The REALFORCE R2 is a full-size keyboard that uses Topre electro-capacitive switches. These switches combine the characteristics of more conventional mechanical switches and rubber dome switches, providing a distinct and unique typing sound and feel. Otherwise, this keyboard has a straightforward design. It has a small selection of extra features, including LED indicators and a cable channel on the underside of the keyboard that lets you route the cable straight out the back or to the left or right side.
This keyboard is also part of a wider R2 lineup. We tested one of the more basic models, but some variants have expanded feature sets, including silent switches, variable switch weight, RGB backlighting, and the ability to adjust the actuation point of individual switches. For more information, see the Differences Between Variants section.
Our Verdict
The REALFORCE R2 is passable for casual gaming but isn't designed with this usage in mind. It offers satisfactory latency performance suitable for casual gaming but not for fast-paced or competitive gaming. Its build quality is also only decent as some plastic pieces feel cheaper compared to more recent, dedicated gaming models. The unit we tested also lacks RGB backlighting and doesn't allow you to adjust the actuation point on individual switches, though some variants of this keyboard offer these features. For more details, see the Differences Between Variants section.
- Topre switches offer a unique, satisfying tactile experience.
- Latency performance isn't suitable for fast-paced, competitive gaming.
- Some build-quality elements feel cheap, especially given the price point.
The REALFORCE R2 is satisfactory for office use. It has decent overall build quality, though some elements feel flimsy, and there's a bit of wobble and rattling noise from the stabilizers on some of the larger keys. Despite this, the overall typing quality is excellent, as the Topre switches are extremely quiet and provide a smooth and satisfying tactile experience without a mushy bottom-out feeling. Unfortunately, there's no wireless connectivity, and the configuration software is limited in terms of customization, as you can't remap keys or program macros to any key.
- Extremely quiet.
- Topre switches offer a unique, satisfying tactile experience.
- Some build-quality elements feel cheap, especially given the price point.
- Wired-only connectivity, no multi-device pairing.
The REALFORCE R2 is a wired-only keyboard that isn't suitable for use with tablets or mobile devices.
The REALFORCE R2 is adequate for programming. It has decent build quality, but several elements feel a bit cheap and flimsy. The configuration software is also very limited in customization, as you can't remap keys or program macros to any key. That said, the typing quality is excellent overall. While some keys wobble slightly and the stabilizers on the larger keys rattle a bit, the Topre switches feel very smooth and have satisfying tactility. They're also very quiet.
- Extremely quiet.
- Topre switches offer a unique, satisfying tactile experience.
- No backlighting.
- Some build-quality elements feel cheap, especially given the price point.
The REALFORCE R2 isn't well-suited for an entertainment or home theater PC setup. It's a wired-only model, meaning you must sit fairly close to your computer to use it. It's also a relatively cumbersome full-size model that's awkward to use from a sitting position. Furthermore, the build quality is only satisfactory, and there aren't any dedicated media controls. Lastly, the unit we tested lacks backlighting, so you can't see the keys in a darker room. However, it's worth noting that variants of this keyboard are available with RGB lighting.
- Extremely quiet.
- No backlighting.
- Some build-quality elements feel cheap, especially given the price point.
- Wired-only connectivity, no multi-device pairing.
The REALFORCE R2 offers satisfactory raw performance. Its 1000Hz polling rate isn't bottlenecked by other latency elements. It also supports full n-key rollover out of the box. Unfortunately, the latency performance is inconsistent and too high for playing fast-paced or competitive games.
- Has a 1000Hz effective polling and supports N-key rollover.
- Latency performance isn't suitable for fast-paced, competitive gaming.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The full model name of the REALFORCE R2 we bought and tested is the R2-US5-BK. It's a black color model with 55g switches. You can see the label of our unit here.
This keyboard belongs to a much wider family of REALFORCE R2 keyboards with over 50 variants. We've prepared a table below that roughly separates these variants based on their primary feature differences. The table below is simplified and serves to identify some of the major differences between variant classes. Note that some variants combine multiple features. Example: the REALFORCE TKL A/R2TLA-US3-BK is a TenKeyLess model with 30g switches and adjustable actuation in a black colorway.
| Variation Name | Features | Colors |
| Realforce R2 | Available in 55g, 45g, 30g, or variable (mixed) switch weight | Black, White |
| Realforce R2A | Adjustable actuation points | Black, White |
| Realforce R2S | Silent switches | Black, White |
| Realforce R2 RGB | RGB backlighting, adjustable actuation points | Black, White |
| Realforce R2 PFU Limited Edition | 45g silent switches, adjustable actuation points, dedicated media keys | Black, White |
| Realforce TKL | Smaller, TenKeyLess form factor | Black, White |
| Realforce for Mac | Designed for macOS with macOS software | Black, White |
For more information about the R2 lineup and the exact differences between each model, you can reference the entire list on the REALFORCE website. You can also see the product page for the variant we tested here.
Note: The full name of each model describes its feature configuration. Where R2 is the wider family prefix, any suffixes and extensions identify features. Example: S: silent switches, V: variable weight switches, 3: 30g switches, US: US keyboard language layout, A: adjustable actuation point, BK: Black color option, etc.
We expect many of our tests, including Build Quality and Typing Quality, to broadly apply to all variants in the wider Realforce R2 family. However, the greater the number and more significant the differences compared to the model we bought and tested, the less applicable our tests will be for comparability.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The REALFORCE R2 is a full-size keyboard with a limited feature set and unremarkable build quality. What really sets it apart are the proprietary Topre switches, which use a capacitive, contactless mechanism to register keystrokes. Most people describe the experience of typing on these switches as falling somewhere between the feeling of typing on mechanical switches and rubber dome switches. The typing experience is smooth and very quiet compared to most mechanical switches, but it also doesn't have the unpleasant, mushy-feeling bottom-out experience that most rubber dome switches have.
Unfortunately, this keyboard is expensive and hard to find in stock, even from smaller retailers. The REALFORCE R2 family is also discontinued, so you will likely pay a premium buying it from resellers. It also has a significantly more limited feature set compared to more recent mechanical keyboard options, like the IQUNIX F97 or the Keychron Q Max series keyboards, both of which have much better overall build materials and build quality, much more extensive hardware customizability, wireless connectivity, and significantly better raw performance. That said, this keyboard remains a noteworthy option for more niche, enthusiast buyers who value its straightforward, slightly retro look and the unique typing experience that the Topre switches provide.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best keyboards, the best office keyboards, and the best keyboards for typing.
The Das Keyboard 4 Professional and the REALFORCE R2 are wired full-size keyboards with similarly straightforward design language. The Das Keyboard uses mechanical switches and has an aluminum top plate that feels higher quality and much sturdier than the REALFORCE 's all-plastic case design. It also has dedicated media controls and a control knob, features which the REALFORCE lacks. On the other hand, the REALFORCE uses proprietary Topre switches, which provide a more satisfying typing experience and are much quieter to type on.
The Leopold FC900R and the REALFORCE R2 are similar, basic-looking full-size keyboards. The major difference between them is that the Leopold uses mechanical switches while the REALFORCE uses proprietary Topre switches, which many people find smoother and more satisfying to type on. However, the Leopold also has noticeably better build quality.
The IQUNIX F97 and the REALFORCE R2 are similarly straight-forward looking keyboards. The IQUNIX uses mechanical switches and has a slightly smaller, more compact 96% form factor. It also has better overall build quality and more hardware customizability. Comparatively, the biggest difference with the REALFORCE is that it uses proprietary Topre switches, which feel a bit smoother and have a softer bottom-out feeling.
The Keychron Q5 Max is a wireless keyboard with mechanical switches. It has a solid aluminum case and noticeably better overall build quality. It also has significantly better hardware customizability, more robust configuration software, dedicated macro keys, a control knob, and much better raw performance. On the other hand, the REALFORCE R2 offers a similarly excellent typing quality, despite its other shortcomings, due to its unique Topre switches, which are very smooth and have satisfying tactility. The REALFORCE is also significantly quieter to type on.
Test Results
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