deskthority

Do you ever wish for a plate-mounted 60% Topre-switch keyboard?

I like my HHKB Pro 2, but sometimes I would prefer it to feel more solid, like my Realforce 87U boards with their plate-mounted Topre switches. I can make the HHKB switches heavier by transplanting 55g domes, but it would still have case-mounted switches.

Similarly, I enjoy my RF boards, but when I am using them, I wish they could exist in a 60% form factor.

Would PFU ever consider producing a HHKB with a plate-mounted switch option?

Would Topre/Realforce ever consider producing a plate-mounted Topre-switch 60% board?

How difficult would it be to build a custom 60% Topre-switch keyboard?

I'd definitely buy such thing. By switching from HHKB to RF 55G I feel like I just came out from VW Golf to a Bentley Continental. Having Bentley's solid feel in a car of Golf size (or RF 55G feel in HHKB size for that matter) would be perfect.

I know PFU may be cautious of adding plate because that would increase the weight, but I don't think anyone would care for extra few gramms. All other 60% keyboards use plates and no one minds that.
Also by looking at how little changed in HHKB since the introduction of Topre, I really doubt they would go with such a drastic redesign themselves.

How hard is it to build? Having design of a RF and HHKB, I think it would be pretty easy to design, but setting up a production of such keyboard would cost a lot.

On the other hand, making the HHKB as solid as the RF might produce a rough ride. I often describe typing on the HHKB as driving a sports car, and typing on the RF87UB55 as driving a luxury sedan. Because of its case-mounted switches, the HHKB has more flexibility. If the HHKB had a steel plate, the resulting rigidity within smaller dimensions might result in an unyielding and unpleasant typing experience. Nevertheless, I would like to try a plate-mounted 60% Topre keyboard.