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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split vs HHKB StudioSplit Alice vs TrackPoint

Choose the BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 for ergonomic split typing, or the HHKB Studio for its integrated pointing stick and mouse controls.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split

Split Alice

Build quality in the bottom 5% of 60% boards under $300.

If you want

  • Unique 60% split Alice layout for ergonomic typing posture.
  • Includes a built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery.
  • Features sound-dampening internal padding with EVA foam layers.

Get the

HHKB Studio

TrackPoint

Build quality in the bottom 20% of 60% boards at any price.

If you want

  • Integrated pointing stick (TrackPoint) and three dedicated mouse buttons for cursor control.
  • Hotswap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
  • Includes Hall effect switches and an aluminum mounting plate.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want to keep your hands centered and value an integrated pointing stick over a traditional mouse, the HHKB Studio is the clear option. If your priority is a more ergonomic typing angle with a split layout and you prefer the convenience of a rechargeable battery, the BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split is the better fit. Both are capable wireless keyboards, but their core designs serve different purposes.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split

HHKB Studio

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Ergonomics

    Alice

    Standard

  • Switch options

    Linear, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear

  • Sound dampening

    Yes

    No

  • Backlight

    RGB

    Yes, north-facing

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split
  • HHKB Studio
Performance
48
62
Build quality
41
48
Productivity
80
64
Customizability
63
64
Portability
90
88

What they share

  • Layout size: 60%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The HHKB Studio takes the lead for programming and has an edge for gaming due to its Hall effect switches and unique navigation features. The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 is better suited for travel with its integrated battery and is a strong pick for content creation with its macro support and RGB. For office use and modding potential, the keyboards are closely matched, offering different but equally valuable strengths.

For gaming

Pick the HHKB Studio

  • The HHKB Studio's listing includes Hall effect switches, which are known for rapid actuation.
  • It features an aluminum plate, which may provide a more consistent typing feel for rapid key presses.
  • The integrated pointing stick and mouse buttons could serve as an alternative to a separate gaming mouse in constrained setups.

Full specs

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split vs HHKB Studio specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

7 of 21 specs differ

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split

HHKB Studio

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

—
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

60%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Alice
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

No
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Battery

2,000 mAh
—

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

PBT
—

Plate material

—
Aluminum

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

970 g
—

Dimensions

27 x 343 x 133 mm
—

Backlight

RGB
Yes, north-facing

Firmware & software

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

HHKB Studio2 stores

FAQ

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split vs HHKB Studio: your questions

They offer different types of ergonomics. The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 uses a split Alice layout to position keys for a more natural hand angle. The HHKB Studio promotes ergonomics by allowing full mouse control via its pointing stick and buttons, minimizing the need to reach for a separate mouse.

No. According to the vendor specifications, the HHKB Studio's wireless mode is powered by 4 AA batteries. It does not have a built-in lithium battery like the BAROCCOMISTEL MD600, which has a 2000mAh integrated cell.

Yes, but with a significant limitation. The G, H, B, and N keys have special indentations to accommodate the central pointing stick. This means most standard keycap sets will not fit these specific keys properly, restricting customization options.

The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 offers choices between G Pro 2.0 Yellow, Red, Brown, and Cherry Pink switches. The HHKB Studio comes with its own 45g linear switches and also features Hall effect switches, according to its listed features.

The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 is more convenient for travel. Its built-in 2000mAh battery only requires a USB-C cable to recharge. The HHKB Studio requires you to carry and replace four AA batteries for wireless operation.

Yes. Both the BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 and the HHKB Studio list Mac and Windows support in their specifications. The HHKB Studio vendor page also explicitly lists Linux compatibility.

Hall effect switches use a magnetic sensor to detect key presses, which can allow for adjustable actuation points and are known for durability and rapid response. The HHKB Studio includes this as a listed feature, though the vendor description does not detail specific software for actuation adjustment.

Yes. The vendor description for the BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 states it has 'most keys mapping & macro programming support.' The specific software for this is not named in the provided information.

The pointing stick acts like a laptop TrackPoint for cursor movement, paired with three physical mouse buttons. The four gesture pads are touch-sensitive areas that can be customized for inputs like scrolling, as mentioned in a user review. Customization is done through the keyboard's dedicated software.

The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 has specific sound-dampening features. Its vendor description mentions a 'sound-absorbing padded internal design' with EVA foam layers between the plate and PCB to reduce resonance. The HHKB Studio listing does not mention any internal dampening materials.

Yes, both support hot-swapping. The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 has 'full-key hot-swappable sockets' for 3-pin switches. The HHKB Studio has a 'hotswap PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches,' offering broader switch compatibility.

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