CM Storm Novatouch

[dodzylla]

This keyboard lokes awesome, i hope we will got one ISO version. Then i will buy one, i got now a roccat RYOS mk , but this keyboard is a nightmare, uncomfortable as hell...

[lightsout714]

Hoping for no rubber coating. Time for CM to ditch it already.

[dante]

Hoping for no rubber coating. Time for CM to ditch it already.

I don't mind the gray/silver rubber coating on the original QFR.  The black rubber coating however attracts finger prints like crazy.

[MasterBash]

I dont like the noise of it. It appears to be noisier than my cm quickfire tk with cherry mx red with o-rings.

[Xowie]

This was posted on deskthority a couple days ago:
http://imgur.com/a/n7nER

[ihatefirewalls]

The rubberized coating on the new Rapid-i feels pretty different (silky and less grippy) compared to the original QFRs. I'm guessing the Novatouch coating would be similar to the new QFR-is.

[Lammie]

If it came in 55g, I would've waited. Now, I just ordered a RF 55g

[lightsout714]

Hoping for no rubber coating. Time for CM to ditch it already.

I don't mind the gray/silver rubber coating on the original QFR.  The black rubber coating however attracts finger prints like crazy.

I agree.

[awong]

As long as I can buy replacement case I am happy.

[remdell]

As long as I can buy replacement case I am happy.

That might not be so readily available due to the location of the USB...

[YuukiHaruto]

I dont like the noise of it. It appears to be noisier than my cm quickfire tk with cherry mx red with o-rings.

I'm very heavy fingered. Logitech domes can't last more than a year with me 

Likely their omission of stating that the switches are Topre would be to keep customers. Once the customer realizes the switch type isn't anything exclusive to Cooler Master and that they have options, they'll just google for other Topre boards and buy one of those. After all, the switch type is one of the main selling points of the board. Maybe 1 in 10 consumers would be interested in the MX keycap compatibility at best (outside of the keyboard enthusiast communities).

After all, why would the consumer wait for a product that is already available if the alternatives will meet their needs?

It's very simple. Topre is trademarked.

For those still waiting on this, I pinged Cooler Master on twitter and this is the response I got "Still in the works, should be ready by the end of this month. We waited to make sure all the product scheduling was on track."

End of the month? That's about a week... 

Been asking ever since I tried out the novatouch ...

Likely their omission of stating that the switches are Topre would be to keep customers. Once the customer realizes the switch type isn't anything exclusive to Cooler Master and that they have options, they'll just google for other Topre boards and buy one of those. After all, the switch type is one of the main selling points of the board. Maybe 1 in 10 consumers would be interested in the MX keycap compatibility at best (outside of the keyboard enthusiast communities).

After all, why would the consumer wait for a product that is already available if the alternatives will meet their needs?

1) The novatouch is better built than the type heaven is. 2) Are there any uniform weight RFs?

This keyboard lokes awesome, i hope we will got one ISO version. Then i will buy one, i got now a roccat RYOS mk , but this keyboard is a nightmare, uncomfortable as hell...

Ouch man. I always knew about the ryos MK but never knew it's a nightmare ... Is it true? Why is that so?

[bueller]

Likely their omission of stating that the switches are Topre would be to keep customers. Once the customer realizes the switch type isn't anything exclusive to Cooler Master and that they have options, they'll just google for other Topre boards and buy one of those. After all, the switch type is one of the main selling points of the board. Maybe 1 in 10 consumers would be interested in the MX keycap compatibility at best (outside of the keyboard enthusiast communities).

After all, why would the consumer wait for a product that is already available if the alternatives will meet their needs?

It's very simple. Topre is trademarked.

But this is a Topre board, it's printed on the PCB.

[dodzylla]

I got the cherry Mx black version. First of all, i play a lot dota 2, in high lvl , so these buttons are very  bad for this game, too slow, and for starcraft 2 too. The keyboard got a very great handrest what is very uncomfortable, + the complete keyboard is too huge. I think this keyboard was developed by engineers, not by "players" or somebody who play games a lot.

Sorry for my bad english.

[davkol]

Sooo... a keyboard (Roccat Ryos) is a nightmare, because it has MX Black switches and it's huge? And you didn't know what you were buying? It sounds like if someone was complaining that they bought an IBM Model M, but it was loud and heavy...

[dodzylla]

I got this as a gift, nightmare because of very uncomfortable to my hands, mb once you will try one and you will know. Nobody use roccat keyboards for "pro" gaming, i think this is enough to say.

[Daspartic]

I don't care what kinda coating it has, I just want dem stems!!

[davkol]

Nobody use roccat keyboards for "pro" gaming, i think this is enough to say.

That only says something about sponsorships.

[epzy]

Nobody use roccat keyboards for "pro" gaming, i think this is enough to say.

xDDDDDD

Razer Blackwidow & Logitech G710+ best keyboards EU!

[Grim Fandango]

Cool.

I am just going to go ahead and say it. The most exciting thing about this is that we may finally see affordable Topre. As much as I like Topre, I can not get behind the prices of the keyboards that have them. But yeah, the keycap thing is something to be excited about too.

[dante]

Carter said there is a possibility of a 30g version down the road.  Anyone else excited about this?

[uberknarf]

Carter said there is a possibility of a 30g version down the road.  Anyone else excited about this?

I've gotta admit, this wouldn't be to my tastes, but I can understand that it might be for others.

For me, the 45g uniform RF has been my perfect keyboard to date. Consistent pressure, not too heavy, not too light.

The only thing I wish it had is the backlighting and settings of my Ducky Shine 3. I know that many aren't that sussed about backlighting, but I enjoy working in low-light environments, and while I touch-type, I prefer to have the option of looking down when I'm hunting for certain symbol or function keys.

[ajx]

When it will be released?

[absyrd]

A member did a pretty good review here:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=61075.0

I figured I'd come into this thread and talk about the pricing, though, instead of there.

Do you think this will create some competition with the Topre boards on EK and we'll maybe see a tiny price battle with both of them dropping in the next few months?

[YuukiHaruto]

Likely their omission of stating that the switches are Topre would be to keep customers. Once the customer realizes the switch type isn't anything exclusive to Cooler Master and that they have options, they'll just google for other Topre boards and buy one of those. After all, the switch type is one of the main selling points of the board. Maybe 1 in 10 consumers would be interested in the MX keycap compatibility at best (outside of the keyboard enthusiast communities).

After all, why would the consumer wait for a product that is already available if the alternatives will meet their needs?

It's very simple. Topre is trademarked.

But this is a Topre board, it's printed on the PCB.

Nothing got to do with them not putting topre switches on the box. Using the word "topre switches" on their boxes will ensue an lawsuit.

Nobody use roccat keyboards for "pro" gaming, i think this is enough to say.

xDDDDDD

Razer Blackwidow & Logitech G710+ best keyboards EU!

Blackwidow. Rubbish and overpriced as well as badly built keyboards. Logitech G710+ only available in browns is not aesthetically pleasing or has any special features to redeem itself and is also expensive

A member did a pretty good review here:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=61075.0

I figured I'd come into this thread and talk about the pricing, though, instead of there.

Do you think this will create some competition with the Topre boards on EK and we'll maybe see a tiny price battle with both of them dropping in the next few months?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0

Did my review as well a long time back.

[intelli78]

Nothing got to do with them not putting topre switches on the box. Using the word "topre switches" on their boxes will ensue an lawsuit.

Did they license the technology but not the name or something? I'm confused. It seems like Topre would want to have its name on the product?

[bueller]

Nothing got to do with them not putting topre switches on the box. Using the word "topre switches" on their boxes will ensue an lawsuit.

Did they license the technology but not the name or something? I'm confused. It seems like Topre would want to have its name on the product?

Yeah it makes no sense to me. Not only is Topre printed on the PCB but it's actually the Topre logo. If they don't put it on the box I don't think it would be because of legalities, probably just CM trying to make a name for themselves.

[Xowie]

Nothing got to do with them not putting topre switches on the box. Using the word "topre switches" on their boxes will ensue an lawsuit.

Did they license the technology but not the name or something? I'm confused. It seems like Topre would want to have its name on the product?

Yeah it makes no sense to me. Not only is Topre printed on the PCB but it's actually the Topre logo. If they don't put it on the box I don't think it would be because of legalities, probably just CM trying to make a name for themselves.

I basically agree with this. Another possibility is to avoid confusion. Having topre blatnatly labeled everywhere may cause confusion on the keycaps being mx compatible because people are aware that there are topre keycaps (that are not compatible with the novatouch)

[intelli78]

Confirmed that you can swap stems into other Topre boards: http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/2bzsbv/novatouch_review_update_yes_you_can_swap_stems/

I wonder if they'll sell the stems separately. It would probably have to be at a hefty price, since it would cannibalize sales of the Novatouch. But if they could get the economics right, seems like it could be very profitable to offer both

[Xowie]

Confirmed that you can swap stems into other Topre boards: http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/2bzsbv/novatouch_review_update_yes_you_can_swap_stems/

I wonder if they'll sell the stems separately. It would probably have to be at a hefty price, since it would cannibalize sales of the Novatouch. But if they could get the economics right, seems like it could be very profitable to offer both

Nice, will probably definitely get it now. I wonder if the stabs are also interchangeable.

[exitfire401]

Confirmed that you can swap stems into other Topre boards: http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/2bzsbv/novatouch_review_update_yes_you_can_swap_stems/

I wonder if they'll sell the stems separately. It would probably have to be at a hefty price, since it would cannibalize sales of the Novatouch. But if they could get the economics right, seems like it could be very profitable to offer both

Nice, will probably definitely get it now. I wonder if the stabs are also interchangeable.

Yes, the plastic housings are the exact same. The Novatouch ones just have holes on both sides of the stem.

[YuukiHaruto]

Nothing got to do with them not putting topre switches on the box. Using the word "topre switches" on their boxes will ensue an lawsuit.

Did they license the technology but not the name or something? I'm confused. It seems like Topre would want to have its name on the product?

Yeah it makes no sense to me. Not only is Topre printed on the PCB but it's actually the Topre logo. If they don't put it on the box I don't think it would be because of legalities, probably just CM trying to make a name for themselves.

I talked with CM HQ about it. The topre name is licensed as a "marketing term" If they put topre wait for the barrage of lawsuits.

[dorkvader]

Nothing got to do with them not putting topre switches on the box. Using the word "topre switches" on their boxes will ensue an lawsuit.

Did they license the technology but not the name or something? I'm confused. It seems like Topre would want to have its name on the product?

Guys, it is possible to license/use a technology without licensing the name. Unicomp can make buckling spring keyboards all day long, but they quit selling those IBM logos for a very good reason.

[jameslr]

Nothing got to do with them not putting topre switches on the box. Using the word "topre switches" on their boxes will ensue an lawsuit.

Did they license the technology but not the name or something? I'm confused. It seems like Topre would want to have its name on the product?

Guys, it is possible to license/use a technology without licensing the name. Unicomp can make buckling spring keyboards all day long, but they quit selling those IBM logos for a very good reason.

Right, they just can't brand their keyboard as "Topre Novatouch" and try to sell it like that. It is probably also part of the agreement that CM has with Topre about branding their product discretely. I don't see why this is such a big deal. We know they're legit Topre boards. Why does it matter what CM marketing spin is put on it?

[TotalChaos]

My hope is actually that I can remove the PCB, plate, etc., swap out the domes with 30g ones, and put all of that in my RealForce aluminum case (from KBDMod). A lot would have to fall in line for that to work out, but it's not so implausible.

How would you get 30g domes?

I have been wanting 30g domes for a century.

[davkol]

My hope is actually that I can remove the PCB, plate, etc., swap out the domes with 30g ones, and put all of that in my RealForce aluminum case (from KBDMod). A lot would have to fall in line for that to work out, but it's not so implausible.

How would you get 30g domes?

I have been wanting 30g domes for a century.

30g Topre Realforce... oh wait, these don't support PS/2, do they?

[TotalChaos]

I have been wanting 30g domes for a century.

30g Topre Realforce...

I can't recall ever seeing any USA Topre keyboard with 30g rubberdomes.   I don't think they ever made one.

Are you saying that these keyboards exist in reality?

Or are you just saying that they might make one someday in the future?

I went to EK just now and they don't have any 30g Topre keyboards listed.

oh wait, these don't support PS/2, do they?

I can't find any Topre 30g keyboards.  Period.

But my original comment was directed towards all 30g (or less) rubberdomes.

I will restate as: I would like to try out some 30g (or less) rubberdome keyboards.  They could be Topre-switch keyboards or just regular cheap rubberdome keyboards ("Rubberdome over membrane").

The new Rubberdome Topre keyboard by Coolermaster is not 30g.
The TypeHeaven Topre is not 30g.
I couldn't see any 30g Topres listed on EK.

[Zeal]

Realforce 89/89U are full 30g Topre keyboards, and WKL too.

[norbauer]

Well, the "end of July" availability date has now come and gone. Anybody seen these things for sale anywhere yet?

[YuukiHaruto]

Well, the "end of July" availability date has now come and gone. Anybody seen these things for sale anywhere yet?

Mid-august here ... CM Y U NO FAST

[minho]

Well, the "end of July" availability date has now come and gone. Anybody seen these things for sale anywhere yet?

Mid-august here ... CM Y U NO FAST

But actually. Original proposed date of arrival was Q2 of this year iirc... and now we're into August. I have since caved and bought an HHKB to join the elite. Bye bye Novatouch

[ViciousWhiskers]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

[bueller]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

I don't get this. The FC660c is almost $200 anyway and has a non standard layout. For the small price difference the Novatouch will be a much better purchase.

Am I insane or did you all expect this thing to be priced like an MX board? Topre boards are all pricey and this has way better features than most while still being cheaper than a HHKB.

[Xowie]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

I don't get this. The FC660c is almost $200 anyway and has a non standard layout. For the small price difference the Novatouch will be a much better purchase.

Am I insane or did you all expect this thing to be priced like an MX board? Topre boards are all pricey and this has way better features than most while still being cheaper than a HHKB.

With realforce/HHKB/FC660C you get a solid, complete package right out of the box. The novatouch will come with cheap keycaps, so I think most people are hoping that the price will be compensated for that. Also it is being produced by CM, which is known for offering attractively priced products.

[ViciousWhiskers]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

I don't get this. The FC660c is almost $200 anyway and has a non standard layout. For the small price difference the Novatouch will be a much better purchase.

Am I insane or did you all expect this thing to be priced like an MX board? Topre boards are all pricey and this has way better features than most while still being cheaper than a HHKB.

Since the Novatouch is a TKL keyboard mainly using different sliders, I don't see why the cost should be any different from that of a TypeHeaven for around ~$150+. As Xowie said, for 200$, why bother getting a Novatouch that comes with stock ABS keycaps, only to be switched to another keycap set and pay an extra $50+ more, when I can just buy an HHKB for a little bit more than $200 or a Leopold FC660C for a little bit less than $200 which includes the cost of PBT keycaps coming as stock.

[bueller]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

I don't get this. The FC660c is almost $200 anyway and has a non standard layout. For the small price difference the Novatouch will be a much better purchase.

Am I insane or did you all expect this thing to be priced like an MX board? Topre boards are all pricey and this has way better features than most while still being cheaper than a HHKB.

Since the Novatouch is a TKL keyboard mainly using different sliders, I don't see why the cost should be any different from that of a TypeHeaven for around ~$150+. As Xowie said, for 200$, why bother getting a Novatouch that comes with stock ABS keycaps, only to be switched to another keycap set and pay an extra $50+ more, when I can just buy an HHKB for a little bit more than $200 or a Leopold FC660C for a little bit less than $200 which includes the cost of PBT keycaps coming as stock.

That's fair, if you're happy with stock caps then this probably isn't the board for you.

[Novus]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

I don't get this. The FC660c is almost $200 anyway and has a non standard layout. For the small price difference the Novatouch will be a much better purchase.

Am I insane or did you all expect this thing to be priced like an MX board? Topre boards are all pricey and this has way better features than most while still being cheaper than a HHKB.

Since the Novatouch is a TKL keyboard mainly using different sliders, I don't see why the cost should be any different from that of a TypeHeaven for around ~$150+. As Xowie said, for 200$, why bother getting a Novatouch that comes with stock ABS keycaps, only to be switched to another keycap set and pay an extra $50+ more, when I can just buy an HHKB for a little bit more than $200 or a Leopold FC660C for a little bit less than $200 which includes the cost of PBT keycaps coming as stock.

Voice of reason.

[ViciousWhiskers]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

I don't get this. The FC660c is almost $200 anyway and has a non standard layout. For the small price difference the Novatouch will be a much better purchase.

Am I insane or did you all expect this thing to be priced like an MX board? Topre boards are all pricey and this has way better features than most while still being cheaper than a HHKB.

Since the Novatouch is a TKL keyboard mainly using different sliders, I don't see why the cost should be any different from that of a TypeHeaven for around ~$150+. As Xowie said, for 200$, why bother getting a Novatouch that comes with stock ABS keycaps, only to be switched to another keycap set and pay an extra $50+ more, when I can just buy an HHKB for a little bit more than $200 or a Leopold FC660C for a little bit less than $200 which includes the cost of PBT keycaps coming as stock.

That's fair, if you're happy with stock caps then this probably isn't the board for you.

Happy with stock keycaps? No sir, I'm talking about quality keycaps. From your "replace stock keycaps on novatouch" logic: if I were to get an HHKB or FC660C for around 230$, you would waste another $50-$100 to buy a "new" "replacement" keycap set for those keyboards that already have quality keycaps. If a keyboard comes with quality PBT keycaps, whether dyesub or blank, why should I bother wasting money getting a replacement set? The NovaTouch comes with ABS keycaps, so of course I would replace stock ABS keycaps with some quality PBT keycaps or at least some doubeshots. I'd rather not spend the extra $50 to $100 for a thick PBT dyesub set for the novatouch, when I can pay only slightly more for an HHKB or FC660C.

[minho]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

I don't get this. The FC660c is almost $200 anyway and has a non standard layout. For the small price difference the Novatouch will be a much better purchase.

Am I insane or did you all expect this thing to be priced like an MX board? Topre boards are all pricey and this has way better features than most while still being cheaper than a HHKB.

Since the Novatouch is a TKL keyboard mainly using different sliders, I don't see why the cost should be any different from that of a TypeHeaven for around ~$150+. As Xowie said, for 200$, why bother getting a Novatouch that comes with stock ABS keycaps, only to be switched to another keycap set and pay an extra $50+ more, when I can just buy an HHKB for a little bit more than $200 or a Leopold FC660C for a little bit less than $200 which includes the cost of PBT keycaps coming as stock.

Just wondering, where do you find HHKB's for a bit more than $200? I know it happens because I recently bought one used for $210, but I feel like they don't pop up at that price very often (maybe once a month at most?). (If occasional classified's finds are what you are talking about, then whoosh, ignore me ).

[bueller]

If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/

I don't get this. The FC660c is almost $200 anyway and has a non standard layout. For the small price difference the Novatouch will be a much better purchase.

Am I insane or did you all expect this thing to be priced like an MX board? Topre boards are all pricey and this has way better features than most while still being cheaper than a HHKB.

Since the Novatouch is a TKL keyboard mainly using different sliders, I don't see why the cost should be any different from that of a TypeHeaven for around ~$150+. As Xowie said, for 200$, why bother getting a Novatouch that comes with stock ABS keycaps, only to be switched to another keycap set and pay an extra $50+ more, when I can just buy an HHKB for a little bit more than $200 or a Leopold FC660C for a little bit less than $200 which includes the cost of PBT keycaps coming as stock.

That's fair, if you're happy with stock caps then this probably isn't the board for you.

Happy with stock keycaps? No sir, I'm talking about quality keycaps. From your "replace stock keycaps on novatouch" logic: if I were to get an HHKB or FC660C for around 230$, you would waste another $50-$100 to buy a "new" "replacement" keycap set for those keyboards that already have quality keycaps. If a keyboard comes with quality PBT keycaps, whether dyesub or blank, why should I bother wasting money getting a replacement set? The NovaTouch comes with ABS keycaps, so of course I would replace stock ABS keycaps with some quality PBT keycaps or at least some doubeshots. I'd rather not spend the extra $50 to $100 for a thick PBT dyesub set for the novatouch, when I can pay only slightly more for an HHKB or FC660C.

Then you're clearly not the target audience for this board. Why would they put decent caps on a board that's main selling point is the ability to add MX caps? Then you'd all be complaining that they'd juiced up the price for caps you don't want. And I'd also like to know where you're getting HHKB's so cheaply.

Out of curiousity I decided to do a mini roundup on Topre boards just to clear up pricing.

Type Heaven @ $129 - No TKL available so not a great comparison, ABS Caps, some say not quite as sturdy as Topre boards. Made in China.
Leopold FC660C @ $189 - Lasered PBT (dye sub is $220), solid construction. Made in China.
Realforce 87U @ $199 - PBT dye subs, very well constructed board. Made in Japan.
HHKB @ $260 - Same as above.

None of these boards support MX caps obviously so the question you need to ask yourself is how much do you like the stock ones? We all know sourcing Topre caps is a total joke, you'll be looking at $150+ for a full set.

[pcandkbguy]

looks exactly as expected, wonder how much quieter it is than blues