The UHK Agent Software

Most new keyboard releases suffer when it comes to software – it often is too simplistic, or buggy, or both. This is definitely not the case for the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard, as the company has clearly spent a lot of time and resources on the delivery of an excellent software suite.

At first sight, the UHK Agent software appears to be very simple. There is a single toolbar to the left that lists all device, layout, macro, and software settings. The device settings are the most simple of all, allowing the user to manipulate mouse settings (only mouse-related functions while using the UHK, it does not affect the actual mouse), and tweak the brightness of the LEDs. We should once again mention that the keyboard has no backlighting and tweaking the brightness of the LEDs only affects the three-character screen at the top left side of the board.

By default, the UHK has six different profiles programmed into it (QWERTY, COLEMAK, and DVORAK for Windows and Mac). Users can easily generate and save new profiles, the number of which is limited only by the (sizable) memory of the keyboard. Each profile has four layers and every key and button of the keyboard can be reprogrammed, allowing absolute programming flexibility. The software even allows for each key to have both a primary and a secondary role per layout, changing its function depending on whether it is being pressed alone or in combination with another key. Although this function probably is far too complex for regular users, experts could work wonders with it.

The Macro programmer of the UHK Agent software is relatively simple but quite powerful. Macros can be programmed to include anything from simple keystrokes to mouse movements, with the software allowing full manipulation of any delays as well. Note that mouse movements currently are limited to relative movements and not absolute coordinates. There is a workaround for that, i.e. experts can set the sensor to jump at an edge of a screen and work their way with relative movements from there, but including absolute movements directly into the software is always a good thing.

  

The only downside with the Agent software is that, for the time being, it does not seem possible for users to manipulate what is being displayed by the three-character LCD on the keyboard. As such, the LCD only indicates which layout is active (QWR for QWERTY, COL for COLEMAK, etc.).

Introduction & Keyboard Layout Per-Key Quality Testing & Hands-On
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  • drexnx - Thursday, March 12, 2020 - link

    but why though?
  • rrinker - Thursday, March 12, 2020 - link

    My thoughts as well. I do have a friend who can type code, including all the various punctuation marks and off words, at speeds that would make a professional typist stand in awe - seriously, the guy can type in lines of code faster than most anyone can type an actual document in a word processor. He might get some use out of a keyboard like. But that makes for a very niche market - of course, at this price, that's exactly what it is.
  • evernessince - Thursday, March 12, 2020 - link

    Then again, why would you bother with cheap brown knockoffs if you are spending this kind of money.

    You can get 35g optical switches which are far better if you are going to be typical out a lot.
  • 2deski - Thursday, March 12, 2020 - link

    This question is much more suitable for every single keyboard with a standard stupidly giant space bar insisting that you have to dedicate 20% of your fingers to a single button.
  • twtech - Friday, March 13, 2020 - link

    Any ergonomic mechanical keyboard is going to run you $200+ all-in.

    For the people who would buy this, it's a professional tool, one that will see extensive use.
  • khanikun - Sunday, March 29, 2020 - link

    You can get Koolertron ergo mechanical for under $200. They have a backlit 62 key one with programmable keys, 24 macro, using Outemu switches for $140. Although the split is more for gamers, not for typers.

    The Mistel Barocco is another option. Split is more normal, has programmable keys, macro support, no back lighting, and uses Cherry MX switches, also $140.

    There's a lot of ergo mechanical keyboards on the market and they aren't all $200+
  • qit - Saturday, March 21, 2020 - link

    To make profit.
  • dianajmclean6 - Monday, March 23, 2020 - link

    Six months ago I lost my job and after that I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a great website which literally saved me• I started working for them online and in a short time after I've started averaging 15k a month••• ic­ash68.c­­o­­­­M
  • JohnMD1022 - Thursday, March 26, 2020 - link

    SPAM
  • nerd1 - Thursday, March 12, 2020 - link

    Kailh switch, ABS keycap, made in hungary, no backlight and $275.. what a joke
    You can get RealForce for that price, or standard tenkeyless keyboard with Cherry switch and PBT kecap for like 1/4 of the price

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