HHKB Professional Hybrid Keyboard Long Term Review - Almost 1 Year of Use

[@sensetrigger]

This review is sooo good! Thank you so much for it :) I also used the HHKB Hybrid Type-S for a year, and a few days ago I tried the FC660C in the store and immediately bought it. Leopold feels much better than HHKB. And I had the same thoughts when I compared HHKB to Leopold. Keep it up!

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you so much!! 😊 Leopold + Topre switches = Chef’s kiss. Great pick up! Hope you continue to enjoy your week!

[@michaellewis7758]

This is a keyboard that grows on you and lasts - I bought the original about 15 years ago or so, still going strong. I like the TKL - like the Filco too. I think if you are a s/w developer - and used to using things like vim, it works well.

[@GadgeDee]

It definitely grew on me a bit more from my initial use. I have heard the older HHKB keyboards get the better. I’m looking forward to the difference. Yes, the development of this keyboard leans towards software developers and programmers. However, I’m getting a little more comfortable with this layout as I use it on a different mech. The experience varies for other types of work.

[@michaellewis7758]

@@GadgeDee I also think there is a huge difference between the HHKB (from Japan) and the HHKB lite - which was like typing on a old Commodore 64. It takes a bit of getting used to - I have both the Filco TKL Majestouch 2 and the HHKB, if you are a huge vi/vim user or get used to it, the HHKB tends to grow on you. But, for a lot of people, I suspect Filco would be preferable. I like them both. The HHKB relies on muscle memory, so that arrow keys become natural - right pinkie hits the Fn key and the other fingers falls on the arrows ... that sort of thing.

[@SonLeTyP9496]

@@GadgeDee yeah, I have a hhkb pro2 for a while, I can confirm this, as years come, the feeling of typing on HHKB feels better. Of course, you should keep your keeb on good conditions to maintain the domb in usable .

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you to everyone who stuck around for this review, and I hope everyone has a great day! Typing videos are linked in the description. :) P.S. Shout out to T. Baldwin for making the first request.

[@robindelaguila9202]

I may be late to the party but I really liked this video. Lots of technical stuff, decent amount of personal experience, no biaised opinion.

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you!! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@madmax252]

Thank you for this thorough review! I have a Leopold and I'm intrigued by the HHKB, and it I appreciated your thoughts and comparisons between the two. If only that Leopold came in a Bluetooth version!

[@GadgeDee]

No problem! Thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate your input as well. Yes, I wish the Leopold FC660C had Bluetooth connection! Maybe in the V2... wishful thinking lol.

[@madmax252]

@@GadgeDee BTW - I'm pretty sure you can customize your keymap! I think that was one of the big changes with the HHKB Hybrid versions starting in 2020! Maybe you can remap some things around to make it a better experience for you: happyhackingkb.com/download/

[@theosborneguy]

Great video, great review. Good comparison to the Leopold. Appreciate your honest thoughts, and not hyping the HHKB just because of the sunk cost.

[@_iboji]

Nice review! I went from hating the HHKB layout to it being my primary all round keyboard (I own two Tokyo60s) to the degree that I basically uninterested in any group buys or customs that are larger than it lol. I've also gotten super used to not having the arrow/nav keys especially for work (front end dev). I really want a topre keyboard but can't justify the price (especially when its all plastic) but not really sure where to go from here (I guess I'm at my endgame?). The Rama Kara is a close second option , now that preorders are open , but again not sure about the injection mold plastic 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you! Lol! I know what you mean. Sometimes you find a favorite, and it just works for you and your workflow. I've gotten even more comfortable with the HHKB layout since I've been using my RAMA WORKS Kara. I'm trying to convince myself to get another HHKB layout mech, but WKL or Alice may be my next layout to try. Who knows... At one point I was interested in the Tokyo60, but I keep finding other things to check out lol. Looks like a nice mech though. Topre mechs are quite expensive, so I understand. In my opinion, it's more about the experience, which is why I like Leopold FC660C because it provides a better experience and the build quality is somewhat a bonus. Still I factor in both as well. Hopefully, you're not quite at your endgame. There's always new mechs, switches, etc. coming out. You might be able to find another favorite lol. I will say RAMA's Kara is an interesting one. I can't wait to share my thoughts and experience with it. Have you tried the standard ANSI 60% layout?

[@greenhat7618]

There’s a lot of second hand HHKBs out there for quite a bit cheaper if you would just like to try it out

[@87detto]

I feel the same way. Niz, Realforce, HHKB, FC660C,.. had all of them and HHKB (even the newest Type-S Snow) feel the lowest quality-wise. IMHO in quality aspects it's: Realforce > FC660C > Niz > HHKB.

[@middle_pickup]

Caps lock is a mistake. It belongs on a function layer.

[@WilliamShinal]

I'm scouting out an old HHKB Lite 2 for Mac. I like how Fujitsu had made these much cheaper keyboards for people who just don't have the cash to shell out for their flagships.

[@martyp2138]

Great review. I bought the beige version and love the ‘retro’ look. Like you, I didn’t enjoy the layout for the first while and went back to the standard Apple keyboard for work although after spending a weekend using it I got used to it and don’t look back. I’ve not had many keyboards (DasKeyboard 4 Ultimate with MX Blues and Logitech G915 being my only mechanical adventures). Although, I love the Topre switches, good feel and nice and quiet - especially compared to the MX Blues! Main negative for me is the batteries don’t last all that long - small price to pay though as there are very few Bluetooth mechanical keyboards in the wild.

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you! Nice I learned to appreciate the retro look. It adds nostalgia to the collection. Yes, sometimes you have to step away and revisit to give it more time due to the learning curve. But I'm glad it's working for you now! :) Oh okay cool. Yes, it is a big difference between Topre switches and MX Blues including other MX stem switches. The Bluetooth options are still rather slim especially keyboards with great connectivity and low latency (Bluetooth 5.0 or later). Hopefully, this grows as I really enjoy wireless connection for my setup.

[@Xblow23]

caps lock -> ctrl really makes a keyboard better

[@GadgeDee]

I can see how people would prefer Ctrl where Caps Lock usually is.

[@xybersurfer]

6:07 people have some strange ideas about programmers. i appreciate you taking your time to get accustomed to it before you reviewed it

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you! That’s how I prefer to do things when I’m new to it. It was a challenge but fun!

[@frshbb]

Great review!

[@dasberserkr]

Great review. Most reviews I see are over hyping it. Been considering this and the real force tkl one as well...

[@zeon86]

Quite an objective review. You didn't assume HHKB was a godlike keyboard at the beginning, just talk what you experienced. The build quality isn't worthy of its premium price. "Made In Japan" doesn't mean high quality. I like HHKB's layout, I can hold right SHIFT key to control direction keys, Home/End, PgUp/PgDn seamlessly by one hand, it's good for select words in typing, which many other 60% keyboards can't fulfill.

[@GadgeDee]

I really appreciate your interpretation of my experience with the HHKB Pro Hybrid!! You definitely hit some key points that I intended to highlight in my review. Also, I agree with you on the one hand functionality. Once you get comfortable with this layout, you can develop a flow of shortcuts you use often. I really like that as well! Hope you're having a great week! :)

[@holarryho]

Completely agree with your point of the keyboard feeling cheap. It does not have a nice solid feel. The biggest selling point for me was the layout and the built in Bluetooth. Unfortunately the hhkb layout is niche and thus there’s few choices.

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you, and I appreciate your comment! Yes, I agree on those selling points. There are few options available in the pre-built world. This layout is very popular in customs (DIY kits), but still mostly wired connections. Plus, they usually run as a group buy and pricing varies.

[@auditorycoder]

Nice review!👍

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you and have a great day! 😀

[@ephektz]

I daily drive a Minila and when I switch to my HHKB it screws me up for about an hour with the arrows.

[@GadgeDee]

Exactly!

[@jammies701]

Nice vid mate

[@johnsabilla5897]

pls review the new HHKB studio board!

[@prospectorstudios]

I wish the HHKB came in regular ANSI 60 percent layout though I know it never will. It's the best travel board I can find, so I guess I'll try to get used to the layout.

[@GadgeDee]

That would be so cool if it did! But hopefully, it doesn't take long for you to adjust to the layout. It's pretty unique.

[@trosc]

This is not a keyboard made for programmers, friend. Love the review, very genuine opinions, thank you!

[@GadgeDee]

Thank you and appreciate you sharing! 😊

[@aresaurelian]

I have anticipated this review. I love both the Leopold FC660C and the Happy Hacking Professional Type-s keyboards equally. It is a matter of taste and preference. The HHKB is something unique and alluring. A master writing tool. It is a favorite that I feel comfortable bringing with me everywhere. The small and light form factor and the most compact experience makes it just brilliant for all work, but not as much for gaming. I wish I had a HHKB when I was back in school. It would have been perfect.

[@DioXin]

Thanks Dee!

[@GadgeDee]

No, thank you!! 😉

[@nautzero]

had went?

[@BCMZ]

This keyboard is designed to enhance a type of business that doesn't need to be improved - why did you buy it?

[@GadgeDee]

Hmm... Haven't heard or read this before... Do you know what type of business? I mentioned a couple of reasons in the video as to why I bought and kept it.