BACKGROUND:
I'm a mechanical keyboard enthusiast- I own several keyboards with switches ranging from Cherry to Gateron to Alps, as well as some rubber dome and scissor switch keyboards that most people wouldn't quite consider mechanical. So that's where my opinions about this keyboard are coming from.
I've been hunting for the 'perfect switch' for a long time, and thought I'd found it when I bought a Vortex Poker 3 with Cherry MX Clear switches, and then again when I bought a used Dell AT101W with Black Alps switches (modified to eliminate tactility). Well, I do think I've found it again. And these are going to be hard to beat. Anyway, on to the formal review:
PROS:
-The SWITCHES are unbelievable- despite what some say about them, I find them to be incomparable to Cherry or other mechanical switches, and much closer to rubber domes. For those who would scoff at such as thing, just trust me and imagine what heaven feels like. Then condense that feeling into each of your individual fingertips. That is what pressing down on this keyboard is like.
-The KEYCAPS are what you would expect from PBT caps, but with the addition of remarkably crisp and well-colored design. It's not a particularly retro-looking keyboard, in case that's what you're into (especially if you're considering the black version), but the white one is high visibility, simple and clean, and just looks cool.
-The USB PORTS on the back of the keyboard are extremely useful, but while they don't usually carry enough power to, say, run a device off of or charge a phone, they are useful for a mouse dongle, or headset dongle (that's what I use one of mine for) or possibly a flash drive.
-The NOISE that this keyboard makes is extremely muted out of the box, and doesn't 'clack' the way you might expect it would. It 'thunks' or 'thocks' rather, a sound I personally find to be infinitely more calming and relaxing. The sound is NOT like a mech board with O-Rings, but more like a Dell Quiet Key or something of that nature.
-The LITTLE FEATURES like the DIP switches, convenient switching between Mac and PC modes, and easy customization (although not as complex as the Pok3r or CODE) The default layout can be changed in many ways that I suspect everyone will want to do before using.
CONS:
-After some thought, it is important to say that the *DEFAULT* LAYOUT OF THE KEYS is a bit of a problem. It's not terrible, but those of you who will be using other keyboards during your day will find the location of the Delete and Tilde keys to be absolutely infuriating. You can change the Delete into Backspace, which is great, but that doesn't change the weird row location. Most of us are used to pressing the Del key at the very corner of the board, but it has been pushed down one row, making it extremely hard to use without looking. The other key locations have been fine for me, and in some cases even more convenient (The CTRL key is in a perfect spot), but I highly urge everyone to take a close look at the keyboard layout before buying.
-The WEIGHT. I was absolutely astonished at the lightness of this product. This is NOTHING like the Pok3r, which many may compare it to due to the layout and size similarities. When I lifted it off my desk earlier today I nearly threw it, thinking I was going to be handling the heft of an aluminum base like I would with my Pok3r. My Dell AT101W from 1991 can be used as a weapon, it's so heavy. This was genuinely disappointing in my own opinion, due to two factors. One, the premium feel of the board is lost slightly, and second, because of the final Con, below. I would like to emphasize one thing, however. This board's lightness is GREAT if you are going to be consistently carrying it around, which I am assuming you are given the size. I am personally using it for work, but not carrying it around often. That's why I have it listed as a Con, and focused on the lack of premium feel.
-The PRICE. I know I bought it, but the price is just ludicrous. I can't think of many reasons to justify spending 225 bucks on a keyboard this light. For nearly a hundred dollars less, you can buy a NovaTouch with comparable switches (kind of comparable, anyway), or a Topre Type Heaven, with what some people consider better switches. And both of those keyboards are built with a heavier base. Essentially, what you're spending your money on is the following: the keycaps, which are uniquely well-made, the switches, which are not unique but expensive, and the extra little features like the DIP switch. This board should absolutely not be anywhere more than $150. Not for any reason.
CONCLUSION:
A fantastic board that makes your typing experience as positive, light, and pleasant as possible, while retaining a small form factor for mobility, premium keycaps, a DIP switch for customization, USB ports for convenience, and a fantastic, high visibility color way for aesthetics. Unfortunately, none of that seems to justify the ridiculous price point, especially when the board itself feels so weightless and plasticky. If you have some extra cash and want to enhance your work typing, coding, or are just a collector, go for it at its current high price point- you won't regret it. If you are not any of those people, wait. Buy it used. Buy it on sale. But after using this keyboard, it will be very difficult to go back to an ordinary rubber dome or even a mech.
| Brand | Happy Hacking Keyboard |
|---|---|
| Item model number | PD-KB400W |
| Item Weight | 1.72 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 12.83 x 5.91 x 2.13 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 12.83 x 5.91 x 2.13 inches |
| Color | White |
| Manufacturer | Happy Hacking Keyboard |
| ASIN | B000EXZ0V2 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | July 16, 2009 |
