KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
The Topre Realforce RGB ships in a slightly ‘dated' looking box, although we are far more concerned with what's inside.
Other than the keyboard itself, the only accessory is a large ‘manual' which just points out a few of the on-board functions (like changing the RGB lighting).
After that, we get our first look at the Realforce RGB itself. The keyboard definitely has a simple and understated design, although I do prefer this style of keyboard as it looks a lot less garish than some other ‘gaming' keyboards on the market.
Build quality is excellent, too, and while I could not find any information about the construction materials, I would guess Topre has fitted a metal frame inside the keyboard's chassis, while the outer-shell is plastic. In any case, this thing is rock-solid, with no flex to it at all.
However, eagle-eyed readers may have noticed the keyboard above uses the American, ANSI layout. Topre do not currently manufacture an ISO version of the Realforce RGB, so that is definitely something to be aware of.
Getting a closer look at some of the on-board features, in the top-right corner we find three dedicated volume controls, as well as an unusual key with 3 ‘steps' on it. This button is for the APC technology – pressing it changes the actuation point for all the keyboard's switches, and you can cycle through the 3 different options available (1.5mm, 2.2mm and 3mm). However, using the software, you can set the actuation distance on a per-key basis for ultimate control, something we demonstrate on the next page.
Elsewhere, there are also some play/pause/skip buttons available, but they are secondary functions assigned to the F-keys, rather than dedicated keys.
The switches are another area of interest, as they are Topre's own capacitive switch. Interestingly, they are not actually mechanical as they still use a rubber dome at the base of the switch (see above diagram, courtesy of Seasonic). However, the switches are compatible with most keycaps due to Topre's use of Cherry MX stems.
In regards to keycaps, it is also worth mentioning that the Realforce RGB uses double-shot ABS keycaps, so they should be extra-durable and the legends will not wear away (unlike keycaps with printed legends).
On the underside of the keyboard, we find four anti-slip rubber feet, as well as the usual height-adjustment stands. There are also two channels for cable-routing, so you can have the cable coming out from either the left or the right side of the board.
Speaking of the cable, the spec-sheet lists it as 1.5m long (though I measured it at closer to 1.8m), and sadly it is not braided. For a £260 keyboard, I would really expect a braided cable, even it is more about aesthetics than anything else.
Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here
