Topre offers a gaming keyboard with buttons that combine a rubber dome feeling with capacitive sensors. Signal points can be set in four stages, and a dynamic mode also triggers variably.
The capacitive buttons from Topre look like mechanical MX switches, but work differently: there is a rubber bell under the stamp. The button has such a soft touch and the gentle pressure point of rubber dome switches, but with the precision of mechanical key technology. The Topre button differs from pure rubber dome keyboards in two respects: there is a spring under the bell, which creates a resistance of 30 or 45 grams depending on the model, and a PCB is used under the spring and bell instead of the conductor foils. There, a capacitive sensor detects how far the spring has been pushed in and thus when a signal is detected.
Topre buttons are technically complex (image: Topre)
The signal point can be in four levels can be configured (Image: Topre)In this property, the button is similar to that of the analogue models in the Wooting 60HE (test). With Topre, however, the signal point cannot be completely freely selected, but can only be selected in four steps of 0.8, 1.5, 2.2 and 3.0 millimeters.
In addition, there is also a “dynamic” mode. There, the signal point moves dynamically, the lowest reached of the four levels is selected. The advantage: the input is completed more quickly because you only have to rebound to the level you have reached. With the Realforce GX1, spacers in two strengths can also be mounted under the key cap to limit the stroke. The manufacturer writes that the feedback should then feel like that of a flat keyboard.
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Topre RealforScreenshot ce GX1 (image: Topre)
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Topre Realforce GX1 (Picture: Topre)
Other features of the Tenkeyless keyboard includes customizable RGB keylights and programmable keys. Topre only provided the volume control as a double assignment. PBT keycaps, actually a standard for more expensive keyboards, are also not available here; the manufacturer relies on the simple version made of coated ABS plastic.
Special technology costs a lot of money
The price level can already be estimated. In the Japanese Amazon store, the GX1 is listed in Japanese and US ANSI layouts for 33,000 yen, which is around 228 euros at the current exchange rate. This is not unusual: Topre styli have always been an expensive choice.
Topre Realforce GX1 Size (L × W × H): 36.5 × 14.3 × 3.8 cm Layout: 87 ANSI (“tenkeyless”) Weight: 1,300 g Cable: 1.60 m, USB 2.0 Hub function: – Key rollover: N-KRO switch: Topre keys: Shape: cylindrical
Material: ABS plastic
Labeling: laser cut
Capacitive keys additional keys: – Media functions: mute, volume additional functions: – Lighting: Color: RGB
Modes: Breathing Effect, Wave Effect, Reactive Mode, Gaming Lighting, Color Loop
Other: Custom LED Profiles Macros & Programming: hardware playback?
? programmable price: –