Performance

The UHK supports six-key rollover USB, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Given the smaller form factor, and also noting that modifier keys do not count towards this limit, I have zero issues with native 6KRO for USB devices. UHK also let me know that they are working on NKRO support which will work alongside the default 6KRO when needed, such as inside a BIOS that may not play well with NKRO. Similarly, no key chatter was detected on any of the keys using Switch Hitter. You can also see which keys get discrete mapping on the base layer of the default QWERTY layout.


We see here the base layer for QWERTY, as well as for the other three layers named Mod, Fn, and Mouse, which are accessed by holding down the respective buttons. The LED display on the left half does a good job of quickly reminding you about which layer is active, as well as which layout is active, in addition to having indicator LEDs for caps lock, etc. Combined with UHK Agent, I actually made this one of the most productive keyboards I have had despite the smaller form factor. Indeed, setting up the keyboard with the palm rest and feet for tenting and going through the interactive setup guide had me comfortable with the UHK far quicker than most other atypical form factor keyboards. It is definitely user friendly and ergonomic, especially if you take the time to set it up physically before configuring the layers to your desire. I can definitely see this being a combo product as it is also a quick mouse replacement if it comes to it, and the upcoming add-on modules will just make it easier.



The UHK also supports QWERTY, Dvorak, and Colemak on Windows and MacOS. As seen above, I used the source code from an older keyboard review in a layout tester (courtesy of Patrick Gillespie). The results above indicate that QWERTY is not even close to the most efficient layout for me, and very likely you as well. If you are willing, try out Colemak or Dvorak as they will result in less finger travel and fatigue overall. As such, the driver is a significant functional tool if you are willing to devote some time to adopting either Colemak or Dvorak. Here is the link to the full results if you are interested, including a detailed analysis on key presses and distances moved.


A note must also be made on the Cherry MX Clear switches since these are very rarely available as options for pre-assembled keyboards. It is a tactile switch similar to the Cherry MX Brown, but has a higher actuation and bottoming-out force. I did find myself less prone to accidental keystroke registration even with some fingers lightly resting on the keycaps, which did help reduce double taps when typing. Bottoming out was also greatly reduced as a result of the higher force needed, but also because the MX Clear has a more pronounced bump in the switch mechanism for much stronger tactile feedback when the switch is actuated. I am a big fan of the MX Clear switch and prefer it over the MX Brown switch for typing. It is harder to use if gaming, however, especially in FPS/trigger games. RPGs with preset functions for different keys that are not used more than a few times per minute will work nicely with these switches also.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the UHK sample at ~105 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Cherry MX Clear switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile switches. It is fairly easy to avoid bottoming out here with some practice, which in turn also allows for a quieter keyboard as a whole. For those who prefer clicky feedback, the keyboard is also available with Cherry MX Green switches in addition to Kailh Blue switches, as well as Kailh Brown, Red, and Black switches.