Happy Hacking Keyboard

Last updated

Happy Hacking Keyboard
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2.jpg
A white Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 with blank keycaps
Manufacturer PFU Limited
KeyswitchesDepending on model: Membrane, capacitive
KeycapsEither dye-sublimated or blank PBT, ABS for spacebars on some models.
InterfaceDepending on model: PS/2, Sun, ADB, USB, Bluetooth
Weightapprox. 500 g – depending on model
Introduced20 December 1996;27 years ago (1996-12-20) (original version)

10 December 2003;20 years ago (2003-12-10) (HHKB Professional first-generation)

Contents

24 March 2006;18 years ago (2006-03-24) (HHKB Professional second-generation)

10 December 2019;4 years ago (2019-12-10) (HHKB Professional third-generation)
Discontinued10 December 2006;17 years ago (2006-12-10) (original version, HHKB Professional first-generation) 10 December 2019;4 years ago (2019-12-10) (HHKB Professional second-generation)
Website happyhackingkb.com

The Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) is a small computer keyboard produced by PFU Limited of Japan, codeveloped with Japanese computer scientist and pioneer Eiiti Wada. [1] Its reduction of keys from the common 104-key layout down to 60 keys in the professional series is the basis for it having smaller overall proportions, yet full-sized keys. It returns the control key to its original position as on the early 84-key IBM Personal Computer/AT and XT layouts. The current models [2] in production are the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Classic, [3] Professional Hybrid (wired/wireless dual connectivity), [4] and Professional Hybrid Type-S [5] (silenced variant of Hybrid) all in either dark or light colorschemes, and either blank or printed keycaps. Professional Hybrid models are also available in Japanese layout.

History

Beginnings

Frustrated that each new computer system came with a new keyboard layout that became increasingly complex, Wada sought to create his own keyboard that he could continue to use with various different computer systems. Inspired by the original Macintosh keyboard, [6] Professor Wada and PFU collaborated to design the Happy Hacking Keyboard with the following philosophy:

Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. When America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces.

During the design process, Wada had mock-ups of the keyboard both with printed and blank keycaps; he found that his students quite liked blank keycaps and the tradition of HHKB's with blank keycaps continues to this day.

The first Happy Hacking keyboard (HHKB) was released in 1996 and used membrane keyswitches. It used PS/2, Sun, and ADB interfaces to connect to a computer with a detachable cable and is only available in white. The first HHKB was followed by the release of the HHKB Lite and HHKB Lite2 in 1999 and 2001 respectively. The HHKB Lite models also used membrane keyswitches but have a slightly different layout than the standard HHKB. The HHKB Lite is the first HHKB model to be available in black and the HHKB Lite2 is the first HHKB model to use the USB interface.

HHKB Professional Series

First-generation

The first HHKB Professional (not to be confused with the previously mentioned first HHKB) was released in December 2003 and is available in either white or charcoal (black) colorways with either blank or printed keycaps. Retroactively known as the HHKB Professional 1, this is the first HHKB model to use the famous Topre electrostatic capacitive keyswitches that all subsequent models use to this day. It also features a detachable mini-USB cable which is used to connect the keyboard to a computer.

Second-generation

The HHKB Professional 2 was released in March 2006 and is also available in either white or charcoal (black) with either blank or printed keycaps. Its main feature is a built-in 2-port USB hub for connecting mice and other peripherals.

In 2011, PFU released the HHKB Professional 2 Type-S. Only available in white (but with either blank or printed keycaps), the HHKB Professional 2 Type-S is a silenced variant of the HHKB Professional 2 containing silenced Topre keyswitches.

Another variant of the HHKB Professional 2 called the HHKB Professional BT, was released in 2016. This is the first HHKB to feature Bluetooth connectivity. HHKB Professional BT models run on AA batteries housed in a "battery bump" on the rear of the keyboard and can only be connected using Bluetooth (although these models have a micro-USB port, it can only be used to power the keyboard in place of batteries and not for data transmission).

Third-generation

HHKB Pro Hybrid Type-S HHKB Pro Hybrid Type-S.jpg
HHKB Pro Hybrid Type-S

The third-generation models of HHKB Professional: Classic, Hybrid, and Hybrid Type-S – were released in December 2019. [7] These third-generation models feature 100% PBT keycaps, where previous models used ABS for the space bar. Furthermore, the third-generation models feature USB-C connectivity instead of mini-USB. HHKB Professional Hybrid models run on AA batteries housed in a "battery bump", similar to the previous HHKB Professional BT. However, unlike the HHKB Professional BT, these models can also be used with a wired connection via the USB-C port. HHKB Professional Hybrid models also support PFU's official key remapping software.

Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite 2 with 68 labeled keys Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite 2.jpg
Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite 2 with 68 labeled keys

Common features

Some of the Happy Hacking Keyboard design tenets, as dictated by Wada, include a minimal 60-key design, no cursor or function keys, and standard keyboard pitch, all optimized for use in Unix environments. [8]

Happy Hacking Keyboards lack a numeric keypad, and keys outside the typewriter key area are mainly accessible through the Fn key. The keys are arranged in a layout resembling the Sun Type 3 keyboard. Specifically:

On the far side of the keyboard there are DIP switches. These may be used to: [9]

It is roughly the size of A5 paper.

Model overview

Model names with JP denote a Japanese layout variant.

Model nameModel #ColorSwitch typeInterfaceBlank keycapsIntroduced EOL Notes
Happy Hacking KeyboardPD-KB02White Membrane PS/2, Sun, ADB NoDec 20, 1996Dec 10, 2006 [10] Buzzer (Sun), Power supply switch (Sun/Mac)
PD-KB02N
Happy Hacking Keyboard LitePD-KB100WWhitePS/2Jun 7, 1999 [11] Un­knownWas also available in black and white unlabeled versions [12]
Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite 2PD-KB200W/PWhiteMar 15, 2001 [13] Dec 19, 2008Arrow keys, 2-port USB hub. Available in Japanese and English layouts.
PD-KB200B/PBlack
PD-KB200W/UWhite USB
PD-KB200B/UBlack
PD-KB210W/UWhite
PD-KB210B/UBlack
PD-KB220W/UWhite
PD-KB220B/UBlack
PD-KB220MKWWhiteMac version, has command and option keys in addition to the other Lite 2 features. [14]
PD-KB200MKBBlack
PD-KB200MAWhite
PD-KB220MAWhite
Happy Hacking Keyboard ProfessionalPD-KB300White Topre capacitive [15] Apr 24, 2003Dec 10, 2006 [10] First HHKB to use Topre keyswitches
PD-KB300BCharcoal
PD-KB300NLWhiteYes
PD-KB300BNCharcoal
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2PD-KB400WWhiteNoMar 24, 2006 [16] Dec 10, 2019
PD-KB400BCharcoal
PD-KB400WNWhiteYes
PD-KB400BNCharcoal
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 JPPD-KB420WWhiteNoNov 10, 2008
PD-KB420BCharcoal
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional HG [17] PD-KB500WWhiteNoOct 12, 2006Special 10-year anniversary models [18]
PD-KB500BBlack
PD-KB500WNWhiteYes
PD-KB500BNBlack
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional HG JAPAN [19] PD-KB500J Wajima-style lacquer
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 Type-SPD-KB400WSWhiteNoJun 29, 2011Silenced variant [20]
PD-KB400WNSYes
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 Type-S JPPD-KB420WSNo
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional BT [21] PD-KB600BCharcoal Bluetooth NoApr 12, 2016First HHKB to use Bluetooth
PD-KB600BNYes
PD-KB600WWhiteNo
PD-KB600WNYes
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional BT JPPD-KB620BCharcoalNo
PD-KB620WWhite
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional ClassicPD-KB401WWhite USB-C NoDec 10, 2019
PD-KB401WNYes
PD-KB401BCharcoalNo
PD-KB401BNYes
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional HybridPD-KB800WWhiteDual mode USB-C or BluetoothNo
PD-KB800WNYes
PD-KB800BCharcoalNo
PD-KB800BNYes
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid JPPD-KB820WWhiteNo
PD-KB820BCharcoalNo
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-SPD-KB800WSWhiteNoSilenced variant
PD-KB800WNSYes
PD-KB800BSCharcoalNo
PD-KB800BNSYes
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-S JPPD-KB820BSWhiteNo
PD-KB820WSCharcoalNo

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ASCII</span> American character encoding standard

ASCII, an acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, is a character encoding standard for electronic communication. ASCII codes represent text in computers, telecommunications equipment, and other devices. Because of technical limitations of computer systems at the time it was invented, ASCII has just 128 code points, of which only 95 are printable characters, which severely limited its scope. Modern computer systems have evolved to use Unicode, which has millions of code points, but the first 128 of these are the same as the ASCII set.

The Break key of a computer keyboard refers to breaking a telegraph circuit and originated with 19th century practice. In modern usage, the key has no well-defined purpose, but while this is the case, it can be used by software for miscellaneous tasks, such as to switch between multiple login sessions, to terminate a program, or to interrupt a modem connection.

The keyboard for IBM PC-compatible computers is standardized. However, during the more than 30 years of PC architecture being frequently updated, many keyboard layout variations have been developed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keyboard technology</span> Hardware technology of keyboards

The technology of computer keyboards includes many elements. Many different keyboard technologies have been developed for consumer demands and optimized for industrial applications. The standard full-size (100%) computer alphanumeric keyboard typically uses 101 to 105 keys; keyboards integrated in laptop computers are typically less comprehensive.

Microsoft has designed and sold a variety of ergonomic keyboards for computers. The oldest is the Microsoft Natural Keyboard, released in 1994, the company's first computer keyboard. The newest models are the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard (2013), the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard (2016), and the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (2019).

The Model F was a series of computer keyboards produced mainly from 1981–1985 and in reduced volume until 1994 by IBM and later Lexmark. Its mechanical-key design consisted of a buckling spring over a capacitive PCB, similar to the later Model M keyboard that used a membrane in place of the PCB.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Model M keyboard</span> Series of computer keyboards

Model Mkeyboards are a group of computer keyboards designed and manufactured by IBM starting in 1985, and later by Lexmark International, Maxi Switch, and Unicomp. The keyboard's different variations have their own distinct characteristics, with the vast majority having a buckling-spring key design and uniform profile, swappable keycaps. Model M keyboards are notable among computer enthusiasts and frequent typists due to their durability, typing-feel consistency, and their tactile and auditory feedback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Backspace</span> Key on a keyboard

Backspace is the keyboard key that in typewriters originally pushed the carriage one position backwards, and in modern computer systems typically moves the display cursor one position backwards, deletes the character at that position, and shifts back any text after that position by one character.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kinesis (keyboard)</span>

Kinesis is a company based near Seattle that offers computer keyboards with ergonomic designs as alternatives to the traditional keyboard design. Most widely known among these are the contoured Advantage line, which features recessed keys in two bucket-like hollows to allow the user's fingers to reach keys with less effort. Moreover, the keys are laid out in perfect vertical rows to avoid the need for lateral movements during typing. In addition, the modifiers such as enter, alt, backspace, control, etc. are moved to a central location so they can be pressed with the stronger thumbs rather than the pinky fingers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple keyboards</span> External computer keyboards developed by Apple Inc.

Apple Inc. has designed and developed many external keyboard models for use with families of Apple computers, such as the Apple II, Mac, and iPad. The Magic Keyboard and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad designed to be used via either Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and have integrated rechargeable batteries; The Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard accessories for iPads are designed to be directly attached to and powered by a host iPad. All current Apple keyboards utilize low-profile key designs, and common modifier keys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Das Keyboard</span> Series of computer keyboards sold by Metadot Corporation

Das Keyboard is a series of computer keyboards sold by Metadot Corporation, a software company located in Austin, Texas. Some models feature blank keycaps, made with the purpose of improving touch typing skills. The current iterations employ mechanical keyswitches manufactured by either Cherry or Greetech. "The keyboard" in German is "die Tastatur", not "das Tastatur". "Das Keyboard" is correct in German when referring to the electronical instrument, but the word "Keyboard" is also often used colloquially to refer to the human interface device.

PCD Maltron Ltd, trading as Maltron, is a manufacturer of ergonomic special-needs keyboards. It was founded by South African-born inventor Lillian Malt and manufacturer Stephen Hobday. Maltron specialises in making keyboards for the prevention and etiological treatment of repetitive strain injury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fn key</span> Keyboard modifier key

The Fn key, short form for function, is a modifier key on many keyboards, especially external keyboards, and is not available for mobile devices. For use in a compact layout, combine keys which are normally kept separate. It-Alt + FN is typically found on laptops due to their keyboard size restrictions. It is also found on many full-sized "multimedia" keyboards as the F-Lock key. It is mainly for the purpose of changing display or audio settings quickly, such as brightness, contrast, or volume, and is held down in conjunction with the Caps Lock to change the settings.

ISO/IEC 9995Information technology — Keyboard layouts for text and office systems is an ISO/IEC standard series defining layout principles for computer keyboards. It does not define specific layouts but provides the base for national and industry standards which define such layouts.

The delete control character is the last character in the ASCII repertoire, with the code 127. It is supposed to do nothing and was designed to erase incorrect characters on paper tape. It is denoted as ^? in caret notation and is U+007F in Unicode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Computer keyboard</span> Data input device

A computer keyboard is a peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. Replacing early punched cards and paper tape technology, interaction via teleprinter-style keyboards have been the main input method for computers since the 1970s, supplemented by the computer mouse since the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keyboard layout</span> Arrangement of keys on a typographic keyboard

A keyboard layout is any specific physical, visual, or functional arrangement of the keys, legends, or key-meaning associations (respectively) of a computer keyboard, mobile phone, or other computer-controlled typographic keyboard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PFU Limited</span> Japanese information technology company

PFU Limited is a Japanese information technology company jointly owned by Ricoh and Fujitsu. The company was formed by the merger of Panafacom and USAC Electronic Industrial in 1987.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delete key</span> Computer keyboard key

The delete key is a button on most computer keyboards which is typically used to delete either the character ahead of or beneath the cursor, or the currently-selected object. The key is sometimes referred to as the "forward delete" key. This is because the backspace key also deletes characters, but to the left of the cursor. On many keyboards, such as most Apple keyboards, the key with the backspace function is also labelled "delete".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ECMA-23</span> Standard for bit-paired keyboard layout

ECMA-23 is a standard for a bit-paired keyboard layout adopted in 1969 and revised in 1975. As a bit-paired layout, shifted keys correspond to toggling bits in the ASCII keycode. This is most visible in the digits on the top row, where shifting 6789 give &'(), and ;+, :* and -= are paired.

References

  1. "IIJ Research Laboratory - Researchers". Internet Initiative Japan. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2011-04-27.
  2. "Happy Hacking Keyboard (manufacturer's site)". PFU Limited. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  3. "HHKB Professional Classic". PFU Limited. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  4. "HHKB Professional Hybrid". PFU Limited. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  5. "Happy Hacking Keyboards Pro HYBRID Type-S Keyboard - HHKP & REALFORCE Keyboards". PFU Limited. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  6. "Eiiti Wada Mechanical Keyboard Community Interview | Massdrop". 2018-09-26. Archived from the original on 2018-09-26. Retrieved 2021-04-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  7. "高性能コンパクトキーボード「Happy Hacking Keyboard」ラインナップ一新 | 株式会社PFU". www.pfu.fujitsu.com (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  8. "Wada Eiiti". Computer Museum. Information Processing Society of Japan. Retrieved 2011-04-27.
  9. "DIP switch functions". PFU Limited. Archived from the original on 2010-08-20. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
  10. 1 2 "Happy Hacking Keyboard Specifications". PFU Limited. Archived from the original on 2013-01-07. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  11. "PFU America releases "Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite" for all PC/Linux users and power users". PFU Limited. 1999-06-01. Archived from the original on 2000-01-23. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  12. "Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite". PFU Limited. Archived from the original on 2001-10-24. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  13. "PFU America Releases "Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite 2"". AllBusiness. 2001-03-15. Archived from the original on 2010-10-12. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  14. Murph, Darren (2007-01-26). "Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite 2 for Mac touts Apple Key, demotes Caps Lock". Engadget. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  15. "HHKB/Features/High quality keys". PFU Limited. Archived from the original on 2010-08-03. Retrieved 2007-08-19.
  16. "Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2". AkibaLive. 2006-03-16. Archived from the original on 2008-06-16. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  17. "HHKB Professional HG Specs". PFU Limited. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  18. "The 3300 euros keyboard for PC". Akihabaranews. 2006-10-12. Archived from the original on 2009-12-16. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  19. "HHKB Professional HG JAPAN Specs". PFU Limited. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  20. "HHKB Professional 2 and JP Type-S press release". PFU Limited. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  21. "Happy Hacking Keyboard: HHKB Professional BT: PFU". PFU Limited. Retrieved 2016-04-12.