HHKB is the Best Keyboard! (2021 Review and Demo Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-S)

[@cjwilso]

If you liked this video, be sure to check out my review of the Blue Yeti Microphone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5zaXqKVo91qj68 or my video about how to retire early with FIRE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqjcm6iEf5yie8U Please like the video and subscribe to the channel if you liked this video. Thank you!

[@DavidCunningham1]

Super helpful! It’s also great to finally find a programmer (vs gamer) reviewing it. Really covered all of the key information. Thanks!

[@cjwilso]

I’m glad it was helpful, David. Thanks!

[@ThatsErika]

I live in Japan and every time I go to the electronic store, I try these out. I cannot get enough of how good it feels. :) When I became a programmer, I bought one of these immediately. I owned a classic, a type-s non-hybrid, and now the hybrid type-s. The only complaint that I have is, I cannot type faster with this compared to a 35g Niz Plum. On paper, it says 45g, but it feels heavier than that. If you get the angle correct, it feels lighter. As for satisfaction on every key press, I'd prefer this. So if I were to keep just one keyboard, I'll keep the Type-S hybrid.

[@cjwilso]

I love this review. Thank you!

[@Paulo-zc6wp]

I agree. I believe it has to do that most of the resistance you experience as you press each key is at the very top (mostly because of the travel needed before the switch's dome collapses) so it might create a placebo.

[@PeteSinHouston]

100% disagree with the battery “bump” as a negative. Much prefer replaceable batteries over a proprietary li rechargeable. It’s a feature not a bug imho. Great video overall. Nice review 👍

[@cjwilso]

Thanks, Pete! I appreciate it. I think I have changed my mind about the battery bump as well.

[@MatrixMaverick1980]

Agreed. This is a plus. By using a common easily replaceable battery

[@iomagine]

Same here. I love that I don't have to worry about needing to grab a cable to plug in every time I want to charge or babying the battery to maximize its lifespan. I have a heavily modded Pro 2 with an aftermarket BLE controller, so I know replacing the internal battery isn't a huge deal (as long as you can get your hands on a proper replacement), but I still prefer being able to just swap in a fresh pair of AAs in less than 30 seconds and then just forgetting they're there the rest of the time. I also use a Naga V2 Hyperspeed, which I chose over the higher end model (at least partly) because it runs on an AA battery.

[@potion95]

I just ordered a 25th anniversary hybrid snow type-s and I’m so excited.

[@cjwilso]

It’s taking everything I have to not order one. Enjoy!

[@anactualfennecfox1]

Same here!

[@jasandper]

I just put In an order for one. I'm also a software developer and have been typing on MBP keyboards for years. hyped for this one. At first I was unsure how I felt about the layout so when you said "theres a learning curve but once you're use to it it's hard going back to dedicated arrow keys and numpad" I was sold. I'm willing to learn a new layout if it means a much more efficient typing experience. Thanks for the sharing your thoughts on this keyboard. ✌🏼

[@cjwilso]

My pleasure, Jason. I’m really glad you’re taking the plunge. You’ll also notice how strange the control key placement is on traditional keyboards after using the HHKB. Best of luck!

[@jasandper]

@@cjwilso do you use your hhkb mostly with a Mac or PC?

[@cjwilso]

@@jasandper I spend most of my time on my Mac nowadays, but I used to use it with both every day. Now my PC is mostly for gaming. It works great for that! I always keep the DIP switch on Mac mode, and it works fine for me on both operating systems.

[@studiojamescao]

I'm still having and using the original one. Best keyboard ever.

[@cjwilso]

Sounds like an investment well made. I'm hoping to keep mine for decades to come :) I agree it's the best keyboard ever!

[@studiojamescao]

@@cjwilso Actually, I made my video of it a decade ago ! Haha kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIizeWp8drqZi7s

[@cjwilso]

@@studiojamescao That's amazing. I'll check it out. Thanks!

[@mjj0829]

Using it about a month. The fact that I can switch between my work MacBook, my personal MacBook and my pc almost instantly without any cable. Now I cannot lose it

[@cjwilso]

Glad to hear it’s serving you well :)

[@hanhua8043]

Love the video - I'll only push back on the AA battery bump. If they went with an internal battery, it wouldn't feel like a long term product. I'd like to think that in 20 years, I can give this to my kid and they can pop in some fresh AAs and go for a ride!

[@cjwilso]

I love that perspective. You know what, you might have just changed my mind. :)

[@lawbinson]

If you haven’t, take a look into lubing the HHKB. It’s not too difficult to do. You can put on a podcast and knock it out in an hr or so. But, the reward is so great. It simply feels and sounds amazing after.

[@agouwin]

3 years later, are you still using it?

[@comunissa]

Do you know if the "FN" key can be reassigned to any other key? I would like to put that function where you put the "Ctrl" key

[@cjwilso]

I think the fn key is restricted to that specific key. I wanted to do this as well when I first got it, but I think it’s in the perfect location after using.

[@padawanfan4701]

DO you know how to connect this to ipad pro? I have a hard time connect bluetooth. I connected this to my mac mini. But cannot connect to other devices using FN + Q.

[@cjwilso]

I followed the instructions in this pdf origin.pfultd.com/downloads/hhkb/manual/P3PC-6641-01EN.pdf under the section Connecting the Keyboard (Via a Bluetooth Connection). Sorry you're having trouble with it!

[@padawanfan4701]

@@cjwilso Thank you. It worked. The key is to press the key in order, not at the same time. Thanks.

[@cjwilso]

@@padawanfan4701 Glad it worked for you!

[@amero3577]

I like the battery bump because it looks like old tech which is nice imo, and batteries are the way. Charging is so annoying and tedious, I’ll never understand why people dislike batteries when it is so convenient.

[@cjwilso]

I agree external batteries are nice functionally. Plus you can’t even see the battery bump when in use, so aesthetically it’s not a deal breaker. Mine is plugged into my PC 90% of the time anyway!

[@buns98]

Got to flip that spacebar to avoid that sharp edge. Lubing the switches and the stabs makes it so much nicer.

[@cjwilso]

Thanks for the advice! I think my thumb has dulled it over time 😂

[@RyanMcQuen]

Does plugging into USB recharge the batteries (if using rechargeables of course)?

[@cjwilso]

Unfortunately it doesn’t recharge rechargeable batteries

[@RyanMcQuen]

@@cjwilso thank you!

[@EricCorsi]

At least with AA batteries, I don't have to worry about trying to replace an internal battery when it goes kuput. Which I have had on other keyboards, often with no option for a reasonable replacement.

[@larsthorwald3338]

Of course, if you want the Topre switches but don't want the restrictions of the 60% board, the same company makes full-size and TKL models, something the reviewer oddly fails to mention.

[@scharkalvin]

The "| \" key is where the del key is on the HHKB. I don'tt know where the BS key is, but I do use them both. Perhaps the DEL could be mapped to shift+BS or visa-versa. Control instead of caps lock makes sense. The Not having dedicated arrow keys seems weird to me, but I remember using control + "something": back in the days of Wordstar, and IIRC Emacs still does that too. I rarely use the Fx keys, having them assigned to FN+number is fine. I never use the number pad, so anything larger than a TKL size is really a waste of desk space to me. I can see the number pad being useful to those that do a lot of spreadsheet stuff, but for programming and word processing not so much. I don't know about those Topra switches, I'm so used to the Model M bucking sprints, I'm now getting used to a K70 with Cherry Blues. One of these days I'll build or buy a smaller mechanical keyboard, probably a 65-80% size. Would certainly consider the HHKB, if I could get used to the arrow keys on a lower layer. ' \

[@Xingqiwu387]

I have the Professional II model and it's fantastic for typing calculus symbols and foreign language special characters on the fly in LaTex!

[@cjwilso]

That’s great! The HHKB helps with calculus and foreign languages. They need to put that in their marketing materials :) Is LaTex your favorite word processor?

[@Xingqiwu387]

@@cjwilso I use LaTex for all my work. Great review, BTW!

[@cjwilso]

Thank you, Weihan!

[@jamescool4930]

seems like this won't work with Big Sur (Mac OS). is that correct?

[@cjwilso]

I haven’t had any issues on Big Sur. I use it every day :)

[@mdeboer6453]

What's your opinion on the all white without print on the keys nor the housing new HHKB? Read it also has a plastic that prevents discoloring. Btw you should also get a Leopold with Topre (silent version purple sliders) switches if you're able to get your hands on one, I own both and prefer the Leopold, it has more room is build like a tank, heavy has a more comfortable key profile and amazing key caps, people even buy MX versions for like 80 bucks for the keycaps alone... Leopold also is considered the best stock prebuild keyboard, it has 0 rattle on anything out of the box. That being said HHKB's are unique, cool and a experience, have their own charm. If you can afford just one Leopold hands down, if not and love typing, they're both amazing.

[@jacksonblack2776]

I really wish HHKB would just offer the classic wired version in a Type S. I’m old school and prefer wired so I have no use for the Type S features except the silent switch.

[@cjwilso]

I have mine plugged in 90% of the time. On the flip side it’s great to have the Bluetooth option for travel. I didn’t realize how much I would keep it plugged in and would likely buy a wired type s if they had it

[@jacksonblack2776]

@@cjwilso I just went ahead and ordered the Type S today. I have the Classic already but it’s kinda loud at night and I would definitely prefer the more quiet version. 👍

[@JesusFlores-fn1zf]

have to press Fn and delete or backspace to be able to delete something. Does anyone else need to do this?

[@cjwilso]

I haven’t experienced this, Jesus. Could it be your DIP switches? Are you on Windows or Mac?

[@JesusFlores-fn1zf]

@@cjwilso I am on Windows. I have not switched any DIP switches.

[@cjwilso]

@@JesusFlores-fn1zf I would try one or a combination of the following: turn DIP switch 1 for Windows mode on AND/OR turn DIP switch 3 on to change the delete action to backspace.

[@cjwilso]

@@JesusFlores-fn1zf The default behavior for the delete key is actually a forward delete. Backspace is the action you're looking for, so I would try switching DIP switch 3 ON to fix that issue. For what it's worth, I have my HHKB in Mac mode at all times and use it on my mac and Windows PC without that backspace/delete issue.

[@JesusFlores-fn1zf]

@@cjwilso I just unplugged it and tried it, and it worked! Thank you so much. I was getting used to having to use Fn with my pinky and backspace with my ring finger.

[@frasesirijillas5331]

Does this keyboard have any software to change and remap some keys? How does the logitech software for the mouse have the keyboard side?

[@cjwilso]

Yes HHKB has its own remapping software you can download from their website. Sorry I don’t understand your question about the Logitech mouse

[@frasesirijillas5331]

@@cjwilso You have already answered what I wanted to know. Sorry for my English (google translate). As far as the mouse was not a question, I have the same mouse and I wanted to ask you if hhkb had software as good as Logitch for its keyboard. Because I use the Dvorak layout on my keyboard, and I need to make many changes to the keys on the keyboard.

[@cjwilso]

@@frasesirijillas5331 the software seems good, but I have never actually flashed changes to the board. I only played around in it. Keep in mind some keys cannot be remapped (fn for example). It should be able to handle the dvorak layout, but I'm not too familiar with all the changes :)

[@iankillingsley6486]

I have a happy hacker lite from 1989 I love it

[@jahawu]

` Grave accent seems to be missing is that correct? I guess I can remap it if I buy one.

[@cjwilso]

It’s actually on the top right key above the delete key. Check out the image on the last page of this HHKB pdf if you want to see: hhkeyboard.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/HHKB-Settings_and_Layout-1.pdf

[@jahawu]

@@cjwilso Thanks mate.

[@cjwilso]

My pleasure!

[@yustdream0204]

blank keycaps just gives u anxiety even after u master it pick the one with labels

[@AryanSingh-pb9tc]

Did you lube the switches or the stabilizers

[@cjwilso]

No I haven’t. Mine is still a stock Type-S, and the keys still feel as good as when I bought it!

[@zholud]

So how is it better than HHKB2?

[@cjwilso]

There are a few differences between the HHKB2 and mine. The HHKB2 uses a wired mini usb connector vs usb type C. The newer model also apparently has slightly better build quality and has a more subtle logo. I have never used the older model, but I would assume that it works great! I valued having the usb C connection, so I went with the newer model. You can also read more here: www.reddit.com/r/HHKB/comments/hogj6f/pro_2_vs_the_new_hhkb_pro_classic/?

[@zholud]

Thanks! I have HHKB 2 Type-S and I love it, too. See no reason to switch to model 3 though just for trading usb to usb type C (or possibly wireless with a downside of clumsy battery tray).

[@cjwilso]

@@zholud yes I agree with you. They’re relatively minor upgrades if you already have one! Glad you love your HHKB :)

[@lincolnjadams]

Needs RGB to get better FPS :) Also I personally prefer my keyboards super chonky and heavy so they don't move around on the desk. The silenced keys are interesting though, I often get complaints about my outemu brown switches, and browns are supposed to be the quiet ones!

[@cjwilso]

RGB is not for me 😂 I don’t even like that my CPU fan has RGB. You really should try the keyboard though. It would be good at your office!

[@lucidtf2]

just get some kailh box jades, you won't be able to hear people complaining over the sound of your typing

[@Hammid]

A decent review, almost getting a dislike for not daring to use the word ’ivory’ or ’white’ but also because ’it’s 2020, who uses AA batteries’. Say that when you run out and wanna keep typing - but sure, I could get behind the idea that they could have thought out a better place for the AA slot just on the bottom plate instead. Either way, I really enjoy my four HHKBs (2011, 2012, 2019 Type S & 2020 Hybrid Type-S)

[@cjwilso]

Thank you for sparing me the dislike! Do you actively use all four of your keyboards? I have been fighting the urge to get another...

[@Hammid]

@@cjwilso Your video got my like, for sure! I really liked hearing about your experience overall, so only grateful for that despite minor nitpicks. =D The 2019 Type-S (Wired) is used extensively at home with my Mac mini, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Linux Tower, the 2020 HHKB Hybrid Type-S (remaining at the ready in a HHKB carrying case) is used for when I'm working away from home with my MacBook Pro and the 2012 model HHKB Pro2 remains with the MBP at work! As for the 2011 model, I'm storing it as spare but also as a candidate for lubing, silencing and keycap replacing! I use my Hybrid Type-S altogether pretty much same way you do, when used - with my MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPad Pro and BT capable game console! As you beautifully stated yourself, using anything else but HHKB leaves me dead inside. 😅👌🏻

[@cjwilso]

It sounds like you have all your bases covered. I like the idea of having one for the office (if I ever go back!) and one ready for travel. I need to take baby steps though. But then again having a keyboard for tinkering would be fun... Anyway thanks for sharing your use cases and letting me know I'm not alone in wanting multiple HHKBs.

[@jasandper]

@@Hammid keyboard with the Nintendo Switch...🤔

[@Hammid]

@@jasandper Yes, Jason. I use it through chatting in Animal Crossing, withdrawing or depositing Bells through the ABD, uploading posts, typing in passwords and probably a lot more I don't think of right now.

[@DB-vh2ew]

Great 👍,space bar a little weird sound. That’s normal?

[@cjwilso]

Out of the box it’s not that clicky. Unfortunately I accidentally dropped my keyboard a few weeks back 😧. The space bar popped out, and now it’s a little too clicky. I need to look into how to silence it better.

[@slowshi1521]

@@cjwilso anyways you can mod it

[@cjwilso]

@@slowshi1521 Very true! I'll get around to it one of these days. I have been looking at some different keycaps too. There are some nice Hiragana keycaps, but I'm worried they won't feel or sound the same as the OEM keycaps.

[@stevesun11001]

Hi JC, I am very tempting to buy this keyboard, however, the connectivity of previous gen HHKP Pro and iPad are are very compatible; I.e., very hard to switch languages and type properly. That makes HHKB pro on iPad can deal with only the “default system language”, for other languages, HHBC is crippled! Doess the new HHKB Hybrid work with iPads flawlessly? That’s for your feedback.

[@cjwilso]

Hi, Steve. I haven’t experienced any typing issues on the HHKB when switching the system language or keyboard language on my iPad Pro. I have tested this in Japanese and Italian. Both languages work as I expect them to. So yes, I would say that the iPad Pro works flawlessly from my experience. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for reaching out.

[@stevesun11001]

Hi CJ, my HHKB HYBRID arrived two days ago, however, the “behavior” of each non-letter keys is depending on which app that I use. For iPad’s built-in app “Pages”, the space bar behaves very strangely. Do you experience the same behavior?

[@cjwilso]

@@stevesun11001 Unfortunately I haven't had any issues typing in Pages or any app with the HHKB. Are you typing in English or another language? I can test on my end and let you know how it goes.

[@_indrid_cold_]

Just got one. It is out of this world in terms of key press feel, but it IS way too expensive.

[@cjwilso]

The feel of each key press is my favorite part about the keyboard. It is expensive. I decided that it was worth it to pay $1 every day for a year to improve my daily typing experience. I use it for 8+ hours every day, so it's helpful for me to frame it as a long term investment :). I'm glad you like the feel of the keyboard so far!

[@therealsbdunks]

I can’t agree more CJ

[@cjwilso]

@@therealsbdunks glad to hear you think the HHKB is worth it. Do you have any other keyboards you use?

[@therealsbdunks]

@@cjwilso haha glad you asked! I main Mac for both work and personal so I’ve tried and owned a few with a dedicated Apple key. Varmilo VA87M, Keychron K1 v4, Durgod Hades 68 and the HHKB Classic Pro - ultimately ended up selling or returning all of these to go with the Hybrid Type S. I think out of the lot I was most impressed with the Classic Pro and I liked it so much that I ended up upgrading to the Hybrid Type S (I’m really glad I did). I now main both the Magic keyboard (funny how people really like this or really hate it) and the Hybrid Type S as I have both different use cases for them

[@cjwilso]

@@therealsbdunks The Type-S is so nice because it doesn't bother anyone too much while I'm typing! I actually like the magic keyboard (the old chiclet style one before the horrid scissor switches). I still find the position of the delete and control keys to be the hardest part about switching between Mac keyboards and HHKB.

[@tonynguyen725]

would you ever invest in a norbaurer heavy grail case? lol

[@cjwilso]

I had never heard of it until you mentioned it, but the Veracity Steel model is beautiful. However I don’t know if I could justify a $1,350 keyboard case 🤑. It looks like a quality product for sure. What about you?

[@tonynguyen725]

@@cjwilso oh yes im getting it in white and can't wait. Building the ultimate topre hhkb!

[@cjwilso]

@@tonynguyen725 that’s amazing. I’ll be waiting for your review video!

[@thohuynh437]

lol, never gonna sacrifice bluetooth for that case

[@cjwilso]

@@thohuynh437 yeah it looks like it might not allow for battery use either. That would be a bummer. But the case looks slick!

[@crwhhx]

I actually prefer AA batteries, but there are keyboards using AA batteries without the hump.

[@cjwilso]

I’m also a fan of the batteries now. I have changed my ways for the better

[@sharkosaurfps]

I love hhkb

[@aydoooo]

I would never suggest someone to buy a new HHKB. With aftermarket silencing rings and bluetooth controller, you can get the same features for half the price.

[@cjwilso]

You're definitely right. There are plenty of used, older HHKBs for sale that can be modded to be like the Professional Hybrid Type-S. Plus if you don't care for the HHKB layout, there are tons of other 60% keyboards to try. I went for the path of least resistance with this one. Still no regrets!

[@tallswede80]

Who has time to install rings and Bluetooth controller. This is 350, not 10,000. What difference does it make to save half the price?

[@alexni3524]

I have both type-s classic and classic. Classic feels a lot better in my opinion.

[@cjwilso]

Looks like I'll have to get a classic to compare :)

[@sleeptime5464]

My dislike was the USA customer support so I got mine from Japan. The Japanese customer support people are way more polite and generous. Made in japan models are not supported in the usa

[@cjwilso]

That’s a shame. Is your layout different from the USA made board?

[@sleeptime5464]

Mine is the us layout. The Japanese layout has the arrow keys but the hybrid ones you can map keys so I changed mine to fn wasd

[@bowch5644]

The Bump is better, allowing you to change batteries as batteries eventually fail.

[@cjwilso]

Yes it seems our current battery technology necessitated the design. Perhaps what I really wish is that we had smaller AA batteries :)

[@tallswede80]

Where’s the fuckin’ keys

[@cjwilso]

No printed keycaps for me :) it’s an option though. You can also buy some cool custom ones with different colors or kana on them

[@tallswede80]

@@cjwilso What kind of sense does it make to not have labeled keys?

[@cjwilso]

@@tallswede80 Perhaps there's no sense in it, but I prefer the aesthetics and don't need to look at the keyboard when typing. It's my primary tool, so I should know it like the back of my hand!

[@tallswede80]

@@cjwilso So do you use this with an iPad Pro?

[@cjwilso]

@@tallswede80 Occasionally yes. I primarily use it with my Macbook Pro/Mac Mini/PC though.

[@Interzone1]

Incredibly noisy for a supposed silent keyboard.

[@cjwilso]

There are definitely more silent keyboards out there

[@Crys1s_]

thats focking 4400 bucks m8

[@cjwilso]

I know kinda expensive! It’s selling for $337 USD right now. It has been more than worth it for my purposes though. I’m curious which currency is it 4400?

[@MrFreeze79]

I can't stand this board. Such a waste of space and cost way too much for what you get.

[@chadseiden6403]

Dislike #5: no RGB!

[@cjwilso]

Like* #5

[@drunkdriver]

Think ill stick to my mecha board. thx