Hako True switches, designed by Jacob Alexander, use the Kaihua box switch architecture. Hako True’s radically different design exhibits a number of improvements when compared with the Halo True switch, its ancestor, which provided invaluable research and development data.

Box architecture introduces per-switch drains and protected contacts, minimizing the impact of spills. The structure also reduces stem wobble, which plagues traditional switch designs. A bespoke slider synergizes with the frame to further reduce wobble.

Medium weight, smooth tactile action, and a purposefully light preload are intended to reduce jarring fingertip impacts during rapid typing. Hako True switches also implement a short, moderately heavy spring to discourage bottom out. The effectiveness of those features will depend on an individual’s typing style. Typists who habitually avoid bottoming out will benefit most, but even bottom out typists will notice a less violent end to their keystrokes.

The force curve, odd as it may be, does not accurately depict the feel of Hako True’s tactility. The tactile point feels much sharper at its initial peak and sustains for longer than the graph would indicate. This may be due to the switch’s low preload. The low preload is also noticeable in terms of fingertip deceleration, which occurs gradually throughout Hako True’s travel.

A plastic on plastic contact actuation system mitigates some of the scratchiness associated with plastic on metal designs. It also increases durability by reducing part wear. The trade off is a mild increase in switch noise, which can be characterized as rasping. Plastic on metal designs tend to exhibit metallic creaking and mild plastic rasp, even if they are smooth, so the noise falls within expectations.