I tested the HHKB Professional Classic Type-S — a niche option for those prepared to learn a new keyboard layout to get Topre key mechanisms

TechRadar Verdict

Keyboards are incredibly subjective, but I didn’t care for this for several good reasons. Passing over the gaslighting color scheme, the biggest issue with this keyboard is the lack of cursor keys, which will be a deal-breaker for some users.

Pros

• +Small form factor
• +Type-S Topre key mechanics
• +Compact and portable

Cons

• -No exclusive cursor keys
• -USB but no through port for the mouse
• -Dipswitches

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• 30-second review
• Price and availability
• Specs
• Design
• User experience
• Final verdict
• Should I buy?
• Also Consider

HHKB Professional Classic Type-S keyboard: 30-second review

When people first get into computing, the first peripherals they develop an opinion on are the mouse and the keyboard. As these are the biggest challenges to overcome for successfully communicating with a computer, for most people.

HHKB, or Happy Hacking Keyboards, is a business started 30 years ago by a Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo, Eiiti Wada. He theorised that his "Aleph keyboard" featuring only the keys needed by professionals, was the way forward, and in 1996, the HHKB model KB01 was given a limited release.

The keyboard reviewed here is the latest Professional Classic Type-S design from HHKB, designated as the KB401BSC. It combines a compact 60-key layout with precision S-Type Topre key mechanisms to deliver a distinctively minimalist experience.

This keyboard isn’t for everyone, since it lacks a numeric pad, a caps lock key, and a cursor cluster. Most of these functions and others can be achieved with its function key, but honing down the keyboard to this limited key number has some significant collateral damage.

However, the steep learning curve and curious aesthetics aren’t the only potential hurdles for a potential customer. With a basic price of $269, this is also one of the more expensive keyboards available.

That leaves a bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario: the maker and fans of this design say it's great, but the cost of finding out isn’t insignificant. Be sure you wish to relearn your keyboard skills before splashing cash on this.

HHKB Professional Classic Type-S: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $269/£235.78/€259.99
• When is it out? It is available now
• Where can you get it? You can get it in most regions from HHKB

For US customers, this keyboard can be purchased directly from the HHKB website at a current price of $269.

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