Noppoo 108EC-PRO electrostic capacitive keyboard

[xuanwumen]

See it from Noppoo webpage.
http://www.thenoppoo.com/china/content.asp?id=171

Here are basic translations of the chinese descriptions.

1) 108key layout,grey and white keycaps;
2) Six keys NKRO under USB mode, can be switched to full NKRO with function key combinations;
3) Key lock function to prevent kid's error operations;
4) Integrated rubber ring for sound absorption;
5) 35g tactile feeling and 45g tactile feeling options, with 65g for spacebar;
6) Electrostic capacitive keyswitch for longer life and performance;
7) Detachable cable for easy portable and use;
Cherry switch compatible keycaps for DIY purpose;
9) Thick PBT keycap and POM for base and switch cross;
10) High strength imported steel for spring, alluminum alloy for base seat;
11)  4mm stroke; Programmability;Self definition and Macro definition function of each key;
12) Integrated with storage disk for data saving;
13) Dimension:445mm x 135mm x41mm; Weight: 1kg.

[Latin00032]

I'd consider the 35g one if I can find it.

Taobao only has the 45g version, I think.

Anyone know if the 35g version exists, yet?

What kind of data saving does it have? Fully programmable??

[dante]

11)  4mm stroke;

I read somewhere that this comes in two different strokes?  One is 4 and the other 3.2 or something like that?

[GL1TCH3D]

Does that mean it's 4mm to the actuation point?

And I still don't consider 108 key portable at all

[Latin00032]

11)  4mm stroke;

I read somewhere that this comes in two different strokes?  One is 4 and the other 3.2 or something like that?

I didn't know that.

I'd like to know if this is true.

[Hypersphere]

Shameless copy of the Novatouch, except this one is not TKL.

[SpAmRaY]

Shameless copy of the Novatouch, except this one is not TKL.

Pretty sure Noppoo has been working on this much longer than the Novatouch.

[IvanIvanovich]

Indeed, Noppoo first teased these in 2013. Old thread over at DT.

[jameslr]

Not really sure which came first, but the Noppoo's pics were posted before the CM Novatouch (mere days apart). The Novatouch is genuine Topre, while this is not. I'm glad there are more companies stepping up to the plate with MX compatible electrostatic capacitive, but Noppoo doesn't have the best track record with quality. Reviews may show something different, but it doesn't look as well built as a Novatouch.

[dorkvader]

Indeed, Noppoo first teased these in 2013. Old thread over at DT.

Not really sure which came first, but the Noppoo's pics were posted before the CM Novatouch (mere days apart).

Even before that they were known (but we didn't have much info and most pictures were lost in GH crash) :
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=20348.0

Thanks for the listed specs and translation! These keyboards may or may not feel really good to type on (though I'm very interested in 35g) but they are very interesting indeed! I expect them to be long-lasting like most non-contact switches seem to be.

[wes1099]

I wish there was a Topre 55G TKL board that wouldn't completely plunder the innards of my wallet....

[jameslr]

I wish there was a Topre 55G TKL board that wouldn't completely plunder the innards of my wallet....

They're much more reasonable now than they were even a year ago. $215 + shipping from EK if you're in the states isn't bad.

[Oobly]

11)  4mm stroke;

I read somewhere that this comes in two different strokes?  One is 4 and the other 3.2 or something like that?

I didn't know that.

I'd like to know if this is true.

I think that may be the silenced version, same sliders and housing, but the "oring" takes up some space, so the travel is reduced.

Looks like the sliders should be compatible with Topre casings and Topre domes and springs should also work in it. Finally some more options for customisation for Topre lovers.

[davkol]

Now it's on Massdrop, no international shipping though. I'd have got one to see, if quality is as bad as described in the DT thread.

[jameslr]

I think I may get a used one just to try it out once everyone gets theirs from Massdrop and either decides they don't like it or it's just not for them.

Interesting and a nice price, but I'm not really sure if it's going to sell that well. Depends on if the sliders are compatible with the other Topre boards.

[pr0ximity]

Now it's on Massdrop, no international shipping though. I'd have got one to see, if quality is as bad as described in the DT thread.

Looks like both dome weights are available as well, for those interested.

[dante]

I would love to know - especially given Noppoo's track record - if the black version will have POM keycaps?  I know this white version is floating around but last year the prototypes had black.

Would really love a 35g Silent w/ POM mmmm

[xuanwumen]

11)  4mm stroke;

I read somewhere that this comes in two different strokes?  One is 4 and the other 3.2 or something like that?

I see the 4mm stroke from back of the package..

[xuanwumen]

I'd consider the 35g one if I can find it.

Taobao only has the 45g version, I think.

Anyone know if the 35g version exists, yet?

What kind of data saving does it have? Fully programmable??

35g is available in market here in china. Sorry that from chinese description only mentions data storage function and fully programmable. But does say how this works out...

[davkol]

I'd consider the 35g one if I can find it.

Taobao only has the 45g version, I think.

Anyone know if the 35g version exists, yet?

On Massdrop.

[Hyde]

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard

For those too lazy to look for it lol, and I forgot what the guest viewing mode code is.

Price and spec are really good though, just curious about quality.

[JinDesu]

Man, that price is amazing. $125 base and $120 tipped. Might just get one.

[dante]

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open

[Hyde]

^ lol sweet thanks dude.

Though yeah I just bought a Realforce 104U recently so it's hard to justify me buying another Topre-ish board.

But at the same time at that price it's hard to pass....... sigh........... what to do.........

[dorkvader]

11)  4mm stroke;

I read somewhere that this comes in two different strokes?  One is 4 and the other 3.2 or something like that?

I see the 4mm stroke from back of the package..

If you add the silenceing o rings, the stroke is shorter. The same happens with some topre diy type s mods

[davkol]

Has actually anyone used it? I mean the production version that appeared about a week ago. Because 002's comment wasn't very convincing:

Haha...OK here's a quick one, and bear with me as I've had a few beers.
The board sucks. The caps are rubbish, the case is flimsy, they have literally put a rectangular peg through a round hole with the LEDs. I actually had to de-solder them just to get the board apart.

It feels *OK*. Sliders were a bit scratchy, but overall not too bad. It's advertised as 35g but feels a bit heavier than that -- I'd guess around 40-45g mark. The modifiers all sat higher than the alphas. The thing that was rattling inside was just a loose screw. The plastic used for the switch housing feels much thinner than Topre. The springs are almost identical to Topre. I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The ?silicone? dome sheet is actually not as bad as I expected it to be but doesn't snap as crisply as Topre...Not much else to say really other than the fact that this is an "engineering sample" so I'm not sure if they had plans to change/address any of these problems before release.

[dante]

We should all chip in $10 and pass the board around

[SpAmRaY]

We should all chip in $10 and pass the board around

Just buy it and rent it out.....

[rsantos97]

I might have to jump on one of the 35g.  Have been wanting another 30g RF, but don't feel like going through all the hassle of modding one again.

[Latin00032]

Has actually anyone used it? I mean the production version that appeared about a week ago. Because 002's comment wasn't very convincing:

Haha...OK here's a quick one, and bear with me as I've had a few beers.
The board sucks. The caps are rubbish, the case is flimsy, they have literally put a rectangular peg through a round hole with the LEDs. I actually had to de-solder them just to get the board apart.

It feels *OK*. Sliders were a bit scratchy, but overall not too bad. It's advertised as 35g but feels a bit heavier than that -- I'd guess around 40-45g mark. The modifiers all sat higher than the alphas. The thing that was rattling inside was just a loose screw. The plastic used for the switch housing feels much thinner than Topre. The springs are almost identical to Topre. I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The ?silicone? dome sheet is actually not as bad as I expected it to be but doesn't snap as crisply as Topre...Not much else to say really other than the fact that this is an "engineering sample" so I'm not sure if they had plans to change/address any of these problems before release.

That review has me scared of the quality of this keyboard.

Are there any more reviews in case this was a fluke?

[davkol]

That's why I'm asking, because it was an engineering sample. I guess we can only hope (either way).

[daerid]

Are these actually Topre switches? Or a cheap knock off?

[de_milk]

How is 35g?

[davkol]

Are these actually Topre switches? Or a cheap knock off?

Definitely not Topre.

[daerid]

Definitely not Topre.

Figured

[JinDesu]

But not necessarily a cheap knockoff. Would be great if there were more reviews/impressions of the board besides the pre-production model.

[davkol]

It's a knock off for the most part (I mean, look at the keycap printing or the package) and it's relatively cheap… okay, it isn't, but that makes it even worse. O_o

[acantha]

i briefly considered buying this just to get the stems, but from the description of its build quality i don't even know if that would be worth doing...

[long813]

i briefly considered buying this just to get the stems, but from the description of its build quality i don't even know if that would be worth doing...

I'm waiting on the mass reviews to come in. If the stems end up being alright, then the cost of the stems is still cheaper than a topre cap set.

[dorkvader]

the plate is very very thin and aluminium, so I worry about the feel from that. I'm told that some people in China have already commented on that.

Rubber looks to be "okay" quality, I bet it feels like a nice RD.

Stems and housings appear to be good quality, possibly made from POM. Consider to use with topre if it's compatible.

I recommend light lubrication of stems just in case. Probably not necessary though.

[rowdy]

the plate is very very thin and aluminium, so I worry about the feel from that. I'm told that some people in China have already commented on that.

Rubber looks to be "okay" quality, I bet it feels like a nice RD.

Stems and housings appear to be good quality, possibly made from POM. Consider to use with topre if it's compatible.

I recommend light lubrication of stems just in case. Probably not necessary though.

Even thin aluminium would be stronger than HHKB plastic case plate?

[Hypersphere]

I am feeling lucky already to have a genuine Topre Realforce 87u and a HHKB Pro 2 for my Topre-switch keyboards, and a CM Novatouch for when I feel like showcasing my best Cherry mx keycaps.

[spiceBar]

I have spent two hours looking for an answer but can't find one:

Are the sliders in this Nopoo keyboard compatible with real Topre keyboards (Realforce, HHKB, FC660C...)?

I would like to replace the sliders of the 1x keys in my HHKB and FC660C with Cherry MX compatible ones. I don't need to replace the sliders of the stabilized keys (Backspace, Enter, L-Shift, R-Shift). I don't want to replace the switch housings either (in the HHKB you cannot replace them - they are part of the top of the case).

I just want to take the sliders from the Nopoo and put them in 1x Topre switches.

Will it work? Has anyone tried this?

All the pictures I see tell me that it could very well be possible, but it's not something you can tell just by looking at pictures.

If it worked, I could purchase just one Nopoo and convert both my HHKB and FC660C to be Cherry MX compatible! 

If you know the answer... Thank you in advance.