Realforce RT1 and the Norbaforce Data Pad

Hello all,

I’ve always wanted to be just like senpai @techbeezin so here I am with my first larnin’ and discussin’ post regarding the Realforce RT1 (rebooted 23u / numpad) and the Norbaforce Data Pad.

TL;DR: it’s drop in and use the R2 daughterboard from a Norbaforce

DISCLAIMER
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT MAY BE CAUSED FROM DISASSEMBLY. THIS IS NOT A GUIDE BUT IS AN INFORMATIVE DOCUMENT. READER ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES. THIS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY

(legit just swiping from beez, what a g fr) :doughnut:

Imgur
tear down a 23u like you would - 3 screws in the back, one under one of the rubber squares top right, take out the stock cable, and get your Data Pad set up

Imgur
big thanks to @d0nk for the initial RT1 teardown and for being a real one for testing the controller with an OEM R2 cable. the pin out is the same as R2 Realforce, the case is straight ripped from the 23u (now in snow!)

Imgur
so the Norbaforce’s daughterboard for R2 will fit in the Datapad and get you USB-mini connectivity.

Imgur

or use the R2 NFDB by @Dave for USB-C connectivity.

Imgur
I’ve generally had decent luck with later models of Norbauer housings to where a USB-c cable fits through the opening without modification. but if it doesn’t fit or is too tight, a quick pass with a file gets you enough clearance for a solid connection with the port.

For those of you who might be numpad-curious:
The Realforce RT1 just released in Japan in December 2024 at about MSRP $110-120USD converted for the base unit - comes in charcoal or white (snow, not beige) option, with keycaps available separately albeit not at the time of this posting. But those with @Cipulot 's EC23u-built numpads already have full reprogrammability whereas the RT1 only has keys 1 - 4 that can be reassigned (side print says MAP1, 2, 3, etc.)

Imgur
why only those four, Realforce?

And the pcb for the RT1 is even more perplexing, where the 23u had alternate 1u/2u +/- and 0/00 and 2u 0, the RT1 is default/only 23u layout:
Imgur
(photo credit donk)

it’s an R2 wired, 23u only fixed layout with remapping restricted only to keys 1-4 and ofc use only Realforce Connect software. fascinating choice. but hey! it’s a chance to get into RF/Topre numpads if you ever were curious, and there’s an aftermarket housing for it via the Data Pad.

Big thanks to all the Keebtalk thoccers mentioned up top and thanks for making it through the big wall of yap~

7 Likes

Fire tear down! Happy to see this got purchased and checked out! Looks pretty much like a 23u with more function. Sick it fits in the Datapad

2 Likes

thanks beez! your structure was really helpful in organizing my thoughts btw

with like… 30% more function i guess.
i briefly loaded it into RF Connect and got default and Fn+ map, and i want to say you can have more layers of Fn+ map but it was just honestly bewildering why you couldn’t do it to the other keys. Fn is likely MO/layer or I wonder if could I get it to act like a Toggle (TG) which I would prefer

i hope it could be addressed in future software updates!

2 Likes

revising my initial impression after having spent time with the RT1 and Realforce Software this weekend. it can be reprogrammed after all, rtfm next time potato.

in Realforce Software (3.3.1 as of Dec 2024) you drag the assignment you want from the list and drop it into the intended key/position. i ended up changing my main map 1 to switch the location of Fn to third from left, Backspace to top row, as opposed to the initial setup in my first post. Shift isn’t shift anymore but instead = which is what Realforce 23u had.

maps 1-4 can store one Normal and one Fn+ setting per map. you can access those by hitting Fn+1 - 4 to switch between the maps. i am used to Toggle layers on VIA on the EC23u, so once i made the mental connection (took a while, lol), then now i have regular numpad functions on Map1 and my TG(2) in this case lives on Map2:

gonna give this a go for the next few weeks.