The keyboard is absolutely worth it and it's cheaper than that now.

The font though? I don't know about that.

Tried that keyboard, actually consider that it's a bit over-rated by people. Settled on the Topre clone (RC930) as my work and home keyboard.

That RC930 looks nice if they've managed to replicate the feel. Topre switches are expensive and for no real reason other than a lack of competition from what I can tell.

Besides the key switches, I really like the layout of the HHKB2. It is based on the old Sun workstation keyboards, which I began my professional career on. And I've learned to appreciate not having the numeric keypad, for ergonomic reasons (mouse hand stays much closer to my body, right shoulder benefits)

The arrow keys and others being replaced with a function key combo took getting used to, but now it's pure muscle memory. I like not moving my hands as much.

It's also a really ideal vi editor layout with its escape key location.

I wouldn't spend $300 on a keyboard but I would spend $150 so I won't knock $300 when there's plenty of people out there that think $150 is insane. If you can afford it and it makes you happy why not?

I paid $200+ for my Kinesis and I thought it was an extreme amount of money for a piece of plastic, some switches, and a $0.25 microcontroller.

I don't regret it.

The kinesics, and before that the even more expensive maltron, have saved my career. Easily worth the money.

Saved your career? Can you elaborate?

My hands are screwed from RSI. If I had to use a normal keyboard I would not be able to type. Period.

I think you're kidding, but honestly, this is a fine argument for buying this font. All of the same arguments for expensive keyboards apply: your editor font is something you stare at, often cumulatively for 5+ hours every day. It will never need to be replaced, and you'll use it for years to ultimately make hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Is it absolutely necessary? No. But neither is a fast computer, a comfortable chair, or a nice briefcase. But professionals will throw an extra couple hundred bucks at any of those without a second thought (or scrutiny from their peers). Why should we skimp on these tools in particular?