Realforce to Novatouch, what to expect?

[kasakka]

So I am contemplating moving from a white full size ISO Realforce to either a Novatouch or some 60% (probably Pok3r unless I can find something even better) as the full size board tends to make my desk a bit cramped and is not ideal for hand position.

I'm interested in the Novatouch mainly because it's a lot cheaper than a TKL Realforce, takes a bit less vertical space (doesn't have that upper lip Realforce has) and the Cherry MX keycap compatibility is just the cherry on top. But I understand that doesn't come without its drawbacks. Those who own both, am I going to downgrade if I get the Novatouch? Can mods to the Novatouch make it as nice as a Realforce?

[tominabox1]

If you're looking at Topre, why have you left out the HHKB?

[quasistellar]

IMO, silencing, lubing, and adding good keycaps can make Novatouch just as good. Stock, the sliders and stabilizers are too noisy.

The trouble is cost-- by the time you do that, you could have a Realforce. So the real question becomes: is the MX keycap compatibility worth it? The answer is purely subjective. If your favorite keycaps only come in MX, then go Novatouch. If you like the Realforce keycaps (they are excellent, after all), then stick with Realforce.  Don't forget the dome weighting. Novatouch is uniform 45g only--no option for 55g or variable weighting.

Also consider the HHKB. Haven't tried it myself, but I'm sure it's great.

[kasakka]

If you're looking at Topre, why have you left out the HHKB?

Expensive, too few keys, don't like the arrow layout. I'm only considering the Pok3r because it now has that "turn the useless right bottom corner keys into arrows" option.

[Magna224]

Its been a long time since I sold my realforce.  I consider the realforce better mainly because the stock keycaps suck on the novatouch and the case is more stury on the RF. The case on the novatouch is nothing to complain about though. Once the keycaps are changed on the novatouch its fine IMO. I have lube and the foam pads to put on it but I've never got around to doing it. I usually work on the big projects. I prefer my chosen keycaps over the realforces and the smaller size is a bonus too for novatouch. My only real gripe is that the novatouch only comes in 45g and not 55g.

[phoible]

I'm running a silenced Novatouch with PBT caps, and it's great. Super quiet (once I silenced it), and the fit and finish is fine. I bought the barebones Novatouch, so it cost me about $200 once I got through adding the PBT keycaps and Hypersphere's Silencing Rings.

Haven't used a Realforce for comparison

[klennkellon]

It has louder stabilzers and mediocre keycaps, and only 45g, however it has MX compatible topre so you can put any keycap set you want on it.

[xtrafrood]

You can expect to take apart that Novatouch and use the Cherry MX sliders 

[forsty]

Without modifying the Novatouch (soft pads + lube) the Novatouch is a no-go.

[Findecanor]

All in all, if you are going to mod the Novatouch to be as good as Realforce, you would have to spend just as much. Your time and effort is also worth something.

[rowdy]

In general I've heard that the RealForce is better than the Novatouch in most ways.  The most compelling two reasons people choose Novatouch over RealForce is, as you have already summarised, cost and MX keycap compatibility.

However if I had the choice, I'd choose to spend a little more and get the RealForce.

[kasakka]

Ended up buying a Pok3r used instead, I'll see how I get along with that. I'll take my full size Topre to work instead unless I can get a local trade for a TKL Realforce or Novatouch. I hope eventually Coolermaster or someone else (CTRL-ALT?) will release Topre to MX sliders so I can fit some nice colored keys on the Topre.