Fujitsu Realforce R2 Keyboard (Full, Ivory, Mixed Key Weight)

Three weeks ago I bought eleven keyboards (all well known, highly rated) and compared them during a two hour shoot-out. Why? Because I didn't know anything about switch weights, heights, colors, springs, sound, manufacturers, tenkeyless, etc., that apparently affect how a keyboard feels and thus how effective/productive one is AT the keyboard.The RealForce was the most expensive of the bunch but it turns out that to me it's definitely worth that expense.During due diligence I recall reading posts and watching YouTube videos that mentioned how the RealForce "topre" switches have a feel that is indescribable when compared to other switch types. I needed to see for myself.My fingers can sometimes get "lazy" and mis-hit a key. I discovered that the Topre keys make it easier to type on/with and so I make less mistakes on it. Making less mistakes is just a bonus however. What I like most about the RealForce is the tactile sensation it provides. The best way to put it is to say it's got a buttery smooth feel -- it's just got that certain something that no other keyboard I tried had.I really wanted some of the other brands to be "the one" based in large part on an irrational bias that came from reading associated 4-star glowing reviews authored by users/programmers who I figured should know more than I.And also I couldn't believe that keyboards made THAT much of a difference and even if they did they shouldn't be priced more than $99. Well, I was wrong.Okay.Live and learn.To those on the fence, I strongly encourage you to bring in at least five different types of boards to compare against the RealForce. A/B testing in real time is the only reliable way to know for certain what will work "best" for your needs.

The Realforce brand set the standard for Topre (as it should have, seeing it's their in house brand) and it's fair to say the expectations for the second product lineup was pretty high. The new R2 lineup delivers on that expectation in my opinion with more options for consumers than ever before. I have tried many Topre boards in the last couple of years, and ended up liking the Realforce 87u 55G best of all, and has taken it's place as my main keyboard. So why did I buy this one? As a gift for someone who prefers a full size layout - for those that are unaware, the 55G Topre switches were, until now, only available in a TKL version. So how does this one compare to the 87u? If you're like me and prefer a more retro look, the older Realforce boards may be more appealing to you... but make no mistake, these new ones are of the same high build quality standards set by their predecessors. The new sleek chassis and modern design looks great, and pictures don't do it justice. Around back, they added more rubber feet and fixed the cable routing channels from being too tight like the first generation. But who cares about looks, anyone who's serious about Topre is mainly concerned with the experience, and the 55G switch on this board is once again an amazing experience, feeling as good, if not slightly more refined, than my 87u. This review is mainly aimed at people that are already familiar with Realforce boards and Topre in general, and I won't be going in depth on Topre switches, as I feel that would get too long winded and there is already a lot out there on that topic.With Fujitsu taking over as distributor for the US, I can only hope that availability of these amazing keyboards will get better.

I am absolutely in love with this keyboard. I listened to people typing with it online and was at first skeptical. YouTube videos cannot articulate the feeling and crisp sound of this keyboard. It has such a nice thocc and quality feel that I become excited to use it just by seeing it. I also appreciate the retro and minimalistic design. It reminds me of the old-school mechanical keyboards from the 80s and 90s, one of which I used to own. The keyboard itself is also an absolute brick. It doesn't matter if you are a writer, coder, or gamer; this thing is quality and feels like it is built to last. I am very happy I bought this keyboard even though it was pretty expensive. It's the perfect in-between mushy and mechanical switches. It has the best of both worlds without compromising too much. If you have the money and are looking for a new keyboard, this is it.

UPDATE:After returning a couple of pieces finally got a piece that sits flat. And oh my, now it is pure perfection. Also, if you are used to thin, low profile keys like on magic keyboards then it might take a while to adjust to somewhat higher keys on this, but well worth it IMO.RANT:This keyboard shows what pathetic hardware quality has become these days (except Apple) with manufacturers trying to cheapen the product. Full marks to Fujitsu for bringing back a strong peripheral.ORIGINAL:This keyboard is literally awesome. My fingers totally love it and never wonna leave it. The build quality is jaw dropping. Reminds you of the quality of computation equipment like 30 years ago if you know what I mean.BUTFor whatever reason it does not sit flat! There is a slight wobble as the top left corner sits a couple millimeters higher. I tested this on various flat surfaces where other keyboards work fine. I have no idea how the good folks who created such quality left this nigalling problem.Now I’ve tried the full size and the half size keyboard, same issue. 😕 will be returned. But I so like this keyboard that I’ll try another piece. Just in case I get lucky.

I love the topre switches. I’ve had the variable weight board and this 55g board. The variable weight wasn’t for me since the keys were way too sensitive and caused me to accidentally type when resting my hands on the keyboard. The 55g feels great but it does wear your arms out by the end of a long day of typing. Personally I wish I had chosen a 45g board.

It's nice and quiet compared to my loud cherry blue's I had previously. I like the full form factor. Maybe I'll look for custom keycaps one day but I kinda dig the old school look.

55 grams... nice, it is a little harder to bottom it out. I actually feel the tactile bump before the keys smash against the baseplate (very quietly) hehe.Well, it's not really a tactile bump. It takes the full force to smash it down in the first place, and the force fades out nicely. It has a bit of bounce to it when it bottoms. I do find it a very nice keyboard and more comfortable for smashing rapidly than any Ducky (which are absolutely lovely keyboards) ,since it bottoms softer.If you smash your keys louder and harder than the hulk, I recommend this keyboard, it is way more comfortable especially if you have carpal tunnel from being so damn heavy handed heh

For those deciding whether to get variable or 55g , the difference is 55g would be good if you are used to cherry mx brown switches. Variable felt very sticky as the grams reduced, it wasn’t as tactile with a bounce like the 55g, much like a red switch. The variable’s 35g was the worst. Light to actuate but sticky. It didn’t feel premium. I was worried 55g would be too hard to press. No it isn’t, but I didn’t get faster wpm by 15% being on variable. I code so it’s more about thinking that how fast I can type. So that reduced speed didn’t matter.Anyway get the 55g. You can’t go wrong. This is my favourite keyboard ever! I can’t wait to code everyday just so I can feel the keys.

Ended up going back to my Das keyboard as this product was overated, keys are too heavy and dont feel the best to type on for long periods of time. Lack of product options meant the options they had didnt work for me. Expensive and you dont get what you pay for.

Having previously heard how good a Realforce keyboard is, bought a used one from warehouse sales. The build is on big and heavy side. The keys do not feel good at all. 55g is heavier than Cherry MX Red switch. Keys do not give you good feedback--straight-forward feeling & not soft at all.