An HHKB/Magic inspired Chrome Keyboard?
Hello everyone,
My name is Cirby1 and I'm one of the HHKB users here in the forums. Anyways, I wanted to share with you a keyboard that I recently received and wanted to share why I thought this was such a wonderful board. Anyways, here goes:
I recently purchased HP Chromebase All-in-One Desktop
https://www.amazon.com/HP-Chromebase-Processor-Touchscreen-22-aa0012/dp/B098DBHCMR/ref=sr_1_3_mod_primary_new?crid=1FBHIS2OAVGMW&keywords=Chromebase&qid=1670890044&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=chromebas%2Caps%2C283&sr=8-3And let me just say that this device has been really nice. (That's a separate topic). The thing I wanted to talk about was about the keyboard that comes with this device I believe rivals the HHKB and the magic keyboard. Why do you ask? Because it's almost like the HHKB, ChromeOS, and the magic keyboard all combined and became this board. I've actually stopped using my HHKB Snow Board (at home not work) in favor for this board and for the following reasons:
-The keyboard was made for my OS. Big one! If a keyboard is made for the OS that is your daily driver then it’s probably the best board for that system. My family/home computer is a ChromeOS so this makes sense in this department.
-It feels like a sixty percent keyboard? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I can stretch all my fingers and extend my hands. Most people’s hands will cover the entire keyboard. Therefore, the miles my fingers take is still low in comparison to most 60 percent keyboards like the HHKB.
-It has media controls devoted to ChromeOS. Some of them are actually really handy! I can lock, turn down the volume, and do a host of other functions. With my HHKB it’s unclear in any OS what the best settings are and honestly I think they should’ve just left out those functions. It is kind of confusing.
-It has arrow keys. This will usually make or break people not having these. This keyboard does and it doesn’t require using hotkeys or a function layer like on the HHKB.
-The key feel? (This one is debatable) Remember how I mentioned the magic keyboard? It seems to be really snappy and has a crisp feel. Of course, I love the HHKB for the feel and always have, but If I can paint a metaphor it’s like having a really comfty flat pillow while sleeping compared to the ultimate overdone stuff pillow. Anyways, my finger don’t have to travel as much as on the HHKB and again the keyboard is snappy.
-Aesthetics? The Snow HHKB compared to this is debatable. Of course I like blanks, but they added a nice light grey legends to this board which I wish the HHKB Snow w/Legends had. I actually think this board looks better with it’s legends compared to the HHKB snow with legends. Plus, there isn’t any marketing logos on it which is a plus.
-Layout - It’s an interesting layout. In Chrome I immediately change the CAPSLOCK key to CTRL. So no loss there. ESC is farther (but just a little bit!) so it really isn’t that huge of a difference. Also, backspace is in the default position. So that’s the only really big change. You are getting the default backspace in exchange for media and arrow keys.
-Bugs - Nothing is always sunshine and rainbows. Keyboards do have issues. The only issue I have is that the board doesn’t immediately get recognized when I lock it. This is in comparison to the Bluetooth issues I was having on my HHKB’s. But I’m not going to blame them for it.
-Ergonomics? - I honestly haven’t spent many, many hours in one sitting with this board. So I don’t know if my hands will give out or not. Again, it’s still minimalistic and I can still use Vim keybindings everywhere if needed.
Anyways, these are my thoughts let me know what you think. I currently have 3 boards at home. Two HHKB type-s Hybrids with one of them being the limited 25th edition snow keyboard and the only one just plain black with the grey legends. The HP Chromebase keyboard is winning when it comes to an all around keyboard that my family can use, yet is still something I can get on and get some work done in Vim or the command line.
-Thanks!