Eh? Why is your old version of HHKB still wired
I've always wanted to buy a lightweight, Bluetooth-switchable electrostatic keyboard because it's best to have the same keyboard in the office and at home for work. After comparing realforce, Ningzhi, and HHKB, I decided to go with HHKB. 1️⃣Realforce doesn't seem to have a 60% layout, and I find the 87 keys too big. 2️⃣Ningzhi has a great cost-performance ratio, but after watching reviews, its performance may not be as good as realforce and HHKB. 3️⃣For HHKB, the old version doesn't have a Bluetooth module, and I don't like the battery compartment in the new hybrid version. However, I saw that someone modified the HHIKB pro2 type-S module to implement Bluetooth and charging functionality on the previously wired pro2 type-S. Isn't this a keyboard that perfectly meets my needs? Small and lightweight, with Bluetooth switching, long standby time, quiet, and tactile. Picture 4️⃣ shows the keyboard when I bought it, before modification, with the Bluetooth module and battery. Picture 5️⃣ shows the original keyboard module removed as per the instruction manual; the green one is the original keyboard module, and the blue one is the new Bluetooth module. Picture 6️⃣ shows the battery and the new keyboard module installed. Picture 7️⃣ shows that the charging port has also been changed to type-c. After the modification, I've been using it for almost two months, and it's now my main device. Here's a summary:
- The battery lasts about 2 weeks.
- The sound of the Type-s is much quieter. When I first got into mechanical keyboards, I bought one with Holy Panda switches, typing felt like going to war. The tactile feel of the Holy Pandas is much stronger than electrostatics. However, I personally am willing to sacrifice some tactile feel for quietness.
- Dual-mode Bluetooth can be shared with my personal computer. For work, I don't need to plug in any wires.
- The keyboard can be programmed. I don't use this feature much, but I really like the keyboard's power-saving lock mode. It saves power and prevents accidental touches when placed in a bag.
- My colleagues were surprised to see my keyboard, wondering why my non-standard hybrid can connect via Bluetooth. It's a good conversation starter.
- The price is also nice. I got the pro2 s-type and modification kit for 1300 yuan on Xiaohuangyu. Overall, I think there's no need to idolize HHKB, like calling it the most expensive keyboard. Custom ones like Matrix are priced at around 4000 yuan. Ten years ago, this keyboard might have been expensive, but now there are so many options. Using the terms from a decade ago, like "keyboard for cooling off the fever," seems inappropriate. However, some say buying it is just for show, lacking arrow keys, claiming real programmers don't use it. Honestly, I don't use VIM and don't program using arrow keys; I generally use CTRL C+V 😅 With so many choices now, just choose one that suits you. This keyboard won't be the "cooling off" one for me; I've bought several more silent switches that are on the way and will tinker with them once they arrive.
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