REALFORCE R2 PFU Limited Edition Keyboard (Mid, Black, 45G)

If you need a keyboard that is as quiet as any keyboard for the workplace or for video streaming, I highly recommend my keyboard: the RealForce R2 PFU available for $350 on Amazon from Amazon seller Fujitsu. 1) It feels like you're typing on Cherry Brown switches even though it's much, much quieter—one of the quietest keyboards ever. 2) The silencing doesn't change the crisp feeling of the typing because the silencers are paper thin unlike O-Rings on a Cherry keyboard. 3) It beats up your fingers less than a Cherry MX keyboard because there's a little rubber bubble under each key that provides suspension when bottoming out each key. 4) Add a 40A shore rubber O ring under the space bar key to silence your space bar, since Topre seems to have forgotten to do this to make the space bar as super quiet as the rest of this keyboard. 5) I have tried BKE Ultralight domes (~$60 separately) and also the 55 gram version of this R2 keyboard, and both feel too heavy if you want keys that have the weight of Cherry Red/Brown at around 45 grams. The BKE Ultra Lights feel like they are in the middle around 50 grams, although the actuation is actually around 55 grams, but the 55 gram weight breaks so fast that it neither feels as heavy nor wears your fingers out as much as the 55-gram R2. I like their more crispy, fast, responsive feeling a lot, and they sped me up from around 90 WPM to 100 WPM soon after switching, so I've permanently converted my R2 keyboard over to the BKE Ultra Lights at the expense of the keyboard wearing my hands out slightly faster and being slightly louder.

The Realforce TKL R2 PFU Limited Edition black on black US ANSI layout keyboard with 45g Topre switches has all the bells and whistles, including actuation point control (APC), NKRO, silencing, and a host of functions accessed by Fn key combinations. At first, I was perplexed, because the package-insert manual consisted of a single sheet of paper with all of the instructions in Japanese only. This left me with almost no idea of how to access the various functions. However, I soon found that the RF website has a product support page with download links for a catalog/spec sheet in English, driver software (Windows only), and a PDF of the software manual in English. Here are my initial impressions, Pro and Con: PRO: + Compact form factor. + Attractive stealthy look. + Very quiet, but with a bit of the clip/clop on clay "thock" sound that is a hallmark of Topre switches. + Subtle Topre tactility. Excellent typing feel. CON: - Not completely programmable. Every modern keyboard ought to be completely programmable using non-proprietary software such as TMK or QMK. - Attached cable. I much prefer a detachable cable. - Hardwired Fn key. I much prefer no function key or one that can be remapped. - Functions that are mostly useless for me or that I would prefer to assign myself. - Case apparently snaps together rather than being held together with screws. I prefer a straightforward way of opening a keyboard case without worrying about damaging snap tabs or having to remove a seal that then violates the warranty. - The black on black legends might look sophisticated, but the legends are essentially invisible in low-light conditions. I would prefer blank keycaps or keycaps with visible legends, at least for the alphanumeric keys. INDIFFERENT: ~ APC. I suppose this will appeal to some, but I would be okay with the default middle setting. However, as long as this feature exists, it is nice that it can be accessed easily via Fn + Up-arrow. ~ Embedded NumPad. Somewhat nice to know it is there, but I doubt that I would ever use it. Moreover, some of the embedded NumPad keys interfere with my HHKB-style of remapping. ~ Silencing mats. The box also contains two rubber mats in different thicknesses that can be installed on the plate by first removing the keycaps. This will provide even more silencing at the expense of some key travel. The keyboard is already one of the quietest I have used. I doubt I would have any use for the rubber mats. OTHER: When slowly pressing keys to test weight and tactility, the 45g switches initially felt too light and lacking in tactility. However, when actually typing, the weight and tactility feel just right. At first, I thought I would regret not opting for an all-55g model, but now that I am typing on it, I think 45g is the best choice. The variable-weight model would not work for me, as the 30g switches would be too light. As soon as I can figure out how to open the case without breaking it, I would like to install a panel-mount USB connector for a detachable cable and investigate the possibility of installing an internal Hasu USB-USB converter to make the keyboard completely programmable (except probably the hardwired Fn key). However, the first change I have made is to replace the alphanumeric keycaps with caps that have visible legends. To me, black on black is not cool. The keys ought to be either blank or equipped with visible legends. However, I do like dark keyboard cases and dark modifier keys, which is why I bought the black version. I already had a set of Topre caps with visible legends ready to install (see picture). OVERALL: The RF TKL R2 special PFU edition is solidly built, and the silenced all-45g Topre switches provide an excellent typing experience. Although I could install silencing rings myself, considering the cost of the rings and the time and effort spent in dismantling the keyboard in order to install them, the built-in silencing on the PFU special edition model is worth the extra $100 or so. After setting up the RF R2 PFU TKL board with an external Hasu USB-USB converter and installing blue alphanumeric keycaps with visible legends, white HHKB keycaps to demarcate the cursor diamond, and some red keycaps on the top row, the keyboard is gaining favor in my eyes. Before buying the RF, I had been typing on a Leading Edge DC-2014 with SKCM blue Alps switches. Now, after typing on the RF, the DC-2014 seems crude by comparison. I also have a Tokyo60 with Zilent switches that I had once said were Topre-like. The Zilents are perhaps even quieter than the silenced Topre switches in the RF, but the RF is definitely more elegant and refined. There is also something sure-footed about typing on the RF. I feel less prone to making typos than I do on Alps, Cherry, or Cherry clone boards, and the Topre switches in the RF are not prone to the twitchiness I have often encountered with Alps, such as missed keypresses or chattering. Overall, I give the Realforce a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It would be 5 stars if it had a detachable cable, complete programmability, 60% form factor, and a wider selection of keycap styles, perhaps as boxed sets that could be purchased separately and installed by the customer. It is also possible to purchase the Leopold version of this keyboard through other outlets, such as eBay. The Leopold-branded model is ostensibly the same as the RF/PFU model with only some cosmetic differences, such as a the color scheme of the keycaps. However, I did not like the Leopold color scheme, and I found that the Leopold spacebar made a loud "clack" sound from striking the top plate. I was able to attenuate the noise by applying strips of very thin self-adhesive polyurethane foam underneath the spacebar, but because of these issues, I would give the Leopold version 3.5 out of 5 stars. Regarding the 60% form factor, I would urge Realforce and PFU to collaborate on a new version of the HHKB. This would be a 60% fully programmable model built like the RF, with Topre switches mounted in a steel plate instead of case-mounted switches as found in the HHKB. Moreover, they should consider reducing the size of all of the stabilized keys -- including the spacebar -- in order to eliminate the need for stabilizers, thus banishing all traces of stabilizer rattle once and for all.

I love this keyboard. I also own a Leopold 980c and Topre Typeheaven, but I prefer the Realforce. The feel, sound, and ease of typing on this is just perfect. I highly recommend this keyboard despite its high price tag. It's a good investment if you type a lot. Note that on the black version, the keys can be difficult to see, so if you need to look at the keys when you type, then keep that in mind and maybe think about getting the white version. Otherwise, this keyboard is as perfect as you can get, imo.

This keyboard is nice and solid. It is also very quiet. The problem is that there is so much dampening (even without using the included mats), it feels like you lose the tactility. I've had HHKBs, 45g rf, 55g rf, etc, and this LTD edition feels nothing like those to me. It advertises the "bounce"; there is none when it comes to the usual topre feedback. I also found APC useless because at the 1.5 setting, I was getting random repeated keypresses, and at the 3 setting I was slamming on the keys due to the lack of a tactile bump that should be more noticeable even on a 45g keyboard. Also, the keycaps might as well be blanks. The picture shows a top down view with plenty of light, and that is the only way you see them (if you are in need of finding a key here and there). If you are seated at a desk with almost any indoor lighting condition, the legends disappear.

Pros: The build quality is 2nd to none. The PBT keycaps felt amazing and there were no squeaks or rattles or anything. Also, the text on the keycaps was extremely sharp. The board felt heavy (in a good way) and the keypress was buttery smooth. Cons: This is personal obviously but It's super expensive and while the build quality felt fantastic, the actual key press felt mushy. There was no tactility to me (I had the uniform 45g factory silent switch). The only difference between this and a membrane keyboard is that you do not have to bottom this keyboard out. But other than that, I wasn't in love with the topre switch at all. But then again, I favor super tactile clicky switches like buckling springs or BOX Jades. For me, even the MX Clear switches "feel" linear. I am only sharing my own thoughts and experiences so that I can save you some time before purchasing this keyboard in case your personal preferences are like mine. I mainly rated it 3 / 5 stars because let's be honest, it is a terrible value. There are some FANTASTIC mechanical keyboards you can get for $150 or less. That's a $200 savings at the time of writing this.

In my search for the best keyboard in existence, I came across this. This is a wonderful product--the pinnacle of keyboards. If you have never heard of the legendary REALFORCE company or Topre switches, you owe it to yourself to experience this. I highly recommend this keyboard.

So I've owned some cherry silver switches with dampeners on a beautiful Vortex Race 3 mechanical keyboard with double shot keycaps that come with the keyboard for about 5 years now and it's still beautiful to look at to this day, and, when listening to other people review keyboards on youtube I really never felt like I was missing out; I had the status quo as they say. That being said, I wanted to change things up a bit and felt called to Realforce, and in the unwritten book of keyboards Topre's are known to be the tipity top...well, turns out IT IS! Perhaps the other versions of this keyboard didn't impress people but these Limited Addition Silent Key Switches (PFU Limited Edition Only) are INSANELY amazing(yes they sound and feel THOCKY 200%). I don't think it's such a smart idea to only make these limited because they are freaking epic, but oh well, I have mine now. It feels like if the switches are like a polished steel rod pushing into fluffy feather pillows and when you touch the base it's also soft too. They also come with keycap removers & optional dampeners that go below all the keys with 2 different sizes; folks who are stifflers about that type of stuff will love it, but I really love how it feels pressing into them and wouldn't rather limit that feeling of amazement. So I had no idea all that would really have any impression on me since my prior keyboard was "up to par" and I've tested out other worthy keyboards from freinds, family, and coworkers but yeah, you will definitely notice a major difference in the feel, the 45g weight pressure for the keycaps(sounds too good to be true but yes even that makes an impression) AND the matte black finish is freaking epic af on the black version. At first I was worried about it but you can see them just fine even when the lights dim. So, to me this is the king of all keyboards, if you buy it dont forget to get the software from their website, and yeah, all I can say is to just buy it; you know somethings the real deal when you see people telling you to just buy the darn thing huh? Yeah, just buy it and be happy af and enjoy the heck out of it. On a personal note as cheesy as this sounds, this keyboard has been inspiring me stay on top of my online homework lol, and am just looking for any excuse to use it lol. Works not fun....oh wait, now it's kinda cool ;)!

This is my very first electro capacitive keyboard and I really like it. Few keys came stuck onto the board somehow but I've popped them out and the keyboard works just fine thankfully. I really like the keyboard and it's truly fun to type on all day. However, I really cannot justify the price tag on this thing. I hear few sharp spring noises on few keys. But I really like OG product so I am somewhat satisfied with this product. But they really need to improve their product quality cuz when I pay 350 for a damn keyboard I wanna pay for the quality, not the novelty.