactor/Rename F3: Find next F4: Run F5: Debug F6: Continue F7: Step into F8: Step over F9: Stop F10: Breakpoint Guess the keyboard is for better programmers who never need to debug or refactor 😉 Features also really suck. (Don't tell me no macros necessary for programming. Why should I switch keyboard before gaming?) (There are no compromises incorporating macros. Don't need macros? Don't use it, period. Just like you don't call every function when including/importing libraries/packages, do you, programmer?)

You pay a premium for Topre switches. Whether that premium is worth it or not is debatable. If you like the feel better than anything else and are typing your entire working day, I can see there's an argument. Reduced layouts are divisive. The idea is that everything is within easy reach of the home row; that requiring a Fn modifier for more distant keys is preferable to moving or stretching your hands. This makes sense if you're the sort of touch typing hacker that does everything with the keyboard (Hi there vim users!), less so if you're grabbing the mouse regularly. If you're a gamer or use 'creative' apps that map every obscure key to some function or other, the annoyances probably outweigh the advantages. Fringe benefits of a small board are increased desk space and looking pretty. Personally, the ANSI enter and lack of programmability have always put me off the HHKB, but I've yet to find anything that ticks all my boxes.

Man, I was once heavily into mechanical keyboards, am part of the GH community as well. Topre keyboards have that excellent feel, so much better than any of the Cherry MX mechanical keyboards I'd tried and own....though I do favor heavier switch types like MX Green and Clear. I did buy a few Topre switch keyboards, it had more to do with the feel of the Topre switch than functionality though, besides, I was in it basically as a collector back then. You can find Topre keyboards in not only HHKB, Topre also in the less expensive Type Heaven.... https://i.imgur.com/lVyEg0u.jpg Due to the barrel like keyswitch, only expensive (usually PBT) keycaps made for Topre switch can be used. https://i.imgur.com/SlGaDyU.jpg Cooler Master also has Topre switch keyboards in the Novatouch...note that although the Novatouch has that typical barrel type keyswitch for the keycaps, it also has the typical MX type plugs/inserts so you can use any MX keycaps. https://i.imgur.com/yR96PEL.jpg There's also RealForce branded keyboards that may be variable weighted keyswitches, or uniform weighted keyswitch. Below is a full sized RealForce with uniform 55g keyswitch, it's a pleasure to type on these! https://i.imgur.com/Fy82DYg.jpg There are many more Topre switch keyboards, comes in RGB flavors as well, but the price is a real put off. I've weaned myself off buying keyboards, so the thought of ponying up all that cash for one is not an option for me now, I'd rather spend that cash on my present passion.....audio gear. Anyway, I sometimes feel like going back to old skool keyboards, so I'd reach for my Lexmark BS keyboard....circa 1993. I still love my keyboards, but not with the zeal and passion of before.....I still have fun swapping out and rotating my keyboards for my daily usage. https://i.imgur.com/Zhmff52.jpg