Mechanical Keyboard Final Thoughts

The Cooler Master NovaTouch TKL keyboard is very, very basic: it’s for typing, and nothing else. There are no features on the keyboard that are not directly related to this task. Consequently there are no macros, no dedicated media or other key types, no pass-through ports of any kind, and no backlighting or even indicator lights for Caps Lock. The 1984-vintage IBM Model M keyboard I normally use has more features than this keyboard does.

What it all boils down to is key feel. And that’s something that’s really hard to describe quantitatively in a review like this, but I’ll try. The keys have a light 45 gram actuation force– the same as a Cherry MX Red switch– and a distinct tactile feel when the rubber dome collapses, although the keyboard is very quiet and there’s no “click” sound. Actuation occurs well before the key bottoms out, so experienced users may train themselves to use shorter key presses. If you’ve used Cherry-based keyboards, the feel of the NovaTouch TKL is most similar to a Cherry MX Brown switch, although the Cherry switch has a significantly heavier actuation.

Personally, I like the feel of the NovaTouch TKL enough so that I’m currently using it as my day to day keyboard. However, to be honest, the difference in key feel between the NovaTouch and a high quality rubber dome keyboard is minimal: only a real keyboard geek would notice it, and I think most people wouldn’t. My wife, a retired programmer with no strong preferences in keyboards although she types a lot even these days, expressed no preference for the typing feel of this keyboard as compared to a Dell rubber-dome keyboard that sells for $19.99.

Granted, she’s not the intended audience, but the point is that that subtlety makes the $200 price a very tough sell, especially given the minimalist nature of the keyboard. Sure, the Topre switches will doubtless provide much longer service and better reliability than even a really good rubber dome keyboard, and the price is competitive with the price of other Topre-based keyboards, but is this enough to justify the extra expense? The only reason to buy this keyboard is that you really, really love the feel of Topre key switches, and even then it would be hard to justify over other less expensive Cherry MX-based mechanical keyboards.

NovaTouch TKL Keyboard Conclusion

Keyboard feel is something that’s virtually impossible to accurately represent in a review: you have to type on the keyboard yourself. And keyboard feel is this product’s only reason for existing, given its lack of even basic features like a Caps Lock indicator light. So the best I can do is tell you that I liked it a lot, and that I’ve a closet full of keyboards to compare it against. That said, I’m still not really sure if I’d spend my own money on it.

Cooler Master is staking out a minuscule portion of the computer accessory market: those with a desire for a very specific type of key feel who are willing to pay a high price for it. The NovaTouch TKL is a high quality piece of work, but the price-performance ratio is very skewed.

The performance of the keyboard was exceptional– I can probably type faster on this keyboard than any other keyboard I’ve ever used. It’s a slight but noticeable difference.

As a black keyboard with no special features and no lights and no ten-key pad, it’s impossible for it to look any plainer. Aside from a small CM Storm label on the back of the keyboard, there is no external branding. Unlike the backlit, military-themed keyboards popular with gamers, the NovaTouch TKL will never attract a second glance.

The keyboard housing is plastic, although a heavy metal base plate makes it very rigid and gives it a substantive feel. The high-quality braided USB cable is detachable at the keyboard side, which is a plus.

Functionally, you can type characters on this keyboard, and it has a few multimedia control and volume functions, and that’s it. The lack of a numeric pad will be a downside for some.

The value proposition here is a tricky one. At an MSRP of $199, this keyboard is playing in very rarefied territory– only purpose-designed industrial and ergonomic keyboards will cost more, and there are literally dozens of less expensive, high quality mechanical keyboards with many more features. Topre switches are generally rated at 60 million strokes, although Cooler Master doesn’t quote this figure, but the real-world difference between these switches and Cherry switches rated at 50 million strokes is probably nonexistent.

There are Topre key switch fans who refuse to type on anything less, and for them this keyboard comes in at a price competitive with other keyboards, the support of a major vendor, and the ability to use Cherry MX key caps. For everyone else, well, you’ll just have to try it and see.

Pros:

+ Most reliable key switch available
+ Unique key feel
+ Accepts Cherry MX key caps
+ “I admire its purity.”

Cons:

– Missing features common to other keyboards in this price class
– Very expensive enthusiast product

Ratings:

• Performance: 9.75
• Appearance: 8.00
• Construction: 9.50
• Functionality: 7.75
• Value: 7.50

Final Score: 8.5 out of 10.

Recommended: Benchmark Reviews Seal of Approval.

COMMENT QUESTION: What do you demand most from a gaming keyboard?