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.