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)
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
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!)
so the Norbaforce’s daughterboard for R2 will fit in the Datapad and get you USB-mini connectivity.
or use the R2 NFDB by @Dave for USB-C connectivity.
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.)
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:
(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~