ocaholic - Peripherals > Keyboards > CM Storm NovaTouch TKL Review

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Preview

Delivery

Inside the package we found a manual, a tool for keycaps removal, the black sleeved USB 2.0 cable, o-rings and the keyboard itself. Everything is well protected so nothing should be damaged during shipping.

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Features

Model number	Novatouch TKL
Keys	Novatouch Hybrid Switch
Keycaps	ABS
Materials	ABS
Interface	USB 2.0
Cable	1.8m
Dimensions	359mm x 138mm x 39mm
Weight	0.9 Kg

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Closer Look

With the NovaTouch TKL, CM Storm has created a new compact gaming keyboard. The advantage of this layout is that the keyboard features a reduced size and it does not take as much space on the desk as a standard keyboard. This is quite important, especially during LAN parties, where it can be an advantage, since it is quite often the case that there is not enough space. Furthermore, the CM Storm NovaTouch TKL is a very robust product. As oposed to some other models, the keyboard features a metal plate on its back, which makes it kind of indestructible.
The NovaTouch TKL is a hybrid keyboard and it does not use the traditional mechanical switches (like CherryMX) or even the rubber dome system which is typical on cheaper models, but rather a hybrid switch called NovaTouch that take all the positive aspects of the rubber dome system and of the mechanical keyboards, in other words the NovaTouch switches are precise as CherryMX and silent as the rubber dome ones. The feedback is excellent, the key-travel is without any uncertainties and activation only requires 45g. Cooler Master has also covered the keys with a rather pleasant material that will ensure a good grip. Despite the fact that the NovaTouch TKL gaming keyboard uses a different switches, you can still use your favorite CherryMX keycaps on NovaTouch TKL since these are fully compatible. To provide the NovaTouch TKL with some additional functionality, without compromising the compact layout, Cooler Master also equipped it with an FN key.

Back

If you lift up and rotate the CM Storm NovaTouch TKL you will understand how robust this thing actually is. The build quality is on an extraordinary high level and you won't find any detail that is not fully integrated and out of place. Even the hardcore gamer (famous for consuming keyboards and mice) will enjoy this keyboard for a long time. Regarding connectivity, Cooler Master decided to use a black USB 2.0 cable, removable and sleeved. There are two little feet, with rubber finish, which are used to adjust the angle of the keyboard.

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Conclusion

General	+	-
Despite the small size of the product, we are looking at a well-designed and ergonomic keyboard. The coating present on each individual keycap is great and the NovaTouch switches are smooth and without any uncertainties. We particularly enjoyed the presence of a keypuller inside the box. Despite being a rather basic and cheap accessory it is a great help in the removal of the individual keycaps.	- Weight - Bundle

Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics	+	-
From the ergonomic point of view, the keyboard is very comfortable to use, but the wrist rest would be certainly appreciated. The NovaTouch TKL is a gaming keyboard with a compact size and it is ideal for all those gamers that are frequent at LAN events or do not have much space on their desk. Despite the fact that this a gaming keyobard, the NovaTouch TKL is not backlighted. Overall, the materials used are of excellent quality which we expected from Cooler Master. Last but not least, we really liked the grip and the coat of each keycap. From the typing point of view, we have to admit that we are quite surprised and impressed about how quickly we can type with these new hybrid switches. The description on the official site CM Storm reflects perfectly on our experience with this keyboard, stating that the NovaTouch TKL is a gaming keyboard which is very quiet when compared to a mechanical keyboard but at the same time the key-travel is very accurate and linear. In addition the new system, which is fully compatible with CherryMX, you will be able to use your favorite custom CherryMX keycaps, which you can also use on NovaTouch TKL.	- Build quality - Comfort - Switches - Fast typing - Very quiet	- No backlight

Recommendation / Price	+	-
At Geizhals.eu, the Cooler Master NovaTouch TKL has a price of 179.99 euro excluding shipping costs. Despite being a gaming keyboard, it does not have a full backlight but the quality of materials is on a high level and the product is very comfortable. We were also quite surprised about how these new hybrid switches work since the typing experience is very good. In our opinion, and despite all these good features and the high quality level, we think that the price is a bit steep.		- Price

Rating
We gave the NovaTouch TKL from CM Storm 4 out of 5 stars.

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