It’s not usually that one thing as effectively referred to as the Happy Hacking Keyboard will get reworked from the bottom up. And when it does occur, these modifications normally draw criticism from longtime followers. Have a look at Porsche’s change from air-cooled to water-cooled engines within the 911, or Microsoft’s transition to a extra tablet-like interface for Windows 8. If persons are used to one thing, they received’t admire seeing it change drastically, no matter whether or not these modifications are in the end good or unhealthy.
The newest iteration of the Completely satisfied Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) makes massive modifications to the mannequin’s practically 30-year-old legacy, and it may simply be seen in the identical gentle. In addition to the format, virtually each facet of this keyboard has been altered. Fortunately, fairly just a few of those modifications do really feel like enhancements.
The HHKB Studio is a hot-swappable 60 p.c 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, multidevice connectivity, and key map customization by means of the corporate’s proprietary Keymap Tool software. However earlier than we dive into this new iteration, we want to check out the legacy.
Many years-Outdated Legacy
The Completely satisfied Hacking Keyboard has been round for many years. It was designed across the concept of a singular, specialised, long-lasting keyboard that may very well be used throughout a number of computer systems and working methods (again when such an concept was novel and new). It has been usually upgraded since to additional refine its distinctive format and multidevice utility.
The primary mannequin of HHKB pioneered its distinctive format, chopping keys from the underside corners, shifting 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. Nevertheless, throughout each era, the distinctive format has remained a continuing. Whereas the newest mannequin has stayed true to the format, virtually each different facet of the keyboard has been modified.
{Photograph}: Henri Robbins
One of many defining elements of the HHKB was the Topre electro-capacitive change, a mushy tactile change with a rounded bump created by a rubber dome on high of a conical metallic spring. The HHKB was one of many solely keyboards out there with these switches, which was each a blessing and a burden. They have been uniquely fulfilling to sort on, however on the similar time, Topre switches’ rarity and distinctive development made modifications to the switches or keycaps far harder. As an alternative of having the ability to take away and substitute particular person switches, any modification would contain taking aside all the keyboard.
Now, the HHKB Studio has adopted the MX-style change that has grow to be virtually ubiquitous in fashionable mechanical keyboards, bringing it nearer to the world of modular keyboard designs. However as an alternative of sticking with an current mechanical change, the corporate has designed its personal MX-style change in collaboration with Kailh, a well known aftermarket change producer.
Different noteworthy modifications embody the brand new trackpoint within the middle of the keyboard, low-profile mouse buttons beneath the house bar, 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 at the moment are hidden behind a battery cowl.
Typing Really feel
The HHKB Studio’s change from Topre to MX-style switches is a controversial change: One might argue it “bought out” by shifting to MX-style switches. Nevertheless, that may be ignoring an essential element. These switches are incredible to sort on. They mix the distinctive sound and really feel of Topre tactile switches with the smoothness of a contemporary linear change, making a silenced linear that produces a mushy, deep, and satisfying bottom-out. I’ve by no means felt one other change prefer it. And, for followers of Topre switches, I do suppose that is the most effective linear equal potential.
Taking aside the switches, they look like produced from an identical development as Kailh’s clicky switches. Particularly, the design is paying homage 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 removed, and a sound-dampening pad has been added to the underside of the change housing.
