Happy Hacking keyboard is a series of keyboards from the Japanese company PFU Limited. There are many unique things about this keyboard, but the first thing you will notice is its relatively smaller size. This keyboard has been designed for use on desks where space is at a premium. The most significant design decision for that purpose is that the keyboard lacks a numeric keyboard. The total number of keys in the original Happy Keyboard model is 60, which is much fewer than in a normal keyboard.
The Amazon sales page of the Happy Hacking Keyboards can be found here
Different Models of Happy Hacking Keyboard
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 courtesy of BladeRunner from Flickr
This is the current standard model of the keyboard. It is a 60 key, tactile switch model that also comes with a 2-port USB hub that can be used to connect external devices to the computer. It connects directly with an IBM compatible machine through its USB port, but requires drivers to connect to a Mac Computer.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional JP
This is the Japanese version of the keyboard, the keys that have been imprinted with Japanese script characters. Unlike the Professional 2, this keyboard comes with four dedicated arrow keys. The company page is found here.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite 2
Happy Hacking Keyboard lite 2 picture courtesy of Applicake from Flickr
This is the only model that has a set of arrow keys, which the company has added only after receiving feedback from its customers. Just like the Professional model, the Happy Lite also comes with a two port USB hub, called downstream USB ports, which can be used to attach external devices to the computer. The keyboards themselves have a mini-USB interface and can connect to either IBM PC compatible or Mac computers. Personally, I love this keyboard because I’m right-handed, which means that my right hand travels less to the mouse, and I still have my arrow keys.
To order one for yourself, head over to Amazon or click Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite2 USB (Black)
Happy Keyboard Key Switches
One of the most unique features of the Happy Hacking keyboard is the design of its key switches. They are of the type called Topre Electrostatic Capacitive key switches, and are a hybrid of mechanical, rubber based and capacitive switches. This hybrid and advanced design ensures tactile comfort as well as durability of the keyboard. Indeed, the keyboard comes with an assurance that it should last more than 10 million keystrokes. More information about the Topre switches and the keyboard in general, can be found here.
Other features of the Happy Hacking Keyboard
Ports and DIP switches for Happy Hacking Keyboard, picture courtesy of TheRealXsphat from Flickr
Ports and DIP switches for Happy Hacking Keyboard, picture courtesy of TheRealXsphat from Flickr
DIP Switches
Because the goal of Happy keyboards is to minimize the size and hence the number of keys that it comes with, the keyboard has extra switches that can be toggled to change the functionality of some of the keys. These are the DIP switches, and are found at its back. For example, you can toggle the DIP switch named SW3 between the “delete” key and “backspace” key – when it is switched ON, the particular key it controls, which is found just above the enter key, acts like a backspace, but when switched off, it acts like a delete key.
Blank Keytops
Many models come with blank keytops, which give even more of a minimalist feel to the keyboard.
Warranty
Because of the durability of the keyboard that comes from the rareness of the failure of its keys, the company only provides a repair warranty which is applicable for one year. As you can see from the feedback from users on the Amazon page, these keyboards last for years, so a warranty is the last thing you need to worry about in Happy hacking keyboards.
Colors Available
The keyboard comes in light gray/white and dark/black.
Though they are priced at higher than your average keyboard, the quality of their manufacture, and the ease with which you can work with these keyboards ensures that you will definitely get your money’s worth over the many years you will end up using one once you get it. The special key placements, and the configurable nature of the keyboard means that once you get this model, it will be almost impossible to go back to your regular keyboard. That is as well, because you will not want to!
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