Fujitsu Realforce R2 Keyboard (Full, Black, 55G)

Product Information

At the Tokyo Game Show, held in September, 2017, Topre revealed a new line of Realforce keyboards [6]. Dubbed the 'Realforce R2', the new keyboards borrow features from the previously released Realforce RGB, including the case and PCB design, and on some R2 models, the APC (Actuation Point Changer) feature. The initial announcement comprised of 8 Japanese-layout models. The 2 standard and 2 standard + silenced models were released in October and November respectively. The 4 APC models were released in December, 2017. The electro-capacitive switch produces a more satsifying noise and a slightly less pronounced tactile bump. I’ve never felt like I could type faster than with this switch. The Realforce R2 RGB also lights up all of the secondary functions on keys. However, only the main key sections (letters, numbers, punctuation) get the best lighting, because the secondary functions are positioned beside the primary functions instead of below. The F-key row see the brightness taper off lower on the keycap, where the secondary functions are, making them harder to see and kind of shoddy looking. For the uninitiated, Topre is a sort-of hybrid switch, one that’s long invited debate. I’m not going to wade too deep into that void, but: The primary mechanism for a Topre’s key resistance is a rubber dome, the oft-maligned foundation of most budget membrane keyboards. The activation and feel, though, are similar to a mechanical keyboard’s, and the result is a unique switch that diehard fans swear by.

Note: On some models, a second number is added which refers to the key weight (e.g. 87UKW 55, 104U-KB 45). I took the Realforce R2 RGB through its paces in Apex Legends. I wanted to see just how responsive it could be with that 1.5mm actuation depth. Unsurprisingly, actions were snappy, as just a light press would do the job. I may not have won every match, but I never felt like there was an issue with the Realforce R2 RGB to blame.

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However, I do wish the Realforce R2 had absorbed at least some of the lessons from the school of great gaming keyboards, namely having some damn media keys. I realise I've been utterly spoiled by other keyboards in this respect, as the R2 is a completely media free zone. I really missed being able to turn the volume up and down without Alt-Tab-ing out of my game, and it made me yearn for my best gaming keyboard champion, the Fnatic miniStreak, which still manages to cram some media controls into its row of Fn keys despite its tenkeyless form factor. Actuation Point Change (APC) technology, allowing the user to select from 3 different actuation points (1.5, 2.2, or 3.0mm) I also rather like that, if you flip the keyboard over, you can see it has three distinct exit points for its USB cable, allowing you to route the cable out of the top, left or right of the chassis depending on what's practical and convenient. It's so simple, and yet nothing else I've seen even offers this - and it makes you wonder why other keyboards don't offer the same thing. Depending on where your PC's located, you can have the Realforce R2's cable coming out of the top, left or right side of the keyboard.

The build quality of the Topre Realforce TKL is quite excellent. The case is made entirely of a plastic construction with a stainless steel plate which makes the keyboard extra rigid. Keyboard is a Korean model with Hangul characters printed alongside the English letters on the keycaps. I would have liked to see a keycap puller or a few Topre springs in the box so you could customize the weight of the switches and easily take a look under the hood. Some additional personal preferences for possible future models from Realforce include an option for a detachable cable, complete programmability via QMK or something similar, a 60% form factor version, and keycap sets for the R2 and other RF models. The Realforce opted for an right-angle triangular shaped profile with a darker gray accent plate on the top right of the keyboard. The side profile looks as though there are several layers to it, giving it a more interesting depth.

As someone who has been wanting to try this keyboard out for a while now, it pains me to say I have trouble recommending this keyboard to anyone. The keyboard itself feels outdated in a lot ways. Extremely high price point, a non-detachable power cable, and poor stabilizers make this keyboard not satisfying and very clunky to move around. If you remember the right-hand rule from high-school physics, the concept is very similar. I still remember everyone in my physics class (including myself) trying to conceptualize the idea while making the spinning motion with their hands.

Keycaps can be removed easily with most standard keycap pullers with perhaps the only exception being some plastic ring-pull varieties which can be difficult to attach to the keycap. Some Realforce keyboards come with a Topre keycap puller which is not particularly ideal for larger cap removal and should be used with caution as it has been known to slip off and scratch the keycap during removal attempts. Home row indicators on the ‘F’ and ‘J’ keys are the homing bar design.

Sử dụng các phím tắt

Topre REALFORCE keyboards are high-end keyboards built for maximum programming and gaming performance. Designed for comfort and efficiency, REALFORCE keyboards feature Topre’s best-in-class capacitive key switches which allow for durability and reduced user fatigue. A non-detachable cable makes the keyboard more susceptible to breaking at the wire and more difficult to repair. Not to mention, it’s really clunky and difficult to transport.