It is not often that something is as famous as Happy Hacking Keyboard be rebuilt from scratch. And when that happens, those changes are often met with criticism from longtime fans. Consider Porsche’s switch from air-cooled to water-cooled engines in the 911, or Microsoft’s shift to a Tablet-like interface for Windows 8. If people are used to something, they will not like to see it change suddenly, regardless of whether these changes are ultimately good or bad.
The latest iteration of the Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) makes some big changes to the nearly 30-year-old model, and it’s easy to see why. Aside from the layout, nearly every aspect of the keyboard has been changed. Thankfully, many of these changes feel like improvements.
The HHKB Studio is a hot-swappable 60 percent mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in touchpad, an integrated trackpoint, and a unique layout for programmers. The Studio features PBT plastic housings and tactile keys, multi-device connectivity, and customizable key mapping through the company’s proprietary technology. Keymap Tool Software. But before we dive into this new version, we need to review the old one.
Decades of Legacy
The Happy Hacking Keyboard has been around for decades. It was designed around the idea of a dedicated, durable keyboard that could be used across multiple computers and operating systems (back when such an idea was new). It has been updated regularly since then to further refine its unique layout and multi-device utility.
The first HHKB model pioneered its unique layout, cutting the keys from the bottom corners, moving the Backspace/Delete key and adding a second key to the upper right corner, and replacing the Caps Lock key with a Control key that can be easily reached with the pinky. In later iterations, the keyboard moved from a traditional rubber dome layout to Topre capacitive switches, added USB passthrough, and eventually introduced Bluetooth connectivity. However, the unique layout has remained the same throughout each generation. While the latest model retains the same layout, virtually every other aspect of the keyboard has been revised.
Photo: Henri Robbins
One of the defining aspects of the HHKB is the Topre capacitive switch, a soft tactile switch with a rounded ridge created by a rubber dome on top of a conical metal spring. The HHKB is one of the few keyboards to feature these switches, which is both a blessing and a curse. They are particularly enjoyable to type on, but at the same time, the rarity and unique structure of Topre switches makes it much more difficult to modify the switches or keystrokes. Instead of being able to remove and replace individual switches, any modification would involve disassembling the entire keyboard.
Nowadays, HHKB Studio has adopted MX-style switches which have become popular in modern times. mechanical keyboardbring it closer to the world modular keyboard designBut instead of using existing mechanical switches, the company designed its own MX-style switches in collaboration with Kailh, a popular aftermarket switch maker.
Other notable changes include a new trackpoint in the middle of the keyboard, low-profile mouse buttons below the spacebar, and “touchpads” on the front and sides of the keyboard. The HHKB Studio also retains the wireless functionality of the previous generation and retains the extensive use of PBT plastic in the case and keys. Bluetooth functionality is enhanced by an LED light bar in the upper left corner of the keyboard, and the quick brightness switches on the back are now hidden behind the battery cover.
Keyboard feel
The HHKB Studio’s switch from Topre switches to MX-style switches is a controversial change: One could argue that it “sold out” by switching to MX-style switches. However, that would be ignoring an important detail. These switches are Great to type on. They combine the unique sound and feel of a Topre tactile switch with the smoothness of a modern linear switch, creating a silent linear switch that produces a soft, deep, satisfying sound. I’ve never felt a switch like this before. And, for Topre switch fans, I think this is the best linear switch equivalent possible.
Taking the switches apart, they appear to be made from a similar construction to Kailh’s clicky switches. Specifically, the design is reminiscent of the Box Navy and Box Jade switches. The only major difference is the actual clicking mechanism (a small spring called a “click bar” adds a tactile bump and creates the sound when pressed). has been removedand a sound deadening pad has been added to the bottom of the switch housing.
