Mice & Keyboards by stefan @ 2015-03-02
The latest NovaTouch TKL keyboard from Cooler Master is featuring revised switches made in cooperation with Topre which can accommodate regular Cherry MX keycaps and the manufacturer has also included O-rings In order to prevent bottoming out and this way some of the noise is eliminated.
At first we would like to thank Cooler Master for sending a sample of their NovaTouch TKL Gaming Keyboard for testing and reviewing.
"Cooler Master was founded with the mission of providing the industry's best thermal solutions. Since its establishment two decades ago, the company has remained faithful to this mission, emerging as a world leader in products and services for companies dealing with devices where heat issues must be resolved.
In pursuing this mission, Cooler Master is absolutely committed to delivering solutions that precisely meet customer requirements for features, performance, and quality. Moreover, we strive to be a reliable long-term partner for our customers that they can truly depend on. It aims to be the first and foremost name that comes to mind for companies around the world seeking thermal solutions, and seeks to build such a reputation through outstanding technology, sophisticated design, and superior service.
Cooler Master's current business encompasses a comprehensive lineup of thermal solutions for a full range of applications. Its products range from heat sinks and fans to component housing, chassis, and ducting for computers, industrial machinery, telecommunications equipment, and many other devices.
A critical component of Cooler Master's ability to successfully pursue its mission is an unstinting commitment to quality, as demonstrated by the ISO 9001 certification granted to its main manufacturing plant in Taiwan. It has also enforced ISO guidelines and is in the process of applying for ISO 9002 certification at its second and third plants, located in China. Cooler Master has also implemented a number of analytical and testing protocols to ensure top quality, including at subcontractors, to further ensure thorough quality control. Moreover, Cooler Master's dedication to quality extends beyond manufacturing to every aspect of its operation, including service."
NovaTouch TKL – The Ultimate Typing Experience
Built to impress, the NovaTouch TKL utilizes exclusive Hybrid Capacitive switches which are exceptionally quiet and suitable for heavy-duty typing or gaming. The actuation force is precision-tuned to the strength of your fingers, while an ultra-smooth, tactile key process makes NovaTouch the best feeling keyboard on the market.
Hybrid Capacitive Switches
NovaTouch utilizes a patented hybrid switch that combines the benefits of a mechanical spring-based switch and an electrostatic capacitive sensor to provide excellent tactility, comfort and durability. The unique design of these Hybrid Capacitive switches require no physical mechanical coupling, therefore eliminating key switch bounce and chatter for a frictionless experience.
Ergonomic Tenkeyless Design
The tenkeyless (TKL) for factor allows for more comfortable positioning of the keyboard and mouse, eliminating discomfort over extended periods of use and providing space saving benefits.
Switch Up Your Style
Compatible with Cherry MX Keycaps for keyboard enthusiasts who like to switch out the caps with their own.
N-Key Rollover & Anti-Ghosting
All keystrokes will be simultaneously registered for total precision and accuracy
O-ring Sound Dampeners
Included O-ring sound dampeners can further reduce keycap noise and reduce bottoming-out impact
Detachable Cable
Included braided micro-USB cable is convenient and flexible while ensuring error-free transmission by using high-quality, gold-plated connectors and contacts.
Precision Tuned
Avoid finger fatigue with uniformly-weighted key switches with 45g actuation and 4mm of travel over the entire keyboard.
Here we will have a look at another interesting product from Cooler Master and to be more exact, the NovaTouch TKL keyboard. This is not your regular mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches, but features a more advanced hybrid design, which was made by Cooler Master in collaboration with the guys at Topre and the main idea was to modify the design for being able to use regular Cherry MX key caps. The packaging on this particular model is more professional than we have seen on the previous models:
On the top layer we will get to see the full name of the product along with a small description:
By removing this layer, we will reveal more information on the bottom side of the box like the full list of product features in multiple languages:
After lifting the top cover, we will see plenty of foam material inside:
The keyboard sits right in the middle for maximum protection:
On the bottom layer of the box we will get to see the rest of the bundle:
Speaking of the bundle, we will get one Quick Start Guide, plenty of O-rings, the braided USB cable and one key puller:
Inside the Quick Start Guide, Cooler Master explains the customers the second functionality of the function keys, the Windows Key Lock feature along with the package contents:
The included O-rings are included for adding some resistance to the keys in order to prevent them bottoming out:
The USB cable has gold-plated connectors for proper contact and we really appreciate the removable feature:
A key puller is included for changing the key caps without damaging them or simply for cleaning purposes:
The NovaTouch TKL has a pretty standard overall look, with no fancy extra keys, LEDs and so on; the TKL termination is from TenKeyLess, which means that we are dealing with a compact format and is a great deal for people which do not use the numeric pad quite often:
With the function keys F1 up to F4 we can easily customize the repeat rate:
Next, from F5 to F8 we have the first set of multimedia keys:
F9 is the Windows Lock Key, while F10 to F12 take care of the volume adjustment:
All these functions are accessible while used along the FN key:
If we look on the sides and on the back side of the chassis, we will spot a similar design to what we have seen at the Quick Fire Rapid-i:
The USB port is located in the vicinity of the Scroll Lock key:
The bottom area comes with one large sticker which contains the product serial number along with the full code name:
Besides the small rubber feet which are located in the corners, we will also find two flip-out foot with rubber ending, in case we will like to raise the keyboard at an angle:
Coming back to the novelty part of this keyboard, the hybrid Topre/CM switches; the NovaTouch TKL is basically the first product with Topre switches which support keycaps with a cross-shaped keystem. If we check in more detail, we will find that the new switches have a slight modification (new stabilization system) in order to accommodate the larger keycaps. Under the keycap we will find the black housing (visible), one MX compatible stem (purple, visible), the electrostatic layer, one conical spring and the last one is the steel-plated PCB. These switches allow a shorter debouncing time and response to help during intense gaming sessions. We also like that the actuation force of these switches are very similar to what we have found with the Cherry MX Brown, which is around 45g, making this particular keyboard great for both typing and gaming:
The latest NovaTouch TKL keyboard from Cooler Master is featuring revised switches made in cooperation with Topre which can accommodate regular Cherry MX keycaps and the manufacturer has also included O-rings In order to prevent bottoming out and this way some of the noise is eliminated.
The product comes in TKL format (TenKeyLess) so we have quite a bit of space saved on the table and is easier to transport from one location to another; this feature is be appreciated by people which do not use the numeric pad a lot and flexibility is added with the usage of the removable braided USB cable with golden contacts.
The custom switches of the NovaTouch TKL have a similar actuation force to what we have seen with the Cherry MX Browns, around 45g, making this particular model good for either typing purposes or heavy gaming sessions. They offer a tactile feel and pretty low noise for a mechanical keyboard, are smoother and when bottoming out the noise is lower than their Cherry MX counterparts.
While we think that the NovaTouch TKL is an excellent product (besides the price which is a little bit high at the moment of testing, at about 180 Euros), many gamers nowadays would also feel the need of having integrated LEDs, extra programmable buttons or macros; with the current construction of the switch/board, it is a little bit difficult to also use LEDs but modders on different forums already have this problem in discussion.
We would like to thank again to Cooler Master for making this review possible!