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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: _PixelNinja on Tue, 19 September 2017, 19:54:33

Title: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: _PixelNinja on Tue, 19 September 2017, 19:54:33
Well, it seems Topre has revealed an update on the REΛLFORCE line of keyboards and will be called the REΛLFORCE R2 (http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1081484.html):

[attach=1]
REΛLFORCE R2 Standard (R2-JPV-IV) in ivory

[attach=2]
Underside

[attach=3]
New packaging

From what I gather the new R2 line will be available in Japan in four variations, each in ivory and black :

• REΛLFORCE R2 Standard — ¥19,800, available from October ;
• REΛLFORCE R2 Silent —  ¥21,300, available from November ;
• REΛLFORCE R2 APC (Actuation Point Changer) —  ¥22,800, available from December ;
• REΛLFORCE R2 APC Silent — ¥24,800, available from December.

ANSI, TKL and wireless units should be following up next year.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Tactile on Tue, 19 September 2017, 20:03:00
I'd like to know the weight compared to the "old" Realforce.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: nickheller on Tue, 19 September 2017, 20:15:14
Why no TKL...
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Tue, 19 September 2017, 20:48:50
Personally prefer the old design, but I'm sure when this comes out in TKL ansi I will try it out.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: hanya on Tue, 19 September 2017, 20:59:47
Well, it seems Topre has revealed an update on the REΛLFORCE line of keyboards and will be called the REΛLFORCE R2 (http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1081484.html):
It tells, TKL, US layout, Mac layout and wireless are planned in next year (2017, wrong description?) or later.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: audax989 on Wed, 20 September 2017, 00:43:59
realforce rgb tkl when :(
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: HendyZone on Wed, 20 September 2017, 05:00:37
realforce rgb tkl when :(

i heard Topre will release the Realforce RGB TKL around next year, maybe shown on Computex 2018 :cool:
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: yomammary on Wed, 20 September 2017, 07:31:35
I'll wait for the TKL if anything.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Lansky on Wed, 20 September 2017, 08:22:55
Not really digging the design, especially the large shiny badge. Hopefully it won't be present on the TKL version.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: shadowku on Wed, 20 September 2017, 08:46:35
Wow, STILL no detachable chord? I'm quite happy with everything else.. I wonder if they'll ever do another keyboard with cherry compatible sliders.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: zslane on Wed, 20 September 2017, 12:25:39
Not really digging the design, especially the large shiny badge. Hopefully it won't be present on the TKL version.

That shiny black badge is definitely annoying, especially on the white case. At least on a Realforce RGB it isn't quite as noticeable because that space is mostly covered by four keycaps.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: kasakka on Wed, 20 September 2017, 14:20:21
So what exactly are the differences? Other than that ugly black area around the logo.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Duckyreddy on Wed, 20 September 2017, 18:24:17
Ugh that shiny panel, not a big fan of that
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Hyde on Wed, 20 September 2017, 20:14:43
Damn I'm excited they're releasing new products but I also wonder what's different?  And would be great if they can release 45g silent.  :)
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: _PixelNinja on Wed, 20 September 2017, 20:44:35
That shiny black badge is definitely annoying, especially on the white case. At least on a Realforce RGB it isn't quite as noticeable because that space is mostly covered by four keycaps.

That is the Standard version. The APC units have the media and actuation point cluster there too:

[attach=1]

And would be great if they can release 45g silent.  :)

The R2S-JP4-BK is 45g.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Hyde on Thu, 21 September 2017, 13:09:33
And would be great if they can release 45g silent.  :)

The R2S-JP4-BK is 45g.

It's not variable anymore?  :eek:

If that's the case then it's great news because I like 45g uniform better.  :thumb:
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: hanya on Thu, 21 September 2017, 22:36:31
realforce rgb tkl when :(

i heard Topre will release the Realforce RGB TKL around next year, maybe shown on Computex 2018 :cool:
http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1082087.html
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: shadowku on Fri, 22 September 2017, 08:43:01
http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1082087.html

Naaaiiseee
About time. No mention about dip switches or other features that the 87U has though. I'm not optimistic.

I'd still likely buy one since I traded my Novatouch away.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: romevi on Fri, 22 September 2017, 08:45:21
realforce rgb tkl when :(

i heard Topre will release the Realforce RGB TKL around next year, maybe shown on Computex 2018 :cool:
http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1082087.html

Yuck.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: yomammary on Fri, 22 September 2017, 12:47:14
realforce rgb tkl when :(

i heard Topre will release the Realforce RGB TKL around next year, maybe shown on Computex 2018 :cool:
http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1082087.html

Yuck.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: hking0036 on Sun, 15 April 2018, 19:25:24
It seems the JIS versions have come out:
http://www.realforce.co.jp/news/20180309/

Wondering when the ANSI ones will come around.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: killyou on Sun, 15 April 2018, 19:47:34
For ****s sake topre, just license the usage of the technology or something to 3rd companies so we can have more keyboard designs. That's why we can't have nice things.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: hking0036 on Sun, 15 April 2018, 19:55:25
For ****s sake topre, just license the usage of the technology or something to 3rd companies so we can have more keyboard designs. That's why we can't have nice things.
PFU and Leopold are both third parties who make topre boards, I think they just don't want others to be making normal TKL/104-key layouts because that would compete with them directly.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: killyou on Sun, 15 April 2018, 20:01:13
For ****s sake topre, just license the usage of the technology or something to 3rd companies so we can have more keyboard designs. That's why we can't have nice things.
PFU and Leopold are both third parties who make topre boards, I think they just don't want others to be making normal TKL/104-key layouts because that would compete with them directly.
That's the whole point, make it available to anyone who is interested and pays the fees so they can compete. Otherwise people will be spending roughly the same mount of money for clones like NiZ.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 15 April 2018, 20:07:34
Damn it I think they decided to release all Japanese versions first before working on the English layout.

The Tenkeyless versions came out in Japan around March it seems.  So hopefully they'll work on ANSI layout soon.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: bizzy11 on Tue, 24 April 2018, 11:45:37
Do the APC ones have variable weight?
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 24 April 2018, 14:32:04
Do the APC ones have variable weight?

Not 100% sure but from the website it seems like there is APC regular version, White = 30g/45g/55g variable, Black = 45g uniform.

For APC silent version, White and Black both = 30g uniform.

So answer your question, buy the white APC normal version.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: method_ on Thu, 26 April 2018, 08:13:45
That shiny black badge is definitely annoying, especially on the white case. At least on a Realforce RGB it isn't quite as noticeable because that space is mostly covered by four keycaps.

That is the Standard version. The APC units have the media and actuation point cluster there too:

(Attachment Link)

And would be great if they can release 45g silent.  :)

The R2S-JP4-BK is 45g.

This, is one ugly design.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 26 April 2018, 09:59:08
They still use fax machines over there..

There is a difference in attitude towards technology which also crosses over into the aesthetics of further iterations.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: bizzy11 on Thu, 26 April 2018, 12:16:30
Do the APC ones have variable weight?

Not 100% sure but from the website it seems like there is APC regular version, White = 30g/45g/55g variable, Black = 45g uniform.

For APC silent version, White and Black both = 30g uniform.

So answer your question, buy the white APC normal version.

Ah ok thanks, thinking about trying a variable weight.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: duckboi on Thu, 26 April 2018, 12:32:34
They still use fax machines over there..

There is a difference in attitude towards technology which also crosses over into the aesthetics of further iterations.


That's pretty interesting actually, thanks tp4!  ;D
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: moh18one on Thu, 26 April 2018, 21:19:19
For ****s sake topre, just license the usage of the technology or something to 3rd companies so we can have more keyboard designs. That's why we can't have nice things.
PFU and Leopold are both third parties who make topre boards, I think they just don't want others to be making normal TKL/104-key layouts because that would compete with them directly.

PFU and Leopold don't make Topre keyboards. They are just partners that can sell keyboards that have capacitive switches and because of this partnership the HHKB and FCxxxC series exist. The only manufacturer is Topre and will always be Topre (unless you want to sued)
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: hking0036 on Thu, 26 April 2018, 22:49:38
For ****s sake topre, just license the usage of the technology or something to 3rd companies so we can have more keyboard designs. That's why we can't have nice things.
PFU and Leopold are both third parties who make topre boards, I think they just don't want others to be making normal TKL/104-key layouts because that would compete with them directly.

PFU and Leopold don't make Topre keyboards. They are just partners that can sell keyboards that have capacitive switches and because of this partnership the HHKB and FCxxxC series exist. The only manufacturer is Topre and will always be Topre (unless you want to sued)
If I recall, the majority of the FCXXXC boards are manufactured in china (Supposedly in the same place as Varmilo), and then "inspected in Japan." I can't say for PFU considering they're also a Japanese company, but they do build differently than Topre builds their RFs, so who knows.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: xondat on Thu, 26 April 2018, 22:58:04
For ****s sake topre, just license the usage of the technology or something to 3rd companies so we can have more keyboard designs. That's why we can't have nice things.

That'd make my life so much easier :))

(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/420924678777995266/439094569213100042/image.jpg)
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: romevi on Thu, 26 April 2018, 23:53:14
For ****s sake topre, just license the usage of the technology or something to 3rd companies so we can have more keyboard designs. That's why we can't have nice things.

That'd make my life so much easier :))

Show Image
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/420924678777995266/439094569213100042/image.jpg)


Now put that hand below your waist, and curve the index and thumb so they touch and keep the other fingers straight.
Then look at that hand.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: _PixelNinja on Fri, 27 April 2018, 03:45:09
For ****s sake topre, just license the usage of the technology or something to 3rd companies so we can have more keyboard designs. That's why we can't have nice things.

As mentioned above, Topre does license their technology. Their collaborators being/having been Leopold, PFU, Ducky and Cooler Master. You have to see Topre as an engine manufacturer, rather than a car manufacturer, if you see what I am getting at. They are however very conservative with their technology, and from what my contact at Cooler Master told me back when I was beta testing the Novatouch, very difficult to work with.


PFU and Leopold don't make Topre keyboards. They are just partners that can sell keyboards that have capacitive switches and because of this partnership the HHKB and FCxxxC series exist. The only manufacturer is Topre and will always be Topre (unless you want to sued)

Actually PFU and Leopold do make Topre keyboards. There are some variances in which parts are provided, but Topre will manufacture the core components (plungers, housings, rubber domes, springs, PCB, keycaps) and supply them to PFU and Leopold.


If I recall, the majority of the FCXXXC boards are manufactured in china (Supposedly in the same place as Varmilo), and then "inspected in Japan." I can't say for PFU considering they're also a Japanese company, but they do build differently than Topre builds their RFs, so who knows.

Until 2014, the FC660M was made in China by Varmilo. Leopold let Varmilo go after they tried to sell FC660Ms with Varmilo stickers. Leopold relocated the fabrication of the 2015 units to Taiwan and Varmilo came out with the VA68 form factor. The FC660C has thus far been made in China. The new upcoming units (http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=bbs/gnuboard.php&bo_table=notice&page=1&wr_id=375) will be made in Japan.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: buckyballs on Sun, 29 April 2018, 12:36:04
As long as Topre is so bloody expensive I won't be using Topre... their prices are seriously unaffordable to anyone on a normal average salary.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 29 April 2018, 12:41:43
As long as Topre is so bloody expensive I won't be using Topre... their prices are seriously unaffordable to anyone on a normal average salary.

i bought a mira while making below minimum wage

although i guess everyone's situation is different
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: romevi on Sun, 29 April 2018, 22:06:35
As long as Topre is so bloody expensive I won't be using Topre... their prices are seriously unaffordable to anyone on a normal average salary.

It's the best out-of-box keyboard experience you will ever get.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 29 April 2018, 23:28:11
As long as Topre is so bloody expensive I won't be using Topre... their prices are seriously unaffordable to anyone on a normal average salary.

It's the best out-of-box keyboard experience you will ever get.

normally i'd disagree but at the same time i know so many people who bought an HHKB/55g RF and just dropped off the map
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: nmur on Sun, 29 April 2018, 23:38:13
As long as Topre is so bloody expensive I won't be using Topre... their prices are seriously unaffordable to anyone on a normal average salary.

It's the best out-of-box keyboard experience you will ever get.

normally i'd disagree but at the same time i know so many people who bought an HHKB/55g RF and just dropped off the map

if that was my goal it would be achieved with a stock HHKB type-s

however it took a while to reach a level of keyboard enthusiasm that let myself justify such a purchase
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 01 May 2018, 16:04:25
As long as Topre is so bloody expensive I won't be using Topre... their prices are seriously unaffordable to anyone on a normal average salary.

It's the best out-of-box keyboard experience you will ever get.

normally i'd disagree but at the same time i know so many people who bought an HHKB/55g RF and just dropped off the map

if that was my goal it would be achieved with a stock HHKB type-s

however it took a while to reach a level of keyboard enthusiasm that let myself justify such a purchase

I'm waiting for the R2 45g Silent then I'll drop off the map.  :P
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: madhias on Wed, 02 May 2018, 05:26:18
As long as Topre is so bloody expensive I won't be using Topre... their prices are seriously unaffordable to anyone on a normal average salary.

It's the best out-of-box keyboard experience you will ever get.

normally i'd disagree but at the same time i know so many people who bought an HHKB/55g RF and just dropped off the map

I got first I think the HHKB, then the Realforce, or vice-versa, and I think that these boards were the reason not to try another switch or whatever else – but currently typing this useful post on my SSK. CLICKCLACKCLICKCLACK
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: duckboi on Wed, 02 May 2018, 12:51:36
It's the best out-of-box keyboard experience you will ever get.

Having 2 Topre keyboards I might be a little bit biased but I would agree. I think another really nice out of the box is Leopold. I was really impressed with their FC660M.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: Riverman on Fri, 04 May 2018, 14:46:54
I keep buying and selling Topre boards.  I'm on my third Type Heaven, and I've had a standard Realforce and a silent one.  They've all been amazing, but I couldn't stand the idea of shining up the Type Heaven's ABS keycaps, I didn't like the retro white color of my silent Realforce, and I couldn't read the black text on the black keys on my standard Realforce well enough.  Now I have a Realforce RGB coming that I can put some other keycaps on.  I think that will finally be my ultimate keyboard.  Until then, I'm thoroughly enjoying my latest Type Heaven at work.  :D  I hope they really do come out with a Mac layout like one of the earlier posts mentioned so I can have one at home, too.
Title: Re: [News] REΛLFORCE R2
Post by: thelaughingman on Thu, 10 May 2018, 10:03:53
normally i'd disagree but at the same time i know so many people who bought an HHKB/55g RF and just dropped off the map

Count me in the MIA list too, oh wait, I was never even on the map to begin with  :))