Epomaker has a pretty wide lineup of keyboards, but a few models stand out as a bit different from what we’re used to seeing. One of those unusual models is the Epomaker Hack59, which features an HHKB-like layout. If you’re curious about what makes this keyboard special and what it has to offer, let’s dive in.
Main Features and Specifications
Notable Features:
- HHKB-Like Layout
Brief technical specifications:
Specifications are based on official information and expanded with data from my own testing and observations.
- Layout: Special 60% (HHKB-like), ANSI, 59 Keys
- Case Material: ABS Plastic
- Keycaps: Dye-sub PBT, Cherry Profile
- Switches: Epomaker Wisteria / Epomaker Flamingo
- Stabilizers: Plate Mounted, Pre-lubed
- Mounting: Gasket-mounted
- Plate: PC, No Flex Cuts
- PCB: 1.6 mm, No Flex Cuts
- Hot-swappable: Yes, 3/5-pin Mechanical Switches
- Sound Dampening: 5 layers
- Backlight: RGB, South-facing LEDs
- Software: VIA
- Connectivity: Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz (Wired & 2.4GHz), 125Hz (Bluetooth)
- Latency: 3ms (Wired), 5ms (2.4GHz), 15ms (Bluetooth)
- Anti-Ghosting: N-Key Rollover
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Dimensions: 302.7 x 40 x 118.5 mm
- Weight: ~ 630 g
Available colors:
- Black
Unboxing: What’s Inside?
Inside the box you’ll find:
- Hack59 keyboard
- 2.4GHz USB receiver (in keyboard’s built-in storage slot)
- Braided USB-C to USB-A cable
- 3 extra switches
- 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller
- Manual
The box includes only the essentials you need to get started, nothing more. One thing worth pointing out is that the included cable is actually quite decent – it’s a braided one with better quality than the typical standard rubber cables you usually see in the box.
The only thing I genuinely miss here is a dust cover, which for me is kind of an essential accessory. It’s a small detail, but it helps keep the keyboard clean and protected when not in use. Still, if that’s not something you care about, then the overall unboxing experience remains perfectly fine and straightforward.
Layout
Before diving into the main review, I think it’s worth taking the time to briefly explain what the HHKB layout actually is.
Its history goes back to 1992, when Dr. Eiiti Wada, a computer scientist at the University of Tokyo, published an article titled “Please Pay Attention to the Keyboard Layout”. In this work, Wada shared his thoughts on the need to simplify the standard keyboard layout at the time, with the goal of creating something better optimized and more efficient for programming.
Later on, Dr. Wada teamed up with engineers from the PFU company, and in 1996 the first “Happy Hacking Keyboard” (HHKB) – featuring this unique layout – was released. It quickly gained popularity among computer professionals around the world. Today, you can find other manufacturers offering keyboards with the same layout. This is how the layout got its name – HHKB, after the name of the keyboard where it was first introduced.
Nowadays, this layout is popular not only among programmers but also within the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community. It might remind you of a standard 60% layout, but there are four key differences:
- A simplified bottom row
- Caps Lock key replaced with a Control key
- A split right Shift key
- A split Backspace key
Looking at the Hack59, it becomes quite clear that overall it follows the HHKB layout, with the exception of the split Backspace. That’s probably why the Hack59 is positioned as a keyboard with an HHKB-like layout.
Also, the keycap where Control is located in the HHKB layout still has a Caps Lock legend on it. But what’s interesting is that, out of the box, this key is configured as a dual-function key: a short press acts as Caps Lock, while holding it down turns it into Control. Although you can easily remap it to just Control without any issues.
Given everything mentioned above, it feels to me like Epomaker’s goal wasn’t to strictly recreate the HHKB layout, but rather to create something similar while still making it more approachable and recognizable for an average user who isn’t a programmer or doesn’t have prior experience with the HHKB layout. And I think they did a great job achieving that.
It’s also worth mentioning that there’s definitely an adjustment period when switching to this layout. An HHKB-like layout can feel a bit unusual at first, especially the modified bottom row and the relocated Control key. At the beginning, muscle memory will likely get in the way a few times, and you might find yourself reaching for keys that simply aren’t where you expect them to be.
However, after a short time of daily use, it starts to make sense, and your fingers naturally adapt to the new positions, allowing you to better appreciate the comfort and efficiency of this layout.
Design and Build Quality
The Epomaker Hack59 is a 60% HHKB-like keyboard with 59 keys in an ANSI layout. The typing angle is 6 degrees, but it also has two-stage adjustable feet if you want a steeper incline.
The case is made of ABS plastic, and the overall build quality is actually quite solid. The plastic doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy in hand, which is always a concern with more affordable compact keyboards. Instead, it feels well put together and reasonably sturdy for daily use.
The keyboard weighs around 630 grams, which makes it quite lightweight. Combined with its compact layout, I’d say it’s a great option for portability. It’s the kind of keyboard that you can easily throw into a backpack without really thinking about the extra weight or bulk. Because of this, it feels like a great option for anyone who needs a small keyboard for work, travel, or just moving between different setups.
In terms of design, the Hack59 keeps things very restrained and minimalistic. It comes in a simple black case with no flashy elements, logos or unnecessary visual accents, which gives it a clean and understated look. The only slightly distinctive design touches are the chamfered edge on the lower frame and a small decorative LED strip near the Esc key. They are small details, but they add just enough character to break up the otherwise very plain silhouette without making the keyboard look busy or overdesigned.
On the bottom of the keyboard, there are four fairly long rubber feet that provide solid grip and keep the keyboard from sliding on the desk, along with two-stage adjustable feet, which I already mentioned earlier. There is also a product label.
Moving to the back, here you’ll find the USB port for wired connection, a slot for storing the 2.4 GHz dongle, and a dedicated toggle for switching between connection modes. Having this toggle also lets you easily turn the keyboard off, so it won’t accidentally wake up from random key presses while it’s in your backpack, which is another small but nice plus for its portability.
As for the backlighting, all the LEDs are south-facing. It’s bright and consistent – I didn’t notice any flicker or strobing. This might sound like a small detail, but for people who are sensitive to PWM flicker or just generally don’t like unstable lighting, it actually makes a difference in long sessions. In my case, it just felt smooth and comfortable to use without any visual strain, which is definitely a plus.
Connectivity and Battery
The Epomaker Hack59 is a tri‑mode board, meaning it supports three connectivity options: wired over USB, 2.4GHz with the included dongle, or Bluetooth. Over Bluetooth, you can pair up to three devices at once and switch between them seamlessly – perfect for anyone moving between different setups throughout the day. Both wired and 2.4GHz modes run at a 1000Hz polling rate for fast and responsive performance.
It comes with a 3000mAh battery. That’s slightly smaller than the 4000mAh batteries we’re used to seeing in many modern wireless keyboards, but the board itself is also more compact than most of them. In day-to-day use, I never really noticed any battery life issues or felt like I had to keep charging it all the time, so I’d say the battery capacity is completely fine for a compact keyboard like this.
To check the battery level, press Fn + Right Shift. The keys from 1 to 0 will light up green to indicate the battery percentage. For example, if keys 1 through 6 light up, it means the battery is at 60%.
Note that the battery charges automatically as long as the keyboard is plugged in via USB, regardless of whether the keyboard is in wired or wireless mode.
Software – Unlocking the Potential
The Hack59 is fully compatible with QMK/VIA. Firmware source code is available on Epomaker’s GitHub.
Not familiar with QMK/VIA? Here’s a quick explanation:
QMK – is a highly customizable mechanical keyboard firmware that offers extensive control over a keyboard’s functionality. VIA is essentially a web driver for keyboards based on the QMK firmware. It lets you remap keys in real time, set up layers, assign macros, change preset lighting effects, and create profiles – all without needing to install any extra software. It works directly in your browser regardless of whether you’re on Windows, Linux, or macOS. It’s incredibly user-friendly and convenient.
For more experienced users, QMK provides a wide range of advanced keycodes for creating complex key combinations, implementing media controls, controlling mouse movements, etc. For example, QMK supports tap and hold functionality, where tapping a key performs one action, while holding the key performs a different action. This feature allows you to access additional functions on a key without needing to switch layers.
Having access to the firmware source code also allows users with the right skillset to build their own custom QMK firmware with unique features.
To have VIA detect your keyboard, you’ll need to be in wired mode and upload a JSON configuration file (only once), which you can easily download from the manufacturer’s website.
The Hack59 supports four programmable layers.
Both Mod-Tap and Layer-Tap features function exactly as they should.
Keycaps
The keyboard comes with decent, fairly thick Cherry profile keycaps. They’re made of PBT plastic, so you shouldn’t expect that typical glossy shine to develop over time. The legends are dye-sublimated for long-term durability, meaning they should stay crisp and readable for a long time without fading or wearing off, even with lots of daily typing.
The keycaps also have a pretty interesting design, blending an industrial aesthetic on the black keycaps with a subtle retro vibe, thanks to the slightly off-white, “aged” tone on the white keycaps. This contrast works really well and gives the keyboard a bit of personality, although this kind of design might not be to everyone’s taste.
The only minor disappointment for me is the Caps Lock keycap. On an HHKB layout, that key position is typically used for the Control key, and I guess a lot of people who pick up this keyboard will immediately remap this key to Control in VIA to better match the HHKB layout. Especially since Caps Lock is something many people barely use, while Control is an essential modifier key.
So, I think it would have made more sense to include a keycap that reflects the HHKB layout. Or at least, something more neutral like a keycap without a specific legend – similar to the Enter key, for example. That way it would satisfy both users who remap this key to Control and those who prefer to keep Caps Lock in its original position.
Also, note that the spacebar here is slightly longer than usual, with a 7U size.
Switches and Stabilizers
The Hack59 is available with Epomaker Wisteria V1 or Epomaker Flamingo switches. Here are the specs for both, in case anyone is interested.
| Epomaker Wisteria V1 | Epomaker Flamingo | |
| Switch Type: | Linear, 5-pin | Linear, 5-pin |
| Pre-travel: | 2.0±0.3 mm | 2.0±0.5 mm |
| Total Travel: | 3.6±0.3 mm | 3.6±0.3 mm |
| Actuation Force: | 45±3 gf | 47±5 gf |
| Bottom-Out Force: | 62±5 gf | 55 gf |
| Top Housing: | PC | PC |
| Stem: | POM & PTFE | POM |
| Bottom Housing: | PA66 | PC |
I have already had the chance to get familiar with both switch options. They come factory-lubed, feel smooth, and show no noticeable scratchiness. The Flamingo switch uses a dual-stage spring, but ultimately both options feature extended springs with fast rebound, making them well-suited for gaming.
As for the overall pressing force, the Wisteria sits right in that familiar medium range, while the Flamingo requires a bit less force to bottom out. It’s not a lightweight switch, but it is still noticeably easier to type and game on compared with the Wisteria. However, in general both switches fall into a standard medium-weight category and are neither particularly light nor heavy. So it mainly comes down to personal preference – for those who prefer lighter switches, the Flamingo will feel better; for those who prefer heavier switches, the Wisteria will be the more suitable choice.
Additionally, Flamingo switches allow more LED backlight to shine through thanks to their semi-transparent top housing. They also feature a partial box stem design, which results in reduced wobble.
Of course, the keyboard supports hot-swapping, which means you can easily replace the switches without any soldering. This gives you a lot of freedom to customize the typing feel exactly the way you like it. Whether you prefer tactile, linear, or clicky switches, you can simply pull the old ones out and install your favorites in a few minutes.
As for the stabilizers, they are plate-mounted and come factory-lubed. They feel very well-tuned and don’t have any noticeable issues at all. This is especially nice considering that the longer the stabilizer is, the harder it usually is to balance wire properly. Since the spacebar here is 7U, the stabilizer under it is also longer than usual, and yet there’s not even a hint of ticking, rattle, or any other common stabilizer problems.
Structure and Mounting
The Epomaker Hack59 features a fairly modern internal structure, combining a gasket mount design with five layers of sound dampening
It comes with a polycarbonate (PC) plate with no flex cuts, which results in a slightly softer typing feel compared to stiffer materials like FR4. The lack of flex cuts also affects the sound, keeping it a bit more crisp and defined, instead of getting overly muted or “muffled out” by too much cushioning.
A small bonus is how nicely the PC plate diffuses the RGB lighting. The light spreads quite evenly, creating a soft glow through the gaps between the keycaps when the backlight is on. This gives the keyboard a more visually pleasing look in darker environments.
Under the plate, there are three layers of sound-dampening materials:
- Poron Foam
- IXPE Switch Pad
- PET Sound Pad
The PCB is 1.6 mm thick, which is actually quite unusual to see in a budget-friendly prebuilt keyboard, since most of them typically come with a 1.2 mm PCB. This is a nice bonus that positively impacts on the overall sound and feel of the keyboard.
Just like the plate, the PCB doesn’t have any flex cuts. Beneath it, there are two more layers of sound dampening materials:
- Poron Switch Socket Pad
- Bottom Silicone Pad
It’s also worth talking about the gasket mount implementation on this board, because it’s actually really well done. The Hack59 uses a silicone sock-style gasket mount system. There are 16 of these silicone “socks” (or “sleeves”, if you prefer) in total, which is quite a lot for a 60% board – 8 on the top and 8 on the bottom – evenly distributed along the case.
Typing Feel and Sound
The typing experience on this keyboard feels quite responsive and fast, largely thanks to the solid switch options it comes with. Everything feels snappy and satisfying, which makes it great for both typing and gaming.
As for the flex, it’s one of the highlights here thanks to the excellent gasket mount implementation. The flex feels very consistent and well-balanced. The keyboard doesn’t feel overly soft, but it’s not stiff either. You can see and feel the flex quite easily, but it never goes overboard, keeping the overall feel soft yet predictable.
Regarding sound, Flamingo switches deliver a more muted, softer, and quieter sound profile, while Wisteria switches sound more pronounced and slightly louder. I’d describe the overall sound signature as something between thocky and poppy.
Pros and Cons
Good:
- QMK/VIA support with available source code
- Dedicated connection mode toggle at the back
- Price – fairly affordable for an HHKB / HHKB-like keyboard
- Built-in dongle storage slot – perfect for keeping the dongle at hand
- Lightweight and compact – convenient if you’re carrying it around a lot
- Great implementation of a gasket mount
- 1.6 mm PCB
Not so good:
- No split backspace
- Slightly smaller battery capacity
- No dust cover included in the box
In-between:
- Decorative LED strip – nice to have, but I wish it also worked as an indicator
Final Verdict
Epomaker Hack59 definitely has a lot of strong points, such as QMK/VIA support and an excellent gasket mount implementation. It’s also a fairly lightweight and compact keyboard, which makes it a good choice if you need to carry your keyboard with you.
But its biggest advantage, in my opinion, is its pricing in the context of its layout. HHKB-layout keyboards are usually either expensive or difficult to obtain – often limited to group buys or special releases, and sometimes come as kits you need to build yourself. The Hack59, with its HHKB-like layout, on the other hand, is accessible, ready-to-use, and a fully functional solution.
In my view, if you don’t mind the lack of a split Backspace, it’s a safe entry point for anyone who wants to try this iconic layout without spending a fortune.
Epomaker Hack59 is available for $69.99 at this time on Epomaker’s official store.
Controller and mechanical keyboard enthusiast. Tech reviewer, regularly sharing thoughts about gadgets and computer peripherals.
