Sho Labs N2 Keyboard Pre-Order

A Legacy in EC and Topre Design

For many enthusiasts in the EC and Topre community, Sho needs little introduction. Through Sho Labs, he has spent years quietly producing some of the most thoughtful and functional aftermarket designs for Topre and Realforce keyboards, earning a reputation for incredible quality and accessible pricing.

What makes Sho’s work special is that it has always been driven by enthusiasts rather than mass production. His projects appear in small numbers and are refined meticulously to meet hobbyist needs. The past year of collaboration, I have developed great respect for Sho's attention to detail and endless energy to bring about great outcomes for his customers. Sho loves design, and that much is clear from his work.

Earlier this year Sho had considered retiring from keyboards. While preparing for that possibility I worked closely with him to secure the remaining inventory of his existing projects. Thankfully, Sho ultimately decided that the journey wasn’t finished, and we’re proud to now support him as his partner as he continues developing new EC designs and brings them to market.

The N2

The Sho N2 is the next evolution of Sho’s EC / Topre case work: a precision CNC aluminium housing designed for the HHKB Pro 2 series and compatible third-party EC PCBs such as the Cipulot EC60XSE (with Pro 3 DB).

For a long time, the S60 V2 was THE affordable HHKB Pro 2 upgrade case, and the N2 feels like a confident, experienced improvement on the original. This is more sculptural, and more intentional. It keeps the familiar HHKB Pro 2 foundation, but brings it into a more modern Sho design language. The internals are more widely compatible thanks to smart design with a greater level of aesthetic and functional detail. The anodisation from this factory is always high quality and the board comes with a 1.2mm brass plate, and that absolutely lovely swirl-machined bottom weight treatment.

Rather than hiding machining, Sho has used the bottom of the case to consolidate the identity of the board. The swirl design has density and presence, adding visual weight and engineering mastery to a deeply functional deskpiece. 

The N2 is compatible with original HHKB Pro 2 internals, as well as suitable third-party PCBs based around the HHKB Pro 2 platform. That makes it a very exciting option for EC builders who want to either transplant an existing HHKB Pro 2 or build around modern aftermarket EC components.

This is not a complete keyboard yet. It is a premium aluminium case and plate kit for people who understand EC / Topre builds and want something special to put their favourite typing experience into. Small batch production, incredible quality.

Compatibility

Designed for:

• HHKB Pro 2 series
• Compatible third-party HHKB Pro 2-style EC PCBs

Please note: this is for the N2, not the N3. The N2 is the HHKB Pro 2-compatible version. The N3 is intended for HHKB Classic / Hybrid-style builds.

Important build note

This kit includes the case and plate only. You will need compatible EC / Topre internals to complete the build, such as a suitable PCB, domes, sliders, housings, springs, keycaps, and other required assembly parts.

Please do not buy this expecting a complete keyboard. If you need guidance as to what to add to your build please refer to the guidance below.

Specifications

What’s included

• Top case
• Bottom case
• 1.2mm brass plate
• Screws
• Anti-slip feet
• Carrying case

A note on the swirl-machined bottom

The bottom of the N2 uses a visible CNC swirl machining pattern. Some machining marks are expected and should be understood as part of the design and manufacturing approach, not as a flaw. Previous approaches that attempted to hide or further finish this area could interfere with the pattern, so the raw machining character has been deliberately preserved.

Why buy it?

Because the HHKB Pro 2 is already one of the most iconic keyboard platforms ever made, and the N2 gives it the sort of housing it deserves.

It keeps the spirit of the HHKB intact, but adds mass, machining quality, acoustic potential, and a much more premium physical presence. For EC enthusiasts, this is exactly the sort of case that turns a good board into a genuinely special one. Support an amazing designer and bring one into your collection.

Completing your build: 

If not working with a donor keyboard then, to complete a build you will need:

• 1x Cipulot Pro 2 Bundle
• 1 pack of Domes (many options, Metakeebs & Topre)
• 60 1u sliders (Metapulse, Dynacap or OEM). We have these incoming but timelines are very similar to the N2 so we can't be sure 
• 3 x 2u Housings & Wires (Metapulse, Dynacap or OEM)
• ThX EC Springs
• EC Spacebar Wire (3 size options depending on plate choice)
• ThX Silencing Rings (if silencing the build)
  
• ThX Housing Gaskets (option if silencing, essential if using Dynacap)