[Review]CM Storm Novatouch TKL

Introducing CM Storm NovaTouch



We see a lot of hype about mechanical keyboards in recent years, boasting better usage experience, feel and of course durability compared to membrane keyboards. Cooler Master has released a few of their own varieties of mechanical keyboards as well and they were all actually quite affordable compared to most other brands in the market.... that is until they released the CMStorm NovaTouch TKL. This piece of technology retails at RM699.



Big thanks to the folks at Cooler Master for providing the sample for this article, so sit tight and let us explore the reasoning for the NovaTouch's pricetag.



Tech Specs

Features

• Electrostatic Capacitive Switches (45g actuation), made in Japan


• Ultra smooth, tactile key presses


• Backwards Compatible with Cherry for pin-point accuracy


• N-Key Rollover & Anti-Ghosting for pin-point accuracy


• On-the-fly Repeat Rate Adjustments for the most responsive controls


• On-the-fly Repeat Rate Adjustments for the most responsive controls


• Detachable cable with 18K Gold Plated USB connector


• Tenkeyless Form Factor

Specifications

• Key Switch: Electrostatic capacitive switch


• Key Rollover: NKRO (Windows only)


• Polling Rate: 1000 HZ/1ms


• Windows Key Lock: Yes


• Media Keys: Yes (via F keys)


• Interface: Micro USB 2.0, full speed


• USB cable: 1.8m braided, 18K gold plated and removable


• Dimensions: 35.9 (L) x 3.9(w) x 3.9(H) cm / 14.1(L) x 5.4(W) x 1.5(H) inch


• Weight: 895g / 1.97 lbs

Packaging





Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed is the classy, all-black design of the packaging.







Unlike other box designs that tries to include as much information on the box, Cooler Master opted for a minimalist design. Well, I guess this means that Cooler Master clearly understands the potential customers of this keyboard; those who knows what they're buying.







Thick closed cell foam is used to protect the keyboard from any damage during shipping. Though they could've added another layer on top of the keyboard.







All the included accessories can be found underneath the keyboard. Not a whole lot there at all.



Closer Look





What you get in the box:

• NovaTouch TKL keyboard


• Steel wire key puller


• O-ring switch dampeners


• USB cable


• Quick Start Guide

O-rings are commonly used for reducing the key bottoming noise for Cherry MX switches. However the NovaTouch TKL uses Topre switches which the o-rings has little or no effect in reducing the key bottoming noise. I'm sorry, but Cooler Master, this might be a wrong move here.



There's actually a silent variant of the Topre switch which is used in the HHKB Pro 2 Type S. And of course there's silent mod available as well, Topre dental band mod.







Key puller is a great accessory to include as most mechanical keyboards in the market do not come with it. The inclusion of a key puller means that Cooler Master welcomes you to take advantage of the Cherry MX compatible stem and fully customize the key caps.



Even better is that the included key puller is steel wire type instead of the cheaper ring type key puller that could scratch your key caps during the key removal process.

via Hardware Forums http://ift.tt/10nhLgG