Smackape Impact80 Japanese Array Version (Smackape Impact80JIS) Review

Finally, a Japanese-language layout is available!

On December 15, 2025, KIBU Corporation launched the Smackape Impact80 JIS (Impact 80 Japanese Sequence Version) on the Amazon store.

Prices and lineups are as follows

Model name	plate (often as in “tectonic plate”)	battery	switch	color	Price (incl. tax)
Standard	PC	4,000mAh	Polar	Sunset	10,900 yen
Pro	PC	4,000mAh	Cheese	Mist	11,900 yen
Ultra	PC	8,000mAh	Cheese	Black	13,900 yen
Ultra	FR4	8,000mAh	Frost Blue	Mist / Black / Forest	13,900 yen

What a surprise! The price starts at around 10,000 yen. The price is about 10,000 yen.

The SmakApe Impact 80 is an 80% TKL-sized mechanical keyboard that went on sale on July 22, 2025.

The company has been enhancing its presence by offering an outstanding key feel that is unimaginable for the price.

If such a popular product were to appear in a Japanese-language version, it would surely be very popular. If such a popular product comes in a “Japanese layout version” that is familiar to Japanese people, it is sure to be a popular product. I am sure that it will be very popular.

In this content, we would like to review the Impact80 JIS, which is now in its full glory.

If you are considering a Japanese-language keyboard, please refer to this page!

Smackape Impact80 JIS was provided by KIBU Corporation for promotional purposes.
GreenEchoes Studio, which operates Greenkeys, may receive compensation if a contract is signed from a link in this article.

Smackape Impact80 JIS Specifications Overview

color	model	writing	Plate material	battery	switch	Price (including tax)
Sunset	Impact 80 Standard	RGB	PC	4000mAh	Polar Switch	10,900 yen
Mist	Impact 80 Pro	RGB	PC	4000mAh	Cheese Switch	11,900 yen
Black	Impact 80 Ultra	RGB	PC	8000mAh	Cheese Switch	13,900 yen
Mist / Black / Forest	Impact 80 Ultra	RGB	FR4	8000mAh	Frost Blue Switch	13,900 yen

Review Environment

The review environment is as follows

• Connection environment: macOS (Tahoe 26.1)
• Model used: Impact80 JIS Mist (Urtra) FR4 plate
• Switch used: Frost Blue (linear-45gf-3.6mm travel)
• Layout: Japanese layout
• Primary use: content writing (typing Japanese)

Who should Smackape Impact80 JIS be recommended to?

Here is a brief summary of who can and cannot recommend Smackape Impact80 JIS.

Who can recommend Smackape Impact80 JIS?

The Smackape Impact80 JIS is, The Smackape Impact80 JIS is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a cost-effective Japanese-language mechanical keyboard.

There are very few mechanical keyboards with a Japanese layout, and this keyboard is a very good choice from the standpoint of having a good key feel and being able to “enjoy typing to the fullest.

I honestly can’t believe that this price can produce this kind of typing sound.

People for whom Smackape Impact80 JIS is hard to recommend.

I have listed some of the characteristics of people for whom it is difficult to make recommendations, The most important situation to avoid is “use in a quiet environment”.

Smackape Impact80 JIS is designed to “make loud typing sounds” to begin with, so there is no consideration for quietness.

Therefore, the impact of typing sound on the surroundings is expected to be quite large.

It can be used without problems by converting to silent keyswitches, but this may be a disadvantage in that it cannot be used in the condition in which it was purchased.

[Photos] Smackape Impact80 JIS Review

Let’s take a look at some photos of the actual Smackape Impact80 JIS.

The model reviewed here is the Ultra grade, Mist color, Forest Blue switch model.

The exterior is no different from the ANSI model (US array model).

The gold lettering on a black base gives it a very luxurious look.

The manufacturer is a Chinese company called HuiZhou Huami Intelligent Technology.

Let’s open the package right away.

Contents include keyboard body, 3 spare key switches, USB Type-A to Type-C cable, key switch/keycap puller, and instruction manual.

The accessories are located in the depression at the top of the box.

When you lift up the keyboard, the explanation of the select switches on the back of the keyboard shows the care of the product.

Let’s start with the keycap profile and keycap details.

The keycap has a cylindrical design with an arched depression toward the center and a stepped sculpture with different slopes in different rows.

It is a replica of the so-called “Cherry Profile”.

The keycap material is probably PBT, and the printing is a whopping double shot.

The keycaps are molded with high precision and are wonderfully finished.

The fact that it is a double shot shows that the print is quite legible.

The gently arched cylindrical design is beautiful.

Let’s look at the switch plate.

The Ultra model uses a plate made of a material called “FR4,” which is slightly harder and more elastic than the POM plate used in the Pro/Standard model.

The slit structure is also very meticulous, as it would be noticeably hard if left as it is.

The keyswitches are original keyswitches developed with Kailh, and the Ultra model comes standard with “Forest Blue” keyswitches.

Pressing pressure is standard at 45gf, and total travel is 3.6mm, a slightly short stroke.

Let’s look at the entire keyboard.

The keyboard is a retro-featured design in warm gray tones, with a high affinity between the main keys and the body color.

The alpha keys are printed in blue, the same as the accent color, and the modifier keys are printed in dull black and white.

The layout is the orthodox 80% TKL Japanese layout, with “HANKAKU/ZENKAKU”, “1u Backspace”, “ISO Enter”, and “RO” keys.

The housing is made of resin and is not that much heavier than aluminum-body keyboards.

However, it is rigid and quite sturdy.

I did not feel any sense of cheapness.

Space bar size is 3.75u.

The frequently used non-conversion and conversion keys are 1.25u size, which seems easy to press.

Decorative LEDs are built into the bottom of the special keys.

The LEDs seem to be linked to those on each key.

The modeling of the side diffuser section and other parts is very beautiful.

Printing is quite clear as it is a double shot.

The font lines are slightly thicker because of the double shot, which may not be to your liking.

Speaking of Japanese-language layouts, this is the shape of the Enter key.

This is called ISO Enter, which is used in the ISO sequence.

Japan is the only country in the world that uses Japanese-language layouts, and we feel the enthusiasm for Japan in the fact that they are offering that local layout product.

Then let’s look at the sides.

The frames are not monotonous, but have a fairly well-designed look with accented borders.

As beautiful as the aforementioned LED diffuser is, the fluidity of this rear design is wonderful.

All switches and terminals are concentrated in the center of the rear panel.

In the center is a Type-C terminal for wired connection, with the OS switch on the left side of the screen and the connection mode switch on the right side.

Let’s look at the back.

The back material is also made of resin and has a built-in two-stage tilt leg.

I see that non-slip is pasted in four places on the four corners.

The technical conformity mark is well labeled and can be used with confidence in Japan.

The tilt leg is 5.2 degrees with nothing out, 8.4 degrees with one step up, and 11.7 degrees at its highest.

Evaluation of keymap changes

Impact80 JIS supports keymap changes using an online tool called VIA.

VIA ▷▷▷

Before changing the keymap using VIA, you will need a “.json” file, which can be downloaded from the official website.

Evaluation of keystroke feel and keystroke sound

As for the video review, we will post it on Greenkeys Channel as soon as it is ready.

Advantages of Smackape Impact80 JIS

Let’s take a look at the advantages of the Impact80 Japanese-language layout that I have found after actually using it.

Decent Japanese layout and easy to use.

The first advantage is that it has a “solid Japanese layout.

The Japanese layout is quite unusual and local even from a global perspective, and there are actually circumstances that make it difficult for foreign companies to understand what the “half/full-width” keys are supposed to do.

This point has been completely resolved by the production of KIBU Corporation, the sales agent, and the fact that it has been completed as a “Japanese layout keyboard” with no sense of discomfort at all is a great advantage.

Keystroke sound and feel is top class for a keyboard in this price range

The Impact80 has a very pleasant typing sound and feel.

The ASMR-like, familiar typing sounds make you want to type all the time.

In addition to the gasket mount, the combination of the slit PCB and the multiple layers of sound-absorbing material mounted on the PCB also provides a very pleasant bottoming-out sensation to the fingertips when hitting the keys.

Support for MOD-TAP / simultaneous presses in addition to support for keymap changes

In addition to changing the keymap, the Impact80 Japanese layout allows users to customize their own MOD-TAP (a feature that changes which keys are entered depending on how long the keys are pressed) and simultaneous presses.

This is an essential feature for using a custom keyboard.

Lighting is beautiful.

The Impact80 Japanese array also features very beautiful LED lighting.

In addition to the south-facing LEDs on all keys, not just the top portion of the arrow key, the beauty of the LED diffuser from the side to the back of the unit can no longer be described as artistic.

Disadvantages of Smackape Impact80 JIS

After all, even great products naturally have disadvantages that you want to check before purchasing.

The four disadvantages of Impact80JIS are as follows

Somewhat confusing keycap change specifications.

This is a story that needs to be understood because it is a product specification, but it is important to note that it does not specify which keymap is applied in which mode.

Two pictures can be set in Windows mode: “Layer 0” and “Layer 2” in the default state.

In macOSX mode, the default settings are “Layer 1” and “Layer 3”.

In Windows mode, the reference layer starts as “Layer 0”, and in macOSX mode, the reference layer is “Layer 1”.

Polling rate for wired connection is not “stiff gaming specs”.

The polling rate of the Impact80JIS for wired connections is approximately 1000 Hz.

The polling rate of today’s magnetic keyboards with “stiff gaming specifications” is becoming 8000 Hz, which may not be suitable for use in e-sports where tenths of a second are at stake.

You should be aware that the specifications are only “for fans” before you consider purchasing the product.

Keycaps for macOSX not included.

Impact80 JIS is only available with keycaps for Windows, and does not come with keycaps for Mac.

Note that the specifications can be used on macOSX, but on the surface (on the keycaps), the notation will not be Mac.

Not suitable for office use due to loud keystrokes

We believe that Impact80 JIS is a keyboard designed to “ring” from the product planning stage.

Therefore, the keystroke sound is naturally loud, and it is definitely pleasant to type.

As this fact shows, it would be difficult to use it in a Japanese office in its default state.

If you must use it in an office or quiet environment, you must replace all keyswitches with silent switches.

Comparison with similar concept keyboards

Here we will compare the Impact80JIS with its direct competitors.

Model name	Comment	Price (incl. tax)	Mounting Structure	switch	remarks
Smackape Impact 80	If you value keystroke sound, this is the one for you.	Approx. 10,900 yen and up	Gasket with sound absorber	Original (Polar/Cheese etc.)	Gasket & TKL are rare at this price. Focus on keystroke sound. Hot swappable.
Keychron C3 Pro 8K	Specs: ✖️ If you are looking for a cosmetic product, this is the one for you.	Approx. 8,000 yen	Gasket with sound absorber	Keychron Super Switch	QMK & Launcher App support. High-end design that fits well in the office, 8K support and high gaming performance. Hot-swappable.
Pulsar Gaming Gears PCMK 2HE TKL	Recommended for gaming applications such as lapidary with a generous budget.	Approx. 22,000 yen	Tray with sound absorber	Gateron x Pulsar Magnetic switch	High gaming performance with 8K support. Hot-swappable.

Prices are approximate at the time of writing.

The direct competitor would still be the Keychron C3 Pro 8K.

It is less expensive than the Impact80 and similar in that it is gasket-mounted.

This one is likely to be superior to the Keychron for gaming applications, as its polling rate is 8K compatible.

Impact80, on the other hand, shines with its excellent keystroke sound.

The Keychron C3 Pro 8K has ABS keycaps, while the Impact80 has PBT sublimation printing.

Price, sales format, and availability

The availability of Smackape Smackape Impact80 JIS is “Very good.” The availability of JIS is “very good”.

It is available in the Amazon store and can be purchased at any time, with ample inventory available.

• Availability: ★★★★★ (very readily available)
• Price range: 10,900-13,900 yen (varies by model)
• Form of sales: Normal sales
• Scheduled to be resold: –
• Availability: Amazon Store in Japan

summary

This has been a review of the Smackape Impact80 JIS.

We can say with confidence that this keyboard is a quality product that will satisfy not only mechanical keyboard beginners, but also those who have used mechanical keyboards to some extent.

The 80% TKL layout is just the right size, neither too large nor too small, and is ideal for the desktop environment in Japan, where desk space is often limited.

Since it is hot-swappable and key-switch customizable, it would be interesting to replace the key switches with those of your own choice.

Please give it a try!