What is the difference between REALFORCE R3 and R3S? Also explains the different types of Topre keyboards and how to choose one.

Topre released REALFORCE R3 as the successor to REALFORCE R2

Starting with this model, fans now support long-awaited wireless connectivity, and all “R3” models now come standard with silent operation.

The REALFORCE R3S was released later than the R3.

The REALFORCE itself has quite a fine variety, and with the release of the R3S, many people may be confused.

This article describes the types and features of each REALFORCE model number.

REALFORCE is a ” high-end keyboard”.

Please read it carefully so that you will not regret your purchase.

List of REALFORCE R3 series features

REALFORCE R3 exists in full-size and tenkeyless models.

• Full-size models｜27 types
• Ten-keyless model｜28 types

The following three items are common to all models.

• Capacitance non-contact method
• APC
• full-N key

Based on these factors, they differ in “design,” “color,” “arrangement,” “pressing pressure (load),” “keystroke sound,” and “connection method.

(data) item	Contents
design	R3 Style R2 Style
color	Black Super White Black + Dark Silver Super White + Light Silver
array (programming, programing)	JIS (Japanese alignment) = ISO US (English alignment) = ANSI JIS-Separate space bar
legend	Japanese alignment with kana Japanese alignment without kana (upper left Legend) English sequence (center Legend)
Load (Pressing pressure)	30g 45g Variable load (alphabetical keys only 45g /others 30g)
customize	Surface panel changeable
keystroke sound	Quiet Normal
access method	Wired only Hybrid (wired or wireless)

The above characteristics classify them as such.

The differences between REALFORCE R3 and R3S are “design,” “keystroke sound,” and “connection method.

The difference between R3 and R3S would still be of interest.

See comparison images above.

The upper row is “R3S” and the lower row is “R3”.

In terms of design, you will notice that the upper model (R3S) has an angular design, almost similar in look to the popular R2, while the lower model (R3) has a slightly more rounded design.

In terms of details, all R3S models are “wired connection” only; wireless connection models do not exist.

Also, a “non-silent model” is available for keystroke noise.

Thus, the R3S can be purchased for less than the R3 if you choose a “wired only” or “non-silent” model.

	R3SD31	R3HD13
design	R2 Style	R3 Style
keycap printing	Laser print (may disappear)	Sublimation printing (indelible)
color	black	black
array (programming, programing)	US	US
load	45g	30g
customize panel	not fit for	Mountable
keystroke sound	non-silent	silent
access method	communicate by wire	hybrid
Price	20,900 yen (tax included)	34,540 yen (including tax)
Where to Buy	Amazon	Amazon

The keycaps on the R3S are not “sublimation printed” but “laser printed,” which means that the printing is easily erased by aging and scuffing.

If you prefer sublimation printed keycaps, purchase genuine replacement parts.

REALFORE Store (Amazon)▷▷▷

Difference between REALFORCE R3S and R2

REALFORCE R3S is the successor to REALFORCE R2 and is a minor change version of REALFORCE R3.

The R3S model follows the design of the R2, but adds the keymap change function and APC function (input point change) using the R3’s exclusive REALFORCE CONNECT software, which will satisfy R2 fans.

Changes from REALFORCE R2

• The ability to change keymaps is now fully supported (R2 is CapsLock/Ctrl key swap only).
• APC function upgraded to 4 levels (0.8/1.5/2.2/3.0mm) (R2 had 3 levels (1.5/2.2/3.0mm))
• Windows -JIS sequence space key shortened (from 4.25u to 3.5u)**.

*Comparing my Mac-array R2/R3, the spacebar on the Windows-array model seems to have lengthened, as the length of the space key has not changed.

This is the recommended model for REALFORCE R3 /R3S!

After all, with such a large lineup, you may be at a loss as to which model to choose.

Here are some recommended models of REALFORCE R3

REALFORCE R3 recommended models are “ten-keyless without kana”, “split-space model”, and “wired model”.

What made REALFORCE famous is the lightness of the “feather touch” key feel.

This feather touch, however, is mainly used to refer to models with a 30g load.

Personally, I have the impression that a pressing pressure of 30g is “too light” and causes many “miss-types”.

Based on the above, we recommend the following models.

REALFORCE R3 JIS layout

If you are looking for a full-size, Japanese-language model, we definitely recommend the Separate Spacebar Model.

This model, newly launched on September 3, 2024, is characterized by a space bar that is split into two separate bars.

In addition to functioning as both spacebars, the keymap change function can be used to change the setting to your preference, such as “spacebar” on the left side and “backspace” on the right side.

In addition, the ten-keyless model is the “Kana-less” model, which was newly released on September 3, 2024.

Compare with conventional models.

As you can see, the absence of the “kana” legend gives a very clean look to the English sequence.

The fact that it is not a center legend like the English alignment model, It also gives a special feeling.

REALFORCE R3 US Array

If you want a 45g load, no kana engraving, and a good center legend, the lineup is only available in US layout.

Choose the one you like according to color and size.

Wired models are also recommended if you want to buy inexpensively.

If you are looking for a less expensive option, you can also choose a wired model.

While both full-size and tenkeyless models are available in JIS layout and 45g load, and the choices are fairly fixed, they can be purchased inexpensively.

REALFORCE R3S Recommended models are 45g load model and cheap non-silent model

For R3S, we also recommend the “45g” load model due to its good key feel.

If you prefer a more angular design than the R3, this is the one for you.

Note that for the US-sequence model, only black is available.

If you are looking for a less expensive option, you can also choose a “non-silent” model.

The following is a comparison video of keystroke sounds.

While both full-size and tenkeyless models are available in JIS layout and 45g load, and the choices are fairly fixed, they can be purchased inexpensively.

No R3S lineup as far as Mac users are concerned.

Unfortunately, the R3S with Mac array is not available at this time.

If you prefer the old R2 style model, you will have to look for a used one.

In addition, all models allow only 45 g of load to be selected.

tenkeyless

model number	design	color	array (programming, programing)	load	customize	keystroke sound	access method
R3HG11	R3 Style	Black + Dark Silver	JIS	45	◯	silent	hybrid
R3HG21	R3 Style	Super White + Light Silver	JIS	45	◯	silent	hybrid
R3HH11	R3 Style	Black + Dark Silver	US	45	◯	silent	hybrid
R3HH21	R3 Style	Super White + Light Silver	US	45	◯	silent	hybrid

full size (computer, e.g.)

model number	design	color	array (programming, programing)	load	customize	keystroke sound	access method
R3HE11	R3 Style	Black + Dark Silver	JIS	45	◯	silent	hybrid
R3HE21	R3 Style	Super White + Light Silver	JIS	45	◯	silent	hybrid
R3HF11	R3 Style	Black + Dark Silver	US	45	◯	silent	hybrid
R3HF21	R3 Style	Super White + Light Silver	US	45	◯	silent	hybrid

Points to consider when selecting REALFORCE R3/R3S

We can confidently say that the REALFORCE is a super high-end keyboard that will satisfy you in every way, from the look to the feel of the keys.

The only drawback is that it is “too big” and “heavy,” so it is definitely not suitable for carrying around.

At the beginning of this video, typing videos of various keyboards are shown, but you can see that only the R3 is of a different size.

Incidentally, the HHKB, which is often cited as the REALFORCE, is extremely lightweight and compact, weighing about 600g.

If you are considering compactness and portability, we definitely recommend the HHKB because it uses the same “capacitance non-contact method” and has a common pressing pressure of 45g.

Summary｜Find the right one for you!

These are the differences between REALFORCE R3/R3S and how to choose one.

Keyboards can really “swamp” you when you start obsessing over them.

REALFORCE R3 must have had such a large lineup to meet the expectations of such keyboard swamp users.

Please refer to this article to get one of your choice.

Don’t forget to purchase a wrist rest when you purchase.