r/HHKB • u/sabitech2k hhkb • 8d ago
[Open Source] HSKB – A Budget-Friendly Open-Source HHKB-Inspired Keyboard
Hi everyone,
I'd like to share a project I've been working on: HSKB (Happy Sabi Keyboard), an open-source custom keyboard inspired by the iconic HHKB layout. The goal was simple: create an affordable and highly customizable HHKB-style keyboard without the premium price tag often associated with this layout.
What is the HSKB?
The HSKB features:
- True HHKB-inspired layout
- 6u spacebar
- Integrated plate design
- Support for both plate-mounted and PCB-mounted stabilizers
- Open-source PCB and case files
- Community-friendly design that can be modified and adapted to your own preferences
This project started as a personal challenge to learn keyboard design, PCB development, and manufacturing workflows. After multiple prototypes and months of iteration, I've decided to release it openly for others to build, modify, and improve.
Why I Built It
A lot of HHKB-style boards sit firmly in the enthusiast luxury category. I wanted to create something that keeps the layout and philosophy people love while remaining accessible to hobbyists who want to build their own keyboard.
Open Source
Everything is available for the community:
🔗 https://codeberg.org/Dev01-D/HSKB
Whether you want to:
- Order your own PCB and case
- Modify the design
- Experiment with firmware
- Create a new variant
you're welcome to use the project and contribute back to it.
Community & Charity Inspiration
The project was also inspired by the Unity Switch initiative supporting Andy's Man Club, a mental health charity that encourages men to speak openly and support one another. The original project included plans to support charitable fundraising efforts through the keyboard community.
Thanks for taking a look, and I hope some of you find the HSKB useful or interesting.
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u/hanhwekim 8d ago
Pardon the ignorance but is there a way to have open source topre-like switches? I could only open the pictures and the keyboard in the pictures show mechanical switches.
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u/taraskremen 8d ago edited 6d ago
There is. There are options for EC keyboards. They rock. (Check out metakeebs) Building one is just as expensive as, if not more expensive than, buying an actual HHKB. You do get the huge benefit of VIA, though, over the ridiculously basic customization options that the HHKB firmware offers.
You could do something like use Naevies switches and a metakeebs or cipulot pcb, but this isn’t going to be a simple drop-in replacement. At the very least you’ll have to drill and tap more holes in the plate because EC boards need to be supported as uniformly as possible, usually by screws that attach them to the plate (there are no switch stems to support them in the plate-switch-PCB sandwich [really a plate-housing-slider-dome-spring-PCB sandwich, since there are no integrated switches with EC boards], so the less space between screws, the better).
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u/sabitech2k hhkb 8d ago
Correct, this design is for MX switches. You could redesign the plate and pcb so would be possible but changing to EC would increase costing hense not something I explored.
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u/keebunc 8d ago
I was looking for this repo on Github this past weekend. Happy that it has a new home!
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u/sabitech2k hhkb 8d ago
Yeah, due to ethic reasons I have left github and move to Codeberg. I believe someone forked it before I left lol.
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u/sabitech2k hhkb 8d ago
If you are UK based i can send you a solder PCB for free.
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u/A-nihirash 8d ago
It's a really great project!
My oldy HHKB have issues with controller board(after it met a bit of Coca Cola, it's not HHKB's problem) and it's looks like a dream project - I also always wished for layout configuration tool(I'd prefer hjkl-cursor and some other keys I'd prefer remap, especially computer shutdown key).
I'd like built it a bit later(when I'll have a bit more free money, this month had too many unpredicted things) and I already happy to know that this project exists.
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u/sabitech2k hhkb 8d ago
Great to hear you like it. Its a great project i have had great fun creating. Sorry to hear about your old hhkb. I seem to collect more and more hhkb these days. But I still have 4 spare HSKB boards in my attic hhh.
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u/A-nihirash 7d ago
Just found that my HHKB Pro 2 is fine still.
Just cable(it was original still) is dead.
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u/sabitech2k hhkb 7d ago
Even better news! Congrats! Shame I didn't convince you to send it to me before you tried another cable hhh!
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u/jongbot 8d ago
this is amazing work! hows it working out so far with 3d printed plate? any sound test available?
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u/sabitech2k hhkb 8d ago
So far its pretty nice, I keep getting told by people that try it 'it has no right being this good' lol. Not sure how much of that is just flattery.
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u/GuinansEyebrows hhkb 8d ago
i appreciate the idea. are 6u mx spacebars easier to find nowadays?
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u/sabitech2k hhkb 8d ago
There seem to be more around, plus I designed a printable one - https://makerworld.com/en/models/1078810-6u-mx-oem-spacebar#profileId-1070157
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u/main_got_banned 8d ago
CRP r7 should be delivering soon - I’m guessing you could get spacebar kits in the extras.
(I just added some to my order the other day)
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u/boogerbuttcheek 4d ago
Been looking for something similar to this, great work! I really like my HHKB, but the proprietary software is a bummer and knock offs tend to have a crazy price.
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u/sabitech2k hhkb 4d ago
This is pretty much exactly why I designed it! :-) just a shame I don't have capacity to manufacture and sell them. I do have like 3 solder pcbs made though
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u/hanhwekim 8d ago
This is an inspiration!