HHKB Studio Review

After using the HHKB Hybrid Type-S for a couple of months, I was excited to get my hands on the new HHKB Studio. The key attraction for me is the integrated pointer promised to keep my hands on the keyboard at all times, potentially eliminating my need for a trackpad.

TL;DR

I like it as a desktop keyboard. It’s expensive and won’t suit everyone, but for heavy keyboard users seeking a mouse-free workflow, it delivers on its promise and offers a nicely built solution.

Background

Before the Studio, I was perfectly content with my HHKB Pro 2 Type-S paired with a Magic Trackpad. The compact design, retro aesthetics, and lightweight build made daily typing a joy. As someone who dreams of never lifting hands from the keyboard for mouse control, the Studio’s integrated track pointer seemed like the perfect solution.

My first impression at the NorCal 2023 Keyboard Meetup was underwhelming. The track pointer felt awkward with strange friction, and the separated buttons were difficult to reach. I initially passed, but after watching more hands-on videos, it seemed not as bad, so I decided to take the bullet.

The Good

The Track Pointer

After a few weeks of adjustment, the track pointer grew on me significantly. While it can’t completely replace a trackpad, it handles most navigation tasks well. The learning curve is real, but once mastered, it enables the mouse-free workflow I was seeking. It’s even more valuable when paired with a device without a built-in trackpad, such as an iPad.

The Switch

HHKB loyalists complain about the non-Topre switches, but they’ve become my favorite aspect. The original HHKB Pro 2 Type-S felt too “bouncy” to press—while I appreciated the tactile bounce, it required more effort than I preferred. The Studio’s switches offer a softer feel with shorter travel distance, making extended typing sessions more comfortable.

The Bad

Weight and Portability

This is a heavy, desktop-focused keyboard that sacrifices the portability that makes HHKB special. It’s clearly designed as a workstation keyboard rather than something you’d carry between locations. This means that despite it pairing really well with a tablet, it’s too heavy for me to carry around.

Gesture Pads

The side gesture pads feel like a gimmick. They are not very responsive, making using them very unpleasant. Despite trying various configurations—volume control, tab navigation, general navigation—they’re neither intuitive nor easily accessible. You need to awkwardly stretch your thumb or pinky to use them, and the limited remapping options don’t help.

Precision Limitations

While the track pointer works for general navigation, precise movements remain challenging. Tasks like clicking small UI elements or the close button in screen corners still require reaching for the trackpad.

The Ugly

Price Point

The cost remains difficult to justify, especially for a non-Topre keyboard. You’re paying premium HHKB prices without getting the signature switch experience that defines the brand.

Compromise Trade-offs

The Studio introduces flaws that the original series avoided: reduced portability, imperfect pointer implementation, and essentially useless gesture controls. These feel like significant compromises for the integrated pointing solution.

Conclusion

I wouldn’t recommend it to users who value HHKB’s traditional aesthetics and portability. The Studio’s bulk and weight are not the best for on-the-go use.

I would recommend it to people who are looking for a stationary workstation keyboard. The typing experience is great, and the track pointer successfully reduces mouse dependency once you adapt to it. If a mouse-free workflow is a top priority and you primarily work at a fixed desk setup, it’s worth taking a look. Otherwise, the original HHKB paired with a quality trackpad offers better value and versatility.