The programmability and the angle (via case rather than risers) seem like decided advantages over Norbaforce, especially if you can offer the WKL variant like Norbaforce. Not to stir the pot, and acknowledging the independent value of each the value of the creators' efforts, for those of us who want to decide which to buy, anyone else have any thoughts on pros/cons of this vs. Norbaforce?
Norbauer's project is super nice but just didn't fulfill what I wanted (nothing against him). I prefer a clean silhouette and just a simpler construction. The height was a aspect too.
His is already happening so you'll get it a lot sooner -- I don't have a lot of details worked out yet. You can have powder coated finishes on his, and it has two possible angles.
I can't really comment as there is obvious bias.
I intend to invest in both projects. They both are fantastic and the investment will be well worth it. I will say that Xondat's plate option is exciting if it can be realized, and he seems to be further along with the modeling of the plate - most advanced model I've seen yet. Norbauer has also stated an interest in developing a plate at a later date. I think it is great to bring all sorts of alternatives to market - options benefit us all. Think of how many HHKB MX clones exist and they keep coming up with more - it is a popular design. There is plenty of room for alternative designs on the Realforce models as well - IMHO the Realforce 86U is the idealized keyboard and deserves many different iterations and options to suit different owners and differing use patterns.
That plate though would solve a major issue - the Norbaforce is only compatible with Topre spacebars without sub-optimal modifications to the spacebar or plate using modeling clay and glue, as detailed in PerniciousPony's post on his "84U" design which is even featured in Norbauer's advertising. A custom plate for the 86U would enable modifying the stabilizer to enable full MX Tsangan standard compatibility (i.e. MX 7u spacebar) for keysets like GMK and SA without needing a custom PCB. The great thing is that any new plate options, regardless of who develops them, should be compatible with all Realforce case designs as they all must be engineered to support the original plate dimensions. I'm hoping for a community breakthrough in eliminating the only downside to the Realforce - lack of MX spacebar support. Whoever brings the plate to market will benefit owners of the Norbaforce, Noxary XRF, TGR Zooey, the two Digilog Korean custom models, and the KBDfan Korean custom. The 87U, since it is more widely available, also deserves a plate designed for it to make the spacebar stabilizers compatible with the GMK center-stem 6u spacebar featured on the latest sets like GMK Laser. Since we are doing custom plates we can add the holes for the new Topre-made MX stabilizers for the shift, Enter, and Backspace keys. I also think changing from steel to pvd coated brass will be an upgrade in overall keyfeel and in looks. A nice plate can really compliment a build with the right materials and finishes. The stock Realforce plate is also prone to rusting as anyone in a wet climate can tell you. A coated brass or aluminum plate would not rust.
As for the case, I see pros and cons to both the Norbaforce design and the Noxary XRF design. Both are far better than the two Digilog cases and the KBDfans case, which is saying a lot because these cases were fantastic and have served many lucky owners well for many, many years. The ergonomic differences between each case will be argued at length by the community, but I look forward to trying them both with different keycap sets and making that determination for myself. Keyboards are deeply personal experiences and you won't know what you like until you try it yourself or at a Meetup, which has another advantage in that it expands and builds on our weird little community of enthusiasts. I would say though, that if you have any interest at all in either design, invest in it when it is available as it may never happen again. You can always turn around and trade/sell the case later, typically at a profit. There is a thriving aftermarket for well made cases.