A special model, the “HHKB Professional Elite,” has been introduced from PFU’s premium “Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB)” series. Limited to 300 units worldwide and priced at 330,000 yen including tax, it is a special-spec model that, unlike the standard models, features a machined aluminum housing. This time, we were able to borrow an actual HHKB Professional Elite, so we took a close look at its appearance and detailed design.

PRESS RELEASE | [30th Anniversary] Introducing the “HHKB Professional Elite,” limited to 300 units and featuring a machined aluminum housing | PFU
https://www.pfu.ricoh.com/news/2026/news261022.html

This is what the HHKB Professional Elite presentation box looks like.


Opening the lid reveals the HHKB Professional Elite wrapped in protective wrapping cloth.


We checked the included accessories in front of the main unit. It came with a 0.9 m USB Type-C connection cable, a black envelope, and two leg parts.


The black envelope contained a “Safety Precautions” document, a hex wrench, two spare screws, and an owner’s card.


This is what the owner’s card looks like. A serial number is engraved on the silver plastic card.


A QR code for accessing the user’s guide was printed on the reverse.


And here is the HHKB Professional Elite itself. The model we borrowed this time is the “English layout / Sumi.”


It felt quite solid and heavy when picked up, so we measured its weight. As it uses a machined aluminum body, its measured weight was 970 g. Although it is a mechanical keyboard, it is quite heavy for a 60% keyboard.


The corners have a rounded design. The machined aluminum body is given a fine blast treatment on its surface, followed by anodized coloring to achieve a refined, high-quality feel. There is no ornamentation whatsoever, giving it a simple design.


Left side


Right side


This is what the back looks like. It has four rubber feet.


In the center, the HHKB Professional Elite logo and serial number are laser-engraved.


Using the included hex wrench, turn and remove the screw beside the rubber foot.


The aluminum cover has been removed. There is a sticker showing the DIP switch settings, serial code, and model number.


The DIP switches allow you to change the key codes of certain keys and the keyboard’s mode settings.


There is a slot on the back, along with a USB Type-C connector for connection.


The screws at both ends of the slot secure the leg parts.


I tried removing the screw.


This is how you can remove the leg parts.


The leg parts have a stepped design, allowing two levels of adjustment depending on their installation orientation. Two types of leg parts are included, giving you a choice of four angles in total.


The four angle settings look like this.


A look at the actual key feel and typing sounds will be included in the next article, so stay tuned.



The “HHKB Professional Elite” is a made-to-order model limited to 300 units worldwide, with 250 units available in Japan and 50 in China. It costs ¥330,000 including tax and comes in three colors: Sumi, White, and Snow. Each color is available in both engraved and unengraved versions. The keyboard layout is English only. In Japan, applications for the advance-purchase rights lottery will be accepted from October 22 through 28, 2026. Advance sales for lottery winners will run from December 1 through 6, followed by general first-come, first-served sales at the PFU Direct main store beginning at 11 a.m. on December 7.

In addition, the HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S, which does not have a machined aluminum body, can currently be purchased on Amazon.co.jp for ¥33,800 including tax.

Amazon.co.jp: PFU Keyboard HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S Unengraved/Sumi (English Layout): Computers & Peripherals