HHKB’s official X account has released a teaser for an upcoming new product.
The official announcement is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The teaser draws attention to what appear to be blank keycaps and a glossy case with fine, hairline-like surface markings.
The case also appears to be made of metal, possibly aluminum.
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the HHKB.
What kind of new product will HHKB introduce in this milestone year?
Blank Keycaps and a Hairline-Style Case Stand Out in the Teaser
One of the most intriguing details in the teaser is the surface finish of the case.
Fine, hairline-like markings can be seen across the light-reflective surface, giving it a noticeably different appearance from previous HHKB models.
If the new model does use an aluminum case, the change could affect not only its appearance but also its weight and typing sound.
The keycaps appear to be blank, while the five-row, 60% layout seems to follow the familiar HHKB arrangement.
However, the case material and exact key layout cannot be confirmed from the teaser footage alone.
October Product Announcements Have Continued Since 2023
In recent years, HHKB has established a pattern of announcing new products or color variants in October.
| Announcement / Release Date | Product | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| October 25, 2023 | HHKB Studio | Mechanical switches, pointing stick, and gesture pads |
| October 2, 2024 | HHKB Studio “Snow” | White chassis with cool-gray legends on the keytops |
| October 21, 2025 | HHKB Professional Classic Type-S | Added Type-S construction and keymap customization to the wired Classic model, along with a Japanese-layout option |
| October 22, 2026 | Upcoming new product | Currently at the teaser stage; official name and specifications have yet to be announced |
In 2023, HHKB introduced the HHKB Studio, combining keyboard input with pointer control. The following year, the “Snow” color variant was added.
In 2025, HHKB introduced the HHKB Professional Classic Type-S, combining a simple USB-wired configuration with quieter Type-S operation.
It also added features that had not been available on the previous Classic, including a Japanese-layout option and keymap customization.
Greenkeys has continued to cover these HHKB product announcements.
- HHKB Studio “Snow Model” now on sale｜White all-in-one device
- HHKB Professional Classic Type-S Launch
All three of these products went on sale on the same day they were announced.
From Autumn Product Announcements to November User Meetups
In recent years, HHKB’s new product announcements have also been followed by user meetups where fans can gather and interact.
When HHKB Studio “Snow” was announced on October 2, 2024, HHKB also announced that User Meetup Vol.8 would be held on November 7.
Similarly, when the Classic Type-S was announced in 2025, User Meetup Vol.9 was scheduled for November 27.
Rather than simply unveiling new products, HHKB also creates opportunities to engage directly with its users afterward—an approach that has become characteristic of the brand.
Greenkeys covered User Meetup Vol.9, reporting not only on product developments but also on the perspectives of the people involved in development and the users themselves.
Related article: HHKB User Meetup Vol.9 Report | What will HHKB hold for its 30th anniversary?
It will also be interesting to see whether the upcoming product will be displayed or made available for hands-on testing at future events.
Summary | A New Product for HHKB’s 30th Anniversary Year
HHKB made its debut on December 20, 1996, and will celebrate its 30th anniversary on December 20, 2026.
PFU has also launched a dedicated 30th anniversary website and has been sharing information to mark the milestone.
Announced in the autumn of this anniversary year, the upcoming product is drawing attention as a possible indication of where HHKB may be heading next.
Will it retain the familiar HHKB layout and usability while introducing new options for case materials and finishes? Or could there be functional changes that are not immediately apparent from its appearance?
The teaser leaves plenty of room for speculation.
If the new model does adopt an aluminum case, it could attract attention not only from users focused on layout and functionality, but also from those who value materials, texture, and the overall typing experience.
We’ll be watching the official announcement on October 22 for details including the case material, key switches, pricing, and release date.
- Originally published:
- Last updated:
- Research method: Official social media posts
- References/Citations:
- Conflicts of Interest: Product provided: None | Monetized links in this article: None
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