HHKB - Happy Hacking Keyboard Studio (Wireless, Bluetooth, Wired, USB, Silent, Mac, Windows, Charcoal, Printed)

I own multiple mechanical keyboards and only used mechanical keyboards in the last ~10 years. This is definitely the BEST ONE and I am extremely happy with it. I have been using it with MacOS. PROS: - The build quality and overall feeling is amazing, with well-designed details and functionalities. It seems specifically designed for productivity. - The trackpoint (pointing stick) is extremely convenient. It's very similar to what you find on Thinkpads (and other business laptops). There is a small learning curve getting used to it, but then it becomes very natural, and it's great for quick mouse/click actions without moving the hands from the keyboard. It would be great to see more mechanical keyboards implementing it. Important: some early reviews complain about this specific aspect. However, there is a new firmware from April 2024 that largely improved pointing stick functionality, so REMEMBER TO UPDATED THE FIRMWARE after receiving the keyboard. - I really like the switches. I know that some people are not happy with this keyboard not having Topre switches. However, these are really good, and honestly I like that they are hot swappable (better longevity, more options for future changes) and that they have more options for different keycaps. - It's great to have options for wired or bluetooth connections. Additionally, it's great that it doesn't have an internal battery, as it improves longevity and avoids potential problems. - The software is great, a lot of options for customization. At the beginning, there were a few things in the keyboard I wanted to change, and I was able to do everything very easily through the integrated software and/or other OS options. I couldn't find major CONS. Maybe, just that the "gesture pads" (there are 4 of them) are not that useful, at least for my use cases, and I end up now using them. For scrolling, I like the pointing stick much better. It's also a bit too expensive, even though I can understand the price given the tech and innovations. Overall, 100% recommended.

I originally own a type-s, but it is with the studio that I decided to get the same model in a different color (for a change of mood, aesthetics for my desk). I do not travel with keyboards. The studio has a much sturdier build, and I especially like the elongated area for the three clicks in the studio model for resting (something that I think is missing for the type s). I have small hands and I like the tactile feel of the rims of the keyboard. The trackpoint and the gestures pads are curious features, could be useful and fun to use. Also i feel like the studio types more quietly than the type s. Took me a while, I now enjoy typing on the studio than the topre type s.

I have used an HHKB Professional 2 daily since 2017. I bought the Studio because it offers a pointer stick, which allows me to keep my hands close to the home row. It pairs perfectly with what I already consider a nearly perfect key layout. The gesture pad is a nice option; I currently only use it for page scrolling. You can also use the mouse middle function key to toggle the pointer stick as a page scroll. Why the Studio is for me: I experience wrist pain when using a traditional mouse. Over the years, I have tried or considered alternatives, including trackballs, vertical mice, touchpads, and RollerMouse devices, alongside my HHKB Pro 2. When I saw the Studio, it immediately made sense to pair a pointer stick with the HHKB layout. It’s excellent and has reduced my wrist pain. I use the pointer stick for precise mouse movements during long programming sessions, while still relying on a trackball (X-Keys L-Trac) for larger movements. Using both input methods helps break up repetitive strain from relying solely on one or the other. Yes, I would have preferred Topre switches, but the custom Kailh silent keys are very quiet and feel cushioned and comfortable—I have no complaints. It's also worth mentioning that the mouse switches are Gateron low profile and are also swappable along with the main Kailh box switches. I only gave the keyboard 4/5 stars because it does not use Topre switches. If a future version includes Topre switches, I will buy it immediately and almost certainly rate it 5/5.

I expected more from the illustrious HHKB. This is my first product from them and will be my last. The mouse erratically jumps everywhere and the bluetooth disconnects every 5 seconds no matter what computer, nor distance from it. The switches are really really nice feeling but that doesn’t excuse the inability of the keyboard to perform basic functions. In addition the software is not up to par, especially for the price, and no, firmware updates did not address the issue. I usually do not write reviews, but this is clearly a half-baked product.

This was expensive and suited my needs (I wanted to have a mechanical keyboard with an integrated trackpoint or trackpack) and types very well with great key presses (despite the hate it gets from being non-TOPRE), but once or twice a day in normal typing whether on Linux or Windows becomes non-responsive and requires power off and power on again. It's a shame there's only one function key and one control key. I could use their keymap software, but this keyboard goes between several different machines, including Raspberry Pis, linux servers and a Windows machine. The location of the Control key is very desirable for those who use vim and the shell frequently and I love not having to bring an external standalone mouse along with me. I don't understand the purpose of a charcoal keyboard with black key text as there is not only no practical value (yes I touch type mostly anyway) but requires you to squint to use non-frequent function key combos.

What a nice keyboard!!!!

This may seem similar to the hhkb pro2, but its completely different. It uses for the first time custom kaihl silent switches. You can use any cherry stem keycaps. It has gesture functions on each sides, has a mouse pointer, left right mouse click, 3 Fn layers and it is heavier. It uses 4 double A battery and is now made in china. I really like it because it feels like typing on a topre but more quiet.

i like the typing experience but the slide gesture on the side works 2 out of 10 times i try, and the pointing stick is high and often get in my way when typing. I'd recommend folks getting the type-s instead, not worth the extra money

Love the Keyboard, but it came with some scratches. Probably someone returned, thus it is not BRAND NEW. Disappointed.