I wanted an HHKB as well. I must admit the design is really cool (minimalist amd sharp), and it seems solid and reliable. Yet I fail to understand how keyboard constructors can advertise their keyboards as "comfortable", while keeping the shitty asymetric layout inherited from the old typing machines.
The last keyboard I bough was the TMX 2030, for around 80 bucks. It was a revolution to me! I love this keyboard's layout, and would love to find.a mechanical one with a similar layout.

I can understand that most kb manufacturers won't move the enter/backspace in the middle, but damn, the straigh columns are way more comfortable than what most keyboards have! That is the only reason why I don't have a mechanical keyboard. I've yet to find one that is as cool and compact as the HHKB and as comfortable as the Typematrix... If you guys know one, please link it!