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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

Helix lab Aaru vs HHKB Russ.works Lesley

Get the HHKB Russ.works Lesley for sound dampening.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Helix lab Aaru

Build quality in the top 50% of 80% boards at any price.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.
$799 at Mechkeys

Get the

HHKB Russ.works Lesley

Sound dampening

Build quality in the top 35% of 60% boards at any price.

Rules this board out

  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
$365 at Divinikey

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.

Helix lab Aaru

HHKB Russ.works Lesley

  • Layout size

    80%

    60%

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Split Backspace

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Brass

    Aluminum

  • Display

    None

    LED

    A case display rather than a typing feature

  • Sound dampening

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Helix lab Aaru
  • HHKB Russ.works Lesley
Performance
67
47
Build quality
59
71
Productivity
66
61
Customizability
75
63
Portability
60
71

What they share

  • Connection: Wired
  • Hot-swappable
See every spec side by side

Full specs

Helix lab Aaru vs HHKB Russ.works Lesley specs

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

8 of 15 specs differ

Helix lab Aaru

HHKB Russ.works Lesley

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

—
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI
—

Ergonomics

Standard
Split Backspace

Display

None
LED

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Brass
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum, Brass
Aluminum, Plastic, Polycarbonate

Typing angle

—
8°

Backlight

RGB
None

Extras

Released

2022
2026

Where to buy

Compare prices

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

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Helix lab Aaru2 stores
HHKB Russ.works Lesley2 stores

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