REALFORCE is expanding its keyboard lineup with the RS1, a new split keyboard that brings the company’s electrostatic capacitive switch technology to a two-piece design for the first time. Instead of following the more aggressive split layouts seen on some ergonomic keyboards, the RS1 keeps a familiar 79-key JIS arrangement while separating the keyboard into left and right sections.
The REALFORCE RS1 uses 35 keys on the left side and 44 keys on the right side. The two sections are designed without a serrated center design, giving the keyboard a cleaner split arrangement while maintaining the conventional shape of its key layout.
Under the keycaps, the RS1 uses 45gf low-stress silent electrostatic capacitive switches. Each switch provides 4.0mm of total travel, while users can adjust the actuation point between 0.8mm and 3.0mm. The adjustment can be made in 0.1mm increments, allowing users to choose how far a key needs to travel before an input is registered.
This adjustable actuation range could make the RS1 useful for both typing and gaming. A shorter setting can register inputs earlier, while a deeper setting can provide more room for key presses before activation. Since the switches use electrostatic capacitive technology, the RS1 also stays within the switch design that has become closely associated with REALFORCE keyboards.
The keyboard supports simultaneous input on all keys and includes toggleable N-key rollover support. This allows the RS1 to register multiple key presses without the keyboard dropping inputs, which can be useful for gaming and applications that require several keys to be held or pressed together.
REALFORCE has also included mouse cursor simulation, allowing users to control the mouse cursor through the keyboard. The keycaps are dark gray PBT models with dye-sublimated legends, giving the RS1 a more durable keycap surface for long-term use.
With its split layout, 45gf silent switches, and adjustable actuation from 0.8mm to 3.0mm, the REALFORCE RS1 gives the company’s electrostatic capacitive keyboard platform a new form factor. It could appeal to users who want the typing characteristics of a REALFORCE keyboard while moving to a split layout without switching to a heavily modified ergonomic design.
REALFORCE RS1 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | REALFORCE RS1 |
| Layout | 79-key JIS |
| Left Section | 35 keys |
| Right Section | 44 keys |
| Design | Split keyboard |
| Center Design | Non-serrated |
| Switch Type | Electrostatic capacitive |
| Switch Weight | 45gf |
| Switch Type | Low-stress, silent |
| Total Key Travel | 4.0mm |
| Actuation Point | 0.8–3.0mm |
| Actuation Adjustment | 0.1mm increments |
| Input | All-key simultaneous input |
| Rollover | N-key rollover, toggleable |
| Mouse Function | Cursor simulation |
| Keycaps | Dark gray PBT |
| Keycap Legends | Dye-sublimated |
