Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
"It doesn't feel like a Topre, the RK is the closest in feel" -> You could also say that Topre is the closest thing that feels like RK.
"Scratchy switches" -> How long have you used it for? Noppoo says on their site that they are "self lubricating" and will break in - just like ahem Topre boards. And besides, even if you were right and your opinion is that they are scratchy - you aren't likely to detect with real world typing. And if Topre were so smooth why are so many Topre owners lubing their switches???
"Not really tactile - feels linear" -> You my dear friend should seek help because I think you have brain damage. Comparing this to buckling springs or Alps? -NOTHING- feels as tactile as those. But you're just looking foolish by saying these feel like linear switches.
Trying really hard to not sound like a RK salesperson - I just really love this keyboard. I'm just angry with Topre because I've had bad luck with them (QC) and people put them on this tall unobtainable pedestal that no one can climb.
I would forgive them if they came out with a dampened/silent 55g fullsize with stabilizers that wouldn't rattle; but all they want to sell is Novatouchs with rattly stabilizers and bondage rubber coating :(
The Novatouch 45g is extremely tactile, with a strong resistance at the top of the switch, while the 45g Noppoo was less so. I never had enough nickels laying around to test the weighting, but I always suspected it was actually a 35g, which some people complained about in the Noppoo discussion. Either that, or the material used for the dome is less stiff on the Noppoo and it's relying more heavily on the spring for the resistance.
Since you have an RK, I'm sure you'll agree that the tactile feel comes from the resistance at the top of the key, before the rubber dome collapses. That is much different than other switches, and it does feel smooth once you've overcome the initial resistance. I can understand why some people would say that it's less tactile than an MX blue or brown for this reason.
I really wanted to love the Noppoo and in some ways I like it better than the Novatouch. I wouldn't have bought it if I thought it would be worse than a Topre board. In fact, I already had a Novatouch, but wasn't 100% happy with it. I don't like the slightly rattly sound the Novatouch makes when the key debounces. The Noppoo has that sought-after Thock sound, and the Novatouch doesn't. But isn't part of the beauty of mechanical keyboards the great variety in feel and typing experience, since we all have individual opinions about what makes for a perfect keyboard?
It just bothered me when people compare the 45g to say Cherry Reds; which is not the case. You're right, it's not very tactile but I'd say it is somewhere between Browns and Clears, leaning more towards Browns.
I also had a Novatouch and sold it because the stabilizer noises drove me absolutely bonkers. If they could fix that and add 55g weighting I would buy another Novatouch.
I removed the dental bands on mine and lubed the sliders to get to the truest Topre feeling.