Hello all! Exciting news for the Topre enjoyers out there. It looks like the REALFORCE R4 has been released!
It has some interesting new features like capacitive touch similar to the HHKB Studio. But this keyboard keeps the infamous Topre “switch”. I’m excited and have one on the way soon to teardown. I wanted to see what anyone else thinks about this version and what you find interesting. Also if you want to see anything specific focused on in my teardown! Have a great week y’all.
Hmmmm Feels like just a face-lift, but I hope I am pleasantly surprised. I think at a glance I still prefer R3 aesthetics, but I’m amenable to this.
(R3 more rounded look)
Thank you for this! I am a recent Realforce R3 owner, and am loving it. Since I am new to all this, could you explain what is the infamous Topre “switch”? I am also really interested in the R4’s build quality compared to the R3. Was R3 considered to have an inferior build quality to the R2 when it was released? Thanks!
Cool to see, I quite like the R3 for what it is (prefer that look over the R4), wonder how the R4 will differ from it in feel and sound.
I wish the R3 and R4 had unsilenced and not only silent.
I think the build is different but on par from my experience, the case build feels equally solid although the removable plastic top does rattle a bit which isn’t a thing on the r2, I think the overall case is less creaky than my r2 excluding that though. It is different feel and sound wise, I think stock I might actually prefer the silent r3 over the silent r2, but it depends on what you like
Shakes fist angrily at the BoB keycaps.
i really dont understand the font and alignment either. choices were made
your reviews are great! want to know if there are alternate pads on the pcb for possible clues to other layouts (likely not as we saw in R3/R3S/RT1), daughterboards? what’s behind the BT switch/slider (as opposed to a soft rubber button on HHKB/R3), and i guess how does the case come together (middle seam or not)
i’m also ultimately curious if down the road RF will create an antivibration mat and how they would cut around/or fashion it for the new backside.
Soon URSA WoB!
Do you have information on when you will receive the keyboard? I’m really excited to know more.
I don’t unfortunately. It should be in the next few weeks. A friend is procuring it for me while they’re in Japan. Shipping should be soon!
It has shipped! Soon ™ it will be in my hands!
