Realforce R2 vs Realforce R3

The Realforce R2 and the Realforce R3 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Realforce R2 is the cheaper of the two at $220 versus $259; the Realforce R3 runs wireless where the Realforce R2 is wired-only.

Realforce R2 full · $220
Realforce R3 full · $259

Choose the Realforce R2 if

  • you want to spend less ($220).

Choose the Realforce R3 if

  • you need wireless.

Realforce R2 vs Realforce R3, spec by spec

Realforce R2Realforce R3
Layout full full
Height Standard Standard
Connectivity Wired Wired, Bluetooth (stronger spec)
Hot-swap No No
Keycaps PBT dye-sublimated PBT dye-sublimated
Case ABS plastic ABS plastic
Mount Tray Tray
Backlight White / none White / none
QMK / VIA No No
Battery n/a n/a
Typical price $220 (stronger spec) $259
Sound (stock) thocky, muted Topre bump thocky, muted Topre bump
Released 2016 2021

Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.

Where they sit among all 509 boards we track

Price cheapest priciest
Realforce R2 $220
Realforce R3 $259

83% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Realforce R2; 90% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Realforce R3.

Where to buy the Realforce R2

No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.

Where to buy the Realforce R3

No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.

KeebScout is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes specs or rankings.

Still torn? The keyboard finder ranks all 502 boards for your size, budget, and use case in five quick questions.

Add a third keyboard to this comparison

Esc