Author Topic: Realforce R4  (Read 1776 times)

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Offline phinix

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Realforce R4
« on: Mon, 08 December 2025, 17:46:15 »
I did not even know that new series came out!
Anyone saw new Realforce R4? Do you like it?

12100 | 9070XT | 2TB SSD | ROG STRIX B760-I ITX | 32GB RAM | SFX 850W | NR200p | Ruark Audio MR1 Mark II | LG OLED 42C4
Realforce 87u55 | CM QuickFire Rapid MX Blacks | Filco TKL 85g Gateron Oil Kings | Tiger Lite 85g Oil Kings | Logitech Pro Superlight
SA: Retro Petscii, 7bit Round6 'Symbiosis', Filco, Carbon Bone  CHERRY: GMK Laser, GMK OG double shot, CRP APL
GSA: Retro High-light  HSA: Hyperfuse  XDA: Canvas  PBS: MV Classic

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Offline nescio

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Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 10 December 2025, 11:36:12 »
That backspace button is way too small. So, it could be the best keyboard in the world, but that alone kills it for me.

PS Why do I need to answer 6 questions for every comment I post?! Also, why are there no mods/admins to OK my topic?

Offline phinix

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Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 10 December 2025, 16:24:20 »
That backspace button is way too small. So, it could be the best keyboard in the world, but that alone kills it for me.

PS Why do I need to answer 6 questions for every comment I post?! Also, why are there no mods/admins to OK my topic?

this is just an example of R4, like some specific japanese version. There are standard ANSI ones.
12100 | 9070XT | 2TB SSD | ROG STRIX B760-I ITX | 32GB RAM | SFX 850W | NR200p | Ruark Audio MR1 Mark II | LG OLED 42C4
Realforce 87u55 | CM QuickFire Rapid MX Blacks | Filco TKL 85g Gateron Oil Kings | Tiger Lite 85g Oil Kings | Logitech Pro Superlight
SA: Retro Petscii, 7bit Round6 'Symbiosis', Filco, Carbon Bone  CHERRY: GMK Laser, GMK OG double shot, CRP APL
GSA: Retro High-light  HSA: Hyperfuse  XDA: Canvas  PBS: MV Classic

::: Phinix Cube ::: Phinix Nano Tower ::: Phinix Aurora ::: Phinix Chimera ::: Phinix Retro :::

Offline nescio

  • Posts: 10
Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 10 December 2025, 17:24:11 »
That backspace button is way too small. So, it could be the best keyboard in the world, but that alone kills it for me.

PS Why do I need to answer 6 questions for every comment I post?! Also, why are there no mods/admins to OK my topic?

this is just an example of R4, like some specific japanese version. There are standard ANSI ones.
Thank you for the clarification. I think your opening post could just have included that information; e.g. there is a series (you mentioned this word, so that part was clear) of keyboards with different layouts and for example color schemes.

In that case, the only way I would buy such a product, is if they would connect one to my computer for free for evaluation for three months of using it (which translates to probably a year or actual time, which they are never going to accept) to figure out whether or not there is added value. I don't think having a more expensive keyboard would provide much value to me. At the very least being able to physically test it in some store or seeing advanced metrics would be required. 

In a sense, you could say that their marketing engine doesn't work good enough for full market saturation. 

From all the keyboards on the planet, why would you want this one? I think, if I knew why I would want to have that particular keyboard, I would probably have enough knowledge to build my own custom one. In a way not being happy with a keyboard is kind of a curse, no? I mean, at some point a hobby becomes OCD for perfection or an addiction. I know why I bought the mechanical keyboard I currently have (ergonomics for having a mouse in place of the numpad and lower activation force to reduce stress on my wrists), but I have no idea why I should buy a Realforce R4.

Offline phinix

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Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 10 December 2025, 18:36:59 »
That backspace button is way too small. So, it could be the best keyboard in the world, but that alone kills it for me.

PS Why do I need to answer 6 questions for every comment I post?! Also, why are there no mods/admins to OK my topic?

this is just an example of R4, like some specific japanese version. There are standard ANSI ones.
Thank you for the clarification. I think your opening post could just have included that information; e.g. there is a series (you mentioned this word, so that part was clear) of keyboards with different layouts and for example color schemes.

In that case, the only way I would buy such a product, is if they would connect one to my computer for free for evaluation for three months of using it (which translates to probably a year or actual time, which they are never going to accept) to figure out whether or not there is added value. I don't think having a more expensive keyboard would provide much value to me. At the very least being able to physically test it in some store or seeing advanced metrics would be required. 

In a sense, you could say that their marketing engine doesn't work good enough for full market saturation. 

From all the keyboards on the planet, why would you want this one? I think, if I knew why I would want to have that particular keyboard, I would probably have enough knowledge to build my own custom one. In a way not being happy with a keyboard is kind of a curse, no? I mean, at some point a hobby becomes OCD for perfection or an addiction. I know why I bought the mechanical keyboard I currently have (ergonomics for having a mouse in place of the numpad and lower activation force to reduce stress on my wrists), but I have no idea why I should buy a Realforce R4.

What did I answer...

Right, so you are new to mech keebs, I see...  :rolleyes:
12100 | 9070XT | 2TB SSD | ROG STRIX B760-I ITX | 32GB RAM | SFX 850W | NR200p | Ruark Audio MR1 Mark II | LG OLED 42C4
Realforce 87u55 | CM QuickFire Rapid MX Blacks | Filco TKL 85g Gateron Oil Kings | Tiger Lite 85g Oil Kings | Logitech Pro Superlight
SA: Retro Petscii, 7bit Round6 'Symbiosis', Filco, Carbon Bone  CHERRY: GMK Laser, GMK OG double shot, CRP APL
GSA: Retro High-light  HSA: Hyperfuse  XDA: Canvas  PBS: MV Classic

::: Phinix Cube ::: Phinix Nano Tower ::: Phinix Aurora ::: Phinix Chimera ::: Phinix Retro :::

Offline nescio

  • Posts: 10
Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 11 December 2025, 01:52:30 »
That backspace button is way too small. So, it could be the best keyboard in the world, but that alone kills it for me.

PS Why do I need to answer 6 questions for every comment I post?! Also, why are there no mods/admins to OK my topic?

this is just an example of R4, like some specific japanese version. There are standard ANSI ones.
Thank you for the clarification. I think your opening post could just have included that information; e.g. there is a series (you mentioned this word, so that part was clear) of keyboards with different layouts and for example color schemes.

In that case, the only way I would buy such a product, is if they would connect one to my computer for free for evaluation for three months of using it (which translates to probably a year or actual time, which they are never going to accept) to figure out whether or not there is added value. I don't think having a more expensive keyboard would provide much value to me. At the very least being able to physically test it in some store or seeing advanced metrics would be required. 

In a sense, you could say that their marketing engine doesn't work good enough for full market saturation. 

From all the keyboards on the planet, why would you want this one? I think, if I knew why I would want to have that particular keyboard, I would probably have enough knowledge to build my own custom one. In a way not being happy with a keyboard is kind of a curse, no? I mean, at some point a hobby becomes OCD for perfection or an addiction. I know why I bought the mechanical keyboard I currently have (ergonomics for having a mouse in place of the numpad and lower activation force to reduce stress on my wrists), but I have no idea why I should buy a Realforce R4.

What did I answer...

Right, so you are new to mech keebs, I see...  :rolleyes:
I have only been using one for 15 years and did extensive research at the time, which is why I was happy with my purchase for at least 10 years of that. I think you have no idea who you are dealing with here.

All you are showing is that _you_ are new or too lazy to answer (which is understandable, since I am not paying you as my personal consultant, but don't do around saying things you don't know).

Offline phinix

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Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 11 December 2025, 06:27:37 »
That backspace button is way too small. So, it could be the best keyboard in the world, but that alone kills it for me.

PS Why do I need to answer 6 questions for every comment I post?! Also, why are there no mods/admins to OK my topic?

this is just an example of R4, like some specific japanese version. There are standard ANSI ones.
Thank you for the clarification. I think your opening post could just have included that information; e.g. there is a series (you mentioned this word, so that part was clear) of keyboards with different layouts and for example color schemes.

In that case, the only way I would buy such a product, is if they would connect one to my computer for free for evaluation for three months of using it (which translates to probably a year or actual time, which they are never going to accept) to figure out whether or not there is added value. I don't think having a more expensive keyboard would provide much value to me. At the very least being able to physically test it in some store or seeing advanced metrics would be required. 

In a sense, you could say that their marketing engine doesn't work good enough for full market saturation. 

From all the keyboards on the planet, why would you want this one? I think, if I knew why I would want to have that particular keyboard, I would probably have enough knowledge to build my own custom one. In a way not being happy with a keyboard is kind of a curse, no? I mean, at some point a hobby becomes OCD for perfection or an addiction. I know why I bought the mechanical keyboard I currently have (ergonomics for having a mouse in place of the numpad and lower activation force to reduce stress on my wrists), but I have no idea why I should buy a Realforce R4.

What did I answer...

Right, so you are new to mech keebs, I see...  :rolleyes:
I have only been using one for 15 years and did extensive research at the time, which is why I was happy with my purchase for at least 10 years of that. I think you have no idea who you are dealing with here.

All you are showing is that _you_ are new or too lazy to answer (which is understandable, since I am not paying you as my personal consultant, but don't do around saying things you don't know).

Hey kid, are you high or something?
12100 | 9070XT | 2TB SSD | ROG STRIX B760-I ITX | 32GB RAM | SFX 850W | NR200p | Ruark Audio MR1 Mark II | LG OLED 42C4
Realforce 87u55 | CM QuickFire Rapid MX Blacks | Filco TKL 85g Gateron Oil Kings | Tiger Lite 85g Oil Kings | Logitech Pro Superlight
SA: Retro Petscii, 7bit Round6 'Symbiosis', Filco, Carbon Bone  CHERRY: GMK Laser, GMK OG double shot, CRP APL
GSA: Retro High-light  HSA: Hyperfuse  XDA: Canvas  PBS: MV Classic

::: Phinix Cube ::: Phinix Nano Tower ::: Phinix Aurora ::: Phinix Chimera ::: Phinix Retro :::

Offline nescio

  • Posts: 10
Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 11 December 2025, 07:58:48 »
That backspace button is way too small. So, it could be the best keyboard in the world, but that alone kills it for me.

PS Why do I need to answer 6 questions for every comment I post?! Also, why are there no mods/admins to OK my topic?

this is just an example of R4, like some specific japanese version. There are standard ANSI ones.
Thank you for the clarification. I think your opening post could just have included that information; e.g. there is a series (you mentioned this word, so that part was clear) of keyboards with different layouts and for example color schemes.

In that case, the only way I would buy such a product, is if they would connect one to my computer for free for evaluation for three months of using it (which translates to probably a year or actual time, which they are never going to accept) to figure out whether or not there is added value. I don't think having a more expensive keyboard would provide much value to me. At the very least being able to physically test it in some store or seeing advanced metrics would be required. 

In a sense, you could say that their marketing engine doesn't work good enough for full market saturation. 

From all the keyboards on the planet, why would you want this one? I think, if I knew why I would want to have that particular keyboard, I would probably have enough knowledge to build my own custom one. In a way not being happy with a keyboard is kind of a curse, no? I mean, at some point a hobby becomes OCD for perfection or an addiction. I know why I bought the mechanical keyboard I currently have (ergonomics for having a mouse in place of the numpad and lower activation force to reduce stress on my wrists), but I have no idea why I should buy a Realforce R4.

What did I answer...

Right, so you are new to mech keebs, I see...  :rolleyes:
I have only been using one for 15 years and did extensive research at the time, which is why I was happy with my purchase for at least 10 years of that. I think you have no idea who you are dealing with here.

All you are showing is that _you_ are new or too lazy to answer (which is understandable, since I am not paying you as my personal consultant, but don't do around saying things you don't know).

Hey kid, are you high or something?

Not as high as you.

Offline phinix

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Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 11 December 2025, 15:51:05 »
Seriously, who is this numbnuts?
12100 | 9070XT | 2TB SSD | ROG STRIX B760-I ITX | 32GB RAM | SFX 850W | NR200p | Ruark Audio MR1 Mark II | LG OLED 42C4
Realforce 87u55 | CM QuickFire Rapid MX Blacks | Filco TKL 85g Gateron Oil Kings | Tiger Lite 85g Oil Kings | Logitech Pro Superlight
SA: Retro Petscii, 7bit Round6 'Symbiosis', Filco, Carbon Bone  CHERRY: GMK Laser, GMK OG double shot, CRP APL
GSA: Retro High-light  HSA: Hyperfuse  XDA: Canvas  PBS: MV Classic

::: Phinix Cube ::: Phinix Nano Tower ::: Phinix Aurora ::: Phinix Chimera ::: Phinix Retro :::

Offline Riverman

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Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 12 December 2025, 21:48:11 »
I was just in Tokyo last month to visit a friend and stopped by three BIC Cameras and a Yodobashi Camera.  I didn't see the R4 at any of them, which was surprising.  I was looking for the Realforce aluminum wrist rest and mouse pad, which I finally found.  Personally, I think the R4 looks like every other keyboard now. The R3 was distinctive, at least.

Online Findecanor

  • Posts: 5106
  • Location: Stockholm
Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #10 on: Sat, 13 December 2025, 06:44:39 »
I liked the look of Realforce R1 the best. Back in its day, the design felt like Noctua: "We don't need to follow trends: we compete on having the best performance and quality in the world.".
Then they released the R2...

The R3 was an improvement, back to a more classic look, but I've seen reports of bad build quality.
The R4 is a step back looks-wise.

I think a good-looking keyboard should have a "forehead" (or whatever-you'd-call-it) above the function keys: Preferably with a tray for a pencil.
Back to the classic look. Don't follow design trends. If you don't make a statement, be timeless.

[...]
Hey kid, are you high or something?

Not as high as you.
I'm posting this from a mountain top. I win!  ;D
« Last Edit: Sat, 13 December 2025, 06:51:44 by Findecanor »
🍉

Offline nescio

  • Posts: 10
Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #11 on: Sat, 13 December 2025, 08:00:36 »
The creator of the $3,600 Seneca was interviewed by Adam Savage on YouTube and that guy definitely engineered (with help from some Danes). If Realforce wants me to buy their board, they should explain why in a similar way. 

Offline phinix

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Re: Realforce R4
« Reply #12 on: Sat, 13 December 2025, 09:33:35 »
Yes, R4 is kinda step back in design, R1 was the best one, R2 was ok, but I prefer retro forehead design. R3 came back to rounded corners, which was nice, but I never had version, whole topre collection that went through my hands (around 15-20 keyboards) were R1 and R2, or hhkb.
One thing they cannot fix so far - their not so great stabs. I wonder how they are in r4.
12100 | 9070XT | 2TB SSD | ROG STRIX B760-I ITX | 32GB RAM | SFX 850W | NR200p | Ruark Audio MR1 Mark II | LG OLED 42C4
Realforce 87u55 | CM QuickFire Rapid MX Blacks | Filco TKL 85g Gateron Oil Kings | Tiger Lite 85g Oil Kings | Logitech Pro Superlight
SA: Retro Petscii, 7bit Round6 'Symbiosis', Filco, Carbon Bone  CHERRY: GMK Laser, GMK OG double shot, CRP APL
GSA: Retro High-light  HSA: Hyperfuse  XDA: Canvas  PBS: MV Classic

::: Phinix Cube ::: Phinix Nano Tower ::: Phinix Aurora ::: Phinix Chimera ::: Phinix Retro :::