It’s not usually that one thing as well-known because the Happy Hacking Keyboard will get reworked from the bottom up. And when it does occur, these adjustments normally draw criticism from long-time 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 gained’t admire seeing it change drastically, no matter whether or not these adjustments are finally good or unhealthy.
The most recent iteration of the Glad Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) makes giant adjustments to the mannequin’s almost 30-year-old legacy, and it could 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 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 Tool software. However earlier than we dive into this new iteration, we’d like to check out the legacy.
A long time-Outdated Legacy
The Glad 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 multi-device utility.
The primary mannequin of HHKB pioneered its distinctive format, reducing 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 conventional 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.
{Photograph}: Henri Robbins
Probably the most defining elements of the HHKB was the Topre electro-capacitive change: A tender 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 obtainable with these switches, which was each a blessing and a burden. They had been uniquely pleasurable 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 having the ability to take away and exchange particular person switches, any modification would contain taking aside the whole keyboard.
Now, the HHKB Studio has adopted the MX-style change that has turn out to be virtually ubiquitous in fashionable 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 well known aftermarket change producer.
Different noteworthy adjustments embrace 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 technology 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 change from Topre to MX-style switches is a controversial change: One may argue it “offered out” by shifting to MX-style switches. Nevertheless, that may be ignoring an essential element. These switches are unbelievable to kind 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 tender, 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 potential.
Taking aside the switches, they look like created from the same 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 known 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.
