Topre has officially unveiled the Realforce R4, the latest generation of its legendary electro-capacitive keyboard. Arriving nearly four years after the R3, the new model is a significant upgrade, adding wireless connectivity and a host of smart features to the iconic Topre typing experience that enthusiasts have revered for years.
The R4 (via Guru3D) is still a Realforce, powered by the brand's signature electro-capacitive Topre switches, which are rated for 100 million keystrokes. The keyboard will be available with 45 g, 30 g, and variable silent switches, with the latter having an adjustable actuation point, allowing users to customise it from 0.8 mm down to 3.0 mm (0.1 mm steps). The English ANSI layout versions will feature 45g silent switches, topped with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
The biggest functional upgrade is the move to dual-mode connectivity, with both a wired USB-C option and wireless Bluetooth 5.0 that can pair with up to four devices simultaneously. Topre has also added some clever new tech to the board, including a proximity sensor that automatically wakes the keyboard from sleep to save battery and a mouse emulation mode for added utility in minimalist setups.
The Realforce R4 will be available in both full-size and tenkeyless (TKL) formats, in either black or white. It is scheduled to go on sale in Japan on October 18th, with the TKL model priced at ¥36,520 (approximately £180) and the full-size at ¥37,180 (approximately £183). Details on a wider international release have not yet been announced.
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KitGuru says: Have you ever tried a mechanical keyboard with Topre switches? Would you be willing to spend this much on a keyboard that looks relatively simple compared to what we see in this price bracket?