Three Hundred Quid for a *Rubber Dome* Keyboard? Bloody Hell, Let's Investigate...
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Eurogamer's Reece Bithrey reviewed the Topre Realforce R2, a pricey but intriguing non-mechanical keyboard boasting a unique typing feel and top-notch build quality, proving that sometimes the old ways are the best ways. While it might not have all the modern bells and whistles, its focus on core quality makes a strong case for its price.
Alright, mates, gather 'round. Someone dropped three hundred smackers on a keyboard… and it's *not* mechanical. I know, I know, sounds like madness, right? But before you grab your pitchforks, let's have a gander at this fancy bit of kit. Reece Bithrey over at Eurogamer (bless their inquisitive souls) took the plunge with the Topre Realforce R2, and the story's wilder than I initially reckoned.
See, Topre and PFU (names that just *ooze* quality, don't they?) have been quietly crafting these high-end, whisper-quiet keyboards for ages. They use something called an electro-capacitive switch. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel, doesn't it? Basically, it's a rubber dome with a spring inside and a sensor beneath. The result? A typing experience that's supposedly smoother than a greased goblin, unlike those clicky-clacky mechanical keyboards we all know and occasionally love (or hate when our partners are trying to sleep).
Bithrey snagged a "PFU Limited Edition" Realforce R2. Now, this isn't your run-of-the-mill keyboard. We're talking silenced switches (ideal for not waking the neighbours), adjustable actuation points (choose how far you need to press a key – neat!), and a build quality that would make a dwarf blush. It's all plastic, mind you, but Bithrey swears there's zero flex and the keycaps are made of some fancy, durable material called dye-sub PBT. Right, so it's basically built to last, even if you're rage-typing your way through a particularly brutal boss fight.
So, the big question: is it worth it? Bithrey copped his for around $235 (about £175), which is still a hefty chunk of change. For that kind of dosh, you could get a mechanical keyboard with all the bells and whistles: metal chassis, wireless, sound dampening, hot-swappable switches… the works. These days we expect all the best stuff but this Topre is kind of old-school in approach, it just *is* and is of a top quality.
Here's where it gets interesting. Bithrey reckons it *is* worth it. Why? Because you're not just buying a keyboard, you're buying into Japanese craftsmanship and a unique typing experience. It's a niche product, no doubt, but if you stumble across one, it might just blow your mind. It's a bit like finding a legendary sword in a dusty old dungeon – impractical, perhaps, but undeniably cool.
Thing is, the keyboard market is changing. It's getting mainstream, full of all sorts of emerging technologies and that. For Topre, and brands like Filco, it is about sticking to a trusted formula, like in the olden days.
So, next time you're keyboard shopping, remember the Topre Realforce R2. It might not be mechanical, but it might just be magical. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to eBay to see if I can find one myself. Wish me luck!
Tags: keyboard, review, topre, mechanical keyboard, gaming peripherals
Original article: Eurogamer