HMKB V1 80 Standard RAL1023

HMKB 80

The HMKB 80 is a tenkeyless keyboard, which is probably the most popular size among keyboard enthusiasts. One advantage is that it has a very high compatibility with standard keycap sets. Two variations are available, standard and winkeyless. Function row and navigation cluster are both offset from the alphanumerical block by 0.25 units. Recently some third party pcbs that support this layout have appeared. Some are hot swap capable, though only a few have the pcb port at the correct position, on the underside of the pcb.

Specifications

• top mount construction
• plate fully isolated (TPU grommets)
• high profile case, caps sink in deep
• adjustable typing angle (6, 8, 10 and 12°) via...
• screw attached mono foot
• low first/lowest key row
• weight of complete build ~2.1 kg
• includes grommets, bolts, standoffs, nuts and...
• user manual with build instructions

Plate

TPU through hole grommets are used to fully isolate the plate from the enclosure. The plate key layouts are mostly ANSI/ISO unified, though there are some ANSI and ISO dedicated variants. All support PCB-mounted stabilizers. More plate materials are planned for the future.

You can add further plates or order them separately over at the dedicated plate section in this shop. There you can also find plates with more exotic key layouts, like Boardwalk or DZ60 with arrow cluster.

If you want to get your own custom plate made, you can order the HMKB case without a plate. You do need a plate though, since the top mount construction requires it. If you consider a custom plate for your HMKB, you can find many downloadable plate files on then HMKB discord server. Further assistance can be provided when you reach out via the shops' contact form.

Most HMKBs can currently be paired with one of four different plate options...

FR4

The FR4 plate is very light weight. It is a simple, black plate without any copper layer. This plate makes a more poppy sound.

Steel

This plate variant is made from carbon steel. A black zink layer is applied through a galvanization process. This results in a deep black, it is durable and protects the steel from corrosion.

Inox

The inox plate is made from 304 stainless steel, also called "V2A" in German. It is bead blasted, which is a high quality surface treatment.
This plate has a more complex, so-called serpentine cut. This is meant to provide a slight, overall give to the plate assembly. Compared to the FR4 plate the sound of the inox plate is more silent and klacky.

Brass

The brass plate has a distinctly different design goal compared to the inox plate. It avoids any unnecessary cutouts in order to achieve a maximum amount off mass. The gained mass lowers the potential to resonate. Especially its wide frame helps to achieve this. This leads to a deeper and thocky typing sound. The plate is bead blasted, which is a high quality surface treatment. When you get the plate, it has a golden and clean look, which will change over time, since brass tarnishes when exposed to oxygen.

Foam

The foam is cut from EPDM and gets sandwiched between the plate and the pcb. With a thickness of 3.5mm, it fully fills the space between pcb and plate, firmly making contact with both and therefore dampens vibrations and noise. EPDM is well suited for sound and shock absorption. This foam is non sticky, which makes it easy to work with. There are a few separately available foam options available from third parties, so if you want to use those instead, you can order the HMKB case without the foam.

Pcb

On all pcbs, the switches need to be soldered. For 40%, 60%, 65% and 80% various third party pcb options are available and many of those are hot swap capable. HMKB hot swap pcbs are planned for 2024. If you already have a pcb that fits, you do not need to include one with your HMKB order. All psbs have a USB-C plug. The pcbs can also be ordered separately over at the pcb product page of this store. There you can also find more details regarding each specific model.

Design

Full steel, custom mechanical keyboard enclosure made from bent sheet metal. Combining steel and the manufacturing method of bending results in a heavy, rigid and durable construction. The bolts piercing through the frame reveal the top mount design. The overlapping and open flanges are a deliberate choice to reveal the method of folding. The typing angle can be adjusted by a screwable mono-foot, which keeps the case resting solid at every angle. When extended, the black mono-foot disappears in the shadow and makes the case appear like its rear is floating.
It is a minimalist design without any branding, made in Germany.