Unveiling the Topre Realforce 104UW: A Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background
3. The Tokyo Press Kokyo Keyboard
   • 3.1. Construction and Design
   • 3.2. Capacitive Switches
4. Advantages of Capacitive Switches
5. Tactility and Key Weighting
6. Typing Experience and Durability
   • 6.1. Comparison to Other Rubber Dome Keyboards
   • 6.2. Ergonomic Benefits
7. Build Quality and Design
   • 7.1. Steel Mounting Plate
   • 7.2. Flip-Out Feet and Cable Gutter
   • 7.3. Key Caps
8. Pricing and Alternatives
9. Conclusion

The Tokyo Press Kokyo Keyboard: A Review

The Tokyo Press Kokyo keyboard, also known as the Realforce keyboard, is a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts. In this review, we will explore the features and performance of this keyboard, taking into account its construction, key switches, advantages, typing experience, build quality, and pricing.

Introduction

The Tokyo Press Kokyo keyboard, or Realforce keyboard, is produced by the company Tokyo Press Kokyo. This company specializes in manufacturing a wide range of products, including metal press products, air conditioning, cooling technology, and consumer electronics. Their electrostatic capacitive keyboards have gained Attention among keyboardists due to their unique and innovative design.

Background

The Realforce keyboard is Based on a switch developed by Tokyo Press Kokyo called the "Tokyo Press switch," which incorporates capacitive technology within a rubber dome housing. This switch features a coiled spring that provides minimal resistance when the key is pressed, creating a variable capacitive element. Unlike traditional rubber dome keyboards, the Tokyo Press switch does not act as a return spring.

The Tokyo Press Kokyo Keyboard

3.1. Construction and Design

The Tokyo Press Kokyo keyboard is built to be robust and Durable. It features a thick steel mounting plate that gives the keyboard a solid and rigid feel. With a weight of approximately 1.4 kilograms, the keyboard feels substantial and sturdy. Its conservative and elegant design, with an all-white color scheme and high-quality dye-sublimed keycaps, exudes a Sense of utility rather than vanity. The keycaps are thin and feature precise dye sublimed printing, making them visually appealing and resistant to fading over time.

3.2. Capacitive Switches

One of the standout features of the Realforce keyboard is its capacitive switches. Tokyo Press Kokyo's capacitive switches have several advantages over traditional contact-based switches, such as Cherry MX and Alps SK CM. Capacitive switches offer inherent key rollover and are highly reliable. The standard MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of capacitive switches, including those used in the Realforce keyboard, is 100 million cycles. This makes them considerably more durable than contact-based switches.

Capacitive switches detect actuation through two plates underneath a spiral spring, which detects changes in capacitance as the spring is flattened. This design gives the switches a unique tactile feel and improved performance. While other companies have also developed capacitive switches, Tokyo Press Kokyo's Realforce keyboard is considered one of the most mainstream options available.

Advantages of Capacitive Switches

Capacitive switches offer several advantages over standard contact-based switches. First, they provide inherent key rollover, allowing for multiple simultaneous keystrokes to be registered accurately. This makes them ideal for fast typists, gamers, and users who require precise and responsive input.

In addition to key rollover, capacitive switches are known for their reliability and longevity. The standard lifespan of capacitive switches, such as those used in the Realforce keyboard, is 100 million cycles. This makes them more durable than even the most rugged contact-based switches.

Tactility and Key Weighting

The Realforce keyboard's tactility and key weighting play a significant role in the typing experience. Each column of keys within the keyboard has a different weighting, ranging from 35 grams for the outer keys to 55 grams for the Escape key. This variable weighting is designed to accommodate the strength of different fingers, ensuring that each key is equally easy to press relative to the others. This feature gives the Realforce keyboard its name, as it provides a genuinely "real" force typing experience.

The tactility of the Realforce keyboard is influenced by its key weighting. HEAVIER keys tend to be more tactile, while lighter keys have a smoother feel. The most tactile key on the keyboard is the Escape key, which has a weighting of 55 grams. Although the Realforce keyboard offers a good typing experience, there are alternative keyboards available, such as the BTC and Scorpius dome with slider switches, which some users may find even better feeling.

Typing Experience and Durability

The Realforce keyboard offers a unique typing experience, thanks to its capacitive switches and key weighting design. The key switches actuate partway through the key's travel, allowing for light and soft typing. This feature reduces strain on the fingers and promotes a comfortable typing experience, especially for those who suffer from repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

Compared to other rubber dome keyboards, the Realforce keyboard stands out in terms of durability. While the exact lifespan of the switch is debated, Tokyo Press Kokyo claims a lifespan of 30 million cycles on the packaging, while their Website advertises 50 million cycles. Regardless of the exact number, the Realforce keyboard is more durable than standard rubber dome keyboards.

Build Quality and Design

The Realforce keyboard is well-built and designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. The thick steel mounting plate adds weight and rigidity to the keyboard, making it feel robust and reliable. The keyboard features flip-out feet for adjustable Height and a cable gutter that helps to manage cable routing. Despite its conservative styling, the Realforce keyboard is elegant and Timeless, resembling keyboards from the 90s or late 80s. The high-quality dye sublimed keycaps and carefully crafted design contribute to its overall appeal.

Pricing and Alternatives

One downside of the Realforce keyboard is its price tag. The keyboard is quite expensive, with prices starting at over $200. While the switches and build quality are commendable, other keyboards on the market, such as optical keyboards or classic mechanical keyboards like the Model M, offer comparable or even superior performance at a lower price point. The Realforce keyboard's high cost may deter some potential buyers who prioritize value for money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Realforce keyboard by Tokyo Press Kokyo offers a unique typing experience with its capacitive switches and key weighting design. It provides a comfortable and durable keyboarding solution for those seeking a different tactile feel compared to traditional mechanical switches. While its build quality and design are commendable, the high price tag may make it less appealing to some users.

Overall, the Realforce keyboard is a solid choice for keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate its unique features and are willing to invest in a high-quality and durable keyboard. However, for those seeking alternatives at a more affordable price point, there are viable options available in the market.