It’s not usually that one thing as well-known because the Glad Hacking Keyboard will get reworked from the bottom up. And when it does occur, these modifications often draw criticism from long-time 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 individuals are used to one thing, they gained’t admire seeing it change drastically, no matter whether or not these modifications are in the end good or dangerous.
The newest iteration of the Glad Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) makes massive modifications to the mannequin’s practically 30-year-old legacy, and it could possibly simply be seen in the identical gentle. In addition to the format, virtually each facet of this keyboard has been altered. Fortunately, fairly a number of of those modifications 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 by means of the corporate’s proprietary Keymap Software software program. However earlier than we dive into this new iteration, we want to try the legacy.
Many years-Previous 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 techniques (again when such an concept was novel and new). It has been commonly upgraded since to additional refine its distinctive format and multi-device utility.
The primary mannequin of HHKB pioneered its distinctive format, chopping keys from the underside corners, transferring the backspace/delete key and including a second key within the prime 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 finally launched Bluetooth connectivity. Nevertheless, throughout each technology, the distinctive format has remained a relentless. Whereas the most recent mannequin has stayed true to the format, virtually each different facet of the keyboard has been modified.
{Photograph}: Henri Robbins
One of the defining elements of the HHKB was the Topre electro-capacitive change: A comfortable tactile change with a rounded bump created by a rubber dome on prime 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 have been uniquely pleasurable to sort on, however on the identical time, Topre switches’ rarity and distinctive development made modifications to the switches or keycaps far tougher. As an alternative of with the ability to take away and change particular person switches, any modification would contain taking aside your complete keyboard.
Now, the HHKB Studio has adopted the MX-style change that has grow to be virtually ubiquitous in trendy mechanical keyboards, bringing it nearer to the world of modular keyboard designs. However as an alternative 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 modifications 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 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 may argue it “sold out” by transferring to MX-style switches. Nevertheless, that will be ignoring an vital element. These switches are improbable 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 comfortable, deep, and satisfying bottom-out. I’ve by no means felt one other change prefer it. And, for followers of Topre switches, I do assume that is one of the best linear equal doable.
Taking aside the switches, they look like made out of 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 known as a “click 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.
