It’s not usually that one thing as well-known because the Completely happy Hacking Keyboard will get reworked from the bottom up. And when it does occur, these modifications normally draw criticism from long-time followers. Have a look at Porsche’s swap from air-cooled to water-cooled engines within the 911, or Microsoft’s transition to a extra tablet-like interface for Home windows 8. If individuals are used to one thing, they gained’t admire seeing it change drastically, no matter whether or not these modifications are finally good or unhealthy.
The most recent iteration of the Completely happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) makes massive modifications to the mannequin’s almost 30-year-old legacy, and it will probably simply be seen in the identical mild. In addition to the format, nearly each facet of this keyboard has been altered. Fortunately, fairly a number of of those modifications do really feel like enhancements over earlier iterations.
The HHKB Studio is a hot-swappable 60% mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity, built-in touchpads, a built-in trackpoint, and a singular programmer-oriented format. The Studio has a PBT plastic case and keycaps, multi-device connectivity, and keymap customization via the corporate’s proprietary Keymap Software software program. However earlier than we dive into this new iteration, we’d like to check out the legacy.
Many years-Outdated Legacy
The Completely happy Hacking Keyboard has been round for many years. It was designed across the thought of a singular, specialised, long-lasting keyboard that might be used throughout a number of computer systems and working programs (again when such an thought was novel and new). It has been often upgraded since to additional refine its distinctive format and multi-device utility.
The primary mannequin of HHKB pioneered its distinctive format, slicing keys from the underside corners, transferring the backspace/delete key and including a second key within the high proper, and buying and selling the Caps Lock key for a Management key, which was simply accessible to the pinky. In following iterations, the keyboard moved from a standard rubber-dome format to Topre electro-capacitive switches, added USB pass-through, and ultimately launched Bluetooth connectivity. Nonetheless, throughout each era, the distinctive format has remained a continuing. Whereas the newest mannequin has stayed true to the format, nearly each different facet of the keyboard has been modified.
{Photograph}: Henri Robbins
One of the vital defining elements of the HHKB was the Topre electro-capacitive swap: A mushy tactile swap with a rounded bump created by a rubber dome on high of a conical steel spring. The HHKB was one of many solely keyboards obtainable with these switches, which was each a blessing and a burden. They have been uniquely pleasing to kind on, however on the similar time, Topre switches’ rarity and distinctive building made modifications to the switches or keycaps far harder. As an alternative of with the ability to take away and substitute particular person switches, any modification would contain taking aside your complete keyboard.
Now, the HHKB Studio has adopted the MX-style swap that has change into nearly ubiquitous in trendy mechanical keyboards, bringing it nearer to the world of modular keyboard designs. However as a substitute of sticking with an current mechanical swap, the corporate has designed its personal MX-style swap in collaboration with Kailh, a widely known aftermarket swap producer.
Different noteworthy modifications embody the brand new trackpoint within the middle of the keyboard, low-profile mouse buttons beneath the spacebar, and touch-sensitive “gesture pads” on the entrance and sides of the keyboard. The HHKB Studio additionally maintains the wi-fi performance of the earlier era and preserves the intensive use of PBT plastic within the case and keycaps. The Bluetooth performance is enhanced by an LED bar within the top-left of the keyboard, and the quick-adjustment dip switches on the again are actually hidden behind a battery cowl.
Typing Really feel
The HHKB Studio’s swap from Topre to MX-style switches is a controversial change: One may argue it “bought out” by transferring to MX-style switches. Nonetheless, that might be ignoring an essential element. These switches are implausible to kind on. They mix the distinctive sound and really feel of Topre tactile switches with the smoothness of a contemporary linear swap, making a silenced linear that produces a mushy, deep, and satisfying bottom-out. I’ve by no means felt one other swap prefer it. And, for followers of Topre switches, I do suppose that is the very best linear equal potential.
Taking aside the switches, they seem like produced from an identical building as Kailh’s clicky switches. Particularly, the design is harking back to Field Navy and Field Jade switches. The one main distinction is that the precise clicking mechanism (a small spring referred to as a “click on bar” that provides a tactile bump and produces a sound when pressed) has been eliminated, and a sound-dampening pad has been added to the underside of the swap housing.
