CM Storm Novatouch Pre-Launch Showcase & First Impressions & Typing test

[mkawa]

i've be very interested to see how very thick lube affects the 45g. really thick krytox is basically a solid and actually increases actuation force. might work well with the lighter domes? might be worth trying on a typeheaven.

[YuukiHaruto]

i've be very interested to see how very thick lube affects the 45g. really thick krytox is basically a solid and actually increases actuation force. might work well with the lighter domes? might be worth trying on a typeheaven.

Interesting. The only lube I have is some silicone lube. I have used it before for lubing my MX keyboards and it's fine

Otherwise, what else can I add on to this thread 

[demik]

If you look on deskthority you will find that CM Bram said that if the 45g sells well, 30g and 55g might be in the pipeline

30g?

Sweet, first board that you can type with waving your hand over the keys!

[YuukiHaruto]

If you look on deskthority you will find that CM Bram said that if the 45g sells well, 30g and 55g might be in the pipeline

30g?

Sweet, first board that you can type with waving your hand over the keys!

._.  )

[Hypersphere]

This new keyboard has great potential. Topre-switch boards have been hampered by a relative lack of replacement or custom keycaps. Here are some things I would hope to see, either in the forthcoming CM Topre-switch board or other models that might follow:

1. Ability to switch Backspace with Backslash (\), including a keycap swap for these positions.
2. Ability to convert Caps Lock to Control, including keycap swap.
3. Ability to exchange Win with Alt, Ctrl, or Fn.
4. Split Right Shift, putting Fn to the right of a shorter Right Shift.
5. Silenced Topre switches option.
6. 55-gram Topre switches option.
7. Non-rubberized case (is it so already?).
8. Micro-USB connector with plenty of room to connect third-party cables (is it so already?).

Future options:

1. 60% form factor, preferably with HHKB layout or DIP switch/programmable to HHKB layout.
2. Bluetooth or other wireless option.
3. High-profile two-tone color scheme dye-sub PBT keycaps with tasteful and attractive font, e.g., Helvetica.
4. See other options above.

[avtar]

This new keyboard has great potential. Topre-switch boards have been hampered by a relative lack of replacement or custom keycaps. Here are some things I would hope to see, either in the forthcoming CM Topre-switch board or other models that might follow:

1. Ability to switch Backspace with Backslash (\), including a keycap swap for these positions.
2. Ability to convert Caps Lock to Control, including keycap swap.
3. Ability to exchange Win with Alt, Ctrl, or Fn.
4. Split Right Shift, putting Fn to the right of a shorter Right Shift.
5. Silenced Topre switches option.
6. 55-gram Topre switches option.
7. Non-rubberized case (is it so already?).
8. Micro-USB connector with plenty of room to connect third-party cables (is it so already?).

That is quite the wish list. #4 ever becoming a reality would be unfortunate because it will mean keycaps sets will need to accommodate a HHKB type layout. I would be surprised if #1 - 6 get implemented on the upcoming model since CM has been hinting that the Novatouch will cost less than $200.

I do hope that it doesn't ship with a rubberized finish. The grey case is looking pretty good.

[CommonCurt]

This new keyboard has great potential. Topre-switch boards have been hampered by a relative lack of replacement or custom keycaps. Here are some things I would hope to see, either in the forthcoming CM Topre-switch board or other models that might follow:

1. Ability to switch Backspace with Backslash (\), including a keycap swap for these positions.
2. Ability to convert Caps Lock to Control, including keycap swap.
3. Ability to exchange Win with Alt, Ctrl, or Fn.
4. Split Right Shift, putting Fn to the right of a shorter Right Shift.
5. Silenced Topre switches option.
6. 55-gram Topre switches option.
7. Non-rubberized case (is it so already?).
8. Micro-USB connector with plenty of room to connect third-party cables (is it so already?).

That is quite the wish list. #4 ever becoming a reality would be unfortunate because it will mean keycaps sets will need to accommodate a HHKB type layout. I would be surprised if #1 - 6 get implemented on the upcoming model since CM has been hinting that the Novatouch will cost less than $200.

I do hope that it doesn't ship with a rubberized finish. The grey case is looking pretty good.

Show Image

All the newer pictures I have seen of the Novatouch it has a black case (Although I pray they also have a gray case option).

Also the OP in his review said that his pre-production model does in fact have a rubberized case :(

[avtar]

All the newer pictures I have seen of the Novatouch it has a black case (Although I pray they also have a gray case option).

A CM rep shared that picture of the grey case in a Novatouch thread so it might happen.

[Matt3o]

it's not properly gray, just reflection on that ****ty rubberized finish

[avtar]

Hopes dashed

[Sniping]

it's not properly gray, just reflection on that ****ty rubberized finish

Is swapping with the QFR top case possible?

[YuukiHaruto]

This new keyboard has great potential. Topre-switch boards have been hampered by a relative lack of replacement or custom keycaps. Here are some things I would hope to see, either in the forthcoming CM Topre-switch board or other models that might follow:

1. Ability to switch Backspace with Backslash (\), including a keycap swap for these positions.
2. Ability to convert Caps Lock to Control, including keycap swap.
3. Ability to exchange Win with Alt, Ctrl, or Fn.
4. Split Right Shift, putting Fn to the right of a shorter Right Shift.
5. Silenced Topre switches option.
6. 55-gram Topre switches option.
7. Non-rubberized case (is it so already?).
8. Micro-USB connector with plenty of room to connect third-party cables (is it so already?).


Future options:

1. 60% form factor, preferably with HHKB layout or DIP switch/programmable to HHKB layout.
2. Bluetooth or other wireless option.
3. High-profile two-tone color scheme dye-sub PBT keycaps with tasteful and attractive font, e.g., Helvetica.
4. See other options above.

1-4, what's the point of doing that?
5, Maybe.
6, 55 gram if the 45g sells well.
7. I prefer the rubberized case
8. huh? It IS a micro USB plug.

3) This keyboard is for people to swap keycaps anyway so why would they bother installing PBT keycaps from the get-go?

[RESPRiT]

This new keyboard has great potential. Topre-switch boards have been hampered by a relative lack of replacement or custom keycaps. Here are some things I would hope to see, either in the forthcoming CM Topre-switch board or other models that might follow:

1. Ability to switch Backspace with Backslash (\), including a keycap swap for these positions.
2. Ability to convert Caps Lock to Control, including keycap swap.
3. Ability to exchange Win with Alt, Ctrl, or Fn.
4. Split Right Shift, putting Fn to the right of a shorter Right Shift.
5. Silenced Topre switches option.
6. 55-gram Topre switches option.
7. Non-rubberized case (is it so already?).
8. Micro-USB connector with plenty of room to connect third-party cables (is it so already?).


Future options:

1. 60% form factor, preferably with HHKB layout or DIP switch/programmable to HHKB layout.
2. Bluetooth or other wireless option.
3. High-profile two-tone color scheme dye-sub PBT keycaps with tasteful and attractive font, e.g., Helvetica.
4. See other options above.

1-4, what's the point of doing that?
5, Maybe.
6, 55 gram if the 45g sells well.
7. I prefer the rubberized case
8. huh? It IS a micro USB plug.

3) This keyboard is for people to swap keycaps anyway so why would they bother installing PBT keycaps from the get-go?

1-4 are common alternative preferences. You come off as really defensive when rjrich is giving some really good commentary btw

[YuukiHaruto]

This new keyboard has great potential. Topre-switch boards have been hampered by a relative lack of replacement or custom keycaps. Here are some things I would hope to see, either in the forthcoming CM Topre-switch board or other models that might follow:

1. Ability to switch Backspace with Backslash (\), including a keycap swap for these positions.
2. Ability to convert Caps Lock to Control, including keycap swap.
3. Ability to exchange Win with Alt, Ctrl, or Fn.
4. Split Right Shift, putting Fn to the right of a shorter Right Shift.
5. Silenced Topre switches option.
6. 55-gram Topre switches option.
7. Non-rubberized case (is it so already?).
8. Micro-USB connector with plenty of room to connect third-party cables (is it so already?).


Future options:

1. 60% form factor, preferably with HHKB layout or DIP switch/programmable to HHKB layout.
2. Bluetooth or other wireless option.
3. High-profile two-tone color scheme dye-sub PBT keycaps with tasteful and attractive font, e.g., Helvetica.
4. See other options above.

1-4, what's the point of doing that?
5, Maybe.
6, 55 gram if the 45g sells well.
7. I prefer the rubberized case
8. huh? It IS a micro USB plug.

3) This keyboard is for people to swap keycaps anyway so why would they bother installing PBT keycaps from the get-go?

1-4 are common alternative preferences. You come off as really defensive when rjrich is giving some really good commentary btw

Then technically speaking should every board have it. But, BIG (Like CM) manufacturers are just going to stick to standards. (yes, standards.)

[Candyflip]

"Technically speaking" topre switch with MX stem is not that much standard...

[pexon]

55 gram plz

Micro USB is cool too

Am I being stupid, I've just flitted through this thread, but did I miss a rough price of this bad boy?

[Candyflip]

55 gram plz

Micro USB is cool too

Am I being stupid, I've just flitted through this thread, but did I miss a rough price of this bad boy?

From the PAX video the CM guy says between $150-170 roughly.

[pexon]

Thats a damn fair price if you ask me. I'm sure it will translate to 150-170GBP though lol

[CommonCurt]

55 gram plz

Micro USB is cool too

Am I being stupid, I've just flitted through this thread, but did I miss a rough price of this bad boy?

From the PAX video the CM guy says between $150-170 roughly.

Would you happen to have the link for that video?

[Candyflip]

Somewhere after 3:50 in the video

[avtar]

Would you happen to have the link for that video?

Heads-up, it's pretty loud

Edit: too slow

[pexon]

Thanks for the link to the video guys. It will be interested to see if it is compatible with existing TKL after market cases.

It baffles me as no-one from CM utters the word 'Topre,' they don't even hint it, it comes across to me that the CM representatives believe they developed the switch themselves.

[HPE1000]

Summer/Q3 

[Candyflip]

Thanks for the link to the video guys. It will be interested to see if it is compatible with existing TKL after market cases.

It baffles me as no-one from CM utters the word 'Topre,' they don't even hint it, it comes across to me that the CM representatives believe they developed the switch themselves.

They have actually said that it is made by Topre, they just don't want to specify that when promoting the board for some reason.

[YuukiHaruto]

Thats a damn fair price if you ask me. I'm sure it will translate to 150-170GBP though lol

We're talking about layouts 

Summer/Q3 

AFAIK It won't be that late ... I'm pissed if it's that late. 

[avtar]

Summer/Q3 

AFAIK It won't be that late ... I'm pissed if it's that late. 

We're pretty much two weeks away from May. A summer release sounds like a safe bet if they're still addressing USB issues and another CM rep mentioned something or the other about the keycaps font.

[YuukiHaruto]

Summer/Q3 

AFAIK It won't be that late ... I'm pissed if it's that late. 

We're pretty much two weeks away from May. A summer release sounds like a safe bet if they're still addressing USB issues and another CM rep mentioned something or the other about the keycaps font.

I already said it's a micro USB. It's very easy to detach and latch the usb connector.

[avtar]

I already said it's a micro USB. It's very easy to detach and latch the usb connector.

Check that thread.

"The current one is actually quite nice, but look at the way it turns when plugged into the keyboard. I think they moved the socket during development but didn't alter the cable to match."

[YuukiHaruto]

I already said it's a micro USB. It's very easy to detach and latch the usb connector.

Check that thread.

"The current one is actually quite nice, but look at the way it turns when plugged into the keyboard. I think they moved the socket during development but didn't alter the cable to match."

 I see what you mean. Basically the right angle plug is the problem?

[avtar]

You're in a better position to tell us

[Matt3o]

that has been reported to CM

[CommonCurt]

55 gram plz

Micro USB is cool too

Am I being stupid, I've just flitted through this thread, but did I miss a rough price of this bad boy?

From the PAX video the CM guy says between $150-170 roughly.

Would you happen to have the link for that video?

Thanks for the video. 

Looks like they are putting rubber on the fold out feet

[Polymer]

It looks like the keyboard sits really high..sort of like the CM Pro....I hope it just looks like that...

[YuukiHaruto]

It looks like the keyboard sits really high..sort of like the CM Pro....I hope it just looks like that...

Same profile as QFR.

[Pacifist]

anybody know if it has the same profile as all the other TKLs before, ie can I put it in a custom case already on the market

[CommonCurt]

anybody know if it has the same profile as all the other TKLs before, ie can I put it in a custom case already on the market

The back of the case looks different from the QFR's.

Pic from the OP

[mkawa]

all i can really say about this board is that it's the first new board i've been super excited about in quite a while. can't wait till i can get ahold of one!

[Matt3o]

all i can really say about this board is that it's the first new board i've been super excited about in quite a while. can't wait till i can get ahold of one!

c'mon. 45g Topre. Really?

[mkawa]

I AM EXCITE

[Matt3o]

well, let's hope they fix the few issues before releasing it.

[Polymer]

It looks like the keyboard sits really high..sort of like the CM Pro....I hope it just looks like that...

Same profile as QFR.

Is it?  So the front bezel is the same height as the QFR?  That'd be good but it doesn't look like that in the pics..but with all the different angles it is hard to tell...

[blackbox]

Video from linus techtips:

The CM rep dosent mention Topre until Luke asks him about it.

[rowdy]

Video from linus techtips:

The CM rep dosent mention Topre until Luke asks him about it.

Hint: GH doesn't like the YouTube with https - change it to http and the preview window should appear

Edit 1: Oh, you already did.  Good job!

Edit 2: Still not good, how about this ...

[blackbox]

Video from linus techtips:

The CM rep dosent mention Topre until Luke asks him about it.

Hint: GH doesn't like the YouTube with https - change it to http and the preview window should appear

Edit 1: Oh, you already did.  Good job!

Edit 2: Still not good, how about this ...

Thanks! It didnt like a video from a playlist (and https).

[rowdy]

Thanks! It didnt like a video from a playlist (and https).

It's a bit picky, isn't it.

A good rep - makes me want to buy one!

[blackbox]

Thanks! It didnt like a video from a playlist (and https).

It's a bit picky, isn't it.

A good rep - makes me want to buy one!

A good rep yes. But I had the feeling that he had talked for some hours (I know how that feels)

[paco]

Video from linus techtips:

The CM rep dosent mention Topre until Luke asks him about it.

Why do they say there is a tactile bump similar to a MX Brown switch? They say you have an initial resistance and than there is a bump like in MX Brown. Topre isn't like that at all.

But they keep on saying "based on Topre switches"... so they might NOT be Topre switches.

[Matt3o]

because people think mx brown are the go-to switches and they want to catch the commoners.

they are topre. the PCB is also topre branded.

[Polymer]

I think it is because it has a tactile bump but isn't clicky...so the closest thing to it that people can relate to in the mechanical world is brown...although I think Alps are probably closer...and obviously a normal rubber dome keyboard is pretty similar in feel as well but they're not about to say that...

[davkol]

This new keyboard has great potential. Topre-switch boards have been hampered by a relative lack of replacement or custom keycaps. Here are some things I would hope to see, either in the forthcoming CM Topre-switch board or other models that might follow:

1. Ability to switch Backspace with Backslash (\), including a keycap swap for these positions.
2. Ability to convert Caps Lock to Control, including keycap swap.
3. Ability to exchange Win with Alt, Ctrl, or Fn.
4. Split Right Shift, putting Fn to the right of a shorter Right Shift.

(...)

1. 60% form factor, preferably with HHKB layout or DIP switch/programmable to HHKB layout.

It's a partnership between Topre and CM Storm, if I understand it correctly. I suppose PFU wouldn't be very happy, if CM Storm made a budget-level HHKB.

OTOH Carter has mentioned that they'd consider a 60% design, if NovaTouch *is* successful.