1. Alright I've attached everything you've asked for. Also my camera, bluetooth,sound and touch screen aren't working. If possible please let me know solutions to those as well. I can't get anything I find online to work. Again your help is much appreciated. Your kextcache output shows.
2. The Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 is a keyboard with a reputation, and it lives up to it. The HHKBs originated from a collaboration between PFU and Dr. Eiiti Wada, a Japanese computer scientist who was unhappy with existing solutions. His research led to the current compact layout. As the name hints, it was designed with programmers in mind, particularly emacs and vims users.
3. Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 — typing experience Key placement aside, this keyboard is an absolute joy to type on. The ‘Happy Hacking’ bit of the name is spot on: it’s so deliciously clicky and quick that you really do feel like a bad stereotype in a sci-fi film typing ‘DELETE THE MAINFRAME’ into a bright green command module, which.
4. The Happy hacking Keyboard Professional 2 is the most expensive keyboard I've ever reviewed. What makes it so expensive and is it even that good?

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Spend any amount of time around the keyboard-obsessed portions of the internet and you’ll inevitably hear the Happy Hacker Keyboard Professional 2 mentioned.

It’s a piece of hardware that’s almost specifically designed to appeal to an enthusiast niche. Its so-called ‘60% form-factor’ means that it doesn’t feature a num pad, arrow keys, or even a function row. Even the keys it does have are positioned like no other keyboard we’ve ever seen, with a ‘Control’ key where the ‘Caps lock’ key should be, and a backspace key sitting where you’d otherwise find a backslash key.

In other words, it’s a keyboard that’s happy to tweak and change the keyboard layout that the rest of the world has used unquestioningly since the late ’80s.

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The $225 (£260, around AU$290) HHKB Pro 2 doesn’t care if you’ve spent five, ten, or even 20 years building up muscle memory that works a certain way. It has faith in its own way of doing things, and you’ve got to respect its bold choices.

The fact that it’s got its own way of doing things is one thing, but whether you’ll want to relearn how to use a keyboard is another thing entirely, and we’re not convinced that the effort will be worth it for anyone other than the most hardcore of keyboard fanatics.

But before we get into the details, let’s take a closer look at the keyboard.

Design and layout

The HHKB Pro 2 is a tiny piece of kit. Despite using fullsize keys it’s got a footprint that’s similar in size then the keyboard on a 13-inch MacBook Pro. The secret is how many keys it’s shed to get that small.

Whereas your typical MacBook Pro keyboard comes packing a full function row from F1 to F12, the HHKB Pro 2 dispenses with this entirely. Whereas the Mac keyboard has a tight quartet of arrow keys in the bottom right hand corner, this keyboard has you use a function key to reach them – you almost get the impression the designers thought the added keys would spoil its symmetry.

All the keys that you’d need to operate a modern computer are still there, but you’ll need to use the function button to access most of them. Fn plus 1 through 0 will get you F1 to F10, and other combinations will access other keys such as ‘Home’ or ‘Scroll Lock’.

Despite the sheer amount of different things each key can do, the keyboard as a whole looks sleekly designed, with lovely textured keycaps that have their secondary functions printed on the side in a color that’s just a shade darker than the matt gray plastic they’re printed on.

The function keys take a little getting used to, but the first time you use the keyboard your biggest issue will be just how differently everything is placed. Where normal keyboards have a caps lock key, the HHKB Pro 2 places its control key, and where you’d usually find a backslash you’ll find a backspace.

The former change makes a certain amount of sense (after all, when was the last time you meant to hit the caps lock?), but despite the latter bringing a useful key closer to our fingers, we could never get fully comfortable with it.

Passthrough ports

A pair of passthrough ports on the top of the keyboard
allow you to plug in USB sticks and mice without having to reach round to the back of your PC.

It’s strangely disorientating losing this particular piece of muscle memory, and it’s even worse if you’re moving to the keyboard from a European (aka ‘ISO’) board with this layout’s fat ‘enter’ key. Trust us, you’re going to start pressing enter instead of backspace a lot.

It’s a steep learning curve, but it’s not an impossible one to scale – so long as you don’t have to regularly switch to using a more traditional keyboard. If you have the luxury of working from home then this might not be an issue, but few are going to want to have to cart their keyboard between every location that they use a computer.

With perseverance (and the exclusion of other keyboards) you’ll eventually overcome this, but we never fully got used to the lack of arrow keys.

It’s hardly a problem that’s unique to the HHKB Pro 2, but at least with a board like the Pok3r the arrow keys were accessed through a nice neat triangle of shortcut keys similar to the WASD combination most gamers will be familiar with.

With the HHKB Pro 2, by comparison, you’re using a set of arrow keys that are split across three different rows on the keyboard (on the ‘/’, ‘;’, ”’ and ‘[‘ keys).

Using the arrow keys ends up feeling awkward even when you’re just holding down two keys, and your hands will contort further as you struggle to press more complicated combinations. Want to quickly highlight that last word you wrote (on macOS)? You’ll need to hold Fn, Shift and Alt before pressing the semi-colon key.

Forget trying to do any advanced spreadsheet work on this keyboard.

Minimalism is one thing, but removing keys that are so fundamental to the functionality of a keyboard is another thing entirely.

You can customise the location of the keys to a small extent using a series of switches that are hidden within the top of the keyboard. These handle functions like swapping the Alt and Option keys if you’re using the board with a Mac, or moving the location of the Function key, but we never found that they overcame the fundamental issues we had with the layout.

Performance

Quibbles about layout aside, the Happy Hacker Keyboard Pro 2 is a lovely-feeling board to type on.

Depending on your familiarity with mechanical keyboards you may or may not be familiar with ‘Topre’ switches, which utilise a design that’s almost like a halfway point between rubber dome switches an traditional mechanical switches (most famously produced by Cherry).

Debates about the categorization of Topre switches aside (trust us, this is one part of the internet you’re best off avoiding), you’ll generally find that at their best they feel almost like weighted piano keys, albeit ones that are accompanied by a satisfying ‘thock’ sound as they bottom out.

The HHKB Pro certainly has this trademark feel, but for our money we just about prefer the feel provided by the Topre Realforce line of boards with their backplate-mounted switches (as opposed to the case-mounted ones found on the HHKB). The Realforce has a shade more solidity to it, while the HHKB feels like it has more flex.

It’s a distinction few are likely to care about outside of the enthusiast community, but when you’ve committed to spending as much money on a board as these cost, it’s one that will certainly matter to you.

Verdict

The Happy Hacker Keyboard Pro 2 has a cult status for a reason. Its combination of sleek design, Topre switches, and bizarre layout seem almost specifically designed to appeal to the kind of person who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at spending over $200 on a keyboard.

If you’ve heard about it on the grapevine, then there’s very little that we’d be able to say to dissuade you if you’ve got your heart set on it. We get it, it’s lovely and compact, it’s beautifully symmetrical, and the design of the keycaps has the kind of muted color palette that we can absolutely see the appeal of.

But after using the keyboard for an extended period of time, we’re just not sure that the benefits of its compact layout outweigh the costs. We can get behind the lack of a caps lock key, but does the backspace key really benefit from being a row lower when it’s still too far away for you to hit without leaving the home row?

And that’s without mentioning needing to use a Fn key to access the arrow keys.

The HHKB Pro 2 is a fun exercise in questioning established wisdom. After all, the modern keyboard layout hasn’t changed in the best part of three decades. But we’d argue that the Happy Hacker Keyboard goes too far to challenge the status quo.

It’s a fun novelty for the keyboard fan that wants to try something new, but if you want a tool with which to complete a day’s work then there’s little wrong with sticking to something that’s a little more traditional.

Happy Hacking Keyboard Type S

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Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro

Keyboards come in a variety of sizes, and for the most part, many of you would probably be familiar with the full-sized version that comes bundled with most computers, and is what you would typically find in a computer store or online. Then there are also the tenkeyless keyboards that some manufacturers offer that does away with the numpad in favor of a smaller design.

However if you were to dive deeper into the world of mechanical keyboards, you’ll start realizing that there are actually more sizes available out there than you think and that these keyboards are also offered up in different layouts. The Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) is one of those that not only comes in a smaller size but also in a less conventional layout.

Chances are if you’ve stumbled across this review, you might have heard or read about the HHKB (keyboard and/or layout) and want to learn more about it, and decide if this is the board for you, so read on to find out more.

The HHKB is by no means a new keyboard. The original keyboard was designed by Professor Eiiti Wada back in 1992 who wanted to create a keyboard that would be more efficient at entering commands when using it with a UNIX system. It also saw Wada bring back some elements from the original keyboard layout, which put the Control button in the “original” position which many modern keyboards use for Caps Lock.

With Wada working together with PFU Limited, the first HHKB was released in 1996, with the HHKB Professional 2 (the model currently being reviewed) released in 2006 and continues to be produced even until today.

The HHKB layout isn’t the only non-conventional layout in the keyboard scene today, but it is one of the more popular ones. In fact within the mechanical keyboard community, there are many custom keyboards that have adopted the HHKB layout.

(Top-Bottom): Full-sized keyboard vs HHKB

As you can see in the photo, the HHKB layout is not your typical layout and there are several keys that are “missing” from standard keyboards. This includes a dedicated function row, arrow keys, a numpad, and you’ll also notice that several of the keys have been shifted around. This includes the Control button, the Backspace, and there is also the addition of an “Fn” button next to the right Shift button.

The keyboard itself weighs around 530 grams, making it extremely light and an ideal keyboard to bring with you on the go, thanks largely to its plastic construction. However don’t let the use of plastic fool you because it feels quite sturdy and there is minimal flex. The keyboard also uses PBT for its keycaps and a dye-sub printing process that will ensure that the legends will not fade with use over time.

The use of PBT means that the keycaps feel rougher compared to regular keycaps which can help with grip. It also means that over time the keys will not develop that “shine” that ABS keycaps are known to do. However take note that the frame of the keyboard and spacebar uses ABS. This is because, during the cooling process, PBT has been known to warp when it comes to larger keys, which is why ABS is the more reliable option for keys like the spacebar.

The cable attached to the keyboard is of the mini USB variety and can be removed, making it a breeze to take with you on the go, and replacing the cable in the event you have to. I would have preferred if it used micro USB or even USB-C for futureproofing purposes, but it’s not a big deal. Plus the keyboard hasn’t been updated design wise since 2006, so I can’t really fault them for that.

There are also two USB 2.0 ports on the back, although with a power supply limited to 100mA there is a limit to what you can do with it.

The keyboard also comes with a couple of feet that can be adjusted to three different height levels. There are also two small rubber feet at the bottom of the keyboard which does a somewhat decent job at gripping surfaces, would have been better if they were bigger.

While the term “rubber dome” is almost like a dirty word within the mechanical keyboard community, there is a special place within the heart of many an enthusiast reserved for Topre’s switches.

Topre’s switch features a conical spring that sits on top of the PCB. It is then encased in a rubber dome that sits beneath a housing. The housing also features a sliding mechanism which is depressed on the rubber dome, with the spring providing additional resistance. In this instance the domes given are of the 45 gram variety which makes them fairly light and easy to press, making it a breeze to type on them. Very little force is required for keystrokes to be registered, but unlike membrane keyboards, there is no mushy feeling and the upstroke of the keys are pretty snappy.

Topre’s switches are probably best known for the “thock” sound with each press, which can be immensely satisfying. This is a tactile switch, although unlike other tactiles, the bump is a lot smoother and almost gives the illusion that these are linear switches. They are also not a clicky switch unlike Cherry’s MX Blues, so if you’re working outside or in a closed office space, you won’t be in any danger of driving the people around you insane.

We won’t say that it is a completely silent keyboard, but it is relatively quieter compared to certain mechanical keyboards. However if you want an event quieter version, there is the HHKB Professional Type S which is identical to the Professional 2, but has some dampeners put inside to help silence it even further. You can check out a sound comparison in the video below.

Now this is where I’m having a hard time deciding whether or not this is a criticism of the HHKB.

With its somewhat unconventional layout, if you’re coming from a standard keyboard, the learning curve can be pretty steep. This is because you will need to get used to Control being where Caps Lock used to be, the Backspace is now smaller and positioned one row lower, and you will need to memorize and juggle the Fn button to access other functions like Home, End, the arrow keys, and so on.

This sounds understandably troublesome and almost unnecessary, but once you get used to it, should you ever find yourself going back to a standard keyboard, you’ll start wishing you could remap the Control button to the Caps Lock position, and how the Backspace button was positioned lower. That being said, over time this should eventually become second nature (disclaimer: I use a HHKB-style keyboard as my daily driver).

However, I can see that this layout might not convenient for everyone. If you’re someone who accesses the function keys frequently or prefers using a numpad to input numbers to a spreadsheet, then maybe the HHKB layout isn’t for you.

When it comes to customization, the HHKB is somewhat limited. On the back of the keyboard, there is a small door that can be removed. This exposes the dip switches which when turned on or off, will affect the keyboard’s layout. PFU has helpfully placed the dip switch combinations and functions on the back of the keyboard for quick and easy reference.

Unfortunately this is pretty much where the customization of the HHKB ends. There is no bundled software for the keyboard which means that remapping your keys are limited to the dip switches. One popular hardware mod for the HHKB is the Hasu controller. Not only does this allow you to reprogram the keys on your keyboard, but it also gives it Bluetooth capabilities. However do take note that this will void your warranty so it’s probably a good idea to wait for the warranty to expire before embarking on this modification.

There are also limitations if you’re looking to customize the keycaps. This is because of the stem that Topre uses, in which the majority of custom keycaps are designed to be used with Cherry stems. Also because the HHKB uses a different layout, it’s not always possible to take keycaps from another Topre keyboard, like the Realforce or Leopold, and transplant them onto the HHKB. We’re not saying that there are no customization options, but they are noticeably less.

So who is the HHKB for? If you’re someone who does a lot of typing, or wants a keyboard that’s small, light, and portable, relatively quiet, and want to free up some desk space, then the HHKB might be the keyboard for you.

If you’re someone who relies heavily on the function keys, numpad, or if you’re a gamer who wants programmable keys and extra macro keys, or if you’re someone who prefers more clicky-style switches, then maybe the HHKB is not for you.

However at $241, the HHKB Professional 2 is by no means cheap and there are plenty of options out there for that price. Some have joking referred to this as the “Topre tax” because in reality, what you are paying for are for the Topre switches which are highly revered by some, but also viewed as overhyped by others.

If you know anyone with a HHKB or if you know about any local mechanical keyboard meetups in your area, it might be worth giving it a try before investing in it. If you think that maybe you’re ready to take the plunge, you will be able to find the HHKB Professional 2 on Amazon.

Filed in . Read more about Fujitsu and Keyboards.