Hi Guys
This will be a fairly quick review as there isnt a massive amount that hasnt been covered by loads of other review sites already.
So my intention is to look at this from the perspective of a person who is already into mechanical keyboards as that is who I feel that this product will appeal to most. I would rather cover the more detailed stuff that enthusiasts care about rather than just do a generic review.
Ok, so The Novatouch is a mechanical keyboard like many others we sell but it stands out for a few reasons:
now all this doesn't mean a great deal to many people but to a keyboard enthusiast or someone already using a decent keyboard, then it is very interesting.
Let me go over the points in a bit more detail.
A traditional mechanical keyboard uses a switch based on a spring on a slider which activates the switch. the spring pushes it back up and resets ready for another keystroke. there are multiple types of switches like this with various characteristics of feel to suit a range of uses from gaming to typing. They are the most common type of mech switch too. The majority of mechanical switches tend to be made by keyboard & switch specialist Cherry however there are some exceptions from the likes of Kailh who make switches which are basically cherry mx clones. you can tell a cherry mx switch from the cross shaped stem that holds the keycap in place. more on that later.
Switch Types and the main focus of this product: Typing
Chances are, if you own a mech keyboard, or have looked at one online in the past, it will have had cherry switches.
The Novatouch is a little different and is marketed as 'the ultimate typing experience'. The Topre switches used in the Novatouch are a different take on a mechanical switch and require a different approach than a regular mechanical switch.
as you can see, the spring in the topre switch is conical rather than linear and it is supported by a rubber cup that surrounds the conical spring. this gives the keyboard a familiar feel to rubber dome keyboards but with a more linear resistance which makes typing less tiresome.
The best way to describe this is that rather than having an 'actuation point' like a regular tactile feedback mechanical switch such as mx brown or blue, it has an 'actuation field' where the keypress is registered with very little force almost right at the top of the key stroke.
The advantage of that is that people who touchtype can type VERY quickly on this keyboard.
I can type at around 45 wpm on most Cherry MX keyboards.
I was outputting 50+ wpm on this keyboard on the first day I used it.
It doesnt sound like much but it is a big improvement.
Size and Format
TKL format isnt for everyone. When I work I need a full size keyboard as the numpad is crucial for my job. At home I use a 60% Ducky Mini which is perfect for gaming and home use. I really like TKL and SFF keyboard formats as it allows gamers to have their mouse and WASD area closer together. This is a personal preference thing and something to consider if you are a heavy numpad user.
The USP of the Novatouch is Cherry Stem Keycap compatibility. CM Storm have incorporated the cross shaped stem into a Topre switch meaning you have the option to use a much wider range of aftermarket keycaps to customise or upgrade your board if you wish.
The build quality of this board is flat out the best I have seen from Coolermaster. They have a solid case with a premium feeling plastic feel. The board is also very heavy for a TKL board. My last keyboard in this format was a Filco majestouch TKL and it didnt feel as well built as the Novatouch. THAT is a huge deal because Filco boards are superb.
The rear stands on the Novatouch are also pretty sturdy. something worth noting for people who like to elevate the rear of the board.
Gaming on this board is honestly not that much better than on a Cherry board. Better is perhaps the wrong word. I think 'Different' sums it up better. Its fine for gaming. it does the job well and is responsive. The one thing I must say is that there is no side to side movement or wobble from the Topre switch meaning the keycaps feel firmer and only have a linear movement. Again, it doesn't sound like much or that big of a deal but when you are used to using Cherry MX boards, it is the first thing you notice.
What I don't like:
The cable. Most reviewers had a tearful five minutes over the cable being micro USB rather than the more frequently used mini USB. The micro USB is fine and doesnt bother me at all. What does bother me is the right angle cable. WHY use this. a straight cable would be fine. a right angle cable heading off towards the right hand edge of the board. fine.
But clearly the designer of the board decided to finish the final cable design off on a Friday afternoon. A cable that plugs into the edge of the board but then right angles towards the middle of the keyboard is perhaps the worst designed thing I have seen for a long while. Thankfully a Micro USB cable is a cheap thing to replace and you could just get a straight one if it annoyed you. perhaps you wouldnt be as picky as me but this is a major annoyance. just make it a straight cable.
The keyboard comes with O-Rings which is a nice value adder. Whilst O-Rings work well on a Cherry MX switch, they have no noticeable effect on a Topre switch and do not dampen key presses.
There is pretty much no mention of Topre on the board, packaging or anywhere. This is a major enthusiast selling point that I don't feel is highlighted enough.
On a £150 keyboard I would have loved to have seen PBT keycaps but the standard ones are adequate and the support for MX keycaps does mean you can just add your own. the standard ABS keycaps on the board are adequate though and have had a good old hammering off me without going shiny or doing that horrible thing where the plastic absorbs the oils in your hands.
Who Should Buy One:
I like the Novatouch. I really do. For typing it offers a similar experience to an MX brown board but with a noticeable feeling improvement that is difficult to describe. The way that the keys feel when typing is a big improvement over many mechanical boards I have used but it does take some adjustment. There is no visible branding on this board from a user perspective meaning it has a premium/classic look to it that many brands haven't pulled off well.
For someone with a mechanical board looking for something more or a new typing experience, the novatouch is perfect.
If you like TKL boards, this is the best board on the market. as a cherry user it took me about three days to get used to it.
As a first mechanical keyboard, this isnt a bad shout either. Topre switches provide a feeling not far off a membrane keyboard but with loads more response and they dont wear out over time like a membrane board.
I am glad to see CM Storm marketing this as more of a typing keyboard as essentially that is where it shines. But as a gaming peripheral it is as good as most keyboards get, you just need to get used to the switches first if you are used to Cherry MX.
I like the Novatouch and would certainly suggest that everyone tries to have a go even if it is just to appreciate the difference in switch type and that there are real alternatives to Cherry MX
Gallery
We are expecting our Novatouch stock any week now and OcUK have secured the majority of UK stock.
CM Storm NovaTouch TKL Hybrid Capacitive Switch Mechanical Keyboard @ £149.99 inc VAT
The Cooler Master NovaTouch TKL provides the ultimate typing experience for all - including the eSports professional and the expert typist. To achieve this, the NovaTouch TKL uses a Japanese made hybrid capacitive switch with a uniform 45 gram actuation force and a 1mm actuation point. This Cooler Master exclusive unique switch has an ultra smooth press, a tactile trigger point, and a rapid debounce time. The debounce time is 3x faster than traditional mechanical switches, allowing Actions per Minute (APM) to not be hindered by hardware limitations. Additionally, the switch is designed with a custom stem that is fully compatible with Cherry MX keycaps for keyboard customization enthusiasts.
The Novatouch TKL features Hybrid capacitive switches, this combines a mechanical spring based switch and an electrostatic capacitive sensor that provides uncompromised tactile feedback as well as promoting excellent typing comfort and durability. These capacitive switches have no physical mechanical coupling which actually eliminates switch bounce and sensor chatter as there is less friction on each keystroke than a regular mechanical switch.
Cooler Master has integrated the stem design from the popular Cherry MX switch types to allow Novatouch users to customise their board using aftermarket keycaps or O-Ring dampers.
Features:
- Japanese made hybrid capacitive switch
- CM exclusive compatibility with CHERRY MX Keycaps
- Ultra smooth, tactile key presses
- 45G actuation force / 1mm actuation point
- On-the-fly Repeat Rate Adjustments
- N-Key Rollover & Anti-Ghosting
Specification:
- Key Switch: Hybrid Capacitive with Cherry MX Keycap compatibility
- Form Factor: Tenkeyless (TKL)
- Key Rollover: NKRO (Windows Only)
- Polling Rate: 1000hz/1mS
- Interface: Micro USB2.0
- USB Cable: Removable, 1.8m Braided, 18k Gold Plated Connectors
- UK ISO Layout
Only £149.99 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
This will be a fairly quick review as there isnt a massive amount that hasnt been covered by loads of other review sites already.
So my intention is to look at this from the perspective of a person who is already into mechanical keyboards as that is who I feel that this product will appeal to most. I would rather cover the more detailed stuff that enthusiasts care about rather than just do a generic review.
Ok, so The Novatouch is a mechanical keyboard like many others we sell but it stands out for a few reasons:
- the board uses Japanese, Electrostatic capacitive mechanical switches
- is TKL format
- has Cherry MX Keycap compatibility
now all this doesn't mean a great deal to many people but to a keyboard enthusiast or someone already using a decent keyboard, then it is very interesting.
Let me go over the points in a bit more detail.
A traditional mechanical keyboard uses a switch based on a spring on a slider which activates the switch. the spring pushes it back up and resets ready for another keystroke. there are multiple types of switches like this with various characteristics of feel to suit a range of uses from gaming to typing. They are the most common type of mech switch too. The majority of mechanical switches tend to be made by keyboard & switch specialist Cherry however there are some exceptions from the likes of Kailh who make switches which are basically cherry mx clones. you can tell a cherry mx switch from the cross shaped stem that holds the keycap in place. more on that later.
Switch Types and the main focus of this product: Typing
Chances are, if you own a mech keyboard, or have looked at one online in the past, it will have had cherry switches.
The Novatouch is a little different and is marketed as 'the ultimate typing experience'. The Topre switches used in the Novatouch are a different take on a mechanical switch and require a different approach than a regular mechanical switch.
as you can see, the spring in the topre switch is conical rather than linear and it is supported by a rubber cup that surrounds the conical spring. this gives the keyboard a familiar feel to rubber dome keyboards but with a more linear resistance which makes typing less tiresome.
The best way to describe this is that rather than having an 'actuation point' like a regular tactile feedback mechanical switch such as mx brown or blue, it has an 'actuation field' where the keypress is registered with very little force almost right at the top of the key stroke.
The advantage of that is that people who touchtype can type VERY quickly on this keyboard.
I can type at around 45 wpm on most Cherry MX keyboards.
I was outputting 50+ wpm on this keyboard on the first day I used it.
It doesnt sound like much but it is a big improvement.
Size and Format
TKL format isnt for everyone. When I work I need a full size keyboard as the numpad is crucial for my job. At home I use a 60% Ducky Mini which is perfect for gaming and home use. I really like TKL and SFF keyboard formats as it allows gamers to have their mouse and WASD area closer together. This is a personal preference thing and something to consider if you are a heavy numpad user.
The USP of the Novatouch is Cherry Stem Keycap compatibility. CM Storm have incorporated the cross shaped stem into a Topre switch meaning you have the option to use a much wider range of aftermarket keycaps to customise or upgrade your board if you wish.
The build quality of this board is flat out the best I have seen from Coolermaster. They have a solid case with a premium feeling plastic feel. The board is also very heavy for a TKL board. My last keyboard in this format was a Filco majestouch TKL and it didnt feel as well built as the Novatouch. THAT is a huge deal because Filco boards are superb.
The rear stands on the Novatouch are also pretty sturdy. something worth noting for people who like to elevate the rear of the board.
Gaming on this board is honestly not that much better than on a Cherry board. Better is perhaps the wrong word. I think 'Different' sums it up better. Its fine for gaming. it does the job well and is responsive. The one thing I must say is that there is no side to side movement or wobble from the Topre switch meaning the keycaps feel firmer and only have a linear movement. Again, it doesn't sound like much or that big of a deal but when you are used to using Cherry MX boards, it is the first thing you notice.
What I don't like:
The cable. Most reviewers had a tearful five minutes over the cable being micro USB rather than the more frequently used mini USB. The micro USB is fine and doesnt bother me at all. What does bother me is the right angle cable. WHY use this. a straight cable would be fine. a right angle cable heading off towards the right hand edge of the board. fine.
But clearly the designer of the board decided to finish the final cable design off on a Friday afternoon. A cable that plugs into the edge of the board but then right angles towards the middle of the keyboard is perhaps the worst designed thing I have seen for a long while. Thankfully a Micro USB cable is a cheap thing to replace and you could just get a straight one if it annoyed you. perhaps you wouldnt be as picky as me but this is a major annoyance. just make it a straight cable.
The keyboard comes with O-Rings which is a nice value adder. Whilst O-Rings work well on a Cherry MX switch, they have no noticeable effect on a Topre switch and do not dampen key presses.
There is pretty much no mention of Topre on the board, packaging or anywhere. This is a major enthusiast selling point that I don't feel is highlighted enough.
On a £150 keyboard I would have loved to have seen PBT keycaps but the standard ones are adequate and the support for MX keycaps does mean you can just add your own. the standard ABS keycaps on the board are adequate though and have had a good old hammering off me without going shiny or doing that horrible thing where the plastic absorbs the oils in your hands.
Who Should Buy One:
I like the Novatouch. I really do. For typing it offers a similar experience to an MX brown board but with a noticeable feeling improvement that is difficult to describe. The way that the keys feel when typing is a big improvement over many mechanical boards I have used but it does take some adjustment. There is no visible branding on this board from a user perspective meaning it has a premium/classic look to it that many brands haven't pulled off well.
For someone with a mechanical board looking for something more or a new typing experience, the novatouch is perfect.
If you like TKL boards, this is the best board on the market. as a cherry user it took me about three days to get used to it.
As a first mechanical keyboard, this isnt a bad shout either. Topre switches provide a feeling not far off a membrane keyboard but with loads more response and they dont wear out over time like a membrane board.
I am glad to see CM Storm marketing this as more of a typing keyboard as essentially that is where it shines. But as a gaming peripheral it is as good as most keyboards get, you just need to get used to the switches first if you are used to Cherry MX.
I like the Novatouch and would certainly suggest that everyone tries to have a go even if it is just to appreciate the difference in switch type and that there are real alternatives to Cherry MX
Gallery
We are expecting our Novatouch stock any week now and OcUK have secured the majority of UK stock.
CM Storm NovaTouch TKL Hybrid Capacitive Switch Mechanical Keyboard @ £149.99 inc VAT
The Cooler Master NovaTouch TKL provides the ultimate typing experience for all - including the eSports professional and the expert typist. To achieve this, the NovaTouch TKL uses a Japanese made hybrid capacitive switch with a uniform 45 gram actuation force and a 1mm actuation point. This Cooler Master exclusive unique switch has an ultra smooth press, a tactile trigger point, and a rapid debounce time. The debounce time is 3x faster than traditional mechanical switches, allowing Actions per Minute (APM) to not be hindered by hardware limitations. Additionally, the switch is designed with a custom stem that is fully compatible with Cherry MX keycaps for keyboard customization enthusiasts.
The Novatouch TKL features Hybrid capacitive switches, this combines a mechanical spring based switch and an electrostatic capacitive sensor that provides uncompromised tactile feedback as well as promoting excellent typing comfort and durability. These capacitive switches have no physical mechanical coupling which actually eliminates switch bounce and sensor chatter as there is less friction on each keystroke than a regular mechanical switch.
Cooler Master has integrated the stem design from the popular Cherry MX switch types to allow Novatouch users to customise their board using aftermarket keycaps or O-Ring dampers.
Features:
- Japanese made hybrid capacitive switch
- CM exclusive compatibility with CHERRY MX Keycaps
- Ultra smooth, tactile key presses
- 45G actuation force / 1mm actuation point
- On-the-fly Repeat Rate Adjustments
- N-Key Rollover & Anti-Ghosting
Specification:
- Key Switch: Hybrid Capacitive with Cherry MX Keycap compatibility
- Form Factor: Tenkeyless (TKL)
- Key Rollover: NKRO (Windows Only)
- Polling Rate: 1000hz/1mS
- Interface: Micro USB2.0
- USB Cable: Removable, 1.8m Braided, 18k Gold Plated Connectors
- UK ISO Layout
Only £149.99 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW