Cooler Master has announced the NovaTouch TKL hybrid keyboard. This input device is claimed to be "designed for high speed, extreme accuracy, and total comfort in the ultimate typing experience". The special qualities of the NovaTouch TKL come from its hybrid capacitive switches which are said to offer the perfect feel and response for eSports professionals and expert typists alike.
Hybrid capacitive switches
Let's look at this key technology. We are told that the keyswitches used by the NovaTouch TKL combine a mechanical spring-based switch and an electrostatic capacitive sensor "to provide excellent tactility, comfort, and durability". The reason behind that is that the switches require no physical mechanical coupling, "therefore eliminating key switch bounce & chatter for a frictionless experience".
Despite the hybrid key technology Cooler Master has made this keyboard compatible with Cherry MX keycaps for those that prefer the feel of this established brand's switches. Similarly users can equip O-ring dampeners if they wish.
NovaTouch TKL hybrid switches are uniformly weighted at 45g to actuate. The actuation travel distance is a very short 1mm but the keys bottom out at 4mm. The switches are described as tactile but smooth and are rated for 60 million presses.
The keyboard mechanism benefits from N-key rollover and anti-ghosting. The tenkeyless design is said to be more ergonomic and space saving. Further niceties on offer with this keyboard include a Windows key lock, 1000Hz/1ms polling rate and a 1.8m long braided microUSB cable which is detachable. The cable uses gold-plated connectors and contacts.
The NovaTouch TKL hybrid keyboard should be available from today in North America and Asia. European availability is pegged for mid November.
