Not often that something known as the Happy Hacking Keyboard has been rebuilt from the ground up. And when they do, those changes often draw criticism from longtime fans. Look at Porsche’s switch from air-cooled to water-cooled engines in the 911, or Microsoft’s move to a more tablet-like interface for Windows 8. If people are used to something, they’re not it would be appreciated to see it change so much, regardless of whether these changes are ultimately good or bad.
The latest iteration of the Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) makes big changes to the model’s nearly 30-year-old legacy, and it can easily be seen in the same light. Apart from the layout, almost every aspect of this keyboard has been changed. Fortunately, some of these changes feel like improvements.
The HHKB Studio is a hot-swappable 60 percent mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity, integrated touchpads, built-in trackpoints, and a unique programmer-oriented layout. The Studio has a PBT plastic case and keycaps, multidevice connectivity, and key map customization via the company’s proprietary Keymap Tool software. But before we dive into this new iteration, we need to look at the legacy.
Decades-Old Heritage
Happy Hacking Keyboard has been around for decades. It was designed around the idea of ​​a single, specialized, long-lasting keyboard that could be used across multiple computers and operating systems (when that idea was new and fresh). It has been regularly upgraded since then to further refine its unique layout and multidevice utility.
The first HHKB model pioneered its unique layout, cutting the keys from the bottom corner, moving the Backspace/Delete key and adding a second key to the top right, and swapped the Caps Lock key for a Control key, which was easily -access by pinky. In subsequent iterations, the keyboard moved from a traditional rubber-dome layout to Topre electro-capacitive switches, added USB pass-through, and later introduced Bluetooth connectivity. However, with each generation, the unique layout has remained constant. While the latest model has stayed true to the layout, almost every other aspect of the keyboard has been changed.
Photo: Henry Robbins
One of the defining aspects of the HHKB is the Topre electro-capacitive switch, a soft tactile switch with a rounded bump created by a rubber dome over a conical metal spring. The HHKB is one of the only keyboards available on these switches, which is both a blessing and a burden. They are exceptionally enjoyable to type on, but at the same time, the rare and unique construction of the Topre made it difficult to make changes to the switches or keycaps. Rather than removing and replacing individual switches, any change involves taking the entire keyboard apart.
Today, HHKB Studio has adopted the MX-style switches that have become almost ubiquitous in modern mechanical keyboards, bringing it closer to the world of modular keyboard designs. But instead of sticking with an existing mechanical switch, the company designed its own MX-style switch in collaboration with Kailh, a well-known aftermarket switch manufacturer.
Other notable changes include a new trackpoint in the middle of the keyboard, low-profile mouse buttons below the space bar, and touch-sensitive “gesture pads” on the front and sides of the keyboard. The HHKB Studio also retains the wireless functionality of the previous generation and maintains the extensive use of PBT plastic in the case and keycaps. Bluetooth functionality has been improved with an LED bar at the top left of the keyboard, and the quick-adjustment dip switches on the back are now hidden behind the battery cover.
Feeling Typing
HHKB Studio’s move from Topre to MX-style switches was a controversial change: One could argue that it “sold out” by moving to MX-style switches. However, that ignores an important detail. These switches are incredible to type. They blend the unique sound and feel of Topre tactile switches with the smoothness of modern linear switches, creating a quiet linear that produces a soft, deep, and satisfying bottom-out. I’ve never felt another switch like this. And, for Topre switch fans, I think this is the best linear equivalent possible.
Taking the switches apart, they appear to be made from a similar construction as Kailh’s clicky switches. In particular, the design is reminiscent of the Box Navy and Box Jade switches. The only major difference is that the actual click mechanism (a small spring called a “click bar” that adds a tactile bump and makes a sound when pressed) has been removed, and a sound-dampening pad has been added underneath. of moving housing.
