Hi folks. I'm here to share my two Mode Tempos and the tortured reasoning that got me to this point!
Home board:
Green case, brass weight, Walnut accent, FR4 plate, no foams, TX AP Rev 4 stabs, Invokeys Hojicha switches, GMK Botanical R2.
This was my upgrade from a Keychron with Boba U4T switches after three years of daily use. I wanted it to feel crisp and tactile with none of the stem wobble the U4Ts are known for. I also really liked the HHKB layout, since I didnt need a third bottom row key (although it's using a full backspace instead of tilde and backtick, so call me a heretic if you must). Got this one from a fellow redditor after the original had entered final selloff, and absolutely loved it. So much so I determine I'd stick with the same layout going forward since my muscle memory really settled in and it felt so natural.
A while later, my work board (Logitech MX Keys, 5+ years old) slowly began crapping out. Oh well, great opportunity to upgrade and switch to my new fav layout! I wanted to keep it MX too for customization reasons and because the true Topre HHKBs have more Mac-focused legends which didnt sit right aesthetically. But as it turns out, other than the Agar, there really aren't a ton of good cherry MX HHKB-layout boards you get your hands on easily. I spent a few weeks scrounging Ebay and Mechmarket until I found a really solid deal on.... another Tempo.
Work Board:
Grey case, copper weight, copper accent, POM plate, case and plate foams, TX AP Rev 4 stabs, Haimu Whisper switches, GMK Modern Dolch R2.
The goal here was to build the board super silent and low key. I wanted it to contrast from my Botanical home board, which is more crisp and clear and organic looking, so I specifically sought out something muted in color and did everything I could to make it quiet but still tactile. Its essentially silent to type on and if you're not looking close, could almost disappears on the desk (I keep the blue enter and ESC since it goes nicely with all the copper though). This thing also weighs a literal ton.
So while I didnt set out to be one of those guys with a dozen identical boards, I think there are some perks to fining what you like, and I dont mind being able to swap pieces around (The green board shipped with a copper weight, but I think it looks way better with the brass and the grey one looks better with the double dose of copper!)