The “Tenkaichi Keyboard Waiwai Kai Vol. 7” was held on November 4, 2024.
Compared to the previous event, the number of sponsor exhibitors tripled.
Among these, the author focused on FCL Components, Inc.
Under the slogan “Resurrection L,” report on the search for a successor to the Libertouch membrane keyboard, which was discontinued in 2021.
KawamuraWhen I hear the word “resurrection…”, the first thing that comes to mind for my generation is surely ” Frieza-sama “.
What is Libertouch from FCL Components, Inc.
Libertouch is a keyboard that was marketed by Fujitsu Components Limited from 2007 to 2021.
The company will be in place on February 1, 2024.
Reflects the company’s increased independence and further focus on developing cutting-edge, customer-centric technologies for the global marketplace
With the goal of achieving this goal, the company changed its name to “FCL Components, Inc.
The theme of this year’s exhibit was “L for Resurrection,” and they were there to get feedback on their prototype.
A key feature of Libertouch is that it uses a membrane input method but with deeper keystrokes (approximately 3.8 mm) and a unique mechanism with individual rubbers and springs on all keys.
In addition, the threshold for input judgment (actuation point) is set relatively shallow, so that input can be made without having to press a key all the way down.
Many people in the keyboard community may have the image of a cheap keyboard with shallow strokes and a strong rubbery feel when pressed, when they hear the term “membrane type.
KawamuraActually, I am one of them.
However, the feel of the Libertouch keystroke is distinct from the commonly imagined “it.
Most common membrane keyboards have an integrated rubber cup on top of the membrane sheet, and the rubber cup creates a “rubbery and squishy” feel characteristic of membrane keyboards.
On the other hand, Libertouch is constructed with independent rubber cups and coil springs, and the combination of the two is presumed to provide a “premium” keystroke feel.
The structure is very close to the “capacitance non-contact method” used by Topre, PFU, etc., rather than mechanical key switches, and the keystroke feel with a moderate tactile sensation (slight resistance during pressing in, and a feeling of being “squashed” after a certain point) will be addictive.
The successor to the Libertouch, which was exhibited for reference, is hot-swappable.
Conventional Revell Touch has a strong image of so-called “full-size” models with numeric keypad, but this time, as reference exhibits, ten-keyless and 60% layout models were also displayed.
Noteworthy this time is that the keyswitches were “hot-swappable”.
By changing to key switches with rubber with different pressing pressure, it is possible to customize the “different key feel” to your liking, just like a mechanical keyboard.
In addition, the part that receives the switch on the top of the key is a Cherry MX-compatible cross stem, which means that commonly used replacement keycaps can be used without modification, which is also very favorable.
Mr. Nishino, the general manager of the company, said that at this point, the exhibit is only for reference purposes, and that “we would like to explore how we can make it into a product based on customer feedback.
Key switches with different pressing pressures were displayed at the booth, and a “popularity contest” was held to check the key switch with the preferred loading pressure, showing the company’s willingness to actively incorporate user feedback.
KawamuraAfter all, the “voice” of prospective users is necessary for commercialization!
We have prepared a survey below, so please let FCL Components know your voice!
summary
The above is what we have reported about Libertouch Touch, which FCL Components, Inc. is trying to “revive”.
Fans of mechanical keyboards may imagine a squishy feeling when they hear the term “membrane keyboard,” but the feel of the Revell Touch is simply “wonderful.
If you like the feel of HHKB and Realforce keys, we are sure that many of you will be hooked.
As Greenkeys, we would like to support the “Resurrection of L”.
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