What changes were made to the URSA keycaps in the move to R2?
URSA keycaps are replacement keycaps designed exclusively for Topre switches, released by FKcaps.
The version currently on the market is the improved R2 model.
We’ll use the actual keycaps to see what changed and how they evolved compared with the R1 model previously provided to us.
About the FKcaps URSA Keycaps
URSA is a keycap series for Topre-compatible switches, created by FKcaps and designer 23Andreas.
Topre is known for electrostatic capacitive (EC) sensing. The stem shape used in its switches differs from the cross-shaped stems of Cherry MX-compatible switches found in mechanical keyboards around the world, making Topre switches incompatible with most replacement keycaps.
By contrast, URSA Keycaps, which use the URSA profile, are compatible with Topre switches.
The first URSA Group Buy took place in April 2024.
In Japan, Yushakobo announced the start of the Group Buy on April 21 that year, and Greenkeys covered it at the time.
After development and production, additional sales began on October 30, 2025, and the keycaps were ready to ship by December that year.
The version currently on sale is the R2 model, refined through successive improvements.
One notable feature is a deeply concave spherical top where your fingers rest.
They use a distinctive profile that is slightly taller than standard Topre keycaps but shorter than Hi-Pro.
Another feature is that the shape varies by row, with a convex top on the bottom row.
The legends are made using double-shot molding, which combines different plastics.
Rather than being printed on the surface, the legends are part of the keycap structure itself.
The first production run was made of PBT, but the kits currently on sale are made of ABS.
Here are the specifications for the Black HHKB Kit.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product name | URSA Keycaps |
| Kit | HHKB Kit |
| Color | Black |
| Seller | FKcaps |
| Designer | 23Andreas |
| Profile | URSA |
| Material | ABS |
| Legend construction | Double-shot molding |
| Primary compatible models | HHKB Professional series, English layout |
| Compatible switches | Topre-compatible switches |
| Price | US$64 |
* Price checked on November 15, 2026. Please check the total cost at the time of purchase, including shipping and other fees.
The HHKB Kit is for the English layout; there is currently no version for the Japanese layout.
It is also incompatible with the HHKB Studio, which uses MX-compatible switches, so be sure to check the model and layout before purchasing.
Product page: FKcaps URSA Keycaps | Black / HHKB
For now, the available colors are limited to Black and Classic; colors from past releases are no longer available for purchase.
The keycaps can also be installed on Realforce keyboards. In that case, you’ll need to purchase a keycap set compatible with your Realforce model.
A Look at the Differences Between the URSA HHKB Kit R1 and R2
Let’s take a look at the URSA keycaps themselves.
First, a look at the set as a whole.
At first glance, it looks like a familiar HHKB, but on closer inspection, you can see that the keycap tops have a spherical top.
The homing keys use a conventional bar-style design.
Regular HHKB keycaps have a cylindrical top, with a curved indentation across the keycap top surface. These instead have a spherical top, with a depression toward the center.
The sculpted keycap profile, with different angles from row to row, remains unchanged, but the keys are taller than usual—a so-called “high-profile” design.
All the photos shown so far feature the R2.
Next, let’s compare it with the R1, the previous version.
First, let’s compare the key shapes.
The R2 is on the left, and the R1 is on the right.
As you can see, even from different angles, the profiles themselves haven’t changed significantly.
The shapes haven’t changed significantly on keys other than the 1u keys, either.
The most noticeable change, however, is the color.
First, let’s look at the 1u keys.
Comparing the legend color on the left (R2) with the color on the right (R1), it’s clear that the R2 legends are much whiter.
Because the keycaps are double-shot molded, the difference is even more apparent when you look at the inside.
This is the R2.
The color is indeed close to pure white.
The flash around the edges is also cleanly finished.
The double-shot molding is also precise, with a clean, square outline around the legends.
The R1, by contrast, has a yellowish white color—in other words, it looks cream-colored.
There is also flash left on the keycaps, and compared with the quality of keycaps available today, the finishing was simply inadequate.
Summary of the Changes from R1 to R2
That concludes our review, focusing on the differences between URSA keycap revisions R1 and R2.
The most visible improvement is clearly the better double-shot legend quality, following the switch to ABS.
Another possible improvement is a reduction in scratches.
My impression of the earlier PBT keycaps was that they scratched easily, leaving white lines when caught by a fingernail.
By contrast, I’ve found that this happens noticeably less with the ABS R2 keycaps.
FKcaps has also reported improvements to prevent stem breakage by revising the resin formulation.
Reference:https://fkcaps.com/blogs/updates/technical-issues
It’s worth noting that the design is being improved not simply by making it harder, but by allowing some deformation while making it less prone to breakage.
At present, R2 is available for purchase only through FKcaps’ official website. In Japan, Yushakobo expects to receive stock between January and March 2027.
For reference:https://shop.yushakobo.jp/products/18428?_pos=15&_sid=393b8a813&_ss=r
If you’re interested, start by checking out the FKcaps product page.
- First published:
- Last updated:
- Research method: Manufacturer’s official website and product provided for review
- Sources and references:https://fkcaps.com/products/ursa-keycaps?variant=47872689144051
- Conflict of interest: Product provided: Yes; monetized links in this article: None
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