REALFORCE R2 RGB TKL

Very nice switch feel, although I ended up returning it because I wanted a full size board.

I own the full sized and TKL version of this keyboard and both of them met the same fate in the end. The keyboard feels really nice to type on compared a pretty much any other keyboard out there. The Topre switches really are nice. The keys do not feel quite as nice as the non-RGB versions of Realforce keyboards, however. The keys are slightly less solid feeling. I would assume this is because the RGB keys use the MX stems rather than the typical Topre keyboard stems and this gives them an ever slightly more hollow or cheap feeling or something. It is hard to explain without trying the keyboard yourself but just know the actual typing feel is not quite as nice as a non-RGB Topre but still nicer than a non-Topre switch keyboard. My main issue with this keyboard and the full sized version is after about a year of use the LEDs have started going bad or getting stuck to colors other than what I have selected. On the TKL keyboard I have all the keys set to a cyan color but about 6 of the keys are stuck green. On the full sized keyboard one of the LEDs just isn't lit and several of the others are stuck a darker and more blue shade of blue than the cyan they are supposed to be set. My guess is the LEDs are fine but there are probably low quality resistors or capacitors or the LED controller of the keyboard is lower quality or something which is why the LEDs are going out. For the price of these keyboards I would stick with the non-RGB version even though the RGB lights are really nice for dark rooms. It just isn't worth te price knowing the lights start flaking out after such a short period of time.

I am a big fan of mechanical keyboards. I currently use a Das Keyboard Prime and like it with some complaints including the noise. This keyboard is very similar in feel but makes about half the noise which is great. Also, the keys have a silky smooth feel but yet still have a tactile feel with each press. It's really an almost perfect balance of feel and utility. I would only offer a minor complaint is that it took me a little time to get used to the space bar. I kept running words together; the space bar requires a tad more force than my Prime. Other than that, I have zero complaints about this keyboard and think it is a tremendous product. I am buying this for every computer I own.

When the LEDs are set to white they look a bit blueish Upstroke is very loud Very Smooth Very Expensive Still my endgame keyboard

Enter key not pressed among number key groups

I can't believe Realforce did this. Aside from a name change to R2 RGB, this is exactly the same keyboard as the mediocre Realforce RGB. The only difference is that they gave it a new serial number because they changed the distributor, from Seasonic to Fujitsu in the USA. I dare anyone from Fujitsu to claim otherwise. I would have given the RGB that can be had for $209 right now, 3 stars, but at double the price, it's absurd. Even 1 star is one too much. It has cheap-looking ABS keycaps with rattly MX stems, it pings, it's loud and sounds nothing like the other Topre boards. I returned mine as I received it with a dozen or so bad LEDs that only displayed a few colors. I'm not the only one with this issue, if you look around, there's an embarassing number of users with the same problem. The only good thing this board has going it for it is the ability to get MX keycaps as aftermarket Topre keycaps are rarer than a hen's tooth. The case flexes way too much, the metal plate inside can easily be twisted (just like on the Realforce R2 - sigh...), which results in the keyboard not sitting flat and not all stabs are lubed making it very rattly. You can get much better quality from a $150 or less board from Leopold, Varmilo, etc. Even -wait for it - Corsair's board are better made. at a fraction of the price. Really disappointed with this, was waiting for ages for a Realforce Topre board with MX stem capability and backlights. <b>Do You Hear Realforce And Fujitsu?</b> Realforce needs to get its quality control in check, give it a sturdier case, a (way) more rigid plate inside, silencing rings and higher tolerance MX stem sliders. Make it sound and feel like a Topre board!

MX stems do rattle a bit more than Topre stems, but that is to be expected. Absolutely does not ping during the up or downstroke. LEDs light up evenly with no defects. Sits perfectly flat with no case flex in use. In fact, it holds more firmly to the table than my 87U being an R2 with redesigned pads. Software is not required to adjust the APC travel or to cycle through basic lighting profiles/three-step dim/disable lighting. May replace the 45g membrane pieces with 55g ones pulled from another RF TKL. Have a set of Vortex double shot PBT keycaps on order to replace the original double shot ABS. In short, if you want the soft bottom thock and feel of Topres along with nice RGB backlighting, then there is no alternative right now.

Agree with the previous reviewer! Insane price for a board which is no different than the previous model!! And truly does not match the original Torpe boards. I would still consider it, if there was a 55g key option. These guys are banking on enthusiasts... keyboard enthusiasts are crazy to spend money, but not dump to spend on hyped up products