Happy Hacking Professional 2 Keyboard - Unboxing & Review

[@Chokkan]

It's definitely a board I want to own and use for some time. I've only ever tried one briefly at meetups and I really liked the feel. I think your review was really fair and you explained what the HHKB means to many people.

[@breadtoucher]

That't the thing with this keyboard, it grows on you! First you think you bought overpriced piece of plastic, then you use it for some time... Then you try and switch to other keyboard and you just go back. Layout, aesthetics, feel and sound of this keyboard is unmatched. It is perfect. Just ordered mine after a long few months of deciding. It should arrive in 2 weeks time. Can't wait for it! As programmer and UNIX/Emacs enthusiast I find this keyboard perfect for my needs and my environment.

[@cynexyl]

The plastic construction makes it even more attractive to me, carrying it around is way easier that way. I also got mine used at a super low price, so that means I don't have the emotional attachment of "I paid a fortune in this so I must like it" and still one of my favorite boards. Its layout is lovely once you get used to it and it surely looks really great. The price could be a lot lower for sure, that board is not "worth" 220 USD. But at the same time, if it was a 99 USD board, I feel it would not get nearly as much love from the community as it currently does. Kind of a luxury item for sure, but I love mine.

[@datvu6]

I got mine today for 105 USD!

[@rasterroo]

@@datvu6 how did you find one at that price? I assume used, and buying it off someone else? cause I can't find it anywhere online for under 200 :(

[@datvu6]

@@rasterroo yeah I bought it used. I was just wandering around some Facebook marketplaces, saw it and bought it immediately. If you don't mind buying used, try to lurk around on r/mechmarket. The longevity of these board are quite insane so they shouldn't be too bad. The price of those Pro2 often vary from $150 to $170, sometimes they even come with modifications from previous owner. I'd say it's totally worth it at that price point.

[@beebbeenhorn4245]

Best non RGB keyboard made in Japan I know the sound of it is very clicky but is a quiet clicky sound however so much batter then a normal keyboard clicky but Is for does people who hates RGB.

[@beerkegaard]

For some reason, I barely used the keyboard the first year I owned it. Now 3-4 years later, I love it.

[@linchtrades]

Probably the rubber dome becomes stiffer and makes it snipper? I heard topre age really well

[@ianpan0102]

Thanks so much for doing this review! Your video was one of the reasons I decided to buy the HHKB, and I'm ABSOULUTELY loving it right now.

[@adam-nw5cn]

"i bet there's a fair few who just force themselves to like it because of the emotional and financial investment" 😂😂 this hit home

[@pleinairpan]

I thought my day wouldn't get any better but then I saw this video. Thanks for making me more happy.

[@kopuz.co.uk.]

That's a YIKES from me

[@davidjohnston4240]

For those of us who worked on Apple 2s and Sun workstations in the 70s, 80s and 90s, we know what we lost when they moved the control key and replaced it with the caps lock. That location for ctrl fits perfectly with unix editors. As soon as HHKB came out, I got one and the right placement of ctrl was restored. I've been using them for years and there is nothing to compare with them for programming. Whatever the issues you might have with plastic and rattles, this stuff is irrelevant compared to the keys being the right place, having a nice typing feel and not having to move my hand for navigation.

[@jaylansiquot6130]

Hey if you're using macOS you can actually rebind the caps lock to ctrl in settings natively. Again assuming you have a Mac.

[@davidjohnston4240]

@@jaylansiquot6130 I use a HHKB on my work windows machine and home windows machine. On my mac laptop, I do remap it.

[@davidjohnston4240]

@@strugglepresident3779 In the bottom left and right corners. Not ideal.

[@davidjohnston4240]

@@strugglepresident3779 Who made you the rule maker on what to press the ctrl key with? Ctrl middle left work fine with my little finger. What's wrong with yours? Leftmost key - leftmost finger.

[@DoRC]

I just looked at the price...... Jeez

[@daizuzuunfauxalgerien7742]

4k

[@okno6982]

i got for 350$ only from amazon

[@cjeffcoatjr]

Buy it used, I got an HHKB Type-S Professional 2 (In incredible condition, barely 6 months old when I bought it) for $210 on r/MechMarket. I can say with a lot of confidence that it has both improved how I type and was an incredible purchase. Maybe the best I have made so far this year.

[@yeezet4592]

All the topre ones are expensive

[@Meekmelly]

@@okno6982 fake lol

[@nasxen1463]

Best mechanical switch ever. I have a modified HHKB with 55g domes, lubed and silenced. Best experience ever.

[@MrClassicmetal]

It's not mechanical!

[@offbrandbiscuit]

@@MrClassicmetal It is. The term is a misnomer anyway, but by most logical definitions, Topre counts. If Topre didn't count just because it uses rubber domes as a part of its assembly, things like the IBM Model M wouldn't count just because it uses a membrane sheet instead of a PCB, despite being one of the most famous mechs of all time.

[@sprainbrains]

I have one. Awesome keyboard. Now i'm waiting HHKB Pro BT in White)

[@blooberrymuffin69]

I love my HHKB Pro 2 but I'd really love to see them update the materials and change it up a little bit.

[@derkaiser9881]

For me I just really want to see USB-C on a model that's not $300+ or wireless just because.

[@JackiePrime]

Dunno how long you used the board as you said it was a loaner, but with any board you have to give it quite a bit of time. For example my filco with blues was my favourite board for about two months and then I begun to loathe it. The noise is so cheap and grating and my fingers kept getting pains. My realforce and HHKB2 didn’t impress me out of the gate but they’ve had staying power. After many years of use I can say it’s not hype and it’s not sunk cost fallacy. They’re just awesome boards. It’s taken me years to fall out of love with cherry switches. Gradually I just found it harder and harder to go back to using them. They feel like a toy now.

[@timdai6396]

Those who haven't used it but rather "test" and throw it away, or pressing down some keys and tell people "oh this key is shaky", you don't need this board. This is for those who want them to work, want the board it self to last decade and have no issues at all.

[@toshiisomura5758]

Tim Dai im confused, so why not get a mechanical keyboard thats 1/3 of the price? I don’t understand why someone would drop $350 on a keyboard like this - like some of the key’s quality was just subpar

[@mikesunboxing]

Might have to try one of these, thanks

[@mxandrew]

i know nothing about the mechanical keyboard hobby, i ended up buying the pro 2 hybrid because i found it cheap from a reputable seller on ebay and liked the sound of the specs from what i was reading. I then went to look up reviews from hobbyists and low and behold people actually like it a lot lol.

[@chang8106]

Typing sounds so good. Just like mine

[@seconduk]

Fantastic review, thank you

[@bart23495]

I fell in love right when I saw it, then I noticed there’s no control key in the bottom left, I use L-ctrl in almost every game I play and when browsing

[@pyrotechnic96]

Yeah its in the caplock position which is way more convenient

[@KingofHearts67]

I still don't see what makes this keyboard so expensive. Its basically a rubber dome with springs, well actually that's exactly what it is, and I can't imagine springs and rubber domes being more expensive to manufacture than a full on mechanism like normal mechanical keyboards have. Combined with the fact that it's all plastic and with all the issues you mentioned and that you need to buy a seperate controller for blue tooth and extended programmability I just do not see the value.

[@rousseau327]

At the end of the day, it's the topre switches. Everything from its capacitive PCB, to the non-uniform spring shape, rubber material for longevity, makes it more expensive than injection molding some plastic parts. If other mechanical keyboards utilized topre switches, the cost would skyrocket as well.

[@kissu_io]

True that there is a lot of decent bluetooth KB...

[@BookClubDisaster]

Made in Japan. Higher manufacturing cost because they're a first world country that has to pay their workers first world salaries. Cheaper keyboards are almost made in China and sometimes even designed in China these days.

[@vincetang7548]

This was a great video! A review of the Leopold fc660c would make a great vid!

[@葱娘の酥皮可乐]

This keyboard is good for high-volume typing people such as professional blogger, writer and programmer. I have five keyboards that for different purpose. This one is purely for writing.

[@kissu_io]

@Vitez od Vozdovca haha, what a pleb.

[@DiamondDead]

@@kissu_io Any co-worker at an IT firm would kick your ass into oblivion if you would be typing all day with such a high volume keyboard. It's annoying and distracting as fuck.

[@jimhendrix1517]

deskey silencing rings or just get a type-s

[@BookClubDisaster]

@@DiamondDead I mean Topre isn't really loud. Not even in the same galaxy as MX Blue or buckling springs.

[@lethalforce656]

Bout time. This has been my primary driver for about two years now. Easily the best board I've ever used or owned.

[@strongchad8130]

Not as good as a Realforce board, but its still great.

[@Kristmascane]

IF realforce made a 60% i would consider picking one up but tkl and fullsize are just eyesores for me tbh

[@strongchad8130]

i do agree that the hhkb is more aesthetic, but the feel on the realforce is much better.

[@김지호-t3n]

then you clearly haven't tried kustoms with fully lubed and stickered vint blacks

[@김지호-t3n]

not really. just get nib wyse or greetech blacks if you want cheap. g80 1000 series or 3000 series for more expensive stuff.

[@FortuneBullet]

Finally...after a long waiting...

[@yellqw8067]

I use my dad's old hhkb lite 2, its membrane and its really old, this thing is soo reliable though. Im going to make a custom gk61 when i get the money, but this keyboard has been amazing. The control above shift is the best thing ever too, im never going back to a conventional control

[@thisusedtobemyrealname7876]

I have never got the point why caps lock is in such a prominent position in keyboards. It never made sense to me to just to capitalize one letter I turn something on and off again, I just use shift. Only time I use it if there are several letters in all caps in a row which does not happen often. And even then because of muscle memory I just use shift. Having control in that place makes so much sense and now I want it! 😂

[@rednight2476]

It's a programmers keyboard. It has the same layout as Terminals, Unix Workstation keyboards, and most older PCs. This layout is ideal for using command line and other text based software. I have no idea what you use the caps lock for, or why it even still exists.

[@Cyortonic]

How do you yell without caps lock? Do you actually hold shift down?

[@Analekt]

exactly and that helps with anger management.

[@ianzen]

@@tobyworland5857 if you're using vim, you can type the variables in lowercase and change them to uppercase.

[@tormenmashi_]

idk why but the scratchyness of the hhkb gives it its charm

[@johnsihn4520]

R u ever going to review the FC660C??

[@TaeKeyboards]

Perhaps one day :)

[@johnsihn4520]

I'm typing on mine right now :) I wanted to send mine to someone for review, but now I am seriously considering trading it away for a lubed and silenced HHKB Pro 2. No, not becuase I don't like the board, but just cause I want to know what the HHKB experience is actually like.

[@johnsihn4520]

Got my Leo back and bought an hhkb separately!

[@greyareaRK1]

I got a Paradise V60 with Matias switches. I love the switches (after modifying them), but I still don't see the point of a 60% board. My next will be a TKL, followed by a numpad. Then an IBM Model M.

[@ValVenusaur]

If you're planning on getting both a Model F and a TKL board, get an IBM Model F. It's a tenkeyless buckling spring board. I love it and just typed this comment on it :)

[@MrHenreee]

the point is that it's small

[@iLiokardo]

Perhaps the Vortex ViBe is for you. A 60% but with a numpad. If you're worried about the nav cluster being gone, just note that you don't have to move your whole hand just to reach that part of the keyboard, you use the fn key.

[@snackskazam]

I love those key caps on your Anne Pro; any chance you have a link for those still?

[@nikoringo]

Looks like Hyperfuse keycaps.

[@SlimeScholar]

Na, thats not Hyperfuse.. lol..

[@tyler94302]

@@SlimeScholar lmaoooo

[@SlimeScholar]

@@tyler94302 huh??

[@pinch-of-salt]

the hhkb keyboard is overrated however the hhkb/tsangan layout is very nice!!

[@HousePlant_Ambient]

I love everything about it except the branding and price.

[@SubterraneanChick]

The more of hype, the more scratchy sounds. HHKB PRO 2 (vs. Realforce or Leopold FC660c), Cherry MX Brown (vs. Kailh Box or Gaterons), Keychron K6 && K4 (K series all); A few others escape me atm. Danke.

[@mcooper2505]

I've gone from TKL to 75% and love it and am considering 68 or 65 but I think 60% is just over complicating things although considering cheap modular for the purpose of trying out different switches it really depends on the price point at the time

[@KeiBrightwing]

That typing demonstration sounds a lot like my Anne Pro 2 with Kailh Box Reds. The same sort of rattly sound.

[@SubterraneanChick]

Kicked my GF out and purchased two.

[@henriii9647]

I found 2 place that sells this on amazon , one is from PFU , one is from Happy Hacking Keyboard ( the link in ur description) , r they the same and just from different sellers or they r something different ?

[@shikane9991]

I know im late but would you think that it would be good for gaming i love the look alot.

[@choke-]

any keyboard is good for gaming. just depends if you like the switch or not to be honest

[@shikane9991]

@@choke- okay thanks

[@FunRider008]

When you spend that much amount on keyboard then you have to convince yourself that why you loved this.

[@johnsihn4520]

I don't think the sound is from a spring. From my experience, it's a misaligned dome... but who knows :p

[@Kristmascane]

Also, lubing the hhkb will make you prefer it.

[@TaeKeyboards]

Indeed. But it's not the switches that's the problem for me. I already like Topre. I'm just lazy, and like at least a 65% :)

[@faciality]

sounds like u will love the fc660c

[@scharkalvin]

Perhaps a bit TOO minimal for me. I have an IBM model 'M' space saver (same layout as standard Model M, but no numeric keypad). This keyboard is a bit wider and taller than the HHK because it has the extra cursor cluster keys on the right, and the function keys on an extra top row. And of course, it has the famous bucking spring switches. Since I really have no use for the numeric keypad, this keyboard is my favorite. (also it's built like a TANK). Having said that, If the HHK had built in bluetooth, It would be the perfect travel keyboard to go along with my thinkpad (that and a BT mouse).

[@eddiesuen8370]

I have to say that i like the topre switches. Great tactile feel with the topre switches. I was able to pick one up a used on for $50 usd. The seller knew what he had. He just was not using it and the usb connector is a little loose. Any fix for that?

[@SubterraneanChick]

A subtle blue hue to the grey keycaps? Or just my eyesight off?

[@SubterraneanChick]

Lots of rationalization where other brands have faulted. But...eventually, it works. Too many Hall Passes for my liking. Very just and fair review here. Couldn't do better with conclusion.

[@OnThe100]

How to use typical hotkeys on it? Such as Ctrl+Ins, Shift+Ins, Ctrl+Ноme, Ctrl+End, Win+D, Win+Tab Alt+F4

[@phamhainam5510]

Please where can i buy the super mario keyboard in the video please. I really love it 1:16

[@SlimisfyingASMR]

The keyboard is Anne Pro with yellow case + Super Mario Bros Keycaps

[@SlimisfyingASMR]

es.aliexpress.com/store/product/For-mini-la-mini-keyboarded-personalized-mechanical-keyboard-hot-height-keyboarded-gh60poker-keyboarded/2230037_32746790254.html?spm=2114.8147860.0.0.wfdiTE

[@SlimisfyingASMR]

Only dark grey left tho

[@phamhainam5510]

@@SlimisfyingASMR tks you so so much bro

[@01percentHP]

I wonder what would happen if you lubed the springs

[@semont6143]

Have you tried the Chinese Topre clone switches that you'd find from Royal Kludge and Plum/Niz?

[@MrLamborghiny]

Nice review! But can you also do a review on leopold fc980c?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Would be pretty tough to get I would think. Would be awesome though :)

[@rafindeed]

I really dont see where this price is going.

[@louisgarbour2737]

That's just topre boards. They are always overpriced. Not that they are bad, just overpriced.

[@JackOfHarts96]

Wow your HHKB sounded really scratchy... I haven't even lubed mine, and it does not sound like that.

[@swayiglesias]

why can’t they make a normal 60% topre keyboard

[@mvargasmoran]

Boy ever since I use Emacs a long time ago (Now I use mostly and IDE.. yeah say what you want) but from like 2011 I've always made the caps lock into a new Ctrl key (not swap, I just have 2 ctrl... but I mostly forget about the bottom row one). This keyboard looks really good to me in terms of layout... but... yeah it looks cheap. Is there any other keyboard with the Ctrl key in the home row??? but in 60%, 65% or 75%???

[@Cyortonic]

It's a DIY kit, but the Tina Keyboard from KBDFans has a similar layout which uses Cherry compatible switches and is all aluminum.

[@iSuperBlack]

one question please and i need answer cuz i dont want waste my money .. is hhkb really worth it? the size very very satisfying for me .. but im scared i wont get use on it cuz im addict to cherry mx..

[@CosmicFists]

I took the chance and got the HHKB about a year ago, and I haven't regretted it since. Once you get used to the layout, you'll never want to go back.

[@LarsKniep]

wow, the price doesn't make sense

[@nekososu]

just like people still buying apple products

[@rcoh4]

My favourite keyboard!

[@vldt5934]

Hi Filos. Does HHKB ship in the Philippines? Or do we have dealers here? :

[@istsamtonca]

Why should one pay so much for a keyboard that has no replaceable switches and full of production issues?

[@UncommonS3nse]

This video really highlights that it's type-s or nothing for me

[@curiouscase4826]

Did you figure out where the spring noise comes from or how to fix it?

[@curiouscase4826]

Haha I was typing my comment too quickly. I tried the same thing but as you said; it just helps somewhat. Makes me hate HHKB from time to time! Appreciate the reply.

[@curiouscase4826]

yeee no worries!

[@lawbinson]

Funny how this layout is the daily driver now

[@uglypotata6110]

I love TKL key broad :D 🔥🔥

[@povilaskirna4108]

Why does it exist like if you dont have Ctrl than you have to do everything with your mouse?

[@Jarofcatpiss]

ctrl is where capslock is on this board

[@saibamoe]

happy to see problems with such high end expensive stuff I'm happy for my topre clone niz plum - it's almost perfect just the enter stabs on the right sounds ish but the space bar is perfect and it was way cheaper than happyhacking

[@yungrandd4722]

np bro

[@sguzaki4545]

how can you use the windows key for this one, it's useful to me

[@adavila78]

Ctrl + esc

[@DisplayDriver]

I have a keyboard that uses Cherry MX Clears but I love these switches. Is it even possible to replace my switches with these?

[@vijayapragasalmuniandy8028]

Can it run Crysis?

[@357mview2]

Is it good for gaming?

[@nanorivera5233]

I haven't seen something use mini USB for at least like ten years.

[@ivango1182]

Any cheap 60 mech kb with brown switch?

[@t.h.9897]

This ist what COVID does to you. Before I was perfectly fine with any keyboard. Now I only use Topre 45g silents

[@Frizzyfr]

1:38 what keycaps are those under

[@TaeKeyboards]

An old Super Mario Bros. set from KBDfans. They haven't been available for a long while.

[@roxelbr]

Are these kind of keyboards available in Spanish?

[@cfzone8685]

Even the Redragon Kumara has rubber feet...

[@gabsriel]

Hi, vs Niz Atom (45g version) ?

[@davehuisman8241]

Buy the NIZ. HHKBs are overpriced pieces of shit.

[@JackOfHarts96]

Why are the subtitles that bad?

[@paddymcc7460]

I think it’s pretty expensive at 260$

[@claudiobrt652]

buying this in 2024 for 50 quid makes even more sense.

[@samlee458]

Hello. Which keycaps are better quality with nice sound, not looking for high end or super expensive. Ducky, vortex or maxkeys keycaps? Thx Tae

[@gierbryantevaristo8913]

Hey Tae, you should review the Rakk Kimat XT.2. It has an aluminium backplate, rgb, and side printed keycaps. It only costs 50 usd Edit: 50 USD XD

[@coffeegerm]

But is it worth the price? You can get other boards for nearly half the price with the same experience.

[@rich1051414]

Hell no. This keyboard is for apple only braggers who cannot function without brand appeal compensating for a lack of character. For the same price, you can get so much more.

[@TaeKeyboards]

This is pretty much the only board that offers this specific kind of experience. It's alternatives all have different characteristics.

[@dennisli4085]

i do think that white print for black version should be applied to

[@MarshallCommons-y4w]

Georgianna Crest

[@SubterraneanChick]

At this price point, I better feel 1337 day one!

[@jumbba69]

You say the spacebar is rattly but it's nothing compared to my keyboard. I think you'll want to burn my keyboard when you try it for the first time.

[@LucilaSpinka-o7y]

Rowland Corners

[@EaselCat]

The price lol.

[@Rankhole123]

The switches sound very rattly imo... Also, the layout just completely kills it for me.

[@MrClassicmetal]

How about the completely plastic construction, zero metal plate, and ridiculous price?

[@4clive]

The second USB/A port would be useful to plug in a decent keyboard.

[@Molehasmoles]

This is one of the greatest keyboards out there. I don't see your point.

[@klondikebar4039]

can anyone suggest me a good tenkeyless mechanical keyboard to start off customizing keyboards? thanks in advance

[@UndetectableSn1per]

Check out Drevo keyboards

[@AbbottOswald-h4r]

Lamar Crest

[@FindTheMasterpiece]

Why are you saying "Heych Heych" instead of "Eych Eych"? Is this the correct pronunciation?

[@RoccoStrassner-g2d]

Douglas Meadow

[@RobinRohlfs-u4g]

Mitchell Valley

[@LauraGonzalez-l2m]

Claudia Cliffs

[@NancyStewart-d7x]

Lee Deborah Harris Mark Clark Shirley

[@gjghj-l1e]

Giovanni Glen