WHOA! That's really nice. Look at the switch. Can you do a close up? Put on some of the more popular MX caps. Write a review!!! And is it 45g uniform?I'll do that in my review :p I only have keycaps from my other MX keyboards. Haven't bought any aftermarket keycaps :(
Ok. I'm excited now.Heavenly, although i used to say topres are just well-built domes. I'm loving topres now, they have the distinctive tactileness even a MX Clear doesn't have and certainly none of the "emptiness" i feel in MX blues, reds or browns, black and clears or even greens!
What are your initial impressions?
Have you tried swapping caps, yet?
Welcome to Geekhack, and thank you for sharing!The legends are sexy.
That's nice - even the legends are almost bearable.
What happened to Caps Lock? Looks like it might have backlighting. Same for Scroll Lock.
Standard layout too :)
Cool! Please let us know how it feels.Heavenly.
Also, got any BroBots V2? Please see if you can jam one onto those switches. :)
And no wonder Topre decided to discontinued their key caps. Because.. this!Haha :p
Wow. Please share much pictures from all sides.Review coming soon tomorrow.
I'm just hoping we can buy those sliders separately ;):p
I wonder if the case is interchangeable with other CM type tkl covers.HPE1000 talked to me about it on OCN and yeah, it might be. I do know there's a QF-I waiting for me to review next week as well so I will compare the cases. This is a micro-usb connector board btw.
I have a blue one that will be cool to swap with it.
I at least hope they will offer it with a gray case option.Not at least, not at CM Storm. I don't dig gray and never will ... You could tell it to CM Bram though :thumb:
When I was asked if i wanted to review the novatouch I was extremely happy ... and then was told they have to take it back for the launch event next week :(
I wonder if I'll ever have the novatouch back :(
Not sure for those in the states. My dates only applies to 2 countries of APAC launch (Singapore and Malaysia)When I was asked if i wanted to review the novatouch I was extremely happy ... and then was told they have to take it back for the launch event next week :(
I wonder if I'll ever have the novatouch back :(
Thanks for all the info. Launch event next week?
When I was asked if i wanted to review the novatouch I was extremely happy ... and then was told they have to take it back for the launch event next week :(
I wonder if I'll ever have the novatouch back :(
Not sure for those in the states. My dates only applies to 2 countries of APAC launch (Singapore and Malaysia)When I was asked if i wanted to review the novatouch I was extremely happy ... and then was told they have to take it back for the launch event next week :(
I wonder if I'll ever have the novatouch back :(
Thanks for all the info. Launch event next week?
So, is there problems with the depth of pressing the topre.I'm not sure.
Would you say it makes it feel worse than other topre boards?
Please post a typing test video if at all possible.Sure, no problem.
Yep! Ya but check the pricing first :pNot sure for those in the states. My dates only applies to 2 countries of APAC launch (Singapore and Malaysia)When I was asked if i wanted to review the novatouch I was extremely happy ... and then was told they have to take it back for the launch event next week :(
I wonder if I'll ever have the novatouch back :(
Thanks for all the info. Launch event next week?
In Malaysia? ? ? ?
No shipping cost anymore? ? ? ? ?
No waiting for shipping to arrive from US? ? ? ?
WHOA!
Edit: do you mind sharing with me where is the launch in Malaysia? Digital IT Mall? And I wonder if it's available for sale then?
Is the case rubberized? Thanks!
Is the USB connection micro-USB or mini-USB?
Also looks rubberized (hope I'm wrong)
Also looks rubberized (hope I'm wrong)
It mentions that the case is rubberized in the OP.
Given that the layout is identical, I don't see why they'd make a new case if they could use the exact machinery for QFR cases. To be honest, I appreciate this as it likely keeps the cost down. (And we all know these keyboards are really for harvesting stems.)
Is the case rubberized? Thanks!If they rubberize the case, I'll never buy it. Simple as that. Anybody who lives in these parts should be well aware that rubberized case = nasty case within a few months to a year.
It's a rubber case btw. Not much information has been released or known to me either
Cool! Maybe these guys will have them at PAX East. That's where I got my CM Storm Trigger last year. They usually have stuff super discounted too. I got mine with reds for $80 on the show floor.Yeah they showcase stuff and discount prices on items during their booths. This is CM for ya :p
You seemed to be around here for some time but your id was created today? Secret mission?LOL. OCN Mech keyboard club :D
a problem that my CM's product manager acknowledges, either the key travel on a topre is too shallow or their batches have key travel depth issues.
Simply put, when i was trying to pull the keycap out it sinks to the bottom of the keyboard. that doesn't happen with a MX board
Unlike him, I don't have a NDA. Unlike you guys I haven't got 1000$ to spend on keyboards ... My friend has a HHKB but he's in Britain right now :(a problem that my CM's product manager acknowledges, either the key travel on a topre is too shallow or their batches have key travel depth issues.
Simply put, when i was trying to pull the keycap out it sinks to the bottom of the keyboard. that doesn't happen with a MX board
CM gave Matt3o a Novatouch as well and he was pointing this out (http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/topre-switch-cherry-mx-compatible-t7076-390.html#p156274). I don't know if his NDA allows it but perhaps he could comment about that more here.
I hope you post your review soon. I'm particularly curious to know how the 45g weighting feels like compared to keyboards like the HHKB and FC660C.
Unlike him, I don't have a NDA. Unlike you guys I haven't got 1000$ to spend on keyboards ... My friend has a HHKB but he's in Britain right now :(a problem that my CM's product manager acknowledges, either the key travel on a topre is too shallow or their batches have key travel depth issues.
Simply put, when i was trying to pull the keycap out it sinks to the bottom of the keyboard. that doesn't happen with a MX board
CM gave Matt3o a Novatouch as well and he was pointing this out (http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/topre-switch-cherry-mx-compatible-t7076-390.html#p156274). I don't know if his NDA allows it but perhaps he could comment about that more here.
I hope you post your review soon. I'm particularly curious to know how the 45g weighting feels like compared to keyboards like the HHKB and FC660C.
:D
My vortex aluminum case is wondering if this keyboard will fit inside of it.
All I know is that if it does, an amazing amount of work is going to go into fixing my case up, I will make a guide for sure.:D
My vortex aluminum case is wondering if this keyboard will fit inside of it.
Mine too. :D Maybe I finally can get a topre keyboard with metal case.
I'm still not quite sure how the stabilizers fit on the MX keycaps. Do the half circles fit inside the cross section? :confused:AFAIK they just sit on the stem to stabilize it, they do not slot into or connect to the stems at all. Understand?
All I know is that if it does, an amazing amount of work is going to go into fixing my case up, I will make a guide for sure.:D
My vortex aluminum case is wondering if this keyboard will fit inside of it.
Mine too. :D Maybe I finally can get a topre keyboard with metal case.I'm still not quite sure how the stabilizers fit on the MX keycaps. Do the half circles fit inside the cross section? :confused:AFAIK they just sit on the stem to stabilize it, they do not slot into or connect to the stems at all. Understand?
Wiggle? Nah. They're okay.All I know is that if it does, an amazing amount of work is going to go into fixing my case up, I will make a guide for sure.:D
My vortex aluminum case is wondering if this keyboard will fit inside of it.
Mine too. :D Maybe I finally can get a topre keyboard with metal case.I'm still not quite sure how the stabilizers fit on the MX keycaps. Do the half circles fit inside the cross section? :confused:AFAIK they just sit on the stem to stabilize it, they do not slot into or connect to the stems at all. Understand?
I see. Wouldn't that make the longer keys wiggle a bit more though?
@OP,
Could we get a picture of the space bar removed? :)
I smell a new compatibility kit for using Cherry doubleshots on an HHKB. Move to call it the hashbaz kit. :D
I smell a new compatibility kit for using Cherry doubleshots on an HHKB. Move to call it the hashbaz kit. :D
HHKbizzle
HHKbizzle(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lol-duck.gif)
QFR-I Hype:))
Looking forward to getting one of these. Anyone heard any word on price state side?
QFR-I Hype:))
Funny enough, I'll be reviewing a QFR-I right after this. I hope I can get the novatouch back some day :(
Officially CM says 200USD.Looking forward to getting one of these. Anyone heard any word on price state side?
I'm going to completely guess MSRP $200 and hope it debuts at newegg for $120 :)) ::)
do you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...No I don't. This is a production novatouch! ;D I did have a prototype Mizar before.
No problem :)QFR-I Hype:))
Funny enough, I'll be reviewing a QFR-I right after this. I hope I can get the novatouch back some day :(
Oh no don't misunderstand I'm very interested in the review and how it compared to the CM TK's performance and price :)
It looks really nice. :)I know right ;D
Officially CM says 200USD.
Do we know for sure that the sliders can be transplanted into other Topre boards?
do you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ give me the novatouch nowdo you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
I asked raj on Reddit.
He said "soon" less than a week ago.
I took it to mean less than a month.
Seems about on target at this rate.
I see, thanks for the info. I really hope that they will sell just the sliders so I can use it for my topre :)do you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
I asked raj on Reddit.
He said "soon" less than a week ago.
I took it to mean less than a month.
Seems about on target at this rate.
I really hope that they will sell just the sliders so I can use it for my topre :)
+1 They would be idiots if they did.I really hope that they will sell just the sliders so I can use it for my topre :)
I'd wager that's almost guaranteed not to happen.
I see, thanks for the info. I really hope that they will sell just the sliders so I can use it for my topre :)do you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
I asked raj on Reddit.
He said "soon" less than a week ago.
I took it to mean less than a month.
Seems about on target at this rate.
Don't turn it on, take it apart! Everyone is wanting to see PCB photos!From matt3o
Here comes HPE1000 ;D^-^
what if people who actually own novatouch need to replace their sliders? I think there is a possibility... at i least i hope :pI really hope that they will sell just the sliders so I can use it for my topre :)
I'd wager that's almost guaranteed not to happen.
Then they might be able to convince CM to send them a couple, as long as they show they actually own a novatouch. I cannot think of any case where someone would need to replace all of their sliders and still have a functioning keyboard.what if people who actually own novatouch need to replace their sliders? I think there is a possibility... at i least i hope :pI really hope that they will sell just the sliders so I can use it for my topre :)
I'd wager that's almost guaranteed not to happen.
Or they would initiate a RMA, get it sent in for repair or replacement. How many companies send you pieces that require you to disassemble the item and void the warranty?I know, try to convince a keyboard manufacturer you need 87 stem/switch replacements for your TKL board. They will say no :P
Hoping your right. Looking for more of a "CM price" than a "Topre price" :D A guy can dream.Looking forward to getting one of these. Anyone heard any word on price state side?
I'm going to completely guess MSRP $200 and hope it debuts at newegg for $120 :)) ::)
If CM is smart they won't go more than $160. Especially when you can buy a classic Topre for around $200 now-a-days.I know, I have been saying it for a while now, I think or hope they stick to $160 or less. Otherwise I think it will be a hard sell to your average person (gamer), which is their target audience I suppose.
I don't know whether this forum allows blank posts, so instead: ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ give me the 55g novatouch now༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ give me the novatouch nowdo you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
I asked raj on Reddit.
He said "soon" less than a week ago.
I took it to mean less than a month.
Seems about on target at this rate.
do you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
I asked raj on Reddit.
He said "soon" less than a week ago.
I took it to mean less than a month.
Seems about on target at this rate.
Yeah I think it will be a hard sell for most folks towards $200. We shall see...If CM is smart they won't go more than $160. Especially when you can buy a classic Topre for around $200 now-a-days.I know, I have been saying it for a while now, I think or hope they stick to $160 or less. Otherwise I think it will be a hard sell to your average person (gamer), which is their target audience I suppose.
I had the impression that Raj or someone confirmed a ~$180 price point. Maybe I remembered incorrectly.
I had the impression that Raj or someone confirmed a ~$180 price point. Maybe I remembered incorrectly.
This sounds like the magic number to me.
A realforce is at least 230$ and are not available everywhere.I had the impression that Raj or someone confirmed a ~$180 price point. Maybe I remembered incorrectly.
This sounds like the magic number to me.
Can't wait! That seems to about the same price a Realforce? I expect CM to be aggressively priced.
Any chance you could create a video that provides an idea of what it sounds like (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOgN8qP7ZW4)?I already said I will :rolleyes:
Any chance you could create a video that provides an idea of what it sounds like (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOgN8qP7ZW4)?I already said I will :rolleyes:
Review will be up later. I thank god my DSLR is around :D I really wish I can keep the keyboard though :(
Cheapest is $215(no sale), but EK has $200(on sale) boards. Anyways don't Realforce boards come with PBT caps?A realforce is at least 230$ and are not available everywhere.I had the impression that Raj or someone confirmed a ~$180 price point. Maybe I remembered incorrectly.
This sounds like the magic number to me.
Can't wait! That seems to about the same price a Realforce? I expect CM to be aggressively priced.
A realforce is at least 230$ and are not available everywhere.I had the impression that Raj or someone confirmed a ~$180 price point. Maybe I remembered incorrectly.
This sounds like the magic number to me.
Can't wait! That seems to about the same price a Realforce? I expect CM to be aggressively priced.
I had the impression that Raj or someone confirmed a ~$180 price point. Maybe I remembered incorrectly.
This sounds like the magic number to me.
my guess is 140 to 160, i think 180 is too much for cm product.
my guess is 140 to 160, i think 180 is too much for cm product.No. Read below. Too much? You got to be joking.
If I were CM, I'd charge $200 because of the stem. Sure you can buy RealForce for that but you have no MX compatible stem!And that a type heaven costs 200$ and is made in china.
You honestly think regular consumers will buy novatouch if it was priced at $180 when they don't even know what Topre is? Or they are going to price that high only to sell these keyboards to people on this forum? Yeah i doubt that... CM do not make quality products... sure they are great budget keyboard but their quality isn't anywhere near "top notch"my guess is 140 to 160, i think 180 is too much for cm product.No. Read below. Too much? You got to be joking.If I were CM, I'd charge $200 because of the stem. Sure you can buy RealForce for that but you have no MX compatible stem!And that a type heaven costs 200$ and is made in china.
You honestly think regular consumers will buy novatouch if it was priced at $180 when they don't even know what Topre is? Or they are going to price that high only to sell these keyboards to people on this forum? Yeah i doubt that... CM do not make quality products... sure they are great budget keyboard but their quality isn't anywhere near "top notch"my guess is 140 to 160, i think 180 is too much for cm product.No. Read below. Too much? You got to be joking.If I were CM, I'd charge $200 because of the stem. Sure you can buy RealForce for that but you have no MX compatible stem!And that a type heaven costs 200$ and is made in china.
my guess is 140 to 160, i think 180 is too much for cm product.No. Read below. Too much? You got to be joking.If I were CM, I'd charge $200 because of the stem. Sure you can buy RealForce for that but you have no MX compatible stem!And that a type heaven costs 200$ and is made in china.
You honestly think regular consumers will buy novatouch if it was priced at $180 when they don't even know what Topre is? Or they are going to price that high only to sell these keyboards to people on this forum? Yeah i doubt that... CM do not make quality products... sure they are great budget keyboard but their quality isn't anywhere near "top notch"my guess is 140 to 160, i think 180 is too much for cm product.No. Read below. Too much? You got to be joking.If I were CM, I'd charge $200 because of the stem. Sure you can buy RealForce for that but you have no MX compatible stem!And that a type heaven costs 200$ and is made in china.
It's still a CM. I wouldn't spend 200$ on one of their keyboards after I had some bad luck with really crappy built QFR XTs. The QFR Rapid I own is great the other hand. So to me it feels like too much of a gamlbe right now, but that's personal experience.
It's still a CM. I wouldn't spend 200$ on one of their keyboards after I had some bad luck with really crappy built QFR XTs. The QFR Rapid I own is great the other hand. So to me it feels like too much of a gamlbe right now, but that's personal experience.
You just need to inform yourself before making these kinds of purchases. Most people here would suggest a QFR because they're known good quality, whereas the XT, not so much. So you may have to wait and see what the consensus of this board is before buying.
It's still a CM. I wouldn't spend 200$ on one of their keyboards after I had some bad luck with really crappy built QFR XTs. The QFR Rapid I own is great the other hand. So to me it feels like too much of a gamlbe right now, but that's personal experience.
You just need to inform yourself before making these kinds of purchases. Most people here would suggest a QFR because they're known good quality, whereas the XT, not so much. So you may have to wait and see what the consensus of this board is before buying.
I can't really approve the XT part, because one reason I bought the board in the first place were the recommendations on Geekhack. (I had three XTs and all of them were faulty, no joke). But on the Novatouch, yes. I'll definately wait how well the board and in particular it's build will be received.
I wonder if it still ships with a rubber coated case:Well I plan on getting one day one as long as it isn't over $200 and I have a vortex case I want to try with it.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/N98L8k3.jpg)
I'd like to see someone replace the case with one of the Vortex aluminium cases. Otherwise it'll be a pain to try to keep it clean.
Well I plan on getting one day one as long as it isn't over $200 and I have a vortex case I want to try with it.
It's still a CM. I wouldn't spend 200$ on one of their keyboards after I had some bad luck with really crappy built QFR XTs. The QFR Rapid I own is great the other hand. So to me it feels like too much of a gamlbe right now, but that's personal experience.
You just need to inform yourself before making these kinds of purchases. Most people here would suggest a QFR because they're known good quality, whereas the XT, not so much. So you may have to wait and see what the consensus of this board is before buying.
I can't really approve the XT part, because one reason I bought the board in the first place were the recommendations on Geekhack. (I had three XTs and all of them were faulty, no joke). But on the Novatouch, yes. I'll definately wait how well the board and in particular it's build will be received.
I'm dumb. I'm buying the first one I can get.
I've resisted buying another mx and topre board waiting for CM to come out with this.
So, yea. Can't wait much longer.
I wonder if it still ships with a rubber coated case:Well I plan on getting one day one as long as it isn't over $200 and I have a vortex case I want to try with it.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/N98L8k3.jpg)
I'd like to see someone replace the case with one of the Vortex aluminium cases. Otherwise it'll be a pain to try to keep it clean.
Raj did hint at the possibility of a 60 percent topre.
I'm going to guess it will be at least six months before they release something like that at the earliest.
If they did come out with a 60 percent board. I'd imagine it would look more like a poker 2 than a hhkb. (They wouldn't be that adventurous.)
If they did come out with a 60 percent, I just hope they keep the mx cap compatibility and let the board be much more user configurable and programmable.
can i visit you sometime and test out the novatouch? :)) i can't type properly thought :(Sure, within this week. You in singapore?
MX Caps Compatible Topre Switch. Oh lord. If CM make it available in 55g then I'll be buying one for sure.LOL. When i first told my friend I am doing reviews for CM he was like "I thought you hated CM?". Who hates CM and has 3 of their cases ...
Cooler Master found a way to make me look at them again. How sneaky.
(I'm a CM hater)
I wouldn't be surprised if EK picked up some business from this. If they were mentioned in reviews and people go searching for them the consumer might say, "well for only $30 more I can get PBT keycaps..."And no customizable MX keycaps. And no rubber case.
"I thought you hated CM?". Who hates CM and has 3 of their cases ...
can i visit you sometime and test out the novatouch? :)) i can't type properly thought :(Sure, within this week. You in singapore?MX Caps Compatible Topre Switch. Oh lord. If CM make it available in 55g then I'll be buying one for sure.LOL. When i first told my friend I am doing reviews for CM he was like "I thought you hated CM?". Who hates CM and has 3 of their cases ...
Cooler Master found a way to make me look at them again. How sneaky.
(I'm a CM hater)I wouldn't be surprised if EK picked up some business from this. If they were mentioned in reviews and people go searching for them the consumer might say, "well for only $30 more I can get PBT keycaps..."And no customizable MX keycaps. And no rubber case.
Can't you remove the rubber coating with sand paper if it's such a big deal?Not easily, QFRs are the biggest pain in the ass to sand down. ~1+ hours of sanding if you want it perfect from my experience sanding down 3 or so tops.
can i visit you sometime and test out the novatouch? :)) i can't type properly thought :(Sure, within this week. You in singapore?MX Caps Compatible Topre Switch. Oh lord. If CM make it available in 55g then I'll be buying one for sure.LOL. When i first told my friend I am doing reviews for CM he was like "I thought you hated CM?". Who hates CM and has 3 of their cases ...
Cooler Master found a way to make me look at them again. How sneaky.
(I'm a CM hater)I wouldn't be surprised if EK picked up some business from this. If they were mentioned in reviews and people go searching for them the consumer might say, "well for only $30 more I can get PBT keycaps..."And no customizable MX keycaps. And no rubber case.
I'm free this monday so make your way down if you want to.
i live in singapore, not too sure about this upcoming week since college is re-opening :confused:
my guess is 140 to 160, i think 180 is too much for cm product.No. Read below. Too much? You got to be joking.If I were CM, I'd charge $200 because of the stem. Sure you can buy RealForce for that but you have no MX compatible stem!And that a type heaven costs 200$ and is made in china.
Typeheaven is only $150 AUD here.
Well if you aren't going to buy the keyboard because of the rubber coating (like Beserkfan) that ~1 hour is worth it then.
Well if you aren't going to buy the keyboard because of the rubber coating (like Beserkfan) that ~1 hour is worth it then.
Don't actually understand what you are saying here, but I would happily swap a casing top with someone's PLU casing top or whatever is compatible, and pay that somebody else a few extra bucks. The rubberized tops are really crap. The very fact that CM is big in Singapore and most ordinary people in Singapore are not against CM, suggests that they don't actually expect to use their CM keyboards past a certain period. Such as the one year warranty. If you're living in Norway you may not experience deterioration until after a pretty long period eg 10 years, but in tropical areas, anything rubber or plastic (except very good plastic) spoils fast.
If they rubberize the case, I'll never buy it. Simple as that. Anybody who lives in these parts should be well aware that rubberized case = nasty case within a few months to a year.
Just so you know, we really use our keyboards for a long time AND we have 3 year warranties. Again, the sales figures here show that most people are sort of against CM.Well if you aren't going to buy the keyboard because of the rubber coating (like Beserkfan) that ~1 hour is worth it then.
Don't actually understand what you are saying here, but I would happily swap a casing top with someone's PLU casing top or whatever is compatible, and pay that somebody else a few extra bucks. The rubberized tops are really crap. The very fact that CM is big in Singapore and most ordinary people in Singapore are not against CM, suggests that they don't actually expect to use their CM keyboards past a certain period. Such as the one year warranty. If you're living in Norway you may not experience deterioration until after a pretty long period eg 10 years, but in tropical areas, anything rubber or plastic (except very good plastic) spoils fast.
good to know there is alot of geekhackers from singapore :))It does.
I don't think the price will be justifiable if it is $200 and a rubber case. Rubber feels a lot less slick than a normal gloss finish or matte finish, a la WASD.I don't want a slick case, i want it to be grippy and not go shiny after 1 year. Maybe it's your personal preference
I think I need to expand out into new switches, either topre or BS, but I don't think this will make me want to spend £120+ on another board, even with these new stems.
Just so you know, we really use our keyboards for a long time AND we have 3 year warranties. Again, the sales figures here show that most people are sort of against CM.
No. read againJust so you know, we really use our keyboards for a long time AND we have 3 year warranties. Again, the sales figures here show that most people are sort of against CM.
"... most people are sort of against CM"?
Really?
QFR is one of the most recommended keyboards on GH.
CM was praised for offering replacement keyboard case tops, which led to a spurt of customisations of QFR.
The CM switch tester sold out almost immediately - many GHers have one (I have two).
Apart from a few problems with small batches of QFR a year or two ago (which was quickly solved with great communication from a CM rep on GH), CM is very much in favour :)
The very fact that CM is big in Singapore and most ordinary people in Singapore are not against CM
CM has a 3 year warranty? Cool. Shame other companies don't take notice of that.
edit: All products from Cooler Master at least carry 1 year warranty from the date of purchase, with the exception of power supply units which carry a 2-5 year warranty. ???
I'm a fan of CM. They have good ideas.I am, too ;)
Yep.CM has a 3 year warranty? Cool. Shame other companies don't take notice of that.
edit: All products from Cooler Master at least carry 1 year warranty from the date of purchase, with the exception of power supply units which carry a 2-5 year warranty. ???
Having somewhere local to return the keyboard to in the event of problems would be a big plus.
CM has a 3 year warranty? Cool. Shame other companies don't take notice of that.Depends on your local warranty terms. USA is not the only country in the world :'(
edit: All products from Cooler Master at least carry 1 year warranty from the date of purchase, with the exception of power supply units which carry a 2-5 year warranty. ???
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
Hmm... I think Dolch will look pretty neat on a 'black' Realforce also!
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
Hmm... I think Dolch will look pretty neat on a 'black' Realforce also!
I have a gunmetal/dark grey digilog case, and believe me, if I had a dolch set, it would be all over that board once I got these stems.
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
Hmm... I think Dolch will look pretty neat on a 'black' Realforce also!
I have a gunmetal/dark grey digilog case, and believe me, if I had a dolch set, it would be all over that board once I got these stems.
You sir, must get some GMK Dolch goodness. Next time Originative gets it in stock or when Ivan or Bunny does a GB for it! ;D
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
Hmm... I think Dolch will look pretty neat on a 'black' Realforce also!
I have a gunmetal/dark grey digilog case, and believe me, if I had a dolch set, it would be all over that board once I got these stems.
You sir, must get some GMK Dolch goodness. Next time Originative gets it in stock or when Ivan or Bunny does a GB for it! ;D
If Bunny does a GB, I'll be in in a heartbeat. I don't know too much about originative, but the issue with them is all the current controversy of orders not being delivered/followed up on.
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
Have we confirmed that the sliders can be harvested?
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
Does that set include a 6u space bar?
I'm a fan of CM. They have good ideas.I am, too ;)Yep.CM has a 3 year warranty? Cool. Shame other companies don't take notice of that.
edit: All products from Cooler Master at least carry 1 year warranty from the date of purchase, with the exception of power supply units which carry a 2-5 year warranty. ???
Having somewhere local to return the keyboard to in the event of problems would be a big plus.CM has a 3 year warranty? Cool. Shame other companies don't take notice of that.Depends on your local warranty terms. USA is not the only country in the world :'(
edit: All products from Cooler Master at least carry 1 year warranty from the date of purchase, with the exception of power supply units which carry a 2-5 year warranty. ???
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
Hmm... I think Dolch will look pretty neat on a 'black' Realforce also!
I have a gunmetal/dark grey digilog case, and believe me, if I had a dolch set, it would be all over that board once I got these stems.
You sir, must get some GMK Dolch goodness. Next time Originative gets it in stock or when Ivan or Bunny does a GB for it! ;D
If Bunny does a GB, I'll be in in a heartbeat. I don't know too much about originative, but the issue with them is all the current controversy of orders not being delivered/followed up on.
Originative seems to be back as of right now at least. Newest batch of Dolch and Cyrillic has been shipped and received... Hopefully it's back 100% shortly, but who knows. :/
All I know is this is getting picked up, those sliders are getting harvested, and I WILL have toxic on my realforce :p
Does that set include a 6u space bar?
It does in the spacebar pack.
I wonder how many novatouchs will hit the classifieds with old Topre stems, or at least with 60 old topre stems .....lol, mine will be there if CM doesn't sell their sliders separately :p
But he said CM will launch the product THIS week in Malaysia and Singapore.
all I can say is that I'm working with CM to fix the few issues the novatouch prototype had. That's the reason to have prototypes and beta testers. Making a public review of a prototype is kinda worthless.
all I can say is that I'm working with CM to fix the few issues the novatouch prototype had. That's the reason to have prototypes and beta testers. Making a public review of a prototype is kinda worthless.Nope. CM HQ asked the local product manager of CM Singapore to ask me to do a review online.
But he said CM will launch the product THIS week in Malaysia and Singapore.What I didn't (and actually forgot) is that it's a maybe. Sorry about that blunder
the keypuller pictured here is not the one CM told me will be shipped with the final version. but these are details likely to change over time.I make do with what I review, fair and square. If CM is gonna ship them with wire pullers i'll write a second review when I have the actual one in.
a review of *this* prototype done by someone who knows topre is only going to scare people, but if CM explicitly asked for a review of the prototype, well, I can't help them :)Yes they did. But if CM is willing to work on it and provide a wire keycap puller props to them and I will give a 2nd review from there on.
a review of *this* prototype done by someone who knows topre is only going to scare people, but if CM explicitly asked for a review of the prototype, well, I can't help them :)Yes they did. But if CM is willing to work on it and provide a wire keycap puller props to them and I will give a 2nd review from there on.
a review of *this* prototype done by someone who knows topre is only going to scare people, but if CM explicitly asked for a review of the prototype, well, I can't help them :)Yes they did. But if CM is willing to work on it and provide a wire keycap puller props to them and I will give a 2nd review from there on.
From matt3o's comments I am guessing that he's referring to issues with part of or the entire switch itself in the prototype and not accessories like a keycap puller. If he doesn't feel confident that it will feel right to users of other Topre boards then I hope Cooler Master addresses those issues before the GA release.
The guy in this video says that it will be coming in the summer or early Q3. That's a little later than I'd thought...
I played around with the board @ sxsw.... I was told by the CM rep working there it was confirmed $150
I played around with the board @ sxsw.... I was told by the CM rep working there it was confirmed $150
$150 seems like a good price. $170 is a little up there considering you're getting the same form factor as a Realforce with an almost certainly inferior build quality. Obviously the draw is customization, but it also has to be because the stock caps are going to be terrible, while the Realforce has great caps out of the box. I think it would strongly behoove CM to offer a capless version of the board for cheaper if they could, but I suspect that wouldn't be very financially prudent. I'm sure they make great profit margins on the caps.
$150 seems like a good price. $170 is a little up there considering you're getting the same form factor as a Realforce with an almost certainly inferior build quality. Obviously the draw is customization, but it also has to be because the stock caps are going to be terrible, while the Realforce has great caps out of the box. I think it would strongly behoove CM to offer a capless version of the board for cheaper if they could, but I suspect that wouldn't be very financially prudent. I'm sure they make great profit margins on the caps.
And the other draw is that it's not exactly easy to get a topre everywhere is it ;)
I played around with the board @ sxsw.... I was told by the CM rep working there it was confirmed $150
I didn't bother reading the whole thread (sorry) But is there any kind of ETA for the Novatouch?
I played around with the board @ sxsw.... I was told by the CM rep working there it was confirmed $150rofl and here people thought i was crazy when i said $200 will be too much and should be around 140 to 160 for this keyboard. LOL
do you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
do you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
Where did you get the FC660C? I'm searching for it but on ek they're out of stock :-)
ETA Possibly this summer or Q3.
Once again tried topre type heaven and a uniform 45g Realforce and guess which one the novatouch is closer to? If you guessed the type heaven you're wrong. The type heaven feels crappy compared to the novatouch and the realforce.
The realforce feels what I called the "Novatouch heavenly feel"
That's how good it is.
CM is well aware of all the problems and they are working on them.
All I can say is that my opinion is that of a topre user (I have 3 topre keyboards).
All I can say about the case is that all who I asked to really hated the rubber finish. I pointed that out to CM. Hope they will listen.
is it like their QF TK rubber coating?
Just wondering, is this supposed to be the 'quiet' topres?The answer is ... No.
I am NOT that kind of gamer although I am a gamer. Done badly, that's what happens to rubber finishes. I've had rubber coated phones for several years and it is still almost as clean as day 1
do you work for cm? how were you able to get one? also do you know the release date for novatouch? I just bought my first topre (FC660C) thinking that novatouch will not be released anytime soon and next day I see someone with prototype novatouch...
Where did you get the FC660C? I'm searching for it but on ek they're out of stock :-)
EK has blanks and Imsto.cn has (expensive) printed ones. I don't recommend buying a printed one now, though, since the dyesub version is coming soon.
On *this*? What do you mean by this? ;)I am NOT that kind of gamer although I am a gamer. Done badly, that's what happens to rubber finishes. I've had rubber coated phones for several years and it is still almost as clean as day 1
Well, unfortunately, CM have displayed a propensity for doing the rubber finish poorly on this product. I've had 2 QFRs (had to RMA one) and both had issues with the coating out of the box. The corners of the chassis already had blemishes before the product even hit my desk. If they're using the same coating for their topre boards a lot of people are going to be very disappointed with their investment. I was willing to look past it cause the QFR was only $75. If I sink $150 into a keyboard, the coating had better be durable.
On *this*? What do you mean by this? ;)I am NOT that kind of gamer although I am a gamer. Done badly, that's what happens to rubber finishes. I've had rubber coated phones for several years and it is still almost as clean as day 1
Well, unfortunately, CM have displayed a propensity for doing the rubber finish poorly on this product. I've had 2 QFRs (had to RMA one) and both had issues with the coating out of the box. The corners of the chassis already had blemishes before the product even hit my desk. If they're using the same coating for their topre boards a lot of people are going to be very disappointed with their investment. I was willing to look past it cause the QFR was only $75. If I sink $150 into a keyboard, the coating had better be durable.
I'm the only one who likes it then.
I'm the only one who likes it then.Agreed.
The rubber coating? I don't mind it (my QFR has silver and QFS has black), but it does attract finger grease and can get a bit shiny where I rest or tap my fingers on the keyboard case top above the arrow keys and sometimes around the function keys.
I have no problem with the rubber coating on my quickfire xt. But think that the people that complain uses it differently than I do.I'm the only one who likes it then.Agreed.
The rubber coating? I don't mind it (my QFR has silver and QFS has black), but it does attract finger grease and can get a bit shiny where I rest or tap my fingers on the keyboard case top above the arrow keys and sometimes around the function keys.
I have no problem with the rubber coating on my quickfire xt. But think that the people that complain uses it differently than I do.I'm the only one who likes it then.Agreed.
The rubber coating? I don't mind it (my QFR has silver and QFS has black), but it does attract finger grease and can get a bit shiny where I rest or tap my fingers on the keyboard case top above the arrow keys and sometimes around the function keys.
I see. The version I tested had a black case but that might change.I have no problem with the rubber coating on my quickfire xt. But think that the people that complain uses it differently than I do.I'm the only one who likes it then.Agreed.
The rubber coating? I don't mind it (my QFR has silver and QFS has black), but it does attract finger grease and can get a bit shiny where I rest or tap my fingers on the keyboard case top above the arrow keys and sometimes around the function keys.
For some reason (don't know why) the gray QFR cases don't seem quite as bad as the black ones.
That's why I'm hoping they will offer the Novatouch with a gray case option.
(look at IBM Model M, they still rock after 30 years). If CM wants to produce the "perfect keyboard" has to get rid of the rubber finish because it has NO practical use on a keyboard. it's just a short lasting smokescreen cosmetics.
let's make it clear. the rubber coating is very nice and makes the keyboard looks cool. it's not a deal breaker nobody won't buy it because of it, but we are talking about a $150+ keyboard meant to last for decades (look at IBM Model M, they still rock after 30 years). If CM wants to produce the "perfect keyboard" has to get rid of the rubber finish because it has NO practical use on a keyboard. it's just a short lasting smokescreen cosmetics.
What kind of finish is that anyway? I suppose it isn't like the one on classic thinkpads (T/X lineup).I have several T61s lying around ;)
What kind of finish is that anyway? I suppose it isn't like the one on classic thinkpads (T/X lineup).I have several T61s lying around ;)
i personally like the rubber finish on the TK. the one on the stealth is different though and isn't that great.It does, Flat plastic makes things feel cheap. They (the testers) don't like it but I rather have rubber if they can't make a aluminium faceplate instead
the rubber felling makes the case feel softer when you handle it. flat plastic just reaps of cheapness. maybe adding rubber isn't the greatest solution, but doing nothing is the worst 'solution'
i personally like the rubber finish on the TK. the one on the stealth is different though and isn't that great.
the rubber felling makes the case feel softer when you handle it. flat plastic just reaps of cheapness. maybe adding rubber isn't the greatest solution, but doing nothing is the worst 'solution'
What kind of finish is that anyway? I suppose it isn't like the one on classic thinkpads (T/X lineup).I have several T61s lying around ;)
What kind of finish is that anyway? I suppose it isn't like the one on classic thinkpads (T/X lineup).I have several T61s lying around ;)
The T61 didn't have rubber coating, but the newer ones does. I have a Thinkpad X1C that's pushing two years now (with lot's of traveling). Rubber coating is still as new.
Edit: No wait!. *touches my old T61*. It has coating, but only on the screen lid. The newer ones has it on all surfaces. Also; the coating on the corners of the T61 is worn away.
I guess to each his own. Trying to clean the black rubber coated one without leaving some kind of mark on it is almost impossible. I really hate it
Your cases get shiny?Yup. Every plastic (non-glazed) case I've ever owned gets shiny after a year.
WTF do you do with them? I can't recall the last time I touched my keyboard's case, except putting it in a bag/box when travelling.The case referring to the outer shell of the keyboard.
Huh?What? My palms touch them everyday and this is a tropical country.
I have to admit, you're pretty good at avoiding any explanation of why do your keyboard cases get shiny. gratz
I will probably buy this then just saw the case off.It's not true rubber anyway. It's just a rubber coating which IMO actually lasts longer than I would admit, rubber. I don't see why it gets so much hate.
Huh?What? My palms touch them everyday and this is a tropical country.
I have to admit, you're pretty good at avoiding any explanation of why do your keyboard cases get shiny. gratz
my palm is usually on the table for a non-wristed case but the areas where the palm is joined to ma fingers touch the keyboard. My fingers aren't 10000cm long :confused:Huh?What? My palms touch them everyday and this is a tropical country.
I have to admit, you're pretty good at avoiding any explanation of why do your keyboard cases get shiny. gratz
I see, but then I suspect your typing technique is to blame, not the keyboard. ~_^
It's not true rubber anyway. It's just a rubber coating which IMO actually lasts longer than I would admit, rubber. I don't see why it gets so much hate.
my palm is usually on the table for a non-wristed case but the areas where the palm is joined to ma fingers touch the keyboard. My fingers aren't 10000cm long ???Huh?What? My palms touch them everyday and this is a tropical country.
I have to admit, you're pretty good at avoiding any explanation of why do your keyboard cases get shiny. gratz
I see, but then I suspect your typing technique is to blame, not the keyboard. ~_^
Do you know you can clean it off with light alcohol and a microfiber cloth? :) Light like 10% not 95% or even 99%It's not true rubber anyway. It's just a rubber coating which IMO actually lasts longer than I would admit, rubber. I don't see why it gets so much hate.
I'm not a fan of it because I don't want a grease trap:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/N98L8k3.jpg)
And as you mentioned in your previous post if the material wears down over time then going with a plastic case seems like a better decision.
I don't have a choice. Fingers are shorter than americans, duh. they are at a comfortable angle though. :thumb:my palm is usually on the table for a non-wristed case but the areas where the palm is joined to ma fingers touch the keyboard. My fingers aren't 10000cm long :confused:Huh?What? My palms touch them everyday and this is a tropical country.
I have to admit, you're pretty good at avoiding any explanation of why do your keyboard cases get shiny. gratz
I see, but then I suspect your typing technique is to blame, not the keyboard. ~_^
That's exactly what I mean. If you eventually get some sort of RSI around your wrists, don't be surprised.
It's not true rubber anyway. It's just a rubber coating which IMO actually lasts longer
I've worked on more "rubberized" product designs than you would imagine ;)It's not true rubber anyway. It's just a rubber coating which IMO actually lasts longer
this is a pretty misinformed statement.
Do you know you can clean it off with light alcohol and a microfiber cloth? :) Light like 10% not 95% or even 99%It's not true rubber anyway. It's just a rubber coating which IMO actually lasts longer than I would admit, rubber. I don't see why it gets so much hate.
I'm not a fan of it because I don't want a grease trap:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/N98L8k3.jpg)
And as you mentioned in your previous post if the material wears down over time then going with a plastic case seems like a better decision.
Did I say anything about wearing down over time? :confused:
I don't have a choice. Fingers are shorter than americans, duh. they are at a comfortable angle though. :thumb:my palm is usually on the table for a non-wristed case but the areas where the palm is joined to ma fingers touch the keyboard. My fingers aren't 10000cm long :confused:Huh?What? My palms touch them everyday and this is a tropical country.
I have to admit, you're pretty good at avoiding any explanation of why do your keyboard cases get shiny. gratz
I see, but then I suspect your typing technique is to blame, not the keyboard. ~_^
That's exactly what I mean. If you eventually get some sort of RSI around your wrists, don't be surprised.
(http://i.imgur.com/prtq9Ad.gif)I don't have a choice. Fingers are shorter than americans, duh. they are at a comfortable angle though. :thumb:my palm is usually on the table for a non-wristed case but the areas where the palm is joined to ma fingers touch the keyboard. My fingers aren't 10000cm long :confused:Huh?What? My palms touch them everyday and this is a tropical country.
I have to admit, you're pretty good at avoiding any explanation of why do your keyboard cases get shiny. gratz
I see, but then I suspect your typing technique is to blame, not the keyboard. ~_^
That's exactly what I mean. If you eventually get some sort of RSI around your wrists, don't be surprised.
Proper typing posture is supposed to look more or less like this (http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ahtutorials/tutorialimages/idealtyping.jpeg) and hands ought to float above the keyboard.
(I have rather short fingers too.)
I don't have a choice. Fingers are shorter than americans, duh. they are at a comfortable angle though. :thumb:my palm is usually on the table for a non-wristed case but the areas where the palm is joined to ma fingers touch the keyboard. My fingers aren't 10000cm long :confused:Huh?What? My palms touch them everyday and this is a tropical country.
I have to admit, you're pretty good at avoiding any explanation of why do your keyboard cases get shiny. gratz
I see, but then I suspect your typing technique is to blame, not the keyboard. ~_^
That's exactly what I mean. If you eventually get some sort of RSI around your wrists, don't be surprised.
Proper typing posture is supposed to look more or less like this (http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ahtutorials/tutorialimages/idealtyping.jpeg) and hands ought to float above the keyboard.
(I have rather short fingers too.)
See how the keyboard is angled down? Why do keyboards have feet on the top rather than the bottom of the keyboard then to help facilitate this?
See how the keyboard is angled down? Why do keyboards have feet on the top rather than the bottom of the keyboard then to help facilitate this?
Because of people who cannot type and have to look at lettering all the time. And manufacturers put it there, because everyone else is already doing it. Pretty much like staggered QWERTY.
WTF do you do with them? I can't recall the last time I touched my keyboard's case, except putting it in a bag/box when travelling.
I usually rest my fingers on the wasd or some other keys and wrist on the table, is that wrong posture? It just feels good to me and I've been doing that since I started playing games. I don't look at keyboard when I type as well. Bad habit maybe?
I usually rest my fingers on the wasd or some other keys and wrist on the table, is that wrong posture? It just feels good to me and I've been doing that since I started playing games. I don't look at keyboard when I type as well. Bad habit maybe?
If it feels good and your body is not complaining in any way then it's the right posture, for you :thumb:
I only get wrist pain when handwritting. The desk is where I belong to, then. I'm glad the nova touch for someone like me, heavenly free that doesn't wear you down like a blue does for me and it's well, customizable duh.
Less than 200.I only get wrist pain when handwritting. The desk is where I belong to, then. I'm glad the nova touch for someone like me, heavenly free that doesn't wear you down like a blue does for me and it's well, customizable duh.
I didn't catch it anywhere in the thread, but how much was the board?
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."
Cool. Hopefully somebody will post in this thread once it's available somewhere. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these to plunder it for parts. :)
Cool. Hopefully somebody will post in this thread once it's available somewhere. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these to plunder it for parts. :)
None of the reviews so far have actually confirmed that the sliders will work with other Topre boards, as far as I know.
Cool. Hopefully somebody will post in this thread once it's available somewhere. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these to plunder it for parts. :)
None of the reviews so far have actually confirmed that the sliders will work with other Topre boards, as far as I know.
I suspect this information will be available a few nanoseconds after the first one is sold to someone here. Personally I am wondering if I could plunder parts for keychains while still keeping enough of it working. I shall have to make a list of keys I can do without...
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."
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."
Cool. Hopefully somebody will post in this thread once it's available somewhere. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these to plunder it for parts. :)
Cool. Hopefully somebody will post in this thread once it's available somewhere. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these to plunder it for parts. :)
None of the reviews so far have actually confirmed that the sliders will work with other Topre boards, as far as I know.
I suspect this information will be available a few nanoseconds after the first one is sold to someone here. Personally I am wondering if I could plunder parts for keychains while still keeping enough of it working. I shall have to make a list of keys I can do without...
I would think for keychains you'd be better off with a cheap type heaven and 3d printed mx stems. :D
It's interesting, the LinusTechTips video is still set for private for this keyboard.
I did get to see it, seems he wasn't too taken by it, not sure if that's the reason.
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."
Cool. Hopefully somebody will post in this thread once it's available somewhere. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these to plunder it for parts. :)
I'm looking forward to the plunger/stems being available separate from the board.
It's interesting, the LinusTechTips video is still set for private for this keyboard.
I did get to see it, seems he wasn't too taken by it, not sure if that's the reason.
What did he claim he didn't like about it?
It's interesting, the LinusTechTips video is still set for private for this keyboard.
I did get to see it, seems he wasn't too taken by it, not sure if that's the reason.
What did he claim he didn't like about it?
I don't recall him complaining about too much other than the USB. Board looked and sounded pretty good from what I could tell.
I was glad to see that too, don't know why they won't use the proper branding in conversation.It's interesting, the LinusTechTips video is still set for private for this keyboard.
I did get to see it, seems he wasn't too taken by it, not sure if that's the reason.
What did he claim he didn't like about it?
I don't recall him complaining about too much other than the USB. Board looked and sounded pretty good from what I could tell.
The PCB was also branded with the Topre logo which is a good sign. I though for a second that since they kept referring to them as "Japanese hybrid switches" that they may have been using clones, but these are legit topres. I have never owned a topre, but it shouldn't feel any different than any other of the same weight.
They avoid using the word "Topre" because of legality issues in some countries, not because they're using a Topre clone.
Like others have mentioned before. I always thought the reason they never call them topre is because of marketing.
They want to make it sound like they are the only place to get this "new" switch.
They avoid using the word "Topre" because of legality issues in some countries, not because they're using a Topre clone.
Why would there be issues with legalities if they're legit Topre's?
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?
Production Pictures
http://imgur.com/a/n7nER (http://imgur.com/a/n7nER)
Production Picturesmaybe its finally happening?
http://imgur.com/a/n7nER (http://imgur.com/a/n7nER)
Production Pictures
http://imgur.com/a/n7nER (http://imgur.com/a/n7nER)
Do they come with O-rings pre-fitted?
Production Pictures
http://imgur.com/a/n7nER (http://imgur.com/a/n7nER)
Hoping for no rubber coating. Time for CM to ditch it already.
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.
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...
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 :-X
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).It's very simple. Topre is trademarked.
After all, why would the consumer wait for a product that is already available if the alternatives will meet their needs?
Been asking ever since I tried out the novatouch ...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... ;D
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).1) The novatouch is better built than the type heaven is. 2) Are there any uniform weight RFs?
After all, why would the consumer wait for a product that is already available if the alternatives will meet their needs?
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?
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).It's very simple. Topre is trademarked.
After all, why would the consumer wait for a product that is already available if the alternatives will meet their needs?
Nobody use roccat keyboards for "pro" gaming, i think this is enough to say.That only says something about sponsorships.
Nobody use roccat keyboards for "pro" gaming, i think this is enough to say.
Carter said there is a possibility of a 30g version down the road. Anyone else excited about this?
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.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).It's very simple. Topre is trademarked.
After all, why would the consumer wait for a product that is already available if the alternatives will meet their needs?
But this is a Topre board, it's printed on the PCB.
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 expensiveNobody use roccat keyboards for "pro" gaming, i think this is enough to say.
xDDDDDD
Razer Blackwidow & Logitech G710+ best keyboards EU!
A member did a pretty good review here:http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56838.0
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?
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.
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?
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)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.
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/Nice, will
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
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/Nice, will
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 bothprobablydefinitely get it now. I wonder if the stabs are also interchangeable.
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.
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?
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.
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?
30g Topre Realforce... oh wait, these don't support PS/2, do they?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.
I can't recall ever seeing any USA Topre keyboard with 30g rubberdomes. I don't think they ever made one.I have been wanting 30g domes for a century.30g Topre Realforce...
oh wait, these don't support PS/2, do they?I can't find any Topre 30g keyboards. Period.
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
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
If the rumoured pricing for the keyboard is true, to be around ~200+, then I guess I'll be going for the FC660C :/
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 $150+ for a full set.
"Why would they put decent caps on a board that's main selling point is the ability to add MX caps?"
Why not?
I mean not because you can change the caps means you have too. And if the main selling point was really the ability to add MX caps then why can't it comes without caps?
I understand that the board is made so people can use Topre while still using MX compatible caps, that's fine. But it's not an excuse to over-charge cheap keycaps. Some CM boards are under 100$, therefore i strongly believe this one will be close to this price. I mean, a set of the cheapest ABS caps, on the cheapest PCB inside the cheapest case, even if there's a "revolutionary" new Topre/MX stem, it can't be 200$. That's just impossible for CM to do that.
My take:
Again comparing apples to oranges, what does the price of an MX Coolermaster board have to do with anything? Look at the prices I posted above, the Novatouch is priced similarly to other Topre boards but is actually doing something new. The research and development to pump out the sliders would not have been cheap and you guys act like they just knocked it up in CAD overnight. They've been working on this board for like a year now. It would cost a **** load of money to create all the tooling to produce these boards on a large scale.
EDIT: One other thing, I think you guys are putting a little bit too much weight in the value added by PBT caps on some Topre boards, they might sell for $100 retail but there is no way that the manufacturers are paying anything close to that for them.
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 $150+ for a full set.
"Why would they put decent caps on a board that's main selling point is the ability to add MX caps?"
Why not?
I mean not because you can change the caps means you have too. And if the main selling point was really the ability to add MX caps then why can't it comes without caps?
I understand that the board is made so people can use Topre while still using MX compatible caps, that's fine. But it's not an excuse to over-charge cheap keycaps. Some CM boards are under 100$, therefore i strongly believe this one will be close to this price. I mean, a set of the cheapest ABS caps, on the cheapest PCB inside the cheapest case, even if there's a "revolutionary" new Topre/MX stem, it can't be 200$. That's just impossible for CM to do that.
Again comparing apples to oranges, what does the price of an MX Coolermaster board have to do with anything? Look at the prices I posted above, the Novatouch is priced similarly to other Topre boards but is actually doing something new. The research and development to pump out the sliders would not have been cheap and you guys act like they just knocked it up in CAD overnight. They've been working on this board for like a year now. It would cost a **** load of money to create all the tooling to produce these boards on a large scale.
EDIT: One other thing, I think you guys are putting a little bit too much weight in the value added by PBT caps on some Topre boards, they might sell for $100 retail but there is no way that the manufacturers are paying anything close to that for them.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
$120 retail for Topre is unheard of. $70-90 for a mechanical keyboard (most common price of the QFR, even lower with special discounts) was definitely not unheard of.
I understand the whole developpement process and i agree it has to be expensive, but put yourself in the shoes of a marketing expert at cooler master: they've been selling board ranging 80$-120$ with questionably cheap assets and managed to be reknown in the mechanical world for providing bang-for-your-bucks entry-level solutions compared to other boards.
I know they had to develop this whole thing but considering they've been operating in the low-grade mechanical selection, i strongly believe they studied the market and their new stem in order to keep that "low-price not-so-bad hardware" market advantage.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
I understand the whole developpement process and i agree it has to be expensive, but put yourself in the shoes of a marketing expert at cooler master: they've been selling board ranging 80$-120$ with questionably cheap assets and managed to be reknown in the mechanical world for providing bang-for-your-bucks entry-level solutions compared to other boards.
I know they had to develop this whole thing but considering they've been operating in the low-grade mechanical selection, i strongly believe they studied the market and their new stem in order to keep that "low-price not-so-bad hardware" market advantage.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
Why can't CM break out of that hole that everyone puts them in and offer a high-end board? The Novatouch felt really solid when I typed on it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they really stepped everything up for this. We'll have to wait and see how it goes, but I just don't get why everyone seems to be ignoring the possibility that they might be changing things for this totally new market they're creating.
Type heaven is pretty close. I think most of the speculation was ~$150 price tag.I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
$120 retail for Topre is unheard of. $70-90 for a mechanical keyboard (most common price of the QFR, even lower with special discounts) was definitely not unheard of.
To be fair, I think it is a consequence of CM exploiting this part of the market successfully (which is not a bad thing imo). They built their image on offering mid range quality at a very reasonable price. In this regard, I don't think it is unreasonable for people to be somewhat hesitant for a product that is rumored to have premium pricing.I understand the whole developpement process and i agree it has to be expensive, but put yourself in the shoes of a marketing expert at cooler master: they've been selling board ranging 80$-120$ with questionably cheap assets and managed to be reknown in the mechanical world for providing bang-for-your-bucks entry-level solutions compared to other boards.
I know they had to develop this whole thing but considering they've been operating in the low-grade mechanical selection, i strongly believe they studied the market and their new stem in order to keep that "low-price not-so-bad hardware" market advantage.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
Why can't CM break out of that hole that everyone puts them in and offer a high-end board? The Novatouch felt really solid when I typed on it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they really stepped everything up for this. We'll have to wait and see how it goes, but I just don't get why everyone seems to be ignoring the possibility that they might be changing things for this totally new market they're creating.
To be fair, I think it is a consequence of CM exploiting this part of the market successfully (which is not a bad thing imo). They built their image on offering mid range quality at a very reasonable price. In this regard, I don't think it is unreasonable for people to be somewhat hesitant for a product that is rumored to have premium pricing.I understand the whole developpement process and i agree it has to be expensive, but put yourself in the shoes of a marketing expert at cooler master: they've been selling board ranging 80$-120$ with questionably cheap assets and managed to be reknown in the mechanical world for providing bang-for-your-bucks entry-level solutions compared to other boards.
I know they had to develop this whole thing but considering they've been operating in the low-grade mechanical selection, i strongly believe they studied the market and their new stem in order to keep that "low-price not-so-bad hardware" market advantage.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
Why can't CM break out of that hole that everyone puts them in and offer a high-end board? The Novatouch felt really solid when I typed on it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they really stepped everything up for this. We'll have to wait and see how it goes, but I just don't get why everyone seems to be ignoring the possibility that they might be changing things for this totally new market they're creating.
We will have a notification sign up page released a few weeks before.
Coming soon... (in year 3015) :))
Coming soon... (in year 3015) :))
So, you're starting a group buy for Novatouch, right? Put that DeLorean to good use and build a time machine!
Don't waste your time hoping it may come around, better get this baby here;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topre-Realforce-87-10th-Anniversary-Edition-All-55gram-Tenkeyless-Keyboard-/271567392251?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3f3aad8dfb (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topre-Realforce-87-10th-Anniversary-Edition-All-55gram-Tenkeyless-Keyboard-/271567392251?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3f3aad8dfb)
Have already bought one and looking forward to receiving my FIRST 55g Anniversary Edition which are now so ultra rare it's not even funny anymore.
Don't waste your time hoping it may come around, better get this baby here;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topre-Realforce-87-10th-Anniversary-Edition-All-55gram-Tenkeyless-Keyboard-/271567392251?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3f3aad8dfb (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topre-Realforce-87-10th-Anniversary-Edition-All-55gram-Tenkeyless-Keyboard-/271567392251?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3f3aad8dfb)
Have already bought one and looking forward to receiving my FIRST 55g Anniversary Edition which are now so ultra rare it's not even funny anymore.
That's a beautiful board right there. Congrats on your purchase! It's too rich for my blood though.
Does anyone know what color(s) backlit this will be? Thinking about grabbing those color changers on Massdrop if it's white.
Does anyone know what color(s) backlit this will be? Thinking about grabbing those color changers on Massdrop if it's white.
It's not backlit.
One Thing is for sure i will be very careful buying from abroad :'(
Tomorrow i will be getting my Leopold FC-660M with clear switches and extra set of dy-sub keycap set..
Paying:
€118,34 for the keyboard.
€38,51 for the keycaps.
And €47,60 for customs and tax..
Makes a total of €204 YEP that's $273 for a Leopold keyboard..
From vendio.com ..a store in china from a guy called "Qtang" (worst communication i ever had in my life)
So al in all..what i'm saying is that we in the EU (some of us) even pay tax for the shipping cost of other countries..
>:D >:D
i give up my next buy is from EU ground or an other solution on the package..you know what i mean..
This is becoming way to expensive as a hobby..
TLDR
Any comparisons between a realforce?
TLDR
Any comparisons between a realforce?
Companies change directions all the time. If they don't they will remain stale, growth is required :thumb: Just like why CoolerMaster started CM Storm in the first place.Type heaven is pretty close. I think most of the speculation was ~$150 price tag.I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
$120 retail for Topre is unheard of. $70-90 for a mechanical keyboard (most common price of the QFR, even lower with special discounts) was definitely not unheard of.To be fair, I think it is a consequence of CM exploiting this part of the market successfully (which is not a bad thing imo). They built their image on offering mid range quality at a very reasonable price. In this regard, I don't think it is unreasonable for people to be somewhat hesitant for a product that is rumored to have premium pricing.I understand the whole developpement process and i agree it has to be expensive, but put yourself in the shoes of a marketing expert at cooler master: they've been selling board ranging 80$-120$ with questionably cheap assets and managed to be reknown in the mechanical world for providing bang-for-your-bucks entry-level solutions compared to other boards.
I know they had to develop this whole thing but considering they've been operating in the low-grade mechanical selection, i strongly believe they studied the market and their new stem in order to keep that "low-price not-so-bad hardware" market advantage.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
Why can't CM break out of that hole that everyone puts them in and offer a high-end board? The Novatouch felt really solid when I typed on it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they really stepped everything up for this. We'll have to wait and see how it goes, but I just don't get why everyone seems to be ignoring the possibility that they might be changing things for this totally new market they're creating.
It's not really a "topre edition". What you people really fail to understand is that it's a genuinely solid topre keyboard and will be priced close to one. If they are to price it any lower it will be suicide too.I understand the whole developpement process and i agree it has to be expensive, but put yourself in the shoes of a marketing expert at cooler master: they've been selling board ranging 80$-120$ with questionably cheap assets and managed to be reknown in the mechanical world for providing bang-for-your-bucks entry-level solutions compared to other boards.
I know they had to develop this whole thing but considering they've been operating in the low-grade mechanical selection, i strongly believe they studied the market and their new stem in order to keep that "low-price not-so-bad hardware" market advantage.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
Why can't CM break out of that hole that everyone puts them in and offer a high-end board? The Novatouch felt really solid when I typed on it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they really stepped everything up for this. We'll have to wait and see how it goes, but I just don't get why everyone seems to be ignoring the possibility that they might be changing things for this totally new market they're creating.
Indeed and i would like it as well, but CM as always targeted the enthousiast level of users and not the high-end professional one. Look at CM cases, boards, mice and cooling system; they are great products, but great products ACCORDING to their prices. There's is always something above them in the fields they are working on, therefore this is why people expect them to deliver lower-end boards.
I'm not saying it's bad, i'm just saying that considering their history, there is a "pattern" we expect. Also if it fell like a good quality board then why mind if it's 120$. Price doesn't really means better, it only means more expensive.
If the Topre Novatouch fits you flawlessly then the price doesn't matter.
Also i'm a little unsure about the whole pricing stuff; if the Topre edition gets to expensive, it'll be overthrown by it's MX counterpart. If it's the other way around and all the Novatouchs are at same price tag, i strongly believe the Topre one will litterally outsell and outshine all other CMs.
We'll see.
CM quality is already top notch to begin with when it comes to the rest of the brands and price proposition but of course the pricing of them doesn't reflect that ;)To be fair, I think it is a consequence of CM exploiting this part of the market successfully (which is not a bad thing imo). They built their image on offering mid range quality at a very reasonable price. In this regard, I don't think it is unreasonable for people to be somewhat hesitant for a product that is rumored to have premium pricing.I understand the whole developpement process and i agree it has to be expensive, but put yourself in the shoes of a marketing expert at cooler master: they've been selling board ranging 80$-120$ with questionably cheap assets and managed to be reknown in the mechanical world for providing bang-for-your-bucks entry-level solutions compared to other boards.
I know they had to develop this whole thing but considering they've been operating in the low-grade mechanical selection, i strongly believe they studied the market and their new stem in order to keep that "low-price not-so-bad hardware" market advantage.
I don't mean to diss CM boards, they are fine, but they are defenetly not high level boards. The novatouch is nice bringing a new Topre board but i hardly believe they'll have an above 120$ price tag; they just can't rival versus any other Topre board.
Why can't CM break out of that hole that everyone puts them in and offer a high-end board? The Novatouch felt really solid when I typed on it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they really stepped everything up for this. We'll have to wait and see how it goes, but I just don't get why everyone seems to be ignoring the possibility that they might be changing things for this totally new market they're creating.
I completely agree. I was simply bringing up the possibility that it's priced as such due to an increase in quality. Everyone seems to be making assumptions, and I'm just trying to steer people towards waiting and seeing what actually happens. :thumb:
I'm not the biggest fan of speculation, in case that wasn't clear. :P
on the sample I saw there were no LEDs whatsoever, not even for capslock and scrolllock. I'm not sure if they mean to have any and when I inquired about it, the rep intimated to me that there would likely not be lock lights at all.There are lock lights.
One Thing is for sure i will be very careful buying from abroad :'(
Tomorrow i will be getting my Leopold FC-660M with clear switches and extra set of dy-sub keycap set..
Paying:
€118,34 for the keyboard.
€38,51 for the keycaps.
And €47,60 for customs and tax..
Makes a total of €204 YEP that's $273 for a Leopold keyboard..
From vendio.com ..a store in china from a guy called "Qtang" (worst communication i ever had in my life)
So al in all..what i'm saying is that we in the EU (some of us) even pay tax for the shipping cost of other countries..
>:D >:D
i give up my next buy is from EU ground or an other solution on the package..you know what i mean..
This is becoming way to expensive as a hobby..
qtan is a user here on GH, you can sometimes contact him here.
Here's his vendor forum
http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=81.0
Hello fans, sorry I have been a way for a while. Working on tons of projects unfortunately not all consisting of Keyboards. Novatouch will be here soon.... we welcome the feedback and while understand that we cant please all, we do hope to bring a new option to the novatouch/topre/electrostatic switchtype lovers.
All who tried it at KeyCon seem to know the quality of this board and I do hope everyone will soon be able to experience it. Countdown is on, they are on the ship.
Hello fans, sorry I have been a way for a while. Working on tons of projects unfortunately not all consisting of Keyboards. Novatouch will be here soon.... we welcome the feedback and while understand that we cant please all, we do hope to bring a new option to the novatouch/topre/electrostatic switchtype lovers.
All who tried it at KeyCon seem to know the quality of this board and I do hope everyone will soon be able to experience it. Countdown is on, they are on the ship.
One Thing is for sure i will be very careful buying from abroad :'(
Tomorrow i will be getting my Leopold FC-660M with clear switches and extra set of dy-sub keycap set..
Paying:
€118,34 for the keyboard.
€38,51 for the keycaps.
And €47,60 for customs and tax..
Makes a total of €204 YEP that's $273 for a Leopold keyboard..
From vendio.com ..a store in china from a guy called "Qtang" (worst communication i ever had in my life)
So al in all..what i'm saying is that we in the EU (some of us) even pay tax for the shipping cost of other countries..
>:D >:D
i give up my next buy is from EU ground or an other solution on the package..you know what i mean..
This is becoming way to expensive as a hobby..
qtan is a user here on GH, you can sometimes contact him here.
Here's his vendor forum
http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=81.0
I'm also in the Netherlands, and you're right. We do get screwed over. We pay for tax in the country of origin, then we pay for shipping and after that we pay our own tax over the total price PLUS shipping, which is retarded.
I had to pay over 100 USD in cash to receive my HHKB from the post service.
Oh well, we got stroopwafels. :thumb:
One Thing is for sure i will be very careful buying from abroad :'(
Tomorrow i will be getting my Leopold FC-660M with clear switches and extra set of dy-sub keycap set..
Paying:
€118,34 for the keyboard.
€38,51 for the keycaps.
And €47,60 for customs and tax..
Makes a total of €204 YEP that's $273 for a Leopold keyboard..
From vendio.com ..a store in china from a guy called "Qtang" (worst communication i ever had in my life)
So al in all..what i'm saying is that we in the EU (some of us) even pay tax for the shipping cost of other countries..
>:D >:D
i give up my next buy is from EU ground or an other solution on the package..you know what i mean..
This is becoming way to expensive as a hobby..
qtan is a user here on GH, you can sometimes contact him here.
Here's his vendor forum
http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=81.0
I'm also in the Netherlands, and you're right. We do get screwed over. We pay for tax in the country of origin, then we pay for shipping and after that we pay our own tax over the total price PLUS shipping, which is retarded.
I had to pay over 100 USD in cash to receive my HHKB from the post service.
Oh well, we got stroopwafels. :thumb:
You have - Febo, and Oorlog AND AMSTERDAM.
One Thing is for sure i will be very careful buying from abroad :'(
Tomorrow i will be getting my Leopold FC-660M with clear switches and extra set of dy-sub keycap set..
Paying:
€118,34 for the keyboard.
€38,51 for the keycaps.
And €47,60 for customs and tax..
Makes a total of €204 YEP that's $273 for a Leopold keyboard..
From vendio.com ..a store in china from a guy called "Qtang" (worst communication i ever had in my life)
So al in all..what i'm saying is that we in the EU (some of us) even pay tax for the shipping cost of other countries..
>:D >:D
i give up my next buy is from EU ground or an other solution on the package..you know what i mean..
This is becoming way to expensive as a hobby..
qtan is a user here on GH, you can sometimes contact him here.
Here's his vendor forum
http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=81.0
I'm also in the Netherlands, and you're right. We do get screwed over. We pay for tax in the country of origin, then we pay for shipping and after that we pay our own tax over the total price PLUS shipping, which is retarded.
I had to pay over 100 USD in cash to receive my HHKB from the post service.
Oh well, we got stroopwafels. :thumb:
Yup. Basically we pay VAT twice over both shipping costs and retail price of the item, plus additional customs charges.
Even stroopwafels is not enough to compensate XDYou have - Febo, and Oorlog AND AMSTERDAM.
Personally I would not call the FEBO a proud Dutch culinary tradition ;D. It is kind disgusting . If you are going to eat something unhealthy, I suggest "poffertjes" instead if you are ever in Holland and want to eat something typically dutch.
^^ ^^ ^^
margo baggins
All you do is eat? I mean you're not getting stoned legally before?
I wouldn't be a broke-ass student that would be the best trip of my lyfe yo.
^^ ^^ ^^
margo baggins
All you do is eat? I mean you're not getting stoned legally before?
I wouldn't be a broke-ass student that would be the best trip of my lyfe yo.
I'm guessing that's the reason that's all she does is eat. I think going to Holland just to get stoned is a waste, but as the old adage goes, "when in Rome...".
Holy **** that stings (~$230 USD). Doesn't seem like they got the memo on pricing under $200.
so more than 200, and does not come with premium key caps? lol they must be on geekhack a lot then, its essentially saying. "hey guys you have your own key caps anyway, and we know you will buy this"
The hype came early and went by. It's been a fun ride onboard the hype train but the price set on singapore dollars killed it.Show Image(https://scontent-b-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10628097_937895712894489_2952685610935175424_n.jpg)
The hype came early and went by. It's been a fun ride onboard the hype train but the price set on singapore dollars killed it.Show Image(https://scontent-b-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10628097_937895712894489_2952685610935175424_n.jpg)
what's worse... that is 'special promotion'
so regular price is what? :eek:
So does anyone know if the final version will have any backlit keys at all?
Yeah, I was going to say how would they fit an LED along with the rubber cap dome?
On the realforce the leds go off to the side of the switch like thisEarly prototypes had LEDS setup in the same manner. They have been removed at present.
(Attachment Link)
picture courtesy of google search found at this link https://secure.flickr.com/photos/90939770@N06/8558492644 (https://secure.flickr.com/photos/90939770@N06/8558492644)
Do different markets typically have different MSRP? [I truly have no idea]. For example would it be crazy to assume that in the Singapore market the novatouch will be ~$230 and in the USA market it will be ~$200?
Do different markets typically have different MSRP? [I truly have no idea]. For example would it be crazy to assume that in the Singapore market the novatouch will be ~$230 and in the USA market it will be ~$200?Yes it is possible. That is why I said higher up that people should wait before getting up and arms over the Singapore MSRP.
But the Novatouch has already been shown with LED lock lights: https://i.imgur.com/jFmBqJo.jpgSo does anyone know if the final version will have any backlit keys at all?
This has been answered about 10 times in this thread. No backlights. It's just about impossible to get even lighting on a topre board. This board won't even have a caps/scroll lock LED.
But the Novatouch has already been shown with LED lock lights: https://i.imgur.com/jFmBqJo.jpgThat is an earlier version of the keyboard.
Aaaand you said that a few posts up, sorry! Hard to keep up with what's the latest & greatest :))But the Novatouch has already been shown with LED lock lights: https://i.imgur.com/jFmBqJo.jpgThat is an earlier version of the keyboard.
Aaaand you said that a few posts up, sorry! Hard to keep up with what's the latest & greatest :))No harm done; no need to be sorry. ;)
This board won't even have a caps/scroll lock LED.So the one at keycon didn't, but I've heard conflicting reports on the existence of lock lights on this board.
This board won't even have a caps/scroll lock LED.So the one at keycon didn't, but I've heard conflicting reports on the existence of lock lights on this board.
This board won't even have a caps/scroll lock LED.So the one at keycon didn't, but I've heard conflicting reports on the existence of lock lights on this board.
Yea i think 2-3 LEDs are too expensive, forget about it, you're only paying 230$ for a board they can't spare the ca$h to add LEDs. You'll have to add them on your own, unless they make the PCB LEDs-ready, which i don't think they would...
This board won't even have a caps/scroll lock LED.So the one at keycon didn't, but I've heard conflicting reports on the existence of lock lights on this board.
Yea i think 2-3 LEDs are too expensive, forget about it, you're only paying 230$ for a board they can't spare the ca$h to add LEDs. You'll have to add them on your own, unless they make the PCB LEDs-ready, which i don't think they would...
Just in case you are being sarcastic and you think they're skimping out here:
If you want them to purchase a few LEDs and throw them in the box, sure it's cheap. But to design them into the board is not. You know that you can't put an LED through the rubber like you can put one through a Cherry switch. The design is still possible (as you can see from that photo), but it might be prohibatively expensive. We're already commenting on the cost as it is, it'd be a shame if it were even more expensive.
I felt it today, and it's good. Hoping that they'll release 55g ones though. First, indicator LEDs. Second, I don't think any other key puller will be able to work with this board since my wasd key puller didn't work.The WASD keypuller? You mean the wire type keypuller?
This board won't even have a caps/scroll lock LED.So the one at keycon didn't, but I've heard conflicting reports on the existence of lock lights on this board.
Yea i think 2-3 LEDs are too expensive, forget about it, you're only paying 230$ for a board they can't spare the ca$h to add LEDs. You'll have to add them on your own, unless they make the PCB LEDs-ready, which i don't think they would...
Just in case you are being sarcastic and you think they're skimping out here:
If you want them to purchase a few LEDs and throw them in the box, sure it's cheap. But to design them into the board is not. You know that you can't put an LED through the rubber like you can put one through a Cherry switch. The design is still possible (as you can see from that photo), but it might be prohibatively expensive. We're already commenting on the cost as it is, it'd be a shame if it were even more expensive.
This board won't even have a caps/scroll lock LED.So the one at keycon didn't, but I've heard conflicting reports on the existence of lock lights on this board.
Yea i think 2-3 LEDs are too expensive, forget about it, you're only paying 230$ for a board they can't spare the ca$h to add LEDs. You'll have to add them on your own, unless they make the PCB LEDs-ready, which i don't think they would...
Just in case you are being sarcastic and you think they're skimping out here:
If you want them to purchase a few LEDs and throw them in the box, sure it's cheap. But to design them into the board is not. You know that you can't put an LED through the rubber like you can put one through a Cherry switch. The design is still possible (as you can see from that photo), but it might be prohibatively expensive. We're already commenting on the cost as it is, it'd be a shame if it were even more expensive.
I understand but hell, it's a one-timer! Do it once then it's done! Your circuit is powered, it's not wizardry to add an additional component. I understand Topre switches design is being a little limited but since they created an additionnal MX compatible stem, why didn't they go FULL MX compatible since MX can handle LEDs, just like you said?
Look at the keycaps they defenetly look LEDs ready, at least backliting would justify using cheap abs caps on a 200$ pricing... and all it seems to bring as new is a plastic workarround-ish stem! Why couldn't they add actual electronics to their stem?
I mean even if i do not like backliting, i still consider newer boards should have it. Since it currently doesn't exist, that would be an incredible market advantage to add backliting to a Topre board!
Yeah when in Rome act like a Roman
When in Amsterdam act like Snoop Dogg
I felt it today, and it's good. Hoping that they'll release 55g ones though. First, indicator LEDs. Second, I don't think any other key puller will be able to work with this board since my wasd key puller didn't work.The WASD keypuller? You mean the wire type keypuller?
I am almost positive their choice to go without lock lights (if that is indeed the final decision) was an aesthetic one rather than cost-saving.Amen brother. Does everyone else not disable capslock anyways? What's the point of it.
I really like the understated look of having no lock lights, and never install them on my custom keyboards (unless it's fully LED backlit).
Amen brother. Does everyone else not disable capslock anyways? What's the point of it.
Amen brother. Does everyone else not disable capslock anyways? What's the point of it.
Kanye loves cruise control.
Both shifts huh. Interesting.
Amen brother. Does everyone else not disable capslock anyways? What's the point of it.
Kanye loves cruise control.
I always liked the "press both shifts at the same time for capslock" idea.
hey man, my WY-30 and AT model F have capslock in the right location.
Yeah. I'm not sure about other key pullers since I don't have them but the wires for my wasd looks thicker compared to the ones that in the Novatouch and I can get my wasd puller to be under the keys and pull it out.The wire keypuller is the best model IMO; it fits in tight places and does not wear/ruin keycaps.
Also, too add backlighting isn't an easy job at all at least for laypeople like us. It takes more time to research and stuff. And rubber dome is basically the main restriction here cause normally the rubber sheet will be a, sheet.
I'll be getting a Novatouch TKL in a few days' time, will post pics when I get it.......it costs me about 200USD. I've also preordered and paid for a Ducky YoTH Cherry Green, will get it when it gets here......whenever that may be.I am a European tester for the Novatouch but sadly I have not received the greenlight to post information about it yet (which is frustrating considering the testers in other territories have been given the go). May I ask how come you are getting a unit before the EU/USA launch date? Asia?
I am a European tester for the Novatouch but sadly I have not received the greenlight to post information about it yet (which is frustrating considering the testers in other territories have been given the go). May I ask how come you are getting a unit before the EU/USA launch date? Asia?Yep, from Asia, in fact, there are ready stock of the Novatouch in a couple of shops I went to.....but I couldn't get a good discount. I scurried over to the shop I usually go to, bought a pair of KBParadise V60 Mini (MX White and MX Green) from them last week, since I am in a better bargaining position. I paid a fair bit less for the Novatouch TKL and a Ducky YoTH, was told that I should get the Novatouch sometime next week.
Yep, from Asia, in fact, there are ready stock of the Novatouch in a couple of shops I went to.....but I couldn't get a good discount. I scurried over to the shop I usually go to, bought a pair of KBParadise V60 Mini (MX White and MX Green) from them last week, since I am in a better bargaining position. I paid a fair bit less for the Novatouch TKL and a Ducky YoTH, was told that I should get the Novatouch sometime next week.Sounds nice! I am impatient to hear other people's impressions on the Novatouch. :)
How does this board compare feel wise to a traditional Topre board? Are there any major differences?It will be easily tired. And not really soft as RF.
How does this board compare feel wise to a traditional Topre board? Are there any major differences?When I get it, I'll compare it with the HHKB Pro 2, Leopold FC660C and Topre Type Heaven.
I'll be getting a Novatouch TKL in a few days' time, will post pics when I get it.......it costs me about 200USD. I've also preordered and paid for a Ducky YoTH Cherry Green, will get it when it gets here......whenever that may be.
Heh, if you'd read my post a little more closely, you'd have noted that I had said, "I've also preordered and paid for a Ducky YoTH Cherry Green". I will be contacted by the local distributor as soon as it arrives here. The Novatouch would be in a few days.....I'll be getting a Novatouch TKL in a few days' time, will post pics when I get it.......it costs me about 200USD. I've also preordered and paid for a Ducky YoTH Cherry Green, will get it when it gets here......whenever that may be.
Where were you able to purchase a YotH keyboard? I've been waiting for that for a very long time. I thought they only just recently showed pictures of it.
That's what I want to know though. I haven't been able to find an online retailer in the US that is taking pre-orders for it. Oh well, I'm sure they'll pop up soon enough.Heh, if you'd read my post a little more closely, you'd have noted that I had said, "I've also preordered and paid for a Ducky YoTH Cherry Green". I will be contacted by the local distributor as soon as it arrives here. The Novatouch would be in a few days.....I'll be getting a Novatouch TKL in a few days' time, will post pics when I get it.......it costs me about 200USD. I've also preordered and paid for a Ducky YoTH Cherry Green, will get it when it gets here......whenever that may be.
Where were you able to purchase a YotH keyboard? I've been waiting for that for a very long time. I thought they only just recently showed pictures of it.
not trying to be rude or anything;Bro, you can bargain with some of the shop owners in SLS (more shops have the Novatouch now, so look around), and get at least 10%, or more, off that listed price. Got mine a fair bit lower than that price. No time to form any sort of informed impression yet as I've just gotten mine, so some pics would suffice for now:
the cm storm novatouch is on sale in Singapore for 289 Singapore Dollars. singaporeans can find it at sim lim square level 4 on a shop named cybermind. last i checked there were no display models and only 5 were on the shelves!
hope this helps!
not trying to be rude or anything;Bro, you can bargain with some of the shop owners in SLS (more shops have the Novatouch now, so look around), and get at least 10%, or more, off that listed price. Got mine a fair bit lower than that price. No time to form any sort of informed impression yet as I've just gotten mine, so some pics would suffice for now:
the cm storm novatouch is on sale in Singapore for 289 Singapore Dollars. singaporeans can find it at sim lim square level 4 on a shop named cybermind. last i checked there were no display models and only 5 were on the shelves!
hope this helps!Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150354_zpse5e9d8b6.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150507_zpsad130c80.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150621_zpsae7304c3.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150807_zpse201c6f1.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150757_zpseeabfc9b.jpg)
i hardly found a shop which carries cm in SLS. i didn't see one at xtreme solutions, nor the level 5 store which surprisingly carries topre.not trying to be rude or anything;Bro, you can bargain with some of the shop owners in SLS (more shops have the Novatouch now, so look around), and get at least 10%, or more, off that listed price. Got mine a fair bit lower than that price. No time to form any sort of informed impression yet as I've just gotten mine, so some pics would suffice for now:
the cm storm novatouch is on sale in Singapore for 289 Singapore Dollars. singaporeans can find it at sim lim square level 4 on a shop named cybermind. last i checked there were no display models and only 5 were on the shelves!
hope this helps!Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150354_zpse5e9d8b6.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150507_zpsad130c80.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150621_zpsae7304c3.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150807_zpse201c6f1.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150757_zpseeabfc9b.jpg)
Does it have a rubberized coating?Nope, happy to report that the rubberized texture on the Trigger and Quickfire TK is completely absent. Initial impression is that the 'thock' is a tad sharper and louder than on my FC660C....the stock keycaps look cheap.....I will put my Miami keyset on it, and perhaps a set of PBT keycaps, to see if it makes a difference.
i hardly found a shop which carries cm in SLS. i didn't see one at xtreme solutions, nor the level 5 store which surprisingly carries topre.Try those shops on the 5th floor, especially the one specializing in gaming peripherals. Saw a unit or two at this one particular shop on the 5th floor.
would u mind letting me know which stores carries the novatouch?
not trying to be rude or anything;Bro, you can bargain with some of the shop owners in SLS (more shops have the Novatouch now, so look around), and get at least 10%, or more, off that listed price. Got mine a fair bit lower than that price. No time to form any sort of informed impression yet as I've just gotten mine, so some pics would suffice for now:
the cm storm novatouch is on sale in Singapore for 289 Singapore Dollars. singaporeans can find it at sim lim square level 4 on a shop named cybermind. last i checked there were no display models and only 5 were on the shelves!
hope this helps!Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150354_zpse5e9d8b6.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150507_zpsad130c80.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150621_zpsae7304c3.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150807_zpse201c6f1.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150757_zpseeabfc9b.jpg)
not trying to be rude or anything;Bro, you can bargain with some of the shop owners in SLS (more shops have the Novatouch now, so look around), and get at least 10%, or more, off that listed price. Got mine a fair bit lower than that price. No time to form any sort of informed impression yet as I've just gotten mine, so some pics would suffice for now:
the cm storm novatouch is on sale in Singapore for 289 Singapore Dollars. singaporeans can find it at sim lim square level 4 on a shop named cybermind. last i checked there were no display models and only 5 were on the shelves!
hope this helps!Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150354_zpse5e9d8b6.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150507_zpsad130c80.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150621_zpsae7304c3.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150807_zpse201c6f1.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150757_zpseeabfc9b.jpg)
Is it just me or are the stock keycaps in an assortment of different shades of black?
not trying to be rude or anything;Bro, you can bargain with some of the shop owners in SLS (more shops have the Novatouch now, so look around), and get at least 10%, or more, off that listed price. Got mine a fair bit lower than that price. No time to form any sort of informed impression yet as I've just gotten mine, so some pics would suffice for now:
the cm storm novatouch is on sale in Singapore for 289 Singapore Dollars. singaporeans can find it at sim lim square level 4 on a shop named cybermind. last i checked there were no display models and only 5 were on the shelves!
hope this helps!Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150354_zpse5e9d8b6.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150507_zpsad130c80.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150621_zpsae7304c3.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150807_zpse201c6f1.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150757_zpseeabfc9b.jpg)
Is it just me or are the stock keycaps in an assortment of different shades of black?
This was the absolute first thing I saw. :| That's pretty disappointing.
Maybe it's a 'gamer' thing?
Maybe it's a 'gamer' thing?
No way. It is the whole home row, shifts, \, backspace, etc.
Someone made a booboo with mixing their color pellets.
Is it just me or are the stock keycaps in an assortment of different shades of black?I do not know if it is because of the lightning or not, but all I can say is this is not the case with mine.
Is it just me or are the stock keycaps in an assortment of different shades of black?I do not know if it is because of the lightning or not, but all I can say is this is not the case with mine.
One thing I realized recently with LED covers on my MX switches is that some thick artisan keycaps and some specialty artisan keycaps don't fit with the LED cover on. I'm going to think that these sliders won't allow those keycaps either.. but do you have any to test with?Anything that isn't circular won't work. We tried putting a Brocap on one at Keycon to no avail.
I have noticed this as well with my filco blank caps. All the caps are fine, but 2 mods and the spacebar are a different shade of black, but you can only see it when you photograph it with a flash.Is it just me or are the stock keycaps in an assortment of different shades of black?I do not know if it is because of the lightning or not, but all I can say is this is not the case with mine.
Maybe it's the UV coating on the keycaps playing tricks.
One thing I realized recently with LED covers on my MX switches is that some thick artisan keycaps and some specialty artisan keycaps don't fit with the LED cover on. I'm going to think that these sliders won't allow those keycaps either.. but do you have any to test with?Anything that isn't circular won't work. We tried putting a Brocap on one at Keycon to no avail.
Welp. My interest in harvesting sliders has dramatically decreased :-\One thing I realized recently with LED covers on my MX switches is that some thick artisan keycaps and some specialty artisan keycaps don't fit with the LED cover on. I'm going to think that these sliders won't allow those keycaps either.. but do you have any to test with?Anything that isn't circular won't work. We tried putting a Brocap on one at Keycon to no avail.
Countdown ?
http://shoyoung.idv.tw/novaweb/
not trying to be rude or anything;Bro, you can bargain with some of the shop owners in SLS (more shops have the Novatouch now, so look around), and get at least 10%, or more, off that listed price. Got mine a fair bit lower than that price. No time to form any sort of informed impression yet as I've just gotten mine, so some pics would suffice for now:
the cm storm novatouch is on sale in Singapore for 289 Singapore Dollars. singaporeans can find it at sim lim square level 4 on a shop named cybermind. last i checked there were no display models and only 5 were on the shelves!
hope this helps!Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150354_zpse5e9d8b6.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150507_zpsad130c80.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150621_zpsae7304c3.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150807_zpse201c6f1.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140826_150757_zpseeabfc9b.jpg)
So I just got my Novatouch and my first impression is it's awesome. I have a set of Originative GMK Dolch on it right now and it feels fantastic. They're really smooth and the tactility is nice with the thick ABS doubleshots. I will try with thick cherry profile PBT later on (Leopold). For now though the thock is fairly pronounced on this board, but it's a little more subtle than that of the 55g Realforce.
The stems on the GMK Dolch seem to be a bit loose, but they were on the other MX board that I had them on as well so I don't think that's indicative of a problem with the Novatouch sliders. I have to say the stabilized keys feel great. A bit like Cherry stabilizers, but not quite as mushy.
I have been typing daily on a 55g Realforce for almost a year now, and I can safely say this could be my new daily driver. The keys feel nice and crisp and sturdy. The rubberized coating is considerably more refined and thinner than that of the CM QFR boards. It looks nice actually, but the rubberized coating never bothered me before. This is a retail board. There are no LEDs at all on it which is fine with me. I did notice that there are holes for LED leads where the capslock LED should be, so maybe you could add one yourself if you were so inclined. I don't care one way or the other really.
The only drawback for me is the lack of ability to swap Caps lock and Ctrl. I suppose I could just do that with AHK if it becomes a problem, but I'd really rather there be dip switch settings on the board to allow that configuration.
TL;DR - Feels like a Realforce, but much more crisp. Didn't pay $200 for it, but I would have. It's worth it! Nice job CM!!
Edit: attached a recording of typing on the Novatouch. I think I may install the o-rings on the spacebar as the bottom out sound is quite loud.
Edit 2: attached another recording of typing on the Novatouch with the o-rings on the spacebar. Sounds much better now. Feels nice too. :)
Well, I'm not bound by any NDA. Here's a pic of it with my GMK Dolch on it. :thumb:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/4o6uEFN.jpg)
Well, I'm not bound by any NDA. Here's a pic of it with my GMK Dolch on it. :thumb:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/4o6uEFN.jpg)
Can you say something about the case? It was already said it doesn't have a rubberized coating anymore, which I think is a good thing. But does it have an UV coating? Maybe a closeup shot of the case so we can see it's texture?
Well, I'm not bound by any NDA. Here's a pic of it with my GMK Dolch on it. :thumb:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/4o6uEFN.jpg)
Well, I'm not bound by any NDA. Here's a pic of it with my GMK Dolch on it. :thumb:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/4o6uEFN.jpg)
Can you say something about the case? It was already said it doesn't have a rubberized coating anymore, which I think is a good thing. But does it have an UV coating? Maybe a closeup shot of the case so we can see it's texture?
NO, it does have a rubberized case, but not as thick as the QFR rubberized coating. I'll post some more pics later on.
Well, I'm not bound by any NDA. Here's a pic of it with my GMK Dolch on it. :thumb:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/4o6uEFN.jpg)
Can you say something about the case? It was already said it doesn't have a rubberized coating anymore, which I think is a good thing. But does it have an UV coating? Maybe a closeup shot of the case so we can see it's texture?
NO, it does have a rubberized case, but not as thick as the QFR rubberized coating. I'll post some more pics later on.
Does it have a rubberized coating?Nope, happy to report that the rubberized texture on the Trigger and Quickfire TK is completely absent. Initial impression is that the 'thock' is a tad sharper and louder than on my FC660C....the stock keycaps look cheap.....I will put my Miami keyset on it, and perhaps a set of PBT keycaps, to see if it makes a difference.
Well, I'm not bound by any NDA. Here's a pic of it with my GMK Dolch on it. :thumb:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/4o6uEFN.jpg)
Can you say something about the case? It was already said it doesn't have a rubberized coating anymore, which I think is a good thing. But does it have an UV coating? Maybe a closeup shot of the case so we can see it's texture?
NO, it does have a rubberized case, but not as thick as the QFR rubberized coating. I'll post some more pics later on.
And this is the confirmed final retail model to be released CONUS?
Mine came in a retail box. The nice black magnetized one with the velvet keyboard cover inside. Rubber coating definitely still there.Mine too, as my pics had shown. I'll admit that now that it's been said, there could be a rubberized coating on the case, I thought it was a matt surface, feeling it now and comparing it with the Quickfire TK, there is some similarity. Pardon my error as IF it had been like the rubberized coating on the Trigger, it'd have been more easily recognized by me. The surface feels matted, but it could very well be a very thin rubberized coating, kind of hard to tell......
Mine came in a retail box. The nice black magnetized one with the velvet keyboard cover inside. Rubber coating definitely still there.Mine too, as my pics had shown. I'll admit that now that it's been said, there could be a rubberized coating on the case, I thought it was a matt surface, feeling it now and comparing it with the Quickfire TK, there is some similarity. Pardon my error as IF it had been like the rubberized coating on the Trigger, it'd have been more easily recognized by me. The surface feels matted, but it could very well be a very thin rubberized coating, kind of hard to tell......
I've been playing around with it, using a set of Ducky PBT keycaps and the feel and sound with the PBT's is about the same as with stock caps.Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140827_220231_zps65ecaf75.jpg)
I compared the feel and sound between the Novatouch and my Leopold FC660C, quite similar in feel and sound.....perhaps I'm not adept enough to pick up the subtle differences between the two, that I will admit.
Update: I just swapped the caps over on my Novatouch to my Leopold PBT and I have to say I really enjoy the way these feel on the 45g Topre. It's like a super high quality Realforce 45g (yes, you read that right). Sounds amazing too. This is going to become my favorite keyboard of all time - I can just tell. Swapping the caps out was so effortless. No worries about costar stabilizer clips and whatnot. Just awesome!How did you get a Novatouch already? Are you a reviewer for CM, or did you travel to Asia to pick one up?
P.S. Sorry for all the hype. I have just been so excited about this board, and have even been pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoy typing on it.
How did you get a Novatouch already? Are you a reviewer for CM, or did you travel to Asia to pick one up?To the best of my knowledge, EU and US reviewers/testers have not received the green-light to post their assesments.
The coating is a bit of a Hybrid. Feels like a thin rubberized coating, but is actually UV coated.
The coating is a bit of a Hybrid. Feels like a thin rubberized coating, but is actually UV coated.
Noooooooooooo :(
The coating is a bit of a Hybrid. Feels like a thin rubberized coating, but is actually UV coated. Glad to see the positive responses.
The coating is a bit of a Hybrid. Feels like a thin rubberized coating, but is actually UV coated.
Noooooooooooo :(
Not why sure you feel this as a negative. It has been proven to be the strongest, best feeling coating applied to any of our boards. Please see the above user posts regarding their impressions of the coating.
You can NOT use topre keycaps on this board...I'm glad I gave up after 2 - 3 tries....the Topre keycaps are back in place on my Topre 103UB 55G.
Don't break some nice topre keycaps trying :P
Why didn't it ship with PBT keys?
Update: I just swapped the caps over on my Novatouch to my Leopold PBT and I have to say I really enjoy the way these feel on the 45g Topre. It's like a super high quality Realforce 45g (yes, you read that right). Sounds amazing too. This is going to become my favorite keyboard of all time - I can just tell. Swapping the caps out was so effortless. No worries about costar stabilizer clips and whatnot. Just awesome!How did you get a Novatouch already? Are you a reviewer for CM, or did you travel to Asia to pick one up?
P.S. Sorry for all the hype. I have just been so excited about this board, and have even been pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoy typing on it.
Whats the point of offering Cherry compatible stems if you dont plan to use this unique feature?Exactly! Though like a noob, I'd tried to fit Topre keycaps in before realizing they won't fit. :-[ I've put the Miami key set to good use on this keyboard....and I swear that it sounds closer to my Topre, didn't really think keycaps would affect the sound. Anyway, here's what it looks like with the Miami key set.....note I didn't receive the 'F12' key, so I made do with that smiley key cap instead.
Why didn't it ship with PBT keys?
Just as the concept with the original rapid, we wanted to give you a solid chassis with the freedom to express your own keysets. We could have included high end PBT caps @ an increased price point, but every single one of you here like different color variations and lets not get started with font types....
We did go with an old skool cherry style font ;)
Whats the point of offering Cherry compatible stems if you dont plan to use this unique feature?
Novatouches. They just landed in the port @ Long Beach
Why didn't it ship with PBT keys?
Just as the concept with the original rapid, we wanted to give you a solid chassis with the freedom to express your own keysets. We could have included high end PBT caps @ an increased price point, but every single one of you here like different color variations and lets not get started with font types....
We did go with an old skool cherry style font ;)
Whats the point of offering Cherry compatible stems if you dont plan to use this unique feature?
Excellent points!
Why didn't it ship with PBT keys?
Just as the concept with the original rapid, we wanted to give you a solid chassis with the freedom to express your own keysets. We could have included high end PBT caps @ an increased price point, but every single one of you here like different color variations and lets not get started with font types....
We did go with an old skool cherry style font ;)
Whats the point of offering Cherry compatible stems if you dont plan to use this unique feature?
Excellent points!
Meh.Show Image(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11112/111122518/4021242-5893926616-BH8VO.jpg)
They should have shipped with PBT keys and spent the extra $10.No, they shouldn't have. What's the point of this board if you're going to use ****ty $10 caps? Then everyone would be pissing and moaning that they'd wasted money on caps they're going to set aside.
That's the opinion of an enthusiast keycap addict.They should have shipped with PBT keys and spent the extra $10.No, they shouldn't have. What's the point of this board if you're going to use ****ty $10 caps? Then everyone would be pissing and moaning that they'd wasted money on caps they're going to set aside.
If you're that into stock caps just go buy a Realforce.
The coating is a bit of a Hybrid. Feels like a thin rubberized coating, but is actually UV coated. Glad to see the positive responses.
They should have shipped with PBT keys and spent the extra $10.No, they shouldn't have. What's the point of this board if you're going to use ****ty $10 caps? Then everyone would be pissing and moaning that they'd wasted money on caps they're going to set aside.
If you're that into stock caps just go buy a Realforce.
I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?I think that this discussion really ramped up when it was leaked that the Novatouch will be around the same price as a realforce instead of a typeheaven. I think people want the option of changing out caps, not the obligation (especially for a premium priced board).
I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?I think that this discussion really ramped up when it was leaked that the Novatouch will be around the same price as a realforce instead of a typeheaven. I think people want the option of changing out caps, not the obligation (especially for a premium priced board).
I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?I think that this discussion really ramped up when it was leaked that the Novatouch will be around the same price as a realforce instead of a typeheaven. I think people want the option of changing out caps, not the obligation (especially for a premium priced board).
Here are my final thoughts for this topic (hopefully). I think the majority of the mixed reactions can be attributed towards the sticker shock of the price. During CM's extended hype campaign for this product, it was rumored that the novatouch will be priced very attractively ($100-150). This seemed to have stemmed from reps at expos. I think that if this was promptly corrected by the reps here, there wouldn't have been this expectation building up for months.
I don't see how anyone is obligated to change out the stock caps. The stock caps are arguably as good as stock caps on other "premium" boards (Filco and Ducky come to mind). They're cheap ABS caps for sure, but they're not terrible. I used the stock caps on my Novatouch for a few minutes and wasn't appalled by them. I have better sets available so it's not a big deal to swap them out with something better. It has been said many times before that this is a new product, so CM has to get their development money back out of it. I don't see why the community is balking at this as no other company seemed willing to ante up that development money to bring something so desired into fruition. Since then a couple have followed suit (Noppoo's EC board comes to mind). It's a big risk to bring something like this to market because they're catering to a niche of a niche.
I think without CM's involvement in the community (kudos to Carter and Rajiv) this would have never happened. I, for one, applaud them for bringing a fresh product to the community and is largely something we have asked for. This is a high quality board. Definitely the highest quality board that CM has produced in my opinion. I would put this up against a Realforce any day in terms of durability and build quality. Time will tell the true tale of course as I have just started using mine.
By and large when compared to how much the majority of this community's members spends on novelty caps (yes I'm talking about the $400 clack buyers), the price of this board is a drop in the bucket (and well worth it IMO). The sheer fact that I have an option of customizing this board with caps of my choice is worth it for me, and I assume many others out there. Look at the options you have with the Realforce boards. Perhaps 6-8 different colors of the same profile caps made out of the same material and they have to be sourced from Leopold through non-official channels (ebay via widebasket) at a significant premium ($150 per set + shipping).
Here are my final thoughts for this topic (hopefully). I think the majority of the mixed reactions can be attributed towards the sticker shock of the price. During CM's extended hype campaign for this product, it was rumored that the novatouch will be priced very attractively ($100-150). This seemed to have stemmed from reps at expos. I think that if this was promptly corrected by the reps here, there wouldn't have been this expectation building up for months.
My personal worry is that it might not gain much traction in the wider mechanical keyboard at this price point, especially if this is perceived to be in QFR category rather than a Filco/Ducky category.
Damn, having so much fun with the Novatouch that I'm seriously thinking of getting another, I have just ordered a Bumble Bee set + translucent space bar.......damn, I'm getting sucked in!!! :'(
Can I please ask where you are ordering them from?I'm in Asia, the Novatouch is available in the retail shops here in my neck of the woods. I love Topre but replacement key caps for Topre boards ain't cheap, that's why I love the Novatouch. The Miami set looks great on it, and I thinking of getting another for the Bumble Bee set I'd just ordered.
I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?i agree with this, i feel like the point if this keyboard is the fact that we can now put all of our fun and/or colorful keycaps on a topre board. Who cares what the stock caps are, i want my fun custom caps on it.
Do you actually believe that a few thousands enthusiasts (at best) will justify the costs put into R&D?I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?i agree with this, i feel like the point if this keyboard is the fact that we can now put all of our fun and/or colorful keycaps on a topre board. Who cares what the stock caps are, i want my fun custom caps on it.
Do you actually believe that a few thousands enthusiasts (at best) will justify the costs put into R&D?I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?i agree with this, i feel like the point if this keyboard is the fact that we can now put all of our fun and/or colorful keycaps on a topre board. Who cares what the stock caps are, i want my fun custom caps on it.
Also, CM products are always selling for less than MSRP.
You massively underestimate the amount of mech enthusiasts that CM can reach globally.Do you actually believe that a few thousands enthusiasts (at best) will justify the costs put into R&D?I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?i agree with this, i feel like the point if this keyboard is the fact that we can now put all of our fun and/or colorful keycaps on a topre board. Who cares what the stock caps are, i want my fun custom caps on it.
First, Ripster claims that /r/mechanicalkeyboards is the biggest keyboard-related "community" (perhaps outside Chinas/Korea); it has under 50k subscribers and judging by its content, most people have just cheap stock gaming keyboards there.You massively underestimate the amount of mech enthusiasts that CM can reach globally.Do you actually believe that a few thousands enthusiasts (at best) will justify the costs put into R&D?I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?i agree with this, i feel like the point if this keyboard is the fact that we can now put all of our fun and/or colorful keycaps on a topre board. Who cares what the stock caps are, i want my fun custom caps on it.
First, Ripster claims that /r/mechanicalkeyboards is the biggest keyboard-related "community" (perhaps outside Chinas/Korea); it has under 50k subscribers and judging by its content, most people have just cheap stock gaming keyboards there.You massively underestimate the amount of mech enthusiasts that CM can reach globally.Do you actually believe that a few thousands enthusiasts (at best) will justify the costs put into R&D?I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?i agree with this, i feel like the point if this keyboard is the fact that we can now put all of our fun and/or colorful keycaps on a topre board. Who cares what the stock caps are, i want my fun custom caps on it.
Second, how many people actually participate in the group buys? It's in hundreds at best.
I think the point is that CM exploits the "average quality, great price" market. This is the double edged sword. They have been very successful in that niche but because of it they are now tied to it. To be clear, this is not a bad thing. This is why people are raising eyebrows at CM releasing a premium priced product. This doesn't mean that CM shouldn't try to release a premium product, but the hesitation it is receiving shouldn't be surprising.First, Ripster claims that /r/mechanicalkeyboards is the biggest keyboard-related "community" (perhaps outside Chinas/Korea); it has under 50k subscribers and judging by its content, most people have just cheap stock gaming keyboards there.You massively underestimate the amount of mech enthusiasts that CM can reach globally.Do you actually believe that a few thousands enthusiasts (at best) will justify the costs put into R&D?I don't get that keycap discussion. People seem to forget the purpose of this board. Do you think someone will buy a keyboard with those fancy sliders to use the ****ing stock caps? Even if they were PBT?i agree with this, i feel like the point if this keyboard is the fact that we can now put all of our fun and/or colorful keycaps on a topre board. Who cares what the stock caps are, i want my fun custom caps on it.
Second, how many people actually participate in the group buys? It's in hundreds at best.
Is this just people being insulted that CM doesn't give Novatouches out for free? Do you think Filco or Topre produce keyboards for those who complain that a QFR at 60$ is still to expensive? I don't, but somehow these companies get by without targeting the audience, that's complaining about the Novatouch being too expensive. There are cheaper alternatives. They're not Topre boards though.
I have no idea what you're trying to say here.
Let's say I'm an engineer and I want to get a solid keyboard to use in my job. I have zero interest in customizing it, and it would be great, if my employer bought it for me. Why should I get the novatouch instead of WASDv2/Code, Filco MJ2, Das Ultimate or Topre Realforce? Or a black Cherry G80-3000LQCEU? (BTW this is a pretty common question that I get asked all the time, only without the novatouch… just yet.)
I understand your point on the design, but if they were to address an issue (the stem compatibility) then they should have, as well, address the backlite issue, don't you think?Why don't you try being a EE for a day?
I know the Topre switch itself offers very little modification to its original design but that being said it doesn't mean there is NO WAY to do it. If Realforce made a design that isn't perfect, then they did not fail, they found a way not-to do it properly.
Also i said "Newer boards" should have it, not expensive ones. Any new mechanical boards especially MX should have backlite available or as an option imo, even basic backliting.
That's what I want to know. Granite GB has been the thing recently, even at Reddit… about 370 people bought it, according to SP's website. About 300 people participated in the last Ivan's PBT GB, if I read it correctly. These are the bigger GBs out there. I simply don't see novatouch being an overall success, based on these numbers. I'd love to see CM Storm partner with some vendor and offer limited editions with custom key sets though.
Then the people, who don't care about custom keycaps. I'd love to recommend them more options to consider, but I don't see any reason to include novatouch in the list, given the features and current pricing estimate. It's hard to tell people to pay €150+ premium for a higher quality rubber dome and then buy not-exactly-cheap replacement keycaps. Or €100+ premium over the G80-3000 that has better keycaps. OTOH the G80 is a no-brainer, you get good switches (clears) and sweat-resistant keycaps for a reasonable price.
The possibly rubber coating is head and shoulders above any rubber coating that came before and the same may apply to the QFR-i which is just a little bit more than the old QFR.Mine came in a retail box. The nice black magnetized one with the velvet keyboard cover inside. Rubber coating definitely still there.Mine too, as my pics had shown. I'll admit that now that it's been said, there could be a rubberized coating on the case, I thought it was a matt surface, feeling it now and comparing it with the Quickfire TK, there is some similarity. Pardon my error as IF it had been like the rubberized coating on the Trigger, it'd have been more easily recognized by me. The surface feels matted, but it could very well be a very thin rubberized coating, kind of hard to tell......
I've been playing around with it, using a set of Ducky PBT keycaps and the feel and sound with the PBT's is about the same as with stock caps.Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140827_220231_zps65ecaf75.jpg)
I compared the feel and sound between the Novatouch and my Leopold FC660C, quite similar in feel and sound.....perhaps I'm not adept enough to pick up the subtle differences between the two, that I will admit.
People buy HHKBs and Topre RFs ... your point is? This is on par with an RF when it comes to quality. And when it comes to feel it's far more crisp.It has crap keycaps out of the box. Realforces don't. Neither do $100 Unicomps, Cherry G80s or some cheap Asian gaming keyboards (choc mini, keycools).
It has crap keycaps out of the box. Realforces don't. Neither do $100 Unicomps, Cherry G80s or some cheap Asian gaming keyboards (choc mini, keycools).The Novatouch's main feature is the Cherry MX compatible Topre switches in a solid keyboard. If you are looking for some other crazy feature, then this keyboard is not for you.
According to webwit's sources, Topre has superb quality control for realforces. Not consumer-grade product QC. This may, or may not be the case of the novatouch.
I'm looking for a killer feature other than the stems, but I don't see it. For example, WASD offers custom printing and DSK/Colemak support in firmware—these things separate it from Filco MJ2 or Das 3… that's an obvious difference. Maybe there's no such feature in case of novatouch, and people, who don't care about aftermarket keycaps, ought to skip this one and get a realforce or some costar board. I find it kinda hard to believe though. Disappointment?
If that's true, well… good luck to CM Storm selling more than a few thousands, unless the availability and price are on par with MJ2 at least.I agree Cooler Master has somewhat of a challenge on their hands with the Novatouch, but they know that and they know very well this keyboard will not sell like Razer Blackwidows. However, one advantage they should have compared to other Topre offerings is a better visibility and distribution.
Figure as much! Damnit!
I better start condemning the Novatouch! :)
The Novatouch is just a fad. It will pass. Long live HHKB!!
The Novatouch is just a fad. It will pass. Long live HHKB!!
The Novatouch is just a fad. It will pass. Long live HHKB!!
Just another product line that more people will buy and use, far more than the whole HHKB population on Earth which is no greater than the amount of fingers on my left hand, right ;D ?
The Novatouch is just a fad. It will pass. Long live HHKB!!
Just another product line that more people will buy and use, far more than the whole HHKB population on Earth which is no greater than the amount of fingers on my left hand, right ;D ?
For anyone who might be interested, I've posted a brief review of the CM Novatouch over on DT:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/cm-novatouch-review-t8687.html#p181348
For anyone who might be interested, I've posted a brief review of the CM Novatouch over on DT:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/cm-novatouch-review-t8687.html#p181348
Thanks for taking the time to crosspost your review and I agree with it pretty much. The stabilizer noise doesn't bother me, I think it just adds something unique to the use of the board versus a Realforce. It's much less pronounced with thick PBT caps though. I'm with you on the DIP switches and the LEDs. I would definitely like the ability to swap left Caps lock and Control keys. It's jarring moving from all of my other keyboards that use this layout.
For anyone who might be interested, I've posted a brief review of the CM Novatouch over on DT:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/cm-novatouch-review-t8687.html#p181348
Thanks for taking the time to crosspost your review and I agree with it pretty much. The stabilizer noise doesn't bother me, I think it just adds something unique to the use of the board versus a Realforce. It's much less pronounced with thick PBT caps though. I'm with you on the DIP switches and the LEDs. I would definitely like the ability to swap left Caps lock and Control keys. It's jarring moving from all of my other keyboards that use this layout.
Thanks. And thank you for taking the time to take a look at the review.
Regarding remapping, rather than swapping CapsLock and Left Control, I usually omit a dedicated CapsLock altogether and reassign CapsLock as one of the Control keys. Sometimes I set up keyboards so that Fn+Tab = CapsLock. However, with the Novatouch, I cannot seem to get CapsLock reassigned, with either Karibiner/Seil software for the Mac or the Mac Keyboard Preferences settings. This is the first keyboard that has given me this problem; even vintage IBM XT keyboards have worked with my remapping software (or I have installed a Teensy and used Soarer's Converter, which also works beautifully).
The remapping works nicely with the LEDs on the RF 87u. For example, when the remapping has both the former CapsLock as Control and Left Control as another Control, the CapsLock LED does not light up when either key is depressed, as would be expected. However, if I assign Fn+Tab as CapsLock, then the LED lights up on the lower left Control key. Likewise, I have Fn+Esc = NumLock, and pressing Fn+Esc causes the NumLock key to light up. I don't care to have a backlit keyboard, but I find having LEDs for CapsLock and NumLock useful.
Remapping software can be sufficient if you are using the keyboard with only one computer, but I often need to switch over from my Mac to a linux box or a Windows machine. In these cases, it is best to have remappings intrinsic to the keyboard. Whereas I have a dozen or so remapped keys, it would be impractical to have DIP switches for all these personalized settings, but it would be great to have DIP switches for some of the more widely used settings, such as swapping CapsLock/Control, Alt/Win, and Backslash/Backspace.
A little disappointing to hear that the board has issues with karabiner. My plan is to use it on my work machine (windows), but I was hoping to use it at home (OS X) sometimes as well. I wonder if it will have similar issues with key tweak in windows as thats what I currently use to remap caps lock/control and backslash/backspace. I'm told adding teensy's to QFR is fairly straight forward. I wonder how hard it will be with the novatouch.
A little disappointing to hear that the board has issues with karabiner. My plan is to use it on my work machine (windows), but I was hoping to use it at home (OS X) sometimes as well. I wonder if it will have similar issues with key tweak in windows as thats what I currently use to remap caps lock/control and backslash/backspace. I'm told adding teensy's to QFR is fairly straight forward. I wonder how hard it will be with the novatouch.
Odd, I was just able to swap Caps lock and control using Seil (http://pqrs.org/osx/karabiner/seil.html). You cannot do it with Karabiner itself because apparently it's a "special" key. I also had to change Caps Lock in the keyboard system preference to "No Action". I didn't try with the key tweak application, but I can give it a go to see how it works.
I'll let you know what I find out.
Edit: I was able to swap Capslock and Control easily with AutoHotKey. I don't know what this Key Tweak is, but it looked too spyware'ish to me so I didn't bother.
Apologies for double-posting, but I have made some progress with remapping and I wanted to update my findings.A little disappointing to hear that the board has issues with karabiner. My plan is to use it on my work machine (windows), but I was hoping to use it at home (OS X) sometimes as well. I wonder if it will have similar issues with key tweak in windows as thats what I currently use to remap caps lock/control and backslash/backspace. I'm told adding teensy's to QFR is fairly straight forward. I wonder how hard it will be with the novatouch.
Odd, I was just able to swap Caps lock and control using Seil (http://pqrs.org/osx/karabiner/seil.html). You cannot do it with Karabiner itself because apparently it's a "special" key. I also had to change Caps Lock in the keyboard system preference to "No Action". I didn't try with the key tweak application, but I can give it a go to see how it works.
I'll let you know what I find out.
Edit: I was able to swap Capslock and Control easily with AutoHotKey. I don't know what this Key Tweak is, but it looked too spyware'ish to me so I didn't bother.
the CM Novatouch does not really sound or feel like a Topre keyboard to me
the CM Novatouch does not really sound or feel like a Topre keyboard to me
Curious if any one else feels this way as well as I haven't heard it in any of the other reviews I've read.
Definitely interested in this board but not feeling or sounding like a true Topre is a deal breaker...
the CM Novatouch does not really sound or feel like a Topre keyboard to me
Curious if any one else feels this way as well as I haven't heard it in any of the other reviews I've read.
Definitely interested in this board but not feeling or sounding like a true Topre is a deal breaker...
I guess to my ear its there. Having typed on all of those boards before it is definitely the topper feel at least to me. Feels nothing like mx blue to me though. The actuation point and tactility is half way through the stroke on mx blue. Sound wise it can't even be compared to blue. I posted some sound clips of all of these boards a while back. It is unique but not completely different than other Topre.the CM Novatouch does not really sound or feel like a Topre keyboard to me
Curious if any one else feels this way as well as I haven't heard it in any of the other reviews I've read.
Definitely interested in this board but not feeling or sounding like a true Topre is a deal breaker...
You might check out some of the posts on the Novatouch from "Muirium" over on Deskthority. He did some audio recordings of the Novatouch along with some other Topre-switch boards, and he remarked that to his ear, the Novatouch did not have have the "thock" sound that people have associated with Topre-switch boards.
For example, when I asked him about this, and about the effect of O-rings on the Novatouch, here was his reply:
"I've tried o-rings and none. I find the thock is never really there in any case. You get a hint of it, there's something there unlike any MX switch, but the stabilised keys in particular have more of a plastic slap to them than the Topre sound you want. Here's some recordings, which all should be quite familiar to your ears now you have every keyboard in question!"
And he provided the following link to a post with his recordings:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/topre-switch-cherry-mx-compatible-t7076-750.html#p174519
I have found that the "Topre thock" and "Topre feel" were especially apparent with the HHKB Pro 2 and Leopold FC660C. These properties are also there with the RF 87u 55g, but in a tighter and more refined way. The Novatouch is different still. I am not sure how to describe it. It is not necessarily a bad sound or feel; it is just not the same as what I have experienced with other Topre switch boards. It actually feels a bit like my white PBT KC84 with Cherry mx blues, but smoother and without the rice-crispies clicks. The clicks on the Novatouch are from bottoming out and from the return stroke.
the CM Novatouch does not really sound or feel like a Topre keyboard to me
Curious if any one else feels this way as well as I haven't heard it in any of the other reviews I've read.
Definitely interested in this board but not feeling or sounding like a true Topre is a deal breaker...
You might check out some of the posts on the Novatouch from "Muirium" over on Deskthority. He did some audio recordings of the Novatouch along with some other Topre-switch boards, and he remarked that to his ear, the Novatouch did not have have the "thock" sound that people have associated with Topre-switch boards.
For example, when I asked him about this, and about the effect of O-rings on the Novatouch, here was his reply:
"I've tried o-rings and none. I find the thock is never really there in any case. You get a hint of it, there's something there unlike any MX switch, but the stabilised keys in particular have more of a plastic slap to them than the Topre sound you want. Here's some recordings, which all should be quite familiar to your ears now you have every keyboard in question!"
And he provided the following link to a post with his recordings:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/topre-switch-cherry-mx-compatible-t7076-750.html#p174519
I have found that the "Topre thock" and "Topre feel" were especially apparent with the HHKB Pro 2 and Leopold FC660C. These properties are also there with the RF 87u 55g, but in a tighter and more refined way. The Novatouch is different still. I am not sure how to describe it. It is not necessarily a bad sound or feel; it is just not the same as what I have experienced with other Topre switch boards. It actually feels a bit like my white PBT KC84 with Cherry mx blues, but smoother and without the rice-crispies clicks. The clicks on the Novatouch are from bottoming out and from the return stroke.
the CM Novatouch does not really sound or feel like a Topre keyboard to me
Curious if any one else feels this way as well as I haven't heard it in any of the other reviews I've read.
Definitely interested in this board but not feeling or sounding like a true Topre is a deal breaker...
You might check out some of the posts on the Novatouch from "Muirium" over on Deskthority. He did some audio recordings of the Novatouch along with some other Topre-switch boards, and he remarked that to his ear, the Novatouch did not have have the "thock" sound that people have associated with Topre-switch boards.
For example, when I asked him about this, and about the effect of O-rings on the Novatouch, here was his reply:
"I've tried o-rings and none. I find the thock is never really there in any case. You get a hint of it, there's something there unlike any MX switch, but the stabilised keys in particular have more of a plastic slap to them than the Topre sound you want. Here's some recordings, which all should be quite familiar to your ears now you have every keyboard in question!"
And he provided the following link to a post with his recordings:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/topre-switch-cherry-mx-compatible-t7076-750.html#p174519
I have found that the "Topre thock" and "Topre feel" were especially apparent with the HHKB Pro 2 and Leopold FC660C. These properties are also there with the RF 87u 55g, but in a tighter and more refined way. The Novatouch is different still. I am not sure how to describe it. It is not necessarily a bad sound or feel; it is just not the same as what I have experienced with other Topre switch boards. It actually feels a bit like my white PBT KC84 with Cherry mx blues, but smoother and without the rice-crispies clicks. The clicks on the Novatouch are from bottoming out and from the return stroke.
Oh thanks for the links to the recordings.
I had read previously that the novatouch had less thock but that was with the prototype models and based on feed back they were going to try to improve this aspect so retail version sound different than those recordings.
Honestly though even in his recordings I can still hear a decent thock, just that it's kind of drowned out by the really loud clack from the spacebar.
I think as usual the keycaps and o-rings are going to make a big difference here.
The sound to me seems ok. It's not HHKB dental mod but it's not bad.
I see opinions are still mixed on the feel. I guess only way to be sure is to buy one and try for myself ;D
I suspect the thock sound of the realforce and hhkb are attributable to the PBT keycaps rather than the structure of the board itself. Since abs keycaps produce a higher pitched sound when bottoming out compared to pbt, the novatouch will sound different.
If you put a set of thick pbt keycaps on the novatouch, it will sound much more like other tore boards.
What! Correct me if i'm wrong but i thought that the Realforce boards are the ones which are metal plated in contrary to the HKKB which is PCB mounted.
That's why i read that the Realforce boards feel heavier than HKKBs.
the CM Novatouch does not really sound or feel like a Topre keyboard to me
Curious if any one else feels this way as well as I haven't heard it in any of the other reviews I've read.
Definitely interested in this board but not feeling or sounding like a true Topre is a deal breaker...
You might check out some of the posts on the Novatouch from "Muirium" over on Deskthority. He did some audio recordings of the Novatouch along with some other Topre-switch boards, and he remarked that to his ear, the Novatouch did not have have the "thock" sound that people have associated with Topre-switch boards.
For example, when I asked him about this, and about the effect of O-rings on the Novatouch, here was his reply:
"I've tried o-rings and none. I find the thock is never really there in any case. You get a hint of it, there's something there unlike any MX switch, but the stabilised keys in particular have more of a plastic slap to them than the Topre sound you want. Here's some recordings, which all should be quite familiar to your ears now you have every keyboard in question!"
And he provided the following link to a post with his recordings:
http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/topre-switch-cherry-mx-compatible-t7076-750.html#p174519
I have found that the "Topre thock" and "Topre feel" were especially apparent with the HHKB Pro 2 and Leopold FC660C. These properties are also there with the RF 87u 55g, but in a tighter and more refined way. The Novatouch is different still. I am not sure how to describe it. It is not necessarily a bad sound or feel; it is just not the same as what I have experienced with other Topre switch boards. It actually feels a bit like my white PBT KC84 with Cherry mx blues, but smoother and without the rice-crispies clicks. The clicks on the Novatouch are from bottoming out and from the return stroke.
Oh thanks for the links to the recordings.
I had read previously that the novatouch had less thock but that was with the prototype models and based on feed back they were going to try to improve this aspect so retail version sound different than those recordings.
Honestly though even in his recordings I can still hear a decent thock, just that it's kind of drowned out by the really loud clack from the spacebar.
I think as usual the keycaps and o-rings are going to make a big difference here.
The sound to me seems ok. It's not HHKB dental mod but it's not bad.
I see opinions are still mixed on the feel. I guess only way to be sure is to buy one and try for myself ;D
I suspect the thock sound of the realforce and hhkb are attributable to the PBT keycaps rather than the structure of the board itself. Since abs keycaps produce a higher pitched sound when bottoming out compared to pbt, the novatouch will sound different.
If you put a set of thick pbt keycaps on the novatouch, it will sound much more like other tore boards.
Unfortunately, the Novatouch has a hardwired Fn key that does not issue a scan code, and so it cannot be remapped and it cannot be used in new combinations of Fn+XXX to yield some new function. Consequently, the Fn key on my Novatouch is a dead key. I really wanted to remap it as Right Control, but I can live without this, given that I now have two Control keys on the left side of the keyboard.Other topre have this issue as well. My 10th anniversary 104 pro has a "pro key" on the right that is a completely dead key.
Luckily my RF 87u does not start out with a Fn key, and so the Menu key is now Right Control and Right Control is Fn. Because a user-created Fn key issues a scan code, I can remap it or use it in new functional combinations to my heart's content. Moreover, there are no dead keys on my RF 87u.
I grew up using an IBM Model M 101, then moved to an IBM SSK, and more recently to an IBM XT. I bottom out on every keyboard I use. I never could stop half-way! ;)Unfortunately, the Novatouch has a hardwired Fn key that does not issue a scan code, and so it cannot be remapped and it cannot be used in new combinations of Fn+XXX to yield some new function. Consequently, the Fn key on my Novatouch is a dead key. I really wanted to remap it as Right Control, but I can live without this, given that I now have two Control keys on the left side of the keyboard.Other topre have this issue as well. My 10th anniversary 104 pro has a "pro key" on the right that is a completely dead key.
Luckily my RF 87u does not start out with a Fn key, and so the Menu key is now Right Control and Right Control is Fn. Because a user-created Fn key issues a scan code, I can remap it or use it in new functional combinations to my heart's content. Moreover, there are no dead keys on my RF 87u.
Trying the sample I did at keycon, It felt like a topre board to me, but keep in mind I am used to 30g uniform, so mine sounds a little different than most people's 45g or 55g topre.
I suspect the different sound is also due to different material and especially shape of the slider.
But who is bottoming out their topre anyway? Half the reason to get one is the actuation point is before bottomout.
What! Correct me if i'm wrong but i thought that the Realforce boards are the ones which are metal plated in contrary to the HKKB which is PCB mounted.
That's why i read that the Realforce boards feel heavier than HKKBs.
<snip>
The stems on the GMK Dolch seem to be a bit loose, but they were on the other MX board that I had them on as well so I don't think that's indicative of a problem with the Novatouch sliders. I have to say the stabilized keys feel great. A bit like Cherry stabilizers, but not quite as mushy.
<snip>
What! Correct me if i'm wrong but i thought that the Realforce boards are the ones which are metal plated in contrary to the HKKB which is PCB mounted.
That's why i read that the Realforce boards feel heavier than HKKBs.
Technically the HHKB is case-mounted.
I grew up using an IBM Model M 101, then moved to an IBM SSK, and more recently to an IBM XT. I bottom out on every keyboard I use. I never could stop half-way! ;)Unfortunately, the Novatouch has a hardwired Fn key that does not issue a scan code, and so it cannot be remapped and it cannot be used in new combinations of Fn+XXX to yield some new function. Consequently, the Fn key on my Novatouch is a dead key. I really wanted to remap it as Right Control, but I can live without this, given that I now have two Control keys on the left side of the keyboard.Other topre have this issue as well. My 10th anniversary 104 pro has a "pro key" on the right that is a completely dead key.
Luckily my RF 87u does not start out with a Fn key, and so the Menu key is now Right Control and Right Control is Fn. Because a user-created Fn key issues a scan code, I can remap it or use it in new functional combinations to my heart's content. Moreover, there are no dead keys on my RF 87u.
Trying the sample I did at keycon, It felt like a topre board to me, but keep in mind I am used to 30g uniform, so mine sounds a little different than most people's 45g or 55g topre.
I suspect the different sound is also due to different material and especially shape of the slider.
But who is bottoming out their topre anyway? Half the reason to get one is the actuation point is before bottomout.
Technically the HHKB is case-mounted.Thanks. TIL
The HHKB's case-mounted switches coupled with hollow case creates that unique thock. Like how a musical instruments body cavity shape-volume effects the sound. Sort of how I can always tell the difference between a hollow body guitar (Gibson Les Paul) vs solid body (Fender strat, etc.) plugged or unplugged blindfolded.
Les Paul is a solid body guitar, just FYI.What! Correct me if i'm wrong but i thought that the Realforce boards are the ones which are metal plated in contrary to the HKKB which is PCB mounted.
That's why i read that the Realforce boards feel heavier than HKKBs.
Technically the HHKB is case-mounted.
The HHKB's case-mounted switches coupled with hollow case creates that unique thock. Like how a musical instruments body cavity shape-volume effects the sound. Sort of how I can always tell the difference between a hollow body guitar (Gibson Les Paul) vs solid body (Fender strat, etc.) plugged or unplugged blindfolded.
Chambered, but still solid body, yes.I guess my definition of solid is different than yours, if its chambered how is it solid?
Chambered, but still solid body, yes.I guess my definition of solid is different than yours, if its chambered how is it solid?
But who is bottoming out their topre anyway? Half the reason to get one is the actuation point is before bottomout.
Here's an audio clip of Novatouch with Leopold thick PBT caps.
Here's an audio clip of Novatouch with Leopold thick PBT caps.
Honestly though, the case is going to make a big difference when it comes to sound... and I'm looking forward to swapping this out to a custom case as soon as possible.
Wonder if it fits the same after market TKL cases that a QFR does?
Honestly though, the case is going to make a big difference when it comes to sound... and I'm looking forward to swapping this out to a custom case as soon as possible.
Wonder if it fits the same after market TKL cases that a QFR does?
Nope, it's micro usb vs mini and the plug is in a different spot.
Here's an audio clip of Novatouch with Leopold thick PBT caps.
Is that with or without the o-rings? Sounds a lot like a RF but nothing like other recordings..Thanks for that though!!
@jamesir: Thanks for posting the audio file. To me, it doesn't sound anything like any of my Topre-switch keyboards (1 x Leopold FC660C, 4 x HHKB Pro 2, 2 x RF 87u 55g, and 1 x Novatouch). Your recording sounds very bass-rich. Of all my Topre-switch boards, to my ear, the Novatouch sounds the most treble rather than the most bass. I must have very different conditions from yours in my office.
@jamesir: Thanks for posting the audio file. To me, it doesn't sound anything like any of my Topre-switch keyboards (1 x Leopold FC660C, 4 x HHKB Pro 2, 2 x RF 87u 55g, and 1 x Novatouch). Your recording sounds very bass-rich. Of all my Topre-switch boards, to my ear, the Novatouch sounds the most treble rather than the most bass. I must have very different conditions from yours in my office.
Here's a comparison file that has both the Novatouch and the Realforce in the same office using the same microphone.
a comparison file that has both the Novatouch and the Realforce in the same office using the same microphone.
@jamesir: Thanks for posting the audio file. To me, it doesn't sound anything like any of my Topre-switch keyboards (1 x Leopold FC660C, 4 x HHKB Pro 2, 2 x RF 87u 55g, and 1 x Novatouch). Your recording sounds very bass-rich. Of all my Topre-switch boards, to my ear, the Novatouch sounds the most treble rather than the most bass. I must have very different conditions from yours in my office.
Here's a comparison file that has both the Novatouch and the Realforce in the same office using the same microphone.
@jamesir: Thanks for posting the audio file. To me, it doesn't sound anything like any of my Topre-switch keyboards (1 x Leopold FC660C, 4 x HHKB Pro 2, 2 x RF 87u 55g, and 1 x Novatouch). Your recording sounds very bass-rich. Of all my Topre-switch boards, to my ear, the Novatouch sounds the most treble rather than the most bass. I must have very different conditions from yours in my office.
Here's a comparison file that has both the Novatouch and the Realforce in the same office using the same microphone.
Thanks. It is helpful to have back-to-back recordings of the RF87u 55g and CM Novatouch using the same recording conditions.
Did you have the microphone extremely close to the keyboard or even touching the desk? There is much more base response in both recordings than I hear when actually using each of these keyboards.
From the recordings, it seems that the Novatouch has a higher pitch than the RF on most keystrokes, and I can pick up the stabilizer rattle in the Novatouch.
Regarding the Novatouch with and without O-rings, which do you prefer? I am still undecided on this. However, back when I used Cherry mx keyboards, I initially outfitted them with O-rings (blue, red, and black), but I eventually removed the O-rings from all of them to get back to the "raw" typing experience of each keyboard.
@jamesir: Thanks for the additional details about your recordings. Not to be picky, but in order to do a fair and valid comparison, it would be best to have each keyboard in exactly the same position and on the same surface (desk, tray, or whatever), and to have the mic positioned in exactly the same spot for each recording. Otherwise, the intrinsic sound of the keyboard could be unduly influenced by the reverberation of the desk or tray, etc.
All this reminds me that I need to equip my own setup with a decent camera (and lessons on how to use it) and microphone. These tools would be invaluable for doing reviews of products. As it stands, I can't even make a silent movie! The best I can do is potato pics with bad lighting and no sound. :(
I got a little restless after being cooped up in bed due to a mild infection after a tooth operation, so I decided to head to the local tech mall to see if there were anything new, ended up with my second Novatouch.....and a HyperX Cloud Pro Gaming headset for good measure.
A pic of my two Novatouch, awaiting the arrival of the Bumble Bee set....
Like you said PBTFOREVER!
They really should have spent the $10 on better keys.
Maybe they will wise up in Novatouch 2.
Maybe you don't understand English mofo. You speak it?
so where led indicator capslock on novatouch ? :-\
I cant find the thread but I remember someone was asking the switch life of novatouch. It just cleared 60 Million and is headed towards 70 as we speak. Will keep everyone posted on end result
What does that number even mean? Is it cycle count for the capacitive part? That would be awesome, but what about domes in the long run? Available replacement parts would be great.Agreed. If you are just pressing on one of these keyboards (~87 keys) for 60 million presses, it's a very different experiment to cycling a single switch 60 million times. Ideally you'd cycle over a hundred switches to failure and post the center of the distribution as the "number of actuations" and also list the standard deviation from that. Another common-but-acceptable way is to cycle a much larger number of switches until a few fail early and use that to extrapolate the data set, though this is much less precice because extrapolation always requires an assumption as to the shape of the failure curve.
Conincidentlally I do type on 30g topre and I do not bottom it out, even lightly. If you think I am lying, I invite you to come and see for yourself.But who is bottoming out their topre anyway? Half the reason to get one is the actuation point is before bottomout.
Except for people using 30g Topre (which doesn't have a large enough bump), everyone...
Anyone saying they don't bottom out with their 45/55g Topre is lying or they're typing stupidly slow in a really poor way...You can lightly bottom out..but you will..that is just the nature of how it works..
The actuation before bottom out makes it feel a bit more responsive and it doesn't feel as if you have to smash the key..but everyone bottoms out on 45/55g Topre...
Sounds like to me there is still some sound coming from where the keycap mounts into the slider..it seems a bit annoying...Would like to see/hear some recordings of thick PBT on it..with and without o-rings...
so where led indicator capslock on novatouch ? :-\
People use Caps Lock?
I cant find the thread but I remember someone was asking the switch life of novatouch. It just cleared 60 Million and is headed towards 70 as we speak. Will keep everyone posted on end resultWhat does that number even mean? Is it cycle count for the capacitive part? That would be awesome, but what about domes in the long run? Available replacement parts would be great.Agreed. If you are just pressing on one of these keyboards (~87 keys) for 60 million presses, it's a very different experiment to cycling a single switch 60 million times. Ideally you'd cycle over a hundred switches to failure and post the center of the distribution as the "number of actuations" and also list the standard deviation from that. Another common-but-acceptable way is to cycle a much larger number of switches until a few fail early and use that to extrapolate the data set, though this is much less precice because extrapolation always requires an assumption as to the shape of the failure curve.
Conincidentlally I do type on 30g topre and I do not bottom it out, even lightly. If you think I am lying, I invite you to come and see for yourself.
I don't think I bottomed out on the 45g topre I've tried, but I don't remember to be sure.
I will never understand the debates about bottoming out vs not bottoming out. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I cant find the thread but I remember someone was asking the switch life of novatouch. It just cleared 60 Million and is headed towards 70 as we speak. Will keep everyone posted on end resultWhat does that number even mean? Is it cycle count for the capacitive part? That would be awesome, but what about domes in the long run? Available replacement parts would be great.Agreed. If you are just pressing on one of these keyboards (~87 keys) for 60 million presses, it's a very different experiment to cycling a single switch 60 million times. Ideally you'd cycle over a hundred switches to failure and post the center of the distribution as the "number of actuations" and also list the standard deviation from that. Another common-but-acceptable way is to cycle a much larger number of switches until a few fail early and use that to extrapolate the data set, though this is much less precice because extrapolation always requires an assumption as to the shape of the failure curve.
Indeed. A single sample does not give statistically significant results, so hopefully they're testing at least 30.
Although honestly, after a certain point I'm happy to just say "they last a really long time". :))
Running each key on a set of 25*. The longevity of the "rubber" layer, will need to be referenced from the longevity of RF boards which have been in the market for years. Internal rubber is identical.Excellent!
Same here. It seems that some people view bottoming out as a lack of finesse, absence of good technique, or a social taboo. For me, it's just the way I type -- on any keyboard. In my case, it might stem from the fact that I learned to type on a manual typewriter, and when I started using a computer, I used an IBM Model M keyboard. At the moment, I am typing on a 55g Realforce 87u (black) and bottoming out with every keystroke. I wouldn't have it any other way -- but I don't mind if others want to actuate their keys without hitting bottom.
Found my Sanctuary keyset which I'd forgotten that I had, and installed it on my second Novatouch.....Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140912_121206_zps31a9b0eb.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140912_121035_zps4ff9fcb5.jpg)
Pardon the bad lighting and piss poor shots, I truly suck at photography.... :'(
It's the only way to fly!Found my Sanctuary keyset which I'd forgotten that I had, and installed it on my second Novatouch.....Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140912_121206_zps31a9b0eb.jpg)Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20140912_121035_zps4ff9fcb5.jpg)
Pardon the bad lighting and piss poor shots, I truly suck at photography.... :'(
You also seem to have the space bar on the wrong way around :p
Maybe you don't understand English mofo. You speak it?
You also seem to have the space bar on the wrong way around :pWell, I've heard a lot of talk about this previously, so I'm giving it a shot.
It's the only way to fly!Odd to think placing the spacebar the other way around makes it feel kind of odd, and it does feel a little odd to me. I don't know if I'll keep it this way permanently though.....I'm an old dog, it usually takes a while for me to adjust....if ever. :-[
My longest lasting keyboard so far is a ~12 year old cheap Dell rubber dome one. I've had several mechanical keyboards break much sooner due to controller problems.My IBM XT keyboard was built in 1984 and still going strong! :)
My longest lasting keyboard so far is a ~12 year old cheap Dell rubber dome one. I've had several mechanical keyboards break much sooner due to controller problems.My IBM XT keyboard was built in 1984 and still going strong! :)
You also seem to have the space bar on the wrong way around :pWell, I've heard a lot of talk about this previously, so I'm giving it a shot.It's the only way to fly!Odd to think placing the spacebar the other way around makes it feel kind of odd, and it does feel a little odd to me. I don't know if I'll keep it this way permanently though.....I'm an old dog, it usually takes a while for me to adjust....if ever. :-[
You also seem to have the space bar on the wrong way around :pWell, I've heard a lot of talk about this previously, so I'm giving it a shot.It's the only way to fly!Odd to think placing the spacebar the other way around makes it feel kind of odd, and it does feel a little odd to me. I don't know if I'll keep it this way permanently though.....I'm an old dog, it usually takes a while for me to adjust....if ever. :-[
I tried it at the insistence of several forum members, but it just felt weird to me. Plus I had not been experiencing the problem that most people had before they flipped ("cutting" their delicate fingers on the "sharp" edges of the keys). Plus it kinda set off my OCD and looked wrong. So I swapped it back to normal, and haven't worried about it since.
I've swapped the spacebar back to its original position and it feels so much better, guess I'm not hip enough. :-[
Novatouch for half the price?
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open)
Novatouch for half the price?
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open)
Everyone jumping on Topre band wagon.
Everyone jumping on Topre switch with MX-compatible stem band wagon.
:p
Only 108 key though?
Novatouch for half the price?If they are anything like the sample units they are also half the quality, according to 002 from DT.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open)
Novatouch for half the price?Novatouch is Topre. Noppoo isn't.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open)
There is a recent post from "cookie" on DT indicating a similar impression of the Topre/CM knockoff from Noppoo, i.e., "you get what you pay for".Novatouch for half the price?If they are anything like the sample units they are also half the quality, according to 002 from DT.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/noppoo-electro-capacitive-keyboard?mode=guest_open)
There is a recent post from "cookie" on DT indicating a similar impression of the Topre/CM knockoff from Noppoo, i.e., "you get what you pay for".Indeed, I saw that.
Final Realese has come..
did they made LED indicate on CAPSLK + SCRLK ?!
Final Realese has come..
did they made LED indicate on CAPSLK + SCRLK ?!
No LEDs at all on the production boards. I have one, and they aren't present.
Final Realese has come..
did they made LED indicate on CAPSLK + SCRLK ?!
No LEDs at all on the production boards. I have one, and they aren't present.
WTF ?! No LED for the final product ?! but why they just make a hole on the plate behind CAPSLK keycap.. its that silly ?!
WTF ?! No LED for the final product ?! but why they just make a hole on the plate behind CAPSLK keycap.. its that silly ?!They were not satisfied with the look of the keys with LEDs so decided to remove them at the last minute. I do not know if the final production models that are being shipped today still have the holes on the backplate.
Anyone uses these lights? I mean, it's tenkeyless and who does use Scroll Lock except some data clerks anyway? Caps Lock is a topic for itself… the key shouldn't have existed like that at all.Well the scroll lock key functions as a win lock key so I think the led would be nice. Definitely not a deal breaker for me though.
Anyone uses these lights? I mean, it's tenkeyless and who does use Scroll Lock except some data clerks anyway? Caps Lock is a topic for itself… the key shouldn't have existed like that at all.I prefer to not have LEDs and do not mind not having any on the Novatouch at all.
Final Realese has come..
did they made LED indicate on CAPSLK + SCRLK ?!
No LEDs at all on the production boards. I have one, and they aren't present.
WTF ?! No LED for the final product ?! but why they just make a hole on the plate behind CAPSLK keycap.. its that silly ?!
it looks like there is a place where you can manually solder a LED in there. If you look down into the hole you can see the two LED through-holes. I might put one in mine just to see if it works.
Final Realese has come..
did they made LED indicate on CAPSLK + SCRLK ?!
No LEDs at all on the production boards. I have one, and they aren't present.
WTF ?! No LED for the final product ?! but why they just make a hole on the plate behind CAPSLK keycap.. its that silly ?!
it looks like there is a place where you can manually solder a LED in there. If you look down into the hole you can see the two LED through-holes. I might put one in mine just to see if it works.
manually soldering the LEDs ?!... hmm it was pathetic 'will sacrifice the warranty quickly :(
It may be possible to remove the keycap and put the LED lead's though the hole to see whether its functional before before opening it up. If it works then decide if voiding the 2yr warranty is worth it or not.
Doesn't look like there's enough power going to it. I poked the LED in there and made contact and it barely lights up. Hardly visible at all. Maybe that was the reason they didn't include the LEDs?Nope.
Doesn't look like there's enough power going to it. I poked the LED in there and made contact and it barely lights up. Hardly visible at all. Maybe that was the reason they didn't include the LEDs?Nope.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/jFmBqJo.jpg)
As I said further back it was an aesthetic choice.
That could be and it depends on the resistor value used in the circuit. You could try a different color LED like white or one with a lower Vf may be brighter.Doesn't look like there's enough power going to it. I poked the LED in there and made contact and it barely lights up. Hardly visible at all. Maybe that was the reason they didn't include the LEDs?Nope.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/jFmBqJo.jpg)
As I said further back it was an aesthetic choice.
Perhaps it wasn't making good enough contact to power the 2x3x4 LED I was using.
The quality of the Novatouch is not up the the high standard of the Topre Realforce 87u, and the Novatouch lacks features such as an embedded numeric keypad, NumLock and CapsLock LEDs, DIP switches for alternative settings, and a reconfigurable Fn key. Nevertheless, it is currently the best Topre-switch keyboard with Cherry-compatible key stems, thus opening up a whole new world of customization for those who prefer Topre switches over Cherry mx switches.Well, considering it is effectively the only Cherry MX compatible Topre switch keyboard, being the best is not exactly a challenge. That is even if you count in the Noppoo 108EC-Pro with the Topre imitation switches.
All things considered and despite its flaws and shortcomings, based on my testing and comparing it with other keyboards, I think the CM Novatouch is worth having.
The quality of the Novatouch is not up the the high standard of the Topre Realforce 87u, and the Novatouch lacks features such as an embedded numeric keypad, NumLock and CapsLock LEDs, DIP switches for alternative settings, and a reconfigurable Fn key. Nevertheless, it is currently the best Topre-switch keyboard with Cherry-compatible key stems, thus opening up a whole new world of customization for those who prefer Topre switches over Cherry mx switches.
I consider the feature set of the Kul ES-87 superior to that of the Novatouch, but in my own case, I have yet to try a Cherry mx switch that I like. My favorite switches are capacitive buckling springs and Topre 55g, with Topre 45g a close second. I also like some of the keycaps sets that are available for Cherry mx switches. Therefore, I am glad that I already have a Novatouch in my collection, and I will make it part of my keyboard rotation.
However, before buying another Novatouch, I would hope that CM and Topre would address some of the issues and missing features in the current version of the keyboard by producing the Novatouch 2.0. Altertatively, or in addition, CM and Topre might consider producing a 60% version that could provide competition for the HHKB Pro 2.
All things considered and despite its flaws and shortcomings, based on my testing and comparing it with other keyboards, I think the CM Novatouch is worth having.Can you be a little more specific in the quality differences between the novatouch and the real force?
The quality of the Novatouch is not up the the high standard of the Topre Realforce 87u, and the Novatouch lacks features such as an embedded numeric keypad, NumLock and CapsLock LEDs, DIP switches for alternative settings, and a reconfigurable Fn key. Nevertheless, it is currently the best Topre-switch keyboard with Cherry-compatible key stems, thus opening up a whole new world of customization for those who prefer Topre switches over Cherry mx switches.
I consider the feature set of the Kul ES-87 superior to that of the Novatouch, but in my own case, I have yet to try a Cherry mx switch that I like. My favorite switches are capacitive buckling springs and Topre 55g, with Topre 45g a close second. I also like some of the keycaps sets that are available for Cherry mx switches. Therefore, I am glad that I already have a Novatouch in my collection, and I will make it part of my keyboard rotation.
However, before buying another Novatouch, I would hope that CM and Topre would address some of the issues and missing features in the current version of the keyboard by producing the Novatouch 2.0. Altertatively, or in addition, CM and Topre might consider producing a 60% version that could provide competition for the HHKB Pro 2.
Be interesting to see when it becomes available to Aus.
Be interesting to see when it becomes available to Aus.
You mean IF :p
All things considered and despite its flaws and shortcomings, based on my testing and comparing it with other keyboards, I think the CM Novatouch is worth having.Can you be a little more specific in the quality differences between the novatouch and the real force?
The quality of the Novatouch is not up the the high standard of the Topre Realforce 87u, and the Novatouch lacks features such as an embedded numeric keypad, NumLock and CapsLock LEDs, DIP switches for alternative settings, and a reconfigurable Fn key. Nevertheless, it is currently the best Topre-switch keyboard with Cherry-compatible key stems, thus opening up a whole new world of customization for those who prefer Topre switches over Cherry mx switches.
I consider the feature set of the Kul ES-87 superior to that of the Novatouch, but in my own case, I have yet to try a Cherry mx switch that I like. My favorite switches are capacitive buckling springs and Topre 55g, with Topre 45g a close second. I also like some of the keycaps sets that are available for Cherry mx switches. Therefore, I am glad that I already have a Novatouch in my collection, and I will make it part of my keyboard rotation.
However, before buying another Novatouch, I would hope that CM and Topre would address some of the issues and missing features in the current version of the keyboard by producing the Novatouch 2.0. Altertatively, or in addition, CM and Topre might consider producing a 60% version that could provide competition for the HHKB Pro 2.
Keep in mind Hypersphere, that to the best of my knowledge you do not have a final production unit. I will not go into specifics, but the information I have would indicate this to be the case.
Keep in mind Hypersphere, that to the best of my knowledge you do not have a final production unit. I will not go into specifics, but the information I have would indicate this to be the case.The information I was given indicates that I have a final production unit.
If you have key cap color hue variation, loose fitting sliders and a Micro USB connector that angles to the right, then you do not have a final production unit according to my contact at Cooler Master.Looks like I might have been given incorrect information. I didn't notice keycap hue variation, but I did have some loose-fitting sliders, and the cable was indeed a right-angle (angling to the right) micro-USB connector. Thanks for passing along this new information!
If you have key cap color hue variation, loose fitting sliders and a Micro USB connector that angles to the right, then you do not have a final production unit according to my contact at Cooler Master.Looks like I might have been given incorrect information. I didn't notice keycap hue variation, but I did have some loose-fitting sliders, and the cable was indeed a right-angle (angling to the right) micro-USB connector. Thanks for passing along this new information!
If you have key cap color hue variation, loose fitting sliders and a Micro USB connector that angles to the right, then you do not have a final production unit according to my contact at Cooler Master.Looks like I might have been given incorrect information. I didn't notice keycap hue variation, but I did have some loose-fitting sliders, and the cable was indeed a right-angle (angling to the right) micro-USB connector. Thanks for passing along this new information!
Same here - looks like we were duped again!
review of CM Storm Novatouch from Legit Reviews http://www.legitreviews.com/cm-storm-novatouch-tkl-keyboard-review_151121/3"At $199.99, the CM Storm NovaTouch TKL is affordable as far as Topre switch keyboards go, but like other expensive Topre switch keyboards, they’re symbols of PC keyboard gear sluts."
Maybe the 'fixes' are only for the European market?That is not to be excluded as I am dependent on CM's European division.
Checking my information again, although I was able to get a CM Novatouch in advance of the general release, I did indeed have a production version ("International ANSI"). The only variations from other production versions are the inclusion of a velvet sleeve and a right-angle micro-USB cable. Other versions do not include a velvet sleeve and could have a left-angle or straight connector. However, these items obviously do not affect the quality of the keyboard or its switches.If you have key cap color hue variation, loose fitting sliders and a Micro USB connector that angles to the right, then you do not have a final production unit according to my contact at Cooler Master.Looks like I might have been given incorrect information. I didn't notice keycap hue variation, but I did have some loose-fitting sliders, and the cable was indeed a right-angle (angling to the right) micro-USB connector. Thanks for passing along this new information!
Same here - looks like we were duped again!
Ok, here is CM Australia's responseBe interesting to see when it becomes available to Aus.
You mean IF :p
Ok, here is CM Australia's responseBe interesting to see when it becomes available to Aus.
You mean IF :p
"Hi Lauren, stocks is on their way to AU in a couple of weeks. Most of IT resellers should be able to supply."
Also, the Australian RRP will be around $219.
Ok, here is CM Australia's responseBe interesting to see when it becomes available to Aus.
You mean IF :p
"Hi Lauren, stocks is on their way to AU in a couple of weeks. Most of IT resellers should be able to supply."
The marketing on this is a bit over the top, wouldn't you say? I'm just going to wait on the sidelines to see what everyone's take on this is. I was really excited about it half a year ago, but it's been a while.
The included o-rings don't seem to do much, at least on the stock caps. Are they more useful with GMK caps? Anyone experimented with this?
I hope someone will do a 55g dome transplant into their Novatouch and let us know your impressions. I am considering it -- just don't want to be first! Plus, I have only one board that might serve as a donor, and I might want to make my HHKB the first recipient. I wish we could buy 55g domes from the factory!I was thinking of buying one and transiting my rf 55g domes.
- The included o rings seem very useless - on alpha keys they don't seem to do much at all, and on modifiers they just seem to cause a massive reduction in travel without doing anything desirable. Not really sure why they were included.Hmmm I disagree, the o rings made a huge difference for me. In both feeling and sound.
- The board doesn't work too well with GMK caps on right shift or enter. For some reason they cause a much higher pitched bottoming-out noise that is bothersome and at odds with the rest of the keys. Doesn't seem to affect any other keys on the board. Also, I should note that I tried a set of thick Ducky PBT and there was no such problem.I have this same problem, except I'm using original Dolch keycaps. For me it's the backspace and the enter key, the r-shift is fine. O-rings fixed the problem on the backspace but the enter key bottoms out super loud.
Man you guys are making this a hard decision of whether or not to get one! What do you guys think, save up for a GON custom or go for the novatouch?
I also wonder if we could ever get a HHKB styled layout topre with mx compatible switches... That would be holy grail status to me..
I dunno. They definitely feel lighter than HHKB 45g.
Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/ac3C74P.png)
1mm are these supposed to be like alps switches or something?
I thought topre didn't have an actuation point that high. You can "tune" the actuation of a capacitive switch (see xwhatsit's amkey controller topic) What is your experience with the novatouch?
Because while the lighter actuation doesn't feel as good for typing... it actually feels better (to me) for gaming.
CM's main keyboard consumers are gamers after all.
The whole thing is made by Topre as CM's OEM.
Because while the lighter actuation doesn't feel as good for typing... it actually feels better (to me) for gaming.
CM's main keyboard consumers are gamers after all.
Interesting. I love the Novatouch for typing but I am not quite sure I like it for gaming compared to the smoother, linear feel of my FILCO with MX Reds; I think the Novatouch is too 'snappy' for me in that regard — I am still trying to make up my mind.
They're still giving their best effort to get the gamer crowd to buy it. Not that I wouldn't expect them to, but these buzzwords and shady statistics are pretty much razer-tier.
Hows the keyboard for gaming? I currently have CM Quickfire TK with MX Red and o-rings. Is the novatouch more quiet? Are the keys easier to press? Hows the 1mm actuation point? Does it make a difference? I personally don't care about the feeling of keycaps and switch really, looking for something good for gaming, thats it.
I am looking to eventually switch my Quickfire TK for something more high-end like Ducky or something, or maybe a novatouch or logitech g910 if they are actually good. If the novatouch 45g is good, I may wait for the 35g version, I dont know yet.
Hows the keyboard for gaming? I currently have CM Quickfire TK with MX Red and o-rings. Is the novatouch more quiet? Are the keys easier to press? Hows the 1mm actuation point? Does it make a difference? I personally don't care about the feeling of keycaps and switch really, looking for something good for gaming, thats it.
I am looking to eventually switch my Quickfire TK for something more high-end like Ducky or something, or maybe a novatouch or logitech g910 if they are actually good. If the novatouch 45g is good, I may wait for the 35g version, I dont know yet.
Um this question is hard to answer because it is mostly opinion based.
My gut reaction would be to say no. MX-red is probably your best bet for gaming. (Or it is for most people since they say it's the easiest to double tap on.)
Personally I can play pretty well on anything but then again back in my Cal-I days in college we all used ****ty membrane keyboards so Topres are fine for me.
I have no idea what CM means when they say 1mm actuation point but Topre switches in general have all the actuation force at the top of the press vs MX red where it's smooth all the way down.
Imagine pressing down on a little rubber bubble that collapses because that is literally what you are doing.
As for sound, this depends on your specific keycaps and dampening options. You can make any keyboard quiet with the right combination of soft landing pads, o-rings, dental band mods, lube, etc.
If you have the money and want to step up. I personally like custom korean boards with ergo lubed and stickered blacks for gaming.
Hows the keyboard for gaming? I currently have CM Quickfire TK with MX Red and o-rings. Is the novatouch more quiet? Are the keys easier to press? Hows the 1mm actuation point? Does it make a difference? I personally don't care about the feeling of keycaps and switch really, looking for something good for gaming, thats it.
I am looking to eventually switch my Quickfire TK for something more high-end like Ducky or something, or maybe a novatouch or logitech g910 if they are actually good. If the novatouch 45g is good, I may wait for the 35g version, I dont know yet.
Um this question is hard to answer because it is mostly opinion based.
My gut reaction would be to say no. MX-red is probably your best bet for gaming. (Or it is for most people since they say it's the easiest to double tap on.)
Personally I can play pretty well on anything but then again back in my Cal-I days in college we all used ****ty membrane keyboards so Topres are fine for me.
I have no idea what CM means when they say 1mm actuation point but Topre switches in general have all the actuation force at the top of the press vs MX red where it's smooth all the way down.
Imagine pressing down on a little rubber bubble that collapses because that is literally what you are doing.
As for sound, this depends on your specific keycaps and dampening options. You can make any keyboard quiet with the right combination of soft landing pads, o-rings, dental band mods, lube, etc.
If you have the money and want to step up. I personally like custom korean boards with ergo lubed and stickered blacks for gaming.
If I press hard on the keys, I can make a lot of noise bottoming out even with the o-rings on my MX Red (the blue o-rings from wasd), however my biggest problem is when you release the key, which is where most of the sound comes from and I am wondering if the novatouch fixes that or not.
I don't mind if its not smooth all the way down like MX Reds are. As long as the key register as fast as it can (I am guessing 1mm does that), then thats fine. I am all about speed. However, you did mention all the actuation force is at the top. Is the 45g mentionned the maximum force require to actuation the key or is it the average when bottoming out? As an example, would it require 55g at the top and like 35g at the bottom for an average of like 45g? Or is 45g of actuation force the same as MX Red but it gets even lower the more you bottom out?
The 1mm actuation point is the distance you press for the key to register. However, 1mm seems quite low, much lower than any Cherry MX switches. I am not sure what it is on normal topre keyboards. I really have no experience with topre keyboards.
When you talk about double tap being easier, I am guessing it may take more time for a topre keyboard to come back to the initial position after releasing the key? I can't think of anything else. On OCN, some people claim topre are the best for double tapping because you dont have to deal with debounce time.
So if I were to get a novatouch, I would be able to do the dental band mod, however if the actuation point is 1mm, could the dental band reduce travel distance too much to a point where an unpressed key is past the actuation point?
So if I were to get a novatouch, I would be able to do the dental band mod, however if the actuation point is 1mm, could the dental band reduce travel distance too much to a point where an unpressed key is past the actuation point?
How does the bottoming out sound compared to MX Red with o-rings? Quieter or not? I read in this thread that the o-rings are useless. Is it because the bottoming out quiet without them?
I am definitely a student amazon prime member... Its tempting.
Thanks for the information, I feel like I learned a lot about topre today. =P
Man, how this thread has blown up.And I'm reading all 15 pages I've missed now.
Hows the keyboard for gaming? I currently have CM Quickfire TK with MX Red and o-rings. Is the novatouch more quiet? Are the keys easier to press? Hows the 1mm actuation point? Does it make a difference? I personally don't care about the feeling of keycaps and switch really, looking for something good for gaming, thats it.
I am looking to eventually switch my Quickfire TK for something more high-end like Ducky or something, or maybe a novatouch or logitech g910 if they are actually good. If the novatouch 45g is good, I may wait for the 35g version, I dont know yet.
Just received my Nova today and I got to say I am really pleased with it. The stock keycaps feel very nice. The actuation feels pretty light which is what I was hoping for. It definitely feels as good as typing on an RF for me. I will be bringing it to work tomorrow and comparing it to my RF 87 30g board. I was planning on changing out the keycaps, but will hold off for a bit since these feels good. The key press is nice and crisp.
My hhkb is in pieces, I just got my rgby mods, olivetti is primed and just gotta wait until tomorrow for the novatouch and then I'll have sweet sweet cherry capped hhkb goodness.
I'll be selling it when I'm done swapping with some black/black print realforce caps to fund the second one for my second hhkb.
My hhkb is in pieces, I just got my rgby mods, olivetti is primed and just gotta wait until tomorrow for the novatouch and then I'll have sweet sweet cherry capped hhkb goodness.
I'll be selling it when I'm done swapping with some black/black print realforce caps to fund the second one for my second hhkb.
Oh, well if we are nitpicking here then lets open the floodgates!The whole thing is made by Topre as CM's OEM.
I am nitpicking here but only the switches and PCB are made by Topre. Everything else is whoever is Cooler Master's OEM in China.
- The micro usb 2.0 looks WAY too fragile.
Oh, well if we are nitpicking here then lets open the floodgates!The whole thing is made by Topre as CM's OEM.
I am nitpicking here but only the switches and PCB are made by Topre. Everything else is whoever is Cooler Master's OEM in China.
So Topre is based in Japan, but recently they have started making cheaper products in China. This means they have a factory in China. It is entirely possible that the entire keyboard is made under that one roof with Topre's approval. Having Topre to make the PCB and domes in Japan and then ship them to China for the rest to be put together would incur a huge expense.
So it's all made by the same company. If you want to call that an OEM you can, but it's not really the same as like when WASD just had costar mail them a bunch of one of their reference keyboards to brand, or like how filco's are a filco / diatec design but manufactured by costar. The OEM / client relationship is a little different in each of these cases so it's really hard to know for sure what the proper term is.- The micro usb 2.0 looks WAY too fragile.
Turns out they are much more durable than a mini USB, despite appearances.
So Topre is based in Japan, but recently they have started making cheaper products in China. This means they have a factory in China. It is entirely possible that the entire keyboard is made under that one roof with Topre's approval. Having Topre to make the PCB and domes in Japan and then ship them to China for the rest to be put together would incur a huge expense.
So it's all made by the same company. If you want to call that an OEM you can, but it's not really the same as like when WASD just had costar mail them a bunch of one of their reference keyboards to brand, or like how filco's are a filco / diatec design but manufactured by costar. The OEM / client relationship is a little different in each of these cases so it's really hard to know for sure what the proper term is.
I might need to contact Cooler Master Germany on this.
I only got a rather general "well, it's made by Topre" from them.
Oh, well if we are nitpicking here then lets open the floodgates!
So Topre is based in Japan, but recently they have started making cheaper products in China. This means they have a factory in China. It is entirely possible that the entire keyboard is made under that one roof with Topre's approval. Having Topre to make the PCB and domes in Japan and then ship them to China for the rest to be put together would incur a huge expense.
So it's all made by the same company. If you want to call that an OEM you can, but it's not really the same as like when WASD just had costar mail them a bunch of one of their reference keyboards to brand, or like how filco's are a filco / diatec design but manufactured by costar. The OEM / client relationship is a little different in each of these cases so it's really hard to know for sure what the proper term is.
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Reported for blasphemy towards topre gods
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.I'd like to see what you did with left shift and enter key stabilizer setup, those MX keys have 3 posts where the stock Topre have only one?
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.I'd like to see what you did with left shift and enter key stabilizer setup, those MX keys have 3 posts where the stock Topre have only one?
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
this alone would justify getting a novatouch
although, harvesting the sliders from noppoo would be a cheaper option?
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
That is really ****ing cool.
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
this alone would justify getting a novatouch
although, harvesting the sliders from noppoo would be a cheaper option?
Certainly. I had thought about going that route, but figured I could re-sell a novatouch with hhkb sliders easier than the noppoo plus then I didn't have to deal with a proxy.
Does anyone think there will ever be a 55g version?
I read somewhere that if the 45g version sells well enough, CM might consider making a 55g version. I am hoping ...
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
this is some seriously hot ****. was it a complicated mod? i'd love to do this myself, but i don't have experience messing about with topre innards so i really have no idea what to expect.
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
fascinating. I stand corrected. Thanks for the info.So Topre is based in Japan, but recently they have started making cheaper products in China. This means they have a factory in China. It is entirely possible that the entire keyboard is made under that one roof with Topre's approval. Having Topre to make the PCB and domes in Japan and then ship them to China for the rest to be put together would incur a huge expense.
So it's all made by the same company. If you want to call that an OEM you can, but it's not really the same as like when WASD just had costar mail them a bunch of one of their reference keyboards to brand, or like how filco's are a filco / diatec design but manufactured by costar. The OEM / client relationship is a little different in each of these cases so it's really hard to know for sure what the proper term is.
I don't know where you get your info, but I just double checked with cooler master (I'm a novatouch beta tester) that confirmed what they originally told me: PCBs and domes are made in japan and shipped to China where the keyboard is assembled. It's something that is commonly done, I really don't see the problem.
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Oh god it is beautiful. Now to find sets that come with a 6u spacebar!!
Oh god it is beautiful. Now to find sets that come with a 6u spacebar!!
I got lucky with the orange RF spacebar I found, but it might be easier to plan around the black/white/beige rf spacebars available in topre stem/stab. The reason being that it's probably harder to find a 6.25x topre stabilized spacebar.
Or someone could start modding 6x cherry spacebars, too.
is it not time for custom built topre boards soon, asutin, that must have cost a fortune >_<
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.Cool!!!!
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.Cool!!!!
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
I'm really interested in seeing how you make the stabilizers work for the enter and left shift keys.
Yeah. If you are thinking in dealing directly with Topre that is not going to happen.Wise words. Sad but most probably true.
A group buy on cherry stems for torpre switches shouldn't be that tough to do.
A group buy on cherry stems for torpre switches shouldn't be that tough to do.
matt3o has been looking into it for a good 6 months now. He's got a good design hammered out, just hasn't got it into major production (you can buy them in singles off shapeways for lots of $)
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.I'd like to see what you did with left shift and enter key stabilizer setup, those MX keys have 3 posts where the stock Topre have only one?
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
They're just chilling on one stab atm. I'll probably drill out the case and use some novatouch stabilizers I didn't clip when I get my next novatouch to finish my second hhkb. Enter is wobbly to use.
Well, here it is both with hhkb spacebar mods and with novatouch.I'd like to see what you did with left shift and enter key stabilizer setup, those MX keys have 3 posts where the stock Topre have only one?
It feels so good guys like seriously.Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15405512532_34acbf617c_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15382802896_a3d60b37bf_b.jpg)Show Image(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15219235028_2c84159759_b.jpg)
They're just chilling on one stab atm. I'll probably drill out the case and use some novatouch stabilizers I didn't clip when I get my next novatouch to finish my second hhkb. Enter is wobbly to use.
So the left shift key and the enter key still has the hhkb sliders in them? because I noticed these two sliders are different than the rest. Smaller and without the stub. (at least on my type s)
No, they have novatouch sliders that I clipped the tabs off of. My next one, I'll leave the novatouch sliders whole and just drill a couple small holes in the case
Is there any way to get 55g spring replacements for the Topre switches? I tried it at PAX and it felt wonderful to type on but I wanted just a slightly heavier key press.The domes are what is different between weights, not the springs.
No, they have novatouch sliders that I clipped the tabs off of. My next one, I'll leave the novatouch sliders whole and just drill a couple small holes in the case
Thanks!
I want to do your mod to my hhkb too, I'm seriously considering getting a nova touch now :thumb:
I read your previous posts and you said that the enter and shift keys are a little wobbly? Do you think your next mod when you drill holes into the hhkb will help prevent that?
Modify message
The domes are what is different between weights, not the springs.
The domes are what is different between weights, not the springs.
Oh, really? I'd wager a guess that being able to buy a different rubber layer isn't possible then.
The cups are only salvageable from other topre boards. For instance, my hhkb got its 55g cups from a rf88ub.
The cups are only salvageable from other topre boards. For instance, my hhkb got its 55g cups from a rf88ub.Shame :(
I am waiting until the price drops to buy one of these. Hopefully it goes down to at least $150 or so. Right now they are $239 on amazon in the US...
I am waiting until the price drops to buy one of these. Hopefully it goes down to at least $150 or so. Right now they are $239 on amazon in the US...Yikes! They have increased the price. It started out at 200 USD on Amazon, and with Amazon Prime, it was free shipping.
Yikes! They have increased the price. It started out at 200 USD on Amazon, and with Amazon Prime, it was free shipping.
Been using the Novatouch all week with IMSTO thick PBT caps and still enjoying it. Less thock than I was hoping though.
This evening, I added the o-rings that shipped with the board, and I'm pleasantly surprised at the result. The only other topre board I've used is an HHKB Pro 2 Type-S. With the addition of these o-rings, I'd say the feel of the Novatouch resembles it much more now.
Been using the Novatouch all week with IMSTO thick PBT caps and still enjoying it. Less thock than I was hoping though.
This evening, I added the o-rings that shipped with the board, and I'm pleasantly surprised at the result. The only other topre board I've used is an HHKB Pro 2 Type-S. With the addition of these o-rings, I'd say the feel of the Novatouch resembles it much more now.
Here is a pic of my NT w/ Imsto dye-sub thick PBT caps. They were a bit loose; in fact one of the caps was so loose that it would pop off when the key was released suddenly. I remedied this with a piece of Saran wrap on the keycap stem. Now I have another dye-sub PBT set from geek_feng on the board. These fit a bit more snugly with no keycaps so loose that they pop off. The sound and feel is fine without O-rings.Been using the Novatouch all week with IMSTO thick PBT caps and still enjoying it. Less thock than I was hoping though.
This evening, I added the o-rings that shipped with the board, and I'm pleasantly surprised at the result. The only other topre board I've used is an HHKB Pro 2 Type-S. With the addition of these o-rings, I'd say the feel of the Novatouch resembles it much more now.
this is what i want to use it with, imsto thick PBT. can you please make a couple of photos? how is the fit of the caps? are they loose/tight?
Been using the Novatouch all week with IMSTO thick PBT caps and still enjoying it. Less thock than I was hoping though.
This evening, I added the o-rings that shipped with the board, and I'm pleasantly surprised at the result. The only other topre board I've used is an HHKB Pro 2 Type-S. With the addition of these o-rings, I'd say the feel of the Novatouch resembles it much more now.
this is what i want to use it with, imsto thick PBT. can you please make a couple of photos? how is the fit of the caps? are they loose/tight?
Where can I get some keycaps for the topre boards?
I'm ordering the HHKB soon and will be ordering the spare keycaps but just wondering if there are other places that i can order keycaps from?
Where can I get some keycaps for the topre boards?
I'm ordering the HHKB soon and will be ordering the spare keycaps but just wondering if there are other places that i can order keycaps from?
There's two of me :eek:
(Attachment Link)
Where can I get some keycaps for the topre boards?The novatouch is the first topre board to use MX caps.
I'm ordering the HHKB soon and will be ordering the spare keycaps but just wondering if there are other places that i can order keycaps from?
A clear case of "Avatar Infringement" going on here.Where can I get some keycaps for the topre boards?
I'm ordering the HHKB soon and will be ordering the spare keycaps but just wondering if there are other places that i can order keycaps from?
There's two of me :eek:
(Attachment Link)
LOLWhere can I get some keycaps for the topre boards?
I'm ordering the HHKB soon and will be ordering the spare keycaps but just wondering if there are other places that i can order keycaps from?
There's two of me :eek:
(Attachment Link)
LOLWhere can I get some keycaps for the topre boards?
I'm ordering the HHKB soon and will be ordering the spare keycaps but just wondering if there are other places that i can order keycaps from?
There's two of me :eek:
(Attachment Link)
I was just joking but I'm sure you'll find another Avatar, I forgot to say Welcome to Geekhack!!!LOLWhere can I get some keycaps for the topre boards?
I'm ordering the HHKB soon and will be ordering the spare keycaps but just wondering if there are other places that i can order keycaps from?
There's two of me :eek:
(Attachment Link)
Removed my avatar! :P
I liked the clack which is why I used it.
Hope it doesn't offend anyone here! :)
I did a full teardown and photoshoot of the review sample I'm looking after before the passaround.
Some things:
1. It has the exact same stabilizer design as a normal realforce KB. I have photos of both.
2. Stabilizer rattle is about the same. Looking at the design, I can see what causes this and have a few ideas for mitigating it. Sadly it will have to wait until I can get a novatouch of my own.
3. I now know what that guy was talking about on the bottoming out thing. It's pretty tough on 45g to not bottom out. I will have to work on it a little I think.
Full review coming soon. Pictures are a little blurry as my phone was dying so I may have to re-shoot them.
Quick Q. Has anyone tested how CC's fit on the novatouch? We all know BBv2s don't fit, what about these clacks?
In a few decades when they sell the KB in Aus, you may be able to test :))Quick Q. Has anyone tested how CC's fit on the novatouch? We all know BBv2s don't fit, what about these clacks?
All of my MX CCs have regular sized round stems, so I imagine they should fit quite well.
I did a full teardown and photoshoot of the review sample I'm looking after before the passaround.
Some things:
1. It has the exact same stabilizer design as a normal realforce KB. I have photos of both.
2. Stabilizer rattle is about the same. Looking at the design, I can see what causes this and have a few ideas for mitigating it. Sadly it will have to wait until I can get a novatouch of my own.
3. I now know what that guy was talking about on the bottoming out thing. It's pretty tough on 45g to not bottom out. I will have to work on it a little I think.
Full review coming soon. Pictures are a little blurry as my phone was dying so I may have to re-shoot them.
I did a full teardown and photoshoot of the review sample I'm looking after before the passaround.I thought the stabilizer designs were different? (Comparing novatouch to realforce)
Some things:
1. It has the exact same stabilizer design as a normal realforce KB. I have photos of both.
2. Stabilizer rattle is about the same. Looking at the design, I can see what causes this and have a few ideas for mitigating it. Sadly it will have to wait until I can get a novatouch of my own.
3. I now know what that guy was talking about on the bottoming out thing. It's pretty tough on 45g to not bottom out. I will have to work on it a little I think.
Full review coming soon. Pictures are a little blurry as my phone was dying so I may have to re-shoot them.
3. I now know what that guy was talking about on the bottoming out thing. It's pretty tough on 45g to not bottom out. I will have to work on it a little I think.
I thought so too at first. I will explain when I post the review (probably sometime next week). I'm done testing it with the stock keycaps and I've been using it with a set of SA keycaps. Spoiler alert! replace the keycaps and it becomes awesomeI did a full teardown and photoshoot of the review sample I'm looking after before the passaround.I thought the stabilizer designs were different? (Comparing novatouch to realforce)
Some things:
1. It has the exact same stabilizer design as a normal realforce KB. I have photos of both.
2. Stabilizer rattle is about the same. Looking at the design, I can see what causes this and have a few ideas for mitigating it. Sadly it will have to wait until I can get a novatouch of my own.
3. I now know what that guy was talking about on the bottoming out thing. It's pretty tough on 45g to not bottom out. I will have to work on it a little I think.
Full review coming soon. Pictures are a little blurry as my phone was dying so I may have to re-shoot them.
Does someone know how to buy a novatouch from Europe? I know it'll be availavble from mid November but I don't need the ISO one so the US/ANSI is ok for me but CM storm nor amazon.com let me ship to Europe (Italy)
I see, but I want it now lolDoes someone know how to buy a novatouch from Europe? I know it'll be availavble from mid November but I don't need the ISO one so the US/ANSI is ok for me but CM storm nor amazon.com let me ship to Europe (Italy)
ANSI version should be also available in EU (mid November).
Available in Aus 20/10 for $219 + postage ($19 in my case) at Scorptec.
Does someone know how to buy a novatouch from Europe? I know it'll be availavble from mid November but I don't need the ISO one so the US/ANSI is ok for me but CM storm nor amazon.com let me ship to Europe (Italy)If you can find a shipping forwarding company to ship it to you, that's one way to get one.
I'm not cross posting, but if someone is interested at my take at the Novatouch this is my opinion (http://deskthority.net/review-f45/my-take-at-novatouch-t8906.html).
Also gallery here (http://imgur.com/a/1H305)
and sound test/comparison
stabilizers are a huge problem in the novatouch imho, they would need some refactoring, but very little we can do about it. Not all keycaps will 100% work I reckon, but probably nothing a dremel can't solve... :)
something's wrong with them otherwise they wouldn't be so rattling :)
looking forward to reading your review.
another note about the standard keys. I noticed that novatouch 1u sliders inside a realforce housing sound much better than in their original housing... this leads me to think that the problem is more in the housing than the slider itself.
Matt3o: Have you examined the problem with GMK right shift/enter/backspace hitting the stem bases and CLACKING? Would be interested if you have any thoughts on how to mitigate this...
Available in Aus 20/10 for $219 + postage ($19 in my case) at Scorptec.
I should probably check their site more often. Very fast delivery, they have. We ordered something at work one day early in the morning and the courier arrived later the same afternoon!
Nothing on PCCG yet though.
I'm not cross posting, but if someone is interested at my take at the Novatouch this is my opinion (http://deskthority.net/review-f45/my-take-at-novatouch-t8906.html).
Also gallery here (http://imgur.com/a/1H305)
and sound test/comparison
I use old credit cards, they are the best to open these keyboards
I recommend getting a nylon stick like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/280877670711I use old credit cards, they are the best to open these keyboards
damn, that's a really good idea. i use a straight edge but i always end up damaging the plastic a little.
I recommend getting a nylon stick like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/280877670711I use old credit cards, they are the best to open these keyboards
damn, that's a really good idea. i use a straight edge but i always end up damaging the plastic a little.
but a credit card or guitar pick can also work.
The novatouch case is harder than most to open. Lots of clips at the back and the ones at the front are hard to disengage.
I'm not cross posting, but if someone is interested at my take at the Novatouch this is my opinion (http://deskthority.net/review-f45/my-take-at-novatouch-t8906.html).Thanks for the review and the audio recordings. Quite a noticeable difference! THe FC660C has the true Topre "thock".
Also gallery here (http://imgur.com/a/1H305)
and sound test/comparison
http://youtu.be/sd9_OYWUSSU
I think that the Leopold caps are available in both navy and black.
I think blanks are only in navy. Although they look pretty close to black. I have a set on the way so I'll know soon.I have only seen the blank key set in navy, never in black. And even if the navy set is close to black, I'm afraid my CDO would kick in...
Right now I'm using blank black vortex thick pbt. That's the best feel on the novatouch so far for me but I really want to try some SA keysets.
Yeah; I wish there was a Leopold blank black (not navy!) set that was available.
Not Leopold but the Poker Thick black pbt caps are back up on massdrop.Don't buy this set for the Novatouch. One of the rows is too short, and will clack against the keyboard (or at least it does in my case).
They come it blank and they are cherry profile.
I like mine so much I'm grabbing another set.
No, Topre keycaps do not work on the Novatouch.
Not Leopold but the Poker Thick black pbt caps are back up on massdrop.Don't buy this set for the Novatouch. One of the rows is too short, and will clack against the keyboard (or at least it does in my case).
They come it blank and they are cherry profile.
I like mine so much I'm grabbing another set.
I have not tried with o-rings, however.
Not Leopold but the Poker Thick black pbt caps are back up on massdrop.I abandoned the idea of getting the Vortex set since they are not true black and on the photos I have seen, you see the stem markings through the top of the key cap.
They come it blank and they are cherry profile.
I like mine so much I'm grabbing another set.
Don't buy this set for the Novatouch. One of the rows is too short, and will clack against the keyboard (or at least it does in my case).To be honest I do no understand the issue you are describing.
I have not tried with o-rings, however.
I tried hard to like this keyboard but (at that price) it simply doesn't stand a chance to any other Topre (not to mention my custom creations :P).Reluctantly, I agree. I really wanted to like the Novatouch, mainly because of its chief selling point -- Topre switches with stems compatible with Cherry mx keycaps. Unfortunately, the Novatouch is just not in the same league as other Topre switch keyboards, such as the Leopold FC660C, HHKB Pro 2, or Realforce 87u (especially the 55g version of the RF). Moreover, it lacks features found on some Cherry mx keyboards, such as a remappable Fn key, LED indicators, and DIP switches.
<snip>
The only good thing is that it looks pretty nice with basically any keycap set :)
I tried hard to like this keyboard but (at that price) it simply doesn't stand a chance to any other Topre (not to mention my custom creations :P).Reluctantly, I agree. I really wanted to like the Novatouch, mainly because of its chief selling point -- Topre switches with stems compatible with Cherry mx keycaps. Unfortunately, the Novatouch is just not in the same league as other Topre switch keyboards, such as the Leopold FC660C, HHKB Pro 2, or Realforce 87u (especially the 55g version of the RF). Moreover, it lacks features found on some Cherry mx keyboards, such as a remappable Fn key, LED indicators, and DIP switches.
<snip>
The only good thing is that it looks pretty nice with basically any keycap set :)
BTW, I gave away my FC660C because I didn't like the stock keycaps and the layout was not quite what I wanted. I am keeping my HHKB mainly for the 60% form factor and great layout; I also like the Topre switches and excellent dye-sub PBT keycaps. My current favorite is the RF 87ub 55g because of the superb sound and feel of its 55g Topre switches, the overall build quality and appearance, and excellent dye-sub PBT keycaps.
Now I am dithering about what to do with the Novatouch. I have sold all but one of my Cherry mx keyboards, but I have several nice sets of Cherry mx keycaps. I might keep the Novatouch just to be able to use my keycap sets. Despite its shortcomings compared to other Topre-switch and some Cherry mx keyboards, the Novatouch does sound and feel better than any Cherry mx keyboard I have tried.
Does the dental band reduce travel as much as the included factory O-ring's?
Hmm, the shorter cherry profile takes away some pf the tactile feedback at the top of the stroke. It seems that taller keycaps have more "pop" at the beginning because any effect of off-center keypresses are magnified and a little more force is required to actuate.
When deliberately pressing Stock OEM keys dead center, the switch feel is identical to these cherry profile pbt.
This may be the reason that some people felt the 45g Topre switch on the Novatouch feel heavier than on other topre keyboards.
Perhaps, but I love the tactile feeling I get from my Novatouch with Cherry profile PBT caps. It's just about perfect. I did try the OEM caps for a short while and they feel ok. I just prefer the texture of these pbt caps. The sound is amazing too. It sounds awesome to me, I don't really care about noise levels as I telecommute full time. Although I was in the office last week and I brought my HHKB in (louder than this Novatouch by a good bit) and nobody complained. A Novatouch with dipswitch settings would be perfect IMO. I don't get the fuss about the stabilized keys. The rattle is about the same as a Realforce. It's still a super solid, super sexy board.
Basically in addition to the height of the profile, you have to look to inside the keycap and see how far the cross seams (dunno what else to call this) stick out.
I also own some blank pbt ducky sets as well as granite dsa and wyse dsa, but so far the above three cherry profiles feel the best to me. Ducky pbt is much higher though so it has less issues with the stabs, it is however louder going back up for some reason. I hear SA profile is the best for the Novatouch though so looking for a set of those
Whereas I like my RF 87ub 45g and 55g boards with the available Topre dye-sub PBT keycaps, I keep experimenting with various keycaps with and without O-rings on my Novatouch.
Among the best/tightest fitting keycaps on the Novatouch are vintage Dolch harvested from a Dolch PAC 64 keyboard, vintage Cherry doubleshots from Cherry keyboards, SP thin ABS doubleshots, Leopold blank Navy PBTs, and Keycool 84 blank black or white PBTs, but the KC caps sit too high on the Novatouch stems for me.
I like the look and feel of thick PBT keycaps from geek_feng and Imsto, but the fit on the stems is rather loose, and the caps are somewhat noisy when bottoming out. The bottoming out noise is reduced by installing O-rings, but I don't like the feel of O-rings, which also result in keycaps popping loose, especially on the already loose-fitting thick PBTs.
Overall, I like the Leopold PBT caps best on the Novatouch, but the Navy color does not quite look right against the black case, and I wish that Leopold would produce some dye-sub PBT sets.
For now, I have a set of thick dye-sub PBTs on the Novatouch; I sort of like the bottoming out sound that they make.
Anyone got recommendations for higher profile/oem pbt keycaps?
Anyone got recommendations for higher profile/oem pbt keycaps?
Have you tried Vortex PBT?
Anyone got recommendations for higher profile/oem pbt keycaps?
Have you tried Vortex PBT?
Is that cherry profile? I like the look of cherry profile but am afraid to buy anymore because of the low clearance.
Okay, searching the net I see that they have a lot of OEM pbt too.
Although the SP keycaps seem to work well with the NT, I wish that SP had dye-sub PBT sets in DCS profile.
Can someone debrief me on what is wrong with the Novatouch? ie what makes it such less of a "real" Topre?
Only 45g available. Some consider the price to be too high. Some artisan keycaps do not fit.
Thanks guys.Only 45g available. Some consider the price to be too high. Some artisan keycaps do not fit.Does anyone have tried to scavenger heavier springs from another Topre and put them inside the Novatouch?
Hi Guys - I don't feel like reading all this thread.
Can someone debrief me on what is wrong with the Novatouch? ie what makes it such less of a "real" Topre?
I just got mine today and besides the "what??? no leds for toggle keys" remark, it doesn't feel that bad.
I do believe it's the rubber used that determines the weighting of the keys... the conical springs are there for the capacitive part of the switch and offer very little resistance.This is indeed the case. The springs only account for ~5g of the actuation force.Show Image(https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png)
I do believe it's the rubber used that determines the weighting of the keys... the conical springs are there for the capacitive part of the switch and offer very little resistance.This is indeed the case. The springs only account for ~5g of the actuation force.Show Image(https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png)
Not that I'm aware of; you'd need a donor board to sacrifice.I do believe it's the rubber used that determines the weighting of the keys... the conical springs are there for the capacitive part of the switch and offer very little resistance.This is indeed the case. The springs only account for ~5g of the actuation force.Show Image(https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png)
Ok - Does Topre sells domes separately?
Nevertheless, it was a great idea to produce a keyboard with Topre switches and Cherry mx-compatible stems. I would like to see CM persist with this innovation and produce a more refined keyboard in a future release. I would still favor a TKL model, and one with a Fn key that could be remapped (such as a Fn/Menu toggle). A 60% would be welcome as well, but it is difficult to please everyone with the layout. I would be fine with anything that could be remapped to a HHKB Pro 2 configuration.For what it's worth, rest assured that I am frequently pestering my contact at CM so that their Topre implementation goes from here upwards by forwarding people's attempts to mod the Novatouch in order to improve the sound and feel.
Nevertheless, it was a great idea to produce a keyboard with Topre switches and Cherry mx-compatible stems. I would like to see CM persist with this innovation and produce a more refined keyboard in a future release. I would still favor a TKL model, and one with a Fn key that could be remapped (such as a Fn/Menu toggle). A 60% would be welcome as well, but it is difficult to please everyone with the layout. I would be fine with anything that could be remapped to a HHKB Pro 2 configuration.For what it's worth, rest assured that I am frequently pestering my contact at CM so that their Topre implementation goes from here upwards by forwarding people's attempts to mod the Novatouch in order to improve the sound and feel.
I hope other testers who have direct contact with CM are doing the same.
Mozaiq,Thanks for the info, I will try this. Haven't tryed the O-Rings at all so far.
Try popping off that space bar, removing the extra spring, and installing O-Rings on the stems.
Mozaiq,Thanks for the info, I will try this. Haven't tryed the O-Rings at all so far.
Try popping off that space bar, removing the extra spring, and installing O-Rings on the stems.
Thanks for the info, I will try this. Haven't tryed the O-Rings at all so far.Without the spring, the landing is a bit harsh; installing O-Rings give the space bar a more uniform feel in relation to the other keys, in my experience.
I just did this and it is definitely better now. The only disadvantage now: I'm really considering buying Topre boards now. Damn you, wallethack ;)Thanks for the info, I will try this. Haven't tryed the O-Rings at all so far.Without the spring, the landing is a bit harsh; installing O-Rings give the space bar a more uniform feel in relation to the other keys, in my experience.
I just did this and it is definitely better now. The only disadvantage now: I'm really considering buying Topre boards now. Damn you, wallethack ;)Thanks for the info, I will try this. Haven't tryed the O-Rings at all so far.Without the spring, the landing is a bit harsh; installing O-Rings give the space bar a more uniform feel in relation to the other keys, in my experience.
First of all please keep in mind that the following is written by someone who has never used a Topre board of any kind before. All mechs I own use Cherry MX switches and my favorite of these probably is Cherry MX Red. I really like reds but I wanted to try something different. So far I never looked for Topre boards since they are basically not available in Europe. Sure, there is international shipping but I was not willing to pay the Topre price plus international shipping plus customs, especially not if had to fear that I will end up not liking the board. As I said the linear reds are my favorite MX switch, while I really dislike browns. I now took my chance to test out a Novatouch since is available by German online shop, so if don’t like it, I can send it back quite easily.
First of all I have to say that the Novatouch in Germany is horrendously overpriced. I paid 180€ (~240$) for this board. So in fact I only managed to leave out the customs, since this is not really cheaper than other Topre boards.
Since I have read many reviews here on Geekhack my expectations on this board were not that high. When using the board for the first time I was there surprised – in a positive way. I actually like the feeling. It feels entirely different than Cherry switches. Some people stated that it feels like browns but honestly I have no idea how the Novatouch switches can resemble browns. It is totally different, in a positive way. I am not entirely used to the way the switches feel, I used blues for the past few days and the Novatouch switches feel entirely different. They also are much stiffer. This is not that bad but I am someone who has some problems transitioning between light and heavy switches. The longer I am typing this text here though the easier it gets. Just the spacebar feels way too heavy for me. That would probably be the key causing the most problems for me but now it seems to work already much better than in the beginning. So to conclude my initial impression: I somehow really like the Novatouch.
I am not sure whether it could become my daily driver though since there are so problems left. Many have criticized the rattling and I have to as well. This is really annoying for me. Also I think the spacebar is way too loud in the upstroke of the switch. A major dealbreaker for me is the right windows key this board has. I can’t remember the last time I used the right windows key, I exclusively use the left one. That’s not a problem by default, but most keyboards have a context menu key instead of the right windows key if they have a FN key as well. Now I use this context menu key all the time and I have to say this drives me nuts. Sure there is AHK but I really don’t understand they put a windows key there.
To sum it up, my initial impression is somewhat torn up. I will probably send it back since at this point it is just not worth the money for me but I haven’t decided yet. I really like the Topre feel somehow. It feels similar to a rubber dome keyboard since after all it is some sort of rubber dome, but it feels better than any ordinary rubber dome board I have tried so far. Only the hard bottoming out feeling is somehow disturbing me right now. On the long term I might end up not liking it while at the moment it is no problem. Now if Topre boards were not that expensive…
I finally read the whole 32 pages of this thread! 8) And I must confess that I still don't know which one to pick up between the RF 87u or the NT ...
I'm attracted to the RF because it looks so nice and bad ass also the quality seems to be higher than NT for pretty much the same price in Europe (180€ NT and 200€ RF). However if I don't like the RF stock keycaps I have no choice but to pay 150€ for another set or get the NT at that price.
The NT customization is the only asset to this board regarding the fact that so many improvements needs to be done on it.
Well I'll be looking at the classified if I can find a cheaper NT. I figured it out today, thanks to azhdar, that neither ANSI AZERTY bothers me nor blank keycaps. In that regard I have now a lot of opportunities for keycaps and keyboards!I finally read the whole 32 pages of this thread! 8) And I must confess that I still don't know which one to pick up between the RF 87u or the NT ...
I'm attracted to the RF because it looks so nice and bad ass also the quality seems to be higher than NT for pretty much the same price in Europe (180€ NT and 200€ RF). However if I don't like the RF stock keycaps I have no choice but to pay 150€ for another set or get the NT at that price.
The NT customization is the only asset to this board regarding the fact that so many improvements needs to be done on it.
If you are not willing to spend time modding the keyboard, get the Realforce.
If you are willing to mod the keyboard, purchase the Novatouch.
A modded Novatouch has in my opinion a better value than a Realforce, modded or not. It accepts Cherry MX keycaps, has a smaller footprint, and the sound, feel and build quality are otherwise equivalent.
Had I known I would have posted it here : yesterday there was a promotion going on at Rue du Commerce where the Novatouch was €144, shipped.Oh that's a pity. But I'm more looking for ANSI NT (easier to resell if necessary) and I guess that it was ISO.
Had I known I would have posted it here : yesterday there was a promotion going on at Rue du Commerce where the Novatouch was €144, shipped.Oh that's a pity. But I'm more looking for ANSI NT (easier to resell if necessary) and I guess that it was ISO.
If you know of RueduCommerce, are you French or from nearby countries?
If you know of RueduCommerce, are you French or from nearby countries?Je ne suis pas Français, j'y réside seulement.
I think I'll just go for a blank set. I don't want to go through the hustle that finding good AZERTY keycaps set is.Had I known I would have posted it here : yesterday there was a promotion going on at Rue du Commerce where the Novatouch was €144, shipped.Oh that's a pity. But I'm more looking for ANSI NT (easier to resell if necessary) and I guess that it was ISO.
If you know of RueduCommerce, are you French or from nearby countries?
You can get the ANSI Novatouch from amazon.com at $180.99. That's 147€. Shipping to the US is free, but I don't know how much they will ask to ship it to France.
A Cherry MX AZERTY set will fit, except for:
- The left Shift. Use the provided one or one of the many available ANSI ones.
- The "< >" key. I put it just below the Esc key. It does not have the right profile but I don't care.
- The "* µ" key. It's not wide enough, but I don't care either.
- The Enter key. You can use the provided one.
You will miss one key, the "square of" key. I guess it will not be a problem! :)
The keyboard company sells a doubleshot Filco AZERTY set that can fit the Novatouch, except that you will need to use the large keys from the numeric pad for the left Shift and Enter. The set is approximately 50€. You really need to silence the Novatouch if you want to use this set. The keys are heavy and make more noise than standard ABS or PBT ones.
Alright fair enough.If you know of RueduCommerce, are you French or from nearby countries?Je ne suis pas Français, j'y réside seulement.
I checked out the price on amazon.com. You need to add 21€ for shipping fees and 34€ as import fees. The final price is 200€. I think I'll just try to find an ANSI NT that is already on the Old Continent.Had I known I would have posted it here : yesterday there was a promotion going on at Rue du Commerce where the Novatouch was €144, shipped.Oh that's a pity. But I'm more looking for ANSI NT (easier to resell if necessary) and I guess that it was ISO.
If you know of RueduCommerce, are you French or from nearby countries?
You can get the ANSI Novatouch from amazon.com at $180.99. That's 147€. Shipping to the US is free, but I don't know how much they will ask to ship it to France.
A Cherry MX AZERTY set will fit, except for:
- The left Shift. Use the provided one or one of the many available ANSI ones.
- The "< >" key. I put it just below the Esc key. It does not have the right profile but I don't care.
- The "* µ" key. It's not wide enough, but I don't care either.
- The Enter key. You can use the provided one.
You will miss one key, the "square of" key. I guess it will not be a problem! :)
The keyboard company sells a doubleshot Filco AZERTY set that can fit the Novatouch, except that you will need to use the large keys from the numeric pad for the left Shift and Enter. The set is approximately 50€. You really need to silence the Novatouch if you want to use this set. The keys are heavy and make more noise than standard ABS or PBT ones.
I will have to continue reading this thread later because the latest keyboard question for me is whether I want another/a different topre board from the Novatouch w/ Leopold Thick PBT I am typing on right now. Not that I have any business spending that money right now >:(
But I have a problem- NGT if you are still looking at this thread, I understand you went through something similar. I can't get my new Leopold PBT spacebar to fit! (I should note I'm totally new at this- my first keycap swap on basically my first mechanical- I had a KUL for a week before this)
I just don't know what to do- mod the keycap? (file something down). NGT I saw your post in the thread on the caps saying you had to force your spacebar, that doesen't seem to be working for me, possibly because my spacebar stabilizers seem to wiggle around a bit. I'm paranoid that I messed them up somehow removing the stock spacebar (used fingers with the help of a roommate on a youtube suggestion). The stock spacebar works perfectly fine, though (better I think now that I have the spring out).
Help Please! (and I hope this is the appropriate place for this- Though I will just make a thread if I get desperate I suppose
Anyone have any tips? I really want my keycap swap to be done, and using the stock Spacebar feels so wrong (too tall! not to mention ABS lol)
Yeah I had the same problem. At first I thought the keycaps set didn't fit the Novatouch. You have to check that the spacebar you are using is the one that has six stem holder under it (this is the one Pixel was referring to). This is the one I am using right now on my keyboard. I pulled out my spacebar to see if I was able to put it back again and I did. How I do is that I just align the right holder on top of the stabs stem and the switch. Then I press the stabs in first. Don't be afraid to press a bit (don't smash the keyboard nonetheless ;) ). Sometimes one of them is pressed deeper than the other one. You just need to press the other one, once they are in the switch should be in too. If these indications don't help you, I'll try to make a video if I can.
QuoteYeah I had the same problem. At first I thought the keycaps set didn't fit the Novatouch. You have to check that the spacebar you are using is the one that has six stem holder under it (this is the one Pixel was referring to). This is the one I am using right now on my keyboard. I pulled out my spacebar to see if I was able to put it back again and I did. How I do is that I just align the right holder on top of the stabs stem and the switch. Then I press the stabs in first. Don't be afraid to press a bit (don't smash the keyboard nonetheless ;) ). Sometimes one of them is pressed deeper than the other one. You just need to press the other one, once they are in the switch should be in too. If these indications don't help you, I'll try to make a video if I can.
Oh, so it's the 6 stem holder spacebar I'm supposed to be using! I totally just flipped the stock spacebar and grabbed the one with a matching underside, then when it wasn't working I looked at the other one and didn't think it would fit (I guess the center 2 holders are offset or something?), so went back to fighting with the 3 stem holder one.
Thank You! I'm typing on my new spacebar and it's glorious!I love the profile of these caps, makes it so much easier to type. I think maybe I would like it if they had a bit more texture. but they have a really nice feel to them. I feel like they will take some getting used to, but so far I am definitely enjoying the experience. I'm surprised how much it changes the feel of the switches. the reduced travel is definitely to my liking. I'm surprised at how much harder the plastic is on these caps than the abs- it actually feels a bit harder on my fingers, but so much easier to work with as well.
Wow, that was some serious rambling- but then again I should know better than to write anything so soon after waking up. Also this board just makes me want to write more and more- which is the whole idea for me :)
Thank You!!!
-MPZ
Question, how/where would one find an aluminum case to replace the default plastic one? Would that even be possible for this board?