Switching to HHKB: A Developer’s Experience

I’ve started using the HHKB Professional Hybrid keyboard daily for the past month, replacing the Keychron K8, which I’ve used for three years. The HHKB does not feel cramped compared to other 60% keyboards such as the Filco Minila Air, which I previously owned. I’ve been using external keyboards ever since Apple released its butterfly keyboard switches, which were so painful to use. I have then formed an opinion on what constitutes a good external keyboard: (1) key placement, (2) portability, and (3) multiple-device connectivity. The HHKB Professional Hybrid Type-S has exceeded my expectations for all three.

Key Placement

A critical aspect of my keyboard preference is key placement, and here’s how the HHKB stands out. The HHKB’s Control key is placed where the Tab key is usually located. This makes it easy for my left pinkie finger to access without having to remap keys. The distance of the other keys allows for touch typing with fewer fat-fingered mistakes. The Keychron K8, on the other hand, is a TKL layout, and tends to have the hands spread out more often to reach keys on the far ends of the keyboard. The Filco Minila Air feels too cramped for a 60% layout, with a very small spacebar.

One downside to the HHKB’s key layout is the reliance on the pinkie fingers (left to access Ctrl key and right to access the Fn key). This introduces a new kind of finger strain if you find yourself using a lot of arrow keys to navigate or using the Ctrl keys repeatedly. This is a good signal to take a break from typing. Despite the initial adjustment to the pinkie’s increased role, the HHKB’s layout promotes a more natural hand position, reducing the need for excessive reach and thereby minimizing strain.

Portability

Sometimes I bring my keyboard when traveling with my laptop. The HHKB is one of the lightest external keyboards I’ve used. Given its weight, I am hesitant to bring the Keychron for travel. While the Minila Air’s size is convenient, its weight is a drawback, unlike the HHKB, which offers the perfect balance of lightness and compactness. I brought my HHKB without issue to a recent overseas trip without needing to buy a keyboard cover and it fits in my backpack’s pouch.

Multiple Device Connectivity

The HHKB supports Bluetooth connectivity up to four devices. Pairing with my devices is easy and switching between devices is fast. Unlike the HHKB, the Keychron and Minila Air struggle with Bluetooth connectivity; the Keychron, despite supporting three devices, has a slower switching process, and the Minila Air is limited to just one connection

Bonus Feature 1: Batteries Included

The HHKB decided to ship with replaceable batteries (2x AA) and its sleep mode can be disabled through a setting. The Minila Air also supports replaceable batteries. The Keychron, on the other hand, has a built-in rechargeable battery. After three years of continuous usage, the internal battery’s diminished capacity may require keeping a charging cable handy, a minor inconvenience compared to the eventual need for battery replacement. Ultimately, the choice between replaceable and built-in batteries hinges on personal preferences.

Bonus Feature 2: Shine-resistant keycaps

Continuous use can lead to keys becoming shiny, affecting the keyboard’s aesthetic appeal. This issue is common with the Keychron and Minila Air, where the keycaps tend to show wear relatively quickly. In contrast, the HHKB seeks to mitigate this problem by utilizing PBT keycaps, which are reputed for their resistance to shine and wear. PBT keycaps are known for retaining their matte finish and texture longer than the more common ABS keycaps found in many keyboards. While only time will confirm the longevity of the HHKB’s keycaps, the use of PBT offers a promising outlook for maintaining a pristine look much longer.

For a comparison between ABS and PBT keycaps, I recommend this article.

Bonus Feature 3: Suppressed keystroke noise

I chose the Type-S variant, which is known for its effective sound suppression during keystrokes. This feature ensures the HHKB offers solid, yet subdued feedback while typing, striking an ideal balance between tactile response and quiet operation. In contrast, while using the Keychron or the Minila Air, I’ve stuck with the standard brown switches, which, despite their reliability, tend to produce a more noticeable sound. This becomes especially obvious during early morning or late-night sessions, when the quieter performance of the HHKB Type-S proves invaluable in a small house with spouse and small children sleeping.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HHKB has truly lived up to its promises, justifying its premium price with performance that exceeds expectations. Its ability to blend into various aspects of my daily routine, while minimizing disruptions, speaks volumes of its thoughtful design. For those in search of a keyboard that marries functionality with minimalistic elegance, the HHKB Type-S proves to be an unparalleled choice.