Discover the Hippo65: The Ultimate Compact Mechanical Keyboard for Performance and Style
Modern Design Meets Exceptional Functionality with a Perfect Price-to-Performance Ratio
The Hippo65 keyboard is a new addition to the mechanical keyboard market, bringing modern design, high functionality and a great price/performance ratio. With a compact 65% layout with 66 keys, this device is perfect for users looking for a space-saving solution without compromising comfort when typing or gaming. The Hippo65 offers a unique combination of high-end materials, high-quality switches and advanced features to satisfy even the most demanding users. In this article, we’ll look at this keyboard's key aspects, from construction and design to features like RGB backlighting, connectivity options and battery life.
It’s also important to mention that the Hippo65 is available through a crowdfunding campaign, which offers the opportunity to get this keyboard at a discounted price. The link to this campaign can be found here, and if you are interested in the keyboard, feel free to support it. With this campaign, manufacturers can focus on further improvements and expansion of their offerings, which is only a plus for future users. This article will give you a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the Hippo65 and help you decide if it’s the right keyboard for your needs.
Design and Construction
The Hippo65 boasts a top-notch design that starts with the material. The keyboard is made from CNC-machined 6063-grade aluminium, known for its high strength and durability. The keyboard's surface is then treated with anodization and electrophoresis, which adds to its scratch resistance and gives it a sleek and premium look. Choosing several colour options, such as Classic Black, Navy Blue, Dreamy Pink, and Retro White, allows users to choose the option that best suits their style and working conditions.
In addition, the keyboard's design has been considered as compact as possible while retaining all key functions. The 65% layout ensures that even with a smaller size, it provides all the necessary keys for efficient working and gaming. This layout also contributes to the keyboard’s greater portability, which will be especially appreciated by those who travel frequently or need to save desk space. The back of the keyboard features a gradient glass element that gives the device a unique look and enhances its modern aesthetic.
Keys and Switches
One of the key elements of any mechanical keyboard is its switches, and the Hippo65 certainly doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The keyboard is fitted with specially designed Orange switches manufactured by Huano.
These switches feature a low activation force of 42g and a long life. With a 3.4mm activation point and gold-clad springs, these switches are designed to provide a fast and smooth response, making them ideal for typing and gaming. In addition, the switches are factory lubricated, contributing to the smooth and quiet pressing experience essential for many users.
In addition to the switches, the keys themselves should also be mentioned. The Hippo65 uses Double-shot PBT keycaps, a key manufacturing technology that ensures high durability and long life.
The PBT material is known for its resistance to wear, chemical corrosion and warping, meaning the keys will retain their original look and texture for a long time. This durability is complemented by a pleasant tactile response that makes every keystroke a satisfying experience. The keys are available in four different colour variations, allowing users to customise the keyboard's look to suit their preferences.
Sound Isolation and Acoustics
For many mechanical keyboard users, the acoustics when typing is one of the key factors influencing their choice. In this regard, the Hippo65 boasts a comprehensive sound isolation system with several layers of different materials. The first is a 3.5mm thick poron foam layer, the main insulation layer. Next, a 0.5mm layer of IXPE foam is placed under the switches, and a 1.8mm Poron pad under the switches helps dampen vibrations when you press the keys. These layers are complemented by a thin 0.08mm PET acoustic pad that further enhances the overall acoustic experience.
This combination of materials results in a typing experience that is not only quiet but also pleasantly dampened. When pressed, the keys do not make sharp sounds that could disturb the surrounding environment, which is especially important in quiet working environments or when using the keyboard at night. The Hippo65’s overall sound profile provides a satisfying, soft sound contributing to a better typing experience while minimizing audio fatigue. This aspect is one of the main reasons why the Hippo65 should be on the list of anyone looking for a quality, quiet mechanical keyboard.
Light Effects
Thanks to its RGB backlighting, the Hippo65 is functional, durable, and visually impressive. The keyboard supports up to 18 dynamic A-RGB light animations customized to the user’s preference. These animations include smooth colour transitions, pulsing, or effects activated when keys are pressed. The RGB backlighting is fully programmable, meaning users can create their light patterns and combinations, adding a distinctive style to the keyboard.
For those who want maximum control over their device, the Hippo65 offers full support for key remapping via VIA software. This allows users to customize lighting effects and assign specific functions to each key to suit their needs. This level of customization is ideal for players who need specific macros or for professionals who want to optimize their workflow. Lighting effects are thus not just an aesthetic feature but also a practical tool that can increase productivity and user comfort.
Connectivity and Latency
One of the distinct advantages of the Hippo65 keyboard is its versatile connectivity, which includes three different connection modes: wired, Bluetooth and 2.4G. With this wide range of options, users can easily switch between devices and environments without complex setups. Wired connectivity ensures maximum reliability and ultra-low latency of only 2ms, making it ideal for professional gamers who need fast and accurate response.
Bluetooth and 2.4G wireless connections provide greater flexibility and convenience, for example, when working or playing on the go. Bluetooth mode allows pairing with multiple devices simultaneously, allowing users to quickly switch between computers, tablets or smartphones. Latency in wireless mode is also very low, with 2.4G offering a latency of just 3ms, while Bluetooth mode reaches 7ms. This latency is low enough for casual use and gaming experiences, making the Hippo65 a versatile keyboard suitable for many users.
Battery life
Battery life is one of the key factors that determine the practicality of wireless devices, and in this regard, the Hippo65 once again excels. The keyboard has a 6000mAh battery, sufficient for up to 800 hours of continuous use without RGB backlighting. This means the keyboard can last for several weeks on a single charge in normal office use, where the backlight is unnecessary.
If you use the RGB backlighting, the battery life is reduced to around 70 hours, which is still a solid result. This time is enough for several days of heavy use without having to constantly think about recharging. This makes the Hippo65 suitable for long-term use at home or in the office and for travelling when you don’t always have access to a charger. This battery life, combined with advanced connectivity options, makes the Hippo65 one of the most practical and versatile mechanical keyboards on the market.
User Experience
When using the Hippo65 keyboard, users will quickly notice how thoroughly the entire product has been designed with comfort and user-friendliness in mind. One key aspect that affects the overall experience is the ease of assembly and setup. The keyboard comes pre-assembled, meaning users can use the device immediately without complicated assembly procedures. This is particularly useful for those inexperienced with mechanical keyboards and looking for a simple and hassle-free solution.
A sound test of the keyboard reveals how well the sound insulation layers have been integrated into the overall design. Typing on the Hippo65 is quiet and smooth, which is especially appreciated by users who work in quiet environments or share space with others. Additionally, with full VIA software support, the keyboard can be customized to suit your needs, increasing its value to a wide range of users — from professional gamers to creative workers. The Hippo65 is an excellent choice for a powerful, customizable, affordable mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
The Hippo65 is a mechanical keyboard with exceptional design, functionality, and price combination. With its rugged CNC machined aluminium construction, specially designed Orange switches and advanced connectivity options, this keyboard is ideal for a wide range of users — from gamers to professionals to casual users looking for a quality and reliable keyboard. Its quiet and comfortable typing experience, backed by sophisticated acoustic isolation, makes it a great choice for working in quiet environments.
If you’re looking for a keyboard that offers high performance, style and great value for money, the Hippo65 should be on your list. Its features and wide range of customization options make it a device that won’t let you down. And if you decide to purchase it during the crowdfunding campaign, you can get an extra bargain price. Overall, the Hippo65 is a mechanical keyboard that’s worth your attention and one that we can highly recommend.
Thank you to Hippokeys for sending me the review sample on which this article is based.
