It’s not usually that one thing as nicely generally known as the Completely satisfied Hacking Keyboard will get reworked from the bottom up. And when it does occur, these adjustments often draw criticism from longtime followers. Take 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 Home windows 8. If persons are used to one thing, they received’t recognize seeing it change drastically, no matter whether or not these adjustments are finally good or unhealthy.
The newest iteration of the Completely satisfied Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) makes giant adjustments to the mannequin’s almost 30-year-old legacy, and it might probably simply be seen in the identical mild. Moreover the format, virtually each facet of this keyboard has been altered. Fortunately, fairly just a few of those adjustments do really feel like enhancements.
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, multidevice connectivity, and key map customization by means of the corporate’s proprietary Keymap Device software program. However earlier than we dive into this new iteration, we’d like to check out the legacy.
A long time-Outdated Legacy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 could possibly be used throughout a number of computer systems and working techniques (again when such an concept was novel and new). It has been commonly upgraded since to additional refine its distinctive format and multidevice 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. Nevertheless, throughout each technology, the distinctive format has remained a relentless. Whereas the newest mannequin has stayed true to the format, virtually each different facet of the keyboard has been modified.
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 steel spring. The HHKB was one of many solely keyboards out there with these switches, which was each a blessing and a burden. They had been uniquely satisfying to sort on, however on the identical time, Topre switches’ rarity and distinctive building made modifications to the switches or keycaps far tougher. As an alternative of with 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 turn out to be virtually ubiquitous in trendy mechanical keyboards, bringing it nearer to the world of modular keyboard designs. However as a substitute of sticking with an present mechanical change, the corporate has designed its personal MX-style change in collaboration with Kailh, a widely known aftermarket change producer.
Different noteworthy adjustments embody the brand new trackpoint within the middle of the keyboard, low-profile mouse buttons beneath the area 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 technology and preserves the in depth 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 change from Topre to MX-style switches is a controversial change: One might argue it “bought out” by transferring to MX-style switches. Nevertheless, that might be ignoring an essential element. These switches are implausible 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 perfect linear equal attainable.
Taking aside the switches, they seem like constructed from an analogous building 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 known 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 change housing.