I was enjoying a comfortable typing life with the HHKB.
As I got used to the layout of the HHKB, I thought, "Hey, I can use a keyboard without any letters printed on the keycaps," "No markings are what HHKB is all about," and "No markings are what makes it great," and I was so absorbed by HHKB, I finally bought some blank keycaps.
And while I realised just how hard it is to use without any printed legends, I managed to conquer the non printed version. Now I can use it without any problems and enjoy the view that only those who reach the top can see.
This novice writer from Japan will talk about the appeal of blank keycaps, share his recommended methods for converting printed keyboards to blank ones, and the challenges he faced.
Step 1: Practice touch typing
Step 2: A to Z, remove the special keys on both ends
Step 3: Remove the numbers
Step 4: Remove the special keys on the bottom
Step 5: Remove the symbol key
As the name suggests, this keyboard has no markings or engravings on the surface of the keys. Since it is impossible to visually identify what the keys are, touch typing is essential. Blank keycap keyboards are also a "proof of professionalism" that only those who have mastered typing can use.
The blank keyboard is a symbol of a true professional who has mastered the art of typing.
With a printed keycap keyboard, even if you think you are touch typing, you may unconsciously check the keyboard. With a blank keycap keyboard, there are no clues as to which key you are using, even if you look at the keyboard, so you can keep your focus on the screen and memorise the key layout. You will then naturally perfect touch typing, and your typing speed will also increase because your eyes will focus on the screen.
The appeal of blank keyboards is in the keyboard itself, which is quite different from keyboards with engraved legends. Let's talk about the appeal of non printed keyboards, which many people are addicted to.
The biggest appeal of the non-printed keycap keyboards is its simple design. The blank keytops looks like a sophisticated piece of interior decor, and it looks good no matter where you place it or use it.
Since it's something you use every day, it's only natural that you want a design that suits you. The minimalist design is sure to boost your motivation every day.
The blank keyboard looks great no matter where you place it and is just so cool!
This provides security, because even if someone is looking at your hands they will not be able to see what you are typing, especially when entering a password.
Even if someone glances at your hand, they won't be able to read the words. Since not many people are adept at using blank keycaps, it also avoids the risk of someone using your computer without your permission while you're not looking.
Unless you are an experienced user, it will be difficult to suddenly remove all the keys from the keyboard. With an HHKB, it allows you to replace the keytops gradually, in stages.
To use the blank keyboard, you must be able to touch type . First, practice touch typing. Recommended ways to practice:
When you can touch type, not only will your typing speed increase, but you'll also be able to concentrate on whether the characters on the screen are correct, making it easier to spot typos.
The first keys to swap out for blank ones will be the familiar alphabet keys, A through to Z, and the frequently used special keys on both ends of the keyboard.
The alphabet is basically the same no matter which keyboard you use, so if you can touch type, you should be fine without the markings. Similarly, you should be familiar with frequently used keys such as Enter and Ctrl, so you should also leave them blank.
When I actually removed the keys, I realised that I was unconsciously glancing at the keys even though they were familiar to me. However, since they were familiar keys, I was able to type without any discomfort. Let's start removing as many printed keycaps as we can and increase our motivation!
Once you get used to having the keys you use most often completely blank, try removing the number keys as well.
Although the number keys are frequently used for entering passwords and symbols, they are surprisingly difficult to touch type. On the HHKB, they are also used as function keys in conjunction with the Fn key. Let's proceed while checking whether you can enter symbols and Fn as well as numbers .
It is also recommended to create indicators, such as using a different coloured keycap for the middle "5", to make the layout easier to understand.
Well, we're almost there now. Let's also make the special keys on the bottom row blank.
This may be easier than using the number keys, since there are fewer keys and the space bar can be used as a guide. On the other hand, if you have a habit of not using certain keys, it may be difficult to get used to it.
I don't use the Windows key very often, so when I wanted to use it I panicked because I didn't know where it was...!
Finally, swap the keycaps containing all the symbols. If you feel uneasy about removing all the symbol keys at once, you can start with the keys you have memorised completely, or even just one key at a time. Get used to it little by little.
If you remove all the keys, it becomes difficult to distinguish between numbers and letters, and it becomes a little difficult to find the location of "0 (zero)" and "P." It may be a good idea to leave "=" and "@" as visual guides until you get used to it.
I was able to input symbols just by looking at the screen when typing, but I struggled until I got used to the shortcut keys, including the symbols used in spreadsheets and other programs.
Although it takes time to replace the keycaps in several stages, I was able to swap them all out to the blank keycaps in about 5 days!
I encourage everyone to try removing the printed keycaps completely!
Once you have a keyboard with blank keycaps, you may have trouble remembering the keys. I've heard of people setting up a picture of the correct key layout on their desktop to help them remember the keys . If you look at it every day, you'll be able to become a professional at using a keyboard with no legends.
When I tried to take a screenshot for example, I didn't know which buttons to use, so I displayed an image of the keyboard layout on my iPad and placed it next to me…
There may be times when you have switched to a non-printed keyboard and are forced to revert to a printed keycap for various reasons, such as not getting used to it, being unsure about they key used when entering passwords or PIN numbers, or a decrease in work efficiency.
At times like that, I somehow feel a sense of guilt.
However, the most important thing about a keyboard is that it's comfortable to type on. You can always try it again when you feel like challenging yourself.
In this article, we have introduced the appeal of blank keyboards and the process of making them blank.
Making a blank keyboard may seem difficult at first, but it's easier when you do it gradually and follow the above steps.
If you've always wanted a blank keyboard, why not give it a try?
You can find HHKB keyboards on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/hhkb
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