Hey guys, some days ago I got a CMStorm's newest keyboard: Novatouch. After several days' experience I think I'm now ready to present you with this review. Novatouch, as many of you already know, is the first Japan capacitance switch keyboard (Well, we all know which brand it is >.<) that is compatible with Cherry MX stem keycaps. This keyboard, however, has brought me much more excitement than that. I have to say, despite its several minor cons, it is a great breakthrough for Japan capacitance keyboards and brings many new important features, like NKRO and media keys.
The first thing I like about Novatouch is its box. It's simple and elegant, well representing the spirit of the design of the keyboard imo. The box uses magnetic seal, making it very durable compared to normal keyboard boxes.
The accessories contain a manual, a wire keycap puller (No CM logo, even the on keycap puller lol), a mini – micro USB cable and two bags of o-rings.
As far as I can see, CM is a brand that values user feedbacks. CM was criticized that it put too many logos on the keyboard when first generation of CMQFR was released. They soon changed the design and made following batches of CMQFR and even other CM keyboards very clean of logos. The other thing GH community has always been complaining about is the rubber coating CM has been using. Novatouch uses an greatly improved housing (which is still rubber coating though lol, I personally wish they just use ABS housing like filco's). The keyboard is much more easier to clean now and has no problems with fingerprints. I don't know how much longer it will hold but for one week it's fine and much better than my previous CM keyboards (2 * CMQFR and 3* CMQFXT). Almost every detail of the keyboard is considered.
The price of the keyboard, however, is not cheap. It will be around the same price as Realforce 87U. Many may doubt if this very new keyboard is worth the money. So I concluded some pros and cons from the infomation I got and these days' using experience.
1. The Purple Stems. First Japan capacitance switch that is compatible with MX stem keycaps. For Topre fans, changing novelty keycaps have always been a pain. What's more, the space bars of Realforce keyboards are made of ABS, making them less durable than other PBT caps. Now you can change the Novatouch keyboard with numerous keysets easily while experience the perfect typing experience provided by the famous Japan capacitance switch. I've tested multiple keysets and they are all working fine. Here's some pics.
Here are also some more pictures from a friend of mine, Zhao the Assman. He made various of keysets for Novatouch. Hope you enjoy it!
2. Another very important thing that is worth mentioning is the new stabilizers. As you may know, Realforce keyboards don't use stabilizers for long keys except spacebar. CM fixes this, bringing a totally new stabilizer to Novatouch. Typing on these new stabilizers is perfect experience, because it is EXTREMELY quiet and very well maitains the type feeling almost the same as short keys. However, the spacebar is slightly heavier than other long keys, thanks to an additional spring.
3. The first capacitance keyboard that supports NKRO, media keys, win lock, acceleration rate. To be honest I don't need any of these features but I have to admit there's many people that need them. As a TKL keyboard Novatouch can satisfy most people's needs.
4. The PCB and stems are all made in Japan, making sure the build quality of the keyboard is good. But still, it's a new product, we need time to see if it is actually solid.
Nothing is perfect, I still find some cons of the keyboard:
1. No indicator for caps lock and scroll lock. They removed it for the retail version. I don't know why but personally can't agree with the decision.
2. ABS keycaps.
3. 45g version only. But I heard CM is working on 55g version and more.
4. Price is relatively high.
Conclusion:
CMStorm Novatouch is a great keyboard bringing many features that is never seen in keyboard history. It is highly recommended If you are a capacitance keyboard lover, having no problem with no indicator lights and your wallet. Hope you enjoy my review. Any feedback will be appreciated.
New Update:
Some more pictures.
According to CM Taiwan, the retail version of Novatouch uses UV coating, not rubber coating. Cheers!
