Realforce R2 vs Realforce R3S
The Realforce R2 and the Realforce R3S are close alternatives. The main differences: the Realforce R3S is the cheaper of the two at $175 versus $220; the Realforce R2 is a full layout and the Realforce R3S is a TKL; stock, the Realforce R2 sounds thocky, muted topre bump and the Realforce R3S classic topre thock.
- Lower priceRealforce R3S$175 versus $220
Choose the Realforce R2 if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
Choose the Realforce R3S if
- you want to spend less ($175).
Realforce R2 vs Realforce R3S, spec by spec
| Realforce R2 | Realforce R3S | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | full | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Hot-swap | No | No |
| Keycaps | PBT dye-sublimated | laser-printed PBT |
| Case | ABS plastic | ABS plastic |
| Mount | Tray | n/a |
| Backlight | White / none | White / none |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $220 | $175 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | thocky, muted Topre bump | classic Topre thock |
| Released | 2016 | 2022 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
83% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Realforce R2; 72% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Realforce R3S.
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 R3S
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