The Ultimate Hacking Keyboard

This a review and build for the UHK v2. Mods for the UHK v2. the best 60% keyboard I have ever tried, the best split keyboard, and the best modular keyboard.
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Intro: (0:00)
Cost: (1:28)
Usability: (2:26)
Aesthetics: (6:38)
Modding the UHK: (7:26)
Sound Test: (9:00)
Final Thoughts: (10:12)
This is the Ultimate hacking keyboard, and I waited 14 months, and paid more than 600 dollars to get it with every accessory. Even with just the week or so I have spent using only this keyboard, I can definitively say that it is the best 60% keyboard I have ever tried, the best split keyboard, and the best modular keyboard that money can buy, however it isn’t perfect for a number of reasons, and Today I’m going to go through why you should be looking at the UHK.
This is a keyboard that is equipped with many features and is durable, but most importantly, is open-source, and repairable. The UHK V2 has backlighting, hot swap sockets, several color options, feet for tenting, mouse and scroll functions, a sturdy case with no visible branding, and a detachable braided USB cable.
For relatively small fees you can pick up replacement parts like spare cases or cables, but more importantly the steel guides, screws, rubber feet, and even the magnets can also be separately ordered.
Keep in mind that there is international shipping, so buying this keyboard piece by piece might not be a good way to go.
Not only does this keyboard have a mostly standard layout and can convert from a split layout to joined, but it also has several modules that add more keys or mouse functions.
The overall quality of the keyboard is outstanding, especially how sturdy it feels joined or split, despite it’s extremely small and thin form factor. There are small attentions to detail, like the fact that you don’t have to have the springy cable in joined form, the angles of the wrist rest allow for your thumb to easily hit the module keys without interference, multiple types of track balls and cluster keycaps, and a USB - C cable with adapter.
Coming from the realm of custom keyboards, I was concerned with how it would feel and sound, so I did the safest thing I could, and get some silent switches, which turned out to be quieter than my deskmat.
However, I regret this now as I didn’t realize that they were Kailh Box switches, and are generally not a good switch to lubricate.
I gladly bought the red version of the case, and am very happy with the overall design, color and footprint. Images and videos don’t really showcase how small it actually is, as I thought it would be larger. It would be nice to see different options for the case or plate, like brass or nickel plating.
The double-shot PBT keycaps are well made, have a rough surface, and backlit legends. The font is nice, uniform, and sculpted to match the intended finger. There are some keys where the light doesn’t spread, which can’t be helped.
Stabilizers rattled but were serviceable. I took off all the keycaps and switches, and easily figured out how to dismantle the case.
There are two screws on the bottom of the board that hold the plastic top and bottom together with snap hooks and grooves around the edges. Be careful with the left half as the LED badge doesn’t screw down and dangles. Using some packing foam from buying an extra case, I took the steel plate and cutout a plate foam for both halves, and then also placed a paper-thin sheet of foam underneath each half of the PCB. I was sure to keep clear of the guide rods, connectors, and standoffs, as achieving a fraction of dampening isn’t worth damaging your board in any way. I also took the time to lube and clip the stabilizers which made the largest difference in how the board felt and sounded.
Thank you for watching. See you in the next one.
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[@UltimateHackingKeyboard]

Thanks so much for the nice review! We also appreciate your patience regarding the long wait; We're catching up with pending orders, and afterward, we'll end up shipping in a workday. We have improved the case tolerance, which should make the feet hooks not break anymore. The USB cable compartment was created to protect the USB connector when force is exerted on it sideways. Still, we realize that it's not a very accessible solution, and we'll implement a better design in upcoming keyboard models. Feel free to reach out to us, and we'll send spare parts for free. Cheers!

[@ireakhavok]

Thank you! I'll definitely reach out. I am really enjoying using this keyboard! Thank you for making it!

[@Big-Chungus21]

The trackpoint being near where your thumb is is actually a really good idea. It means that your hand doesnt need to move far, as your thumb will always be naturally near it.

[@RC-br1ps]

Thank you for a through review. Fantastic job of covering the details that matter. 👏👍

[@ireakhavok]

Absolutely was my pleasure! Thanks for commenting!

[@larok875]

Thanks for the video. Very informative review! Very professional production given the channel size and full of helpful insight instead of just hyping the keyboard up. Typing this on my newly arrived UHK v2 :) I think I will switch the spacebar and mod keys similar to you.

[@ireakhavok]

Thank you very much for commenting! I appreciate it! Please let me know if there is anything else I can do. This keyboard is so useful I use it for about 40 hours a week. Let me know if you figure out anything else that might be useful. Cheers!

[@views8962]

I agree 100%. Shortcircuit (Linus Tech Tips) recently made a video on this keyboard it's terrible. It's way longer and obviously lacks any real thought and effort.

[@jasonarcher6687]

Seeing that you can pull the keyboard apart and put it back together without the cable might’ve just sold me on the spot. Thank you for that!

[@ireakhavok]

My pleasure! Enjoy!

[@goldmanjoe]

Great video! My UHK just arrived yesterday after almost exactly 1 year. I totally agree...Had they not done such a good job of communicating I probably would have cancelled my order long ago. Really happy with it though

[@ireakhavok]

I'm glad you're happy and that I'm not the only one that feels this way. I am definitely enjoying mine! It has kind of spoiled me a little. lol. I have 4 other videos to make, but I don't want to put it down to work on the others, haha. Congrats on getting yours!

[@davidschmitt9210]

Awesome review and desk setup! I recently purchased the UHK and am rewatching your video while waiting for it to arrive! Do you know how customizable the lighting settings are? I haven't seen much out there on custom effects besides showing which layer is active.

[@ireakhavok]

So they just updated to Agent 2.0, which was literally extremely easy to upgrade the firmware, just a FYI. But this is still one area that it could improve. The layers are the only thing that control the RGB, currently, except for brightness. you can adjust the brightness of alpha's separately from other keys, then you can also adjust the brightness of the LED that displays the type of layout. Not much! I don't mind that much, but he did say some years ago that he would be implementing more control over it. I do not know when, so this may be something we can bring up in either his monthly blogs or directly reach out to them and ask, to see if it's on the roadmap.

[@harrisedgar]

Nice review...!!! Thank you.

[@ireakhavok]

Anytime! Glad you enjoyed

[@getiingtubed]

thanks for review. I was hoping you touched more on accessories

[@ireakhavok]

Is there anything you'd like to know, specifically? I'm not at home, currently, but I can maybe answer something?

[@nenad8513]

Hi, and thanks for the great content. Do you know if removing the stabilizers of the keys (Shift, Enter) requires unscrewing the whole keyboard and removing them from the plate, or they can be removed from the front?

[@ireakhavok]

The are plate mount. You can remove the switch then remove the stabilizer

[@jcam42]

Great review.

[@ireakhavok]

Thank you!

[@jasongreenwood3260]

That's a sweet board! I only wish the wrist rests weren't required. I'm sure there's ways around it. Nice review!

[@ireakhavok]

You, know we could do our own wrist rests? but I doubt it would be cheaper in the end, lol. I have been wanting to learn how to do a gold inlay. Also, there are a bunch of other companies, like kinesis and Goldtouch that make split wrist rests. I'm curious about how they feel? Also there are some boards out there that had either a skating style rest - like ones that move as a low friction skate in a tray? I honestly think that it would be a terrible solution, because you'd have to line your wrist up on it every time, but still, I'm curious about it.

[@sirwoofish4335]

nice to see someone using this for similar situations as i expect to use it myself, im curious, is this keyboard something you continue to use?

[@ireakhavok]

Yes absolutely. I do switch it out sometimes, But because I sit for such long hours at my computer this is probably my primary keyboard.

[@sirwoofish4335]

@@ireakhavok reassuring to hear, sometimes it's hard to tell whether a product made significant impact or was genuinely useful, thanks for the response!

[@Negative5iQThatAnimeDude]

To be honest this is so educational I’m gonna go watch every video 🤔

[@ireakhavok]

Thanks! I try to explain as much as I can!

[@ireakhavok]

@ every body else reading these comments, if you like watching some videos, check out This dude's channel. I watch him all the time for some chill vibes

[@muhaha003]

Thanks for sharing. Could you please share your experience about the durability of keyboard and its module?

[@muhaha003]

Are there any specific parts that are prone to damage?

[@ireakhavok]

@@muhaha003 other than the spot where the USB cord clips in(which might have been my fault), it's build quality is fantastic. It doesn't rattle or creak. The metal guide rods that hold the modules or the two halves together are extremely sturdy. You can easily pick up the board without it flexing when it's together. I feel like the build quality could only be surpassed by a metal frame. As for a plastic case it's one of the best plastic cases in regards to quality that I've seen. The metal reinforcements and wooden wrist rest also make it heavier than expected.

[@muhaha003]

Thanks for sharing. Could I ask more about the durability of pcb and hot swap soldering …etc?

[@muhaha003]

And the durability of modules, module sockets?

[@ireakhavok]

@@muhaha003 yep, no problem. Stellar construction. Sometimes the models can be hard to slide on because of the tight tolerances but those tight tolerances also make it really good and sturdy.

[@RatherBeCancelledThanHandled]

Thanks for sharing . I have the advantage kinesis 360 which I enjoy . I want to get this but I’m worried because it’s not welled .

[@ireakhavok]

What? Not welled?

[@RatherBeCancelledThanHandled]

@@ireakhavok sorry concaved “welled inward”

[@ireakhavok]

@@RatherBeCancelledThanHandled yeah, it's not curved, sure. I prefer the flat! to each their own!

[@abecd7998]

Which module do you think is the best for right part? Trackball, Trackpoint or Touchpad? Can I use two buttons in the KeyCluster for left/right mouse click? If it's possible, maybe the Touchpad is enough for me..

[@ireakhavok]

So what I found out after I made this video is that if you are okay with turning on Windows precision drivers ( aka mouse acceleration) then the trackpad would be okay. The key cluster on the left hand side has two mouse buttons one on the left and one on the right side of a little track ball that lets you scroll. So the answer to your questions are: yes.

[@ireakhavok]

Although I must say that because I do not allow Microsoft precision drivers my favorite is the track point

[@abecd7998]

@@ireakhavok Thank you for replying me! I’m a Mac user and MacOS allows to adjust the tracking speed of macbook’s trackpad in System Preferences > Trackpad, can you do the same thing for UHK’s Touchpad with UHK Agent? I know we can adjust the mouse pointer ‘s base speed or acceleration or scroll speed in Agent, but I’m not sure whether I can set the speed for Touchpad/Trackball or not. I’m looking forward to your reply. I really want to buy the right module to do the design works at home.

[@ireakhavok]

@@abecd7998 yes, you can.

[@abecd7998]

@@ireakhavok Thank you so much !

[@views8962]

can you use the keycluster ball as a normal trackball? if that was the case, i'd probably order the trackpoint on the right instead of a second trackball.

[@ireakhavok]

honestly I'm not sure, but I can definitely say that it would be much harder to control. Later this evening I'll plug it in and do some looking.

[@ireakhavok]

so, no you cannot, it's only able to be used for scrolling, HOWEVER what I didn't know is that there is actually a programmable button that you can press under the ball itself. I didn't realize that you could press the ball for another key. Still learning cool shit on this board -.-

[@views8962]

@@ireakhavok How has the trackpoint been?

[@ireakhavok]

@@views8962 I use it the most out of the three modules. I really like it the best. I have to move the least, and the precision of it is fantastic.

[@ireakhavok]

@@views8962 The best trackpoint I've ever used. Period.

[@user-ne1kg5lr9t]

thank you

[@ireakhavok]

You are very welcome, my friend! If there is anything I can do, let me know!

[@mistarsadistephen]

Are people waiting on the V3 or getting the v2 as of 2023?

[@ireakhavok]

Honestly he is just catching up on production as of a month or two ago, and he is always very vocal on any updates he is working on, and to my knowledge he is not making current updates to it. If he does eventually make updates to it, it would be minor and you could update your case or build with the new components. There were some big changes to the V2 of the build, and I honestly don't see new changes coming any time soon. You can also reach out to him directly or on his website and he could address any of your concerns personally. I am VERY happy with this keyboard. If I were you, I wouldn't wait. but if there is something that you really want to see, reach out and let him know, now would be the time to do so.

[@ArlesLizcano]

more than a year waiting? That's a very looong time...!

[@ireakhavok]

yeah, patience is a requirement in this hobby!

[@ArlesLizcano]

@@ireakhavok The kailh box switches, are not prelubed from the factory 😑?

[@ireakhavok]

@@ArlesLizcano yes they are, but only on one small part! I did completely lube some kalebox reds and it did turn out and they do sound great. People say the switches are designed to expel liquid but that is a misconception that you cannot lube them. Krytox 205g0 has an additive that keeps it stuck to the plastic surfaces. If you look at any switches even cherry by where the clip is, there is a slit that allows for liquids to pass through. Are they prelubed? Yes. But not in the spots that help the feels

[@ryanjohnston7917]

Glad you like your keyboard. But I have to respectfully disagree, the best ergo 60% is the Dygma Raise keyboard.

[@ireakhavok]

I'm glad you have an opinion, but it doesn't have a trackball for me! I must say that the raises a much prettier board.

[@ryanjohnston7917]

@@ireakhavok You got me there. Raise does have mouse function, Which I sparingly use. you are only as good as the tools you use.

[@ireakhavok]

@@ryanjohnston7917 I couldn't agree more. The raise is also cheaper! The only time I would say that a trackball/pad/point is an absolute game changer is when you do something like coding that requires a ton of text / line manipulation. It isn't as good as a mouse is in most games, etc, but you could def get away with it in RTS / Strat games, like civ 6

[@a1a1a11]

Hi😊

[@ireakhavok]

Hello! I hope you have a great day. Good vibes!

[@a1a1a11]

Omg i got a heart ♥

[@heathergray4880]

I just wish it wasn't about the ugliest keyboard I've ever seen! WHY don't they have all white option??

[@ireakhavok]

They do have a white case version, but you can mod it to look however you want. I'm 100% sure there is an all white version on his twitter account that somebody modded. I don't find it ugly!

[@ireakhavok]

twitter.com/Hayframe/status/1015913650656366592 and also here is a bunch more of other people who modded theirs ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/layout-and-keycaps

[@heathergray4880]

@@ireakhavok yeah I know I could mod it I just don't think that I should have to. I ended up going for a moonlander but I wish more companies would include the mouse options on the keyboard