To tell you that this HHKB Hybrid Type-S keyboard is not like the others would be true but at the same time highly reductive. Because this keyboard is really different from the others, in almost every respect, including the layout.
Yet it is a very interesting product, certainly a niche product (also considering the price, above 300 euros) but which will make those looking for these peculiarities happy. We decided to tell you about the smallest and quietest model from HHKB, make yourself comfortable because there is a lot to discover.
Minimalist box, you can't get more
The HHKB Hybrid Type-S, in our review in white version, but there is also a black one (similar to the first model reviewed some time ago), arrives in a minimalist cardboard box.
Inside the keyboard, the two AA batteries required for use, a small illustrative brochure and that's it. Not that there is really a need for anything else, but for the price at which it is offered we suggest for the future to include at least one USB-C / USB-C cable for connecting to a computer (but it also works with tablets).
HHKB Hybrid Type S, here in white version, with gray accessory buttons
The keyboard works in Bluetooth 4.0 as well as via cable, although in wireless it is more elastic and allows you to connect up to four devices: a small blue LED shows the ignition, (which however does not stay on).
The case is made entirely of plastic, 540 g made very stable by viscose rubber feet placed under the body, although there are two additional dual-position feet to raise it. The dimensions are small, we are talking about 294 x 120 x 40 mm, which makes up a footprint not even too large on the desk, despite the physicality is important, especially on the vertical rise. In any case, nothing stops you from putting it in your backpack if necessary.
The box, minimalist inside and out, as inside we find only the keyboard and a small instruction booklet
What they say, ” niche “
The first impact with the HHKB Hybrid Type-S is very, very particular: the physicality of the keyboard should not be underestimated, but it is above all the layout that impacts.
Among the five rows of keys (you are not like in the most common keyboards) the upper row relating to the function keys is missing, which can be simulated with the function keys, but it is above all in the arrangement of the accessory keys that the situation changes dramatically.
The layout of the keys, with (for example) the Control key instead of the Caps Lock, may appear bizarre to most, but it is great for those who write code most of the time
The Caps Lock key is missing, in place of which is the Control key, the Function key is on the far right of the keyboard and the Return key (Enter, here named Return) is not L-shaped but horizontal, although there is the Command key in the right place (for Mac users).
For the rest, the layout is American, with some symbols such as “@” above the 2, “#” above the 3 and so on. The arrow keys are also missing, which would have been very useful (but can be retrieved via the Function key).
The explanation of such a different layout here is simple and clarifies what is the biggest because behind the choice of this HHKB Hybrid Type-S: this keyboard model, like all those from HHKB, is not intended for the common user, but to a programmer, to a systems engineer, to a webmaster or to someone who has high knowledge of development and uses the keyboard above all to write code, certainly not Word files, e-mails or surf the web (things he does, but occasionally).
Operation is on batteries or via USB-C (the cable is not included)
The position of the Control key is in fact in a more convenient position to reach, the Caps Lock key is hidden because it is practically useless (you do not write capitalized sentences in the code, ever) and the arrow keys only absent because in a terminal or in a window of code, there are different ways and reasons to move between the lines.
This is the first and biggest reason why this keyboard is intended for a niche audience, whose needs are very high and specific and for which the amount imposed is worth the product, given its uniqueness and specificity.
The battery compartment is clearly visible, even if from the user's point of view this disappears
Programmable
Another fundamental point of this keyboard is given by the great, very great customization offered: from the official website it is possible to download an App for macOS and Windows 10 for keyboard customization, where the user can edit every smallest aspect of the layout, and change the functioning of the keys (the App is certainly welcome, even if a version for Linux / Unix would not have been bad, given the nature of the keyboard).
In addition to the App, in the part below the keyboard there is a small drawer where additional manual controls stop, a series of selectors to identify some more common functions, accompanied by an adhesive legend placed just below.
Obviously the user can ignore the installation of the App and the customization of the manual commands, and the keyboard will work fine, but remember that the customization and flexibility of the proposal are part of the cost of the hardware and should not be underestimated. To make the investment pay off, these points are essential so much so that if you want you can order a keyboard model completely without glyphs on the keys, for extreme customization.
The personalization App, to change the use of each key
Hardware and construction
The keyboard as we said is entirely in plastic, with keys and space bar in PBT Premium, with sublimation screen printing, for a long life.
The keys, with a stroke of 4 millimeters, are not mechanical as one would think of looking at the keyboard, but made up of a cone spring, a rubber dome and an electrostatic capacitive sensor. The nature of these Topre switches is designed to eliminate the vibration caused by crushing and to put the user at ease during fast digitizations.
Writing this article was on average complex, but it is undeniable that it is with a minimum of experience that you begin to familiarize yourself with products like this, and which one and the writer also noticed some interesting benefits, and from the beginning to the end of this article we have already noticed and learned some intriguing aspects.
The typing is correct and the keys are quite quiet, not like a butterfly keyboard but certainly more of a classic mechanics.
The keyboard is so customizable that it can also be ordered … without the character graphics, completely empty
Considerations
Needless to hide, the HHKB Hybrid Type-S is by no means a keyboard for everyone: those who buy it know what they are buying and why they invest a figure that is not to be underestimated. The quality is undoubtedly very high and the degree of customization is enviable, especially for Macs where in fact these results are only seen on some mechanical keyboards, with drivers that are not as meticulous as this one.
Without forgetting the charm of using such a vertical product, which allows you to increase the writing speed thanks to an intelligent mapping of many keys and physicality thought really well.
If you are a programmer, a system engineer or in any case you often find yourself writing code for work, this is an investment that you must at least consider, in any other case a traditional keyboard is better. Like a thoroughbred horse, if you don't know how to “tame” this HHKB Hybrid Type-S, you better leave it alone and go for a more classic product.
Pro:
• Excellent quality of materials • Very high customization, even on Mac • Extreme customization for professionals
Cons:
• Linux support is missing • A USB-C cable is missing from the box • Important price
Price:
• 339.99 Euro (Black or white)
HHKB Hybrid Type-S is available from the Amazon.it pages in Black or White version.
