Keychron Q60, a popular HHKB array, will be available to the public before long.

I am Kawamura, GreenKeys administrator.

My favorite keyboard layout is the HHKB layout, a variant of the US layout.

In fact, Keychron is quietly selling the Keychron Q60 model on GroupBuy in May 2022, and

It was well received by the core fan base, with a 300% sign-up rate.

The usual process is that they are usually sold to the general public about six months after they are signed, but for some reason Q60 is the only one that is not sold to the general public…

I happened to be checking Keychron.com for new products and found that they were quietly available to the public as of January 2023.

So, let me introduce Keychron Q60 a little.

Keychron Q60=Keychron releases HHKB like

The Keychron Q60 is a 60% style mechanical keyboard with HHKB layout.

Its features include the HHKB array and the fact that the body is made of CNC full aluminum alloy.

The HHKB sequence is a partial ANSI-US sequence customized by PFU.

As you can see in the image, the backspace key is located on the far right side of R3, above the Enter key, instead of R4, and the “|” and “~” keys are located where the normal backspace key is.

In addition, the directional keys are omitted, requiring combination typing such as “; (←)”, “‘ (→)”, “[ (up)”, and “/ (down)” while pressing “Fn” on the right side of the Enter key.

Another feature is the placement of the Control key where CapsLock would normally be located.

At first glance, it appears to be a rather odd arrangement, but it is quite efficient for typing, so much so that I personally change the keymaps on all my keyboards accordingly.

There are quite a few keyboards with the HHKB layout.

However, this HHKB layout is a very minor layout, and is not often seen outside of the “HHKB” released by the original PFU.

However, I personally have the impression that the quality of this array is being reevaluated in light of the successive releases by other manufacturers after April 2023.

View results for “HHKB” from database search ▷▷▷.

Unlike ordinary mechanical keyboards, HHKB uses a capacitance non-contact system, which gives it a slightly different feel from mechanical keyboards that use key switches for input.

The keyboard has a “scosco” key feel, which is very different from that of a mechanical keyboard.

Currently, the Niz Atom66 is the only one from another company that can be changed to a layout similar to the HHKB layout using the capacitance-free contact method.

HHKB lacks body rigidity and durability

The body of the HHKB has a visual problem, which can be described in offensive terms as “the body is plastic and cheap.

Not only that, but because it is less rigid than a metal body, there is a sensation of blurring in typing due to the transmission of unnecessary vibrations every time a key is struck. (This is a personal feeling).

There used to be a HHKB with a machined aluminum body released by PFU called ” Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional HG”, but unfortunately it is now discontinued. (Discontinued on July 31, 2007)

Let’s take a look at Keychron Q60 as well as other HHKB array keyboards

Yes, I felt that the Keychron Q60, released in such a situation, is the second coming of the HHKB Professional HG.

It has it all: aluminum alloy body, double gasket construction, PBT keycaps, switchable OS switching, QMK/VIA compatibility, and best of all, hot-swappable, Cherry MX standard key switches are available.

Of course, I bought it.

In the past, the only HHKB layouts available were those related to home-built keyboards, but recently a number of manufacturer-made keyboards, such as Mode Designs’ ” Tempo,” have appeared on the market.

View HHKB array keyboards ▷▷▷

I’m kind of happy to see more keyboards with the HHKB layout.

If you have a HHKB, why not look for the “next one” that uses mechanical switches?

Please see below for my typing video.