This new keyboard, which uses switches that are also used in ATMs throughout Japan, has led me into a rabbit hole where I have seen contestants compete to win a golden keyboard.

There's a brand new Topre keyboard on the market. You're either very excited, or you don't know what I am talking about. Let me explain.

Gigazine has a picture of the RC1 from Realforce. It's a compact tenkeyless keyboard with a two-tone gray finish on the keycaps. It's a minor departure from the Realforce boards that we're used, but only a little. It's still pretty plain compared to many mechanical keyboards.

The smaller frame and two-tone grey keycaps might make this keyboard more appealing to the average PC gamer.

Here's what you need to know if you're wondering why all the fuss. Topre, the company that created the Realforce brand of switches, designed the switches used in this keyboard. The Topre Corporation is a Japanese company that specialises in air conditioning equipment, pressed auto parts, and fantastic non-capacitive key switches.

The same switch used in the RC1 can also be found inside Japanese Seven Bank ATMs. I'm not certain if this is useful information, but I wanted it to be mentioned. The new ATM buttons from the bank look much better than the metal ones that we have in the UK.

It's hard to explain in words why a Topre Switch is good. I've tried to explain it many times before, but people don't care.

If you look at the switch that most closely resembles a Topre, it's actually a membrane switch. It's not that similar. Just the rubbery part and plunger. It's more than just a squishy membrane (sorry membrane switch fans). Topre is a quiet, satisfying switch. That's why the Realforce R2 mechanical keyboard I have at home is the best mechanical keyboard if you are looking for something quiet. It can also have an adjustable actuation.

Topre switches can be used to quickly type out large amounts of text in a short time. A real typist’s board.

The Realforce Typing Championship is a great example of this. Below is a video of the most recent event. The company hosts its own event every year to find the top typists in Japan. San Shan Yang was the winner of this year's event, which took place in Tokyo.

Google Translate now suggests that San Shan Yang is a Chinese phrase for 'Three Goats.' It's possible that it's a mistranslation, or a phrase with no direct equivalent in English. There's also a small chance that the three goats are wearing trenchcoats. They're very good at typing.

Both sides type at more than 800 kpm in the final battle between San Shan Yang and kuwana. This is keystrokes per minutes. They sometimes hit over 900kpm. San Shan Yang managed to reach over 1000 kpm at one point.

The event is being run using an application called Weather Typing (RTC2024 Version) by the organizers. Download it from Realforce's website, but it is only available in Japanese. They are also only allowed to use Qwerty or Dvorak layouts.

YouTube has all five hours' worth of furious clacking, commentary and screams. The event is well-organized, with interviews, ceremonies and shoutcasting of esports level.

It's been running for five years too. I vaguely remember hearing about it before, but my brain pushed that information to the side in order to make room for other things, like my home address and PIN code. The Ultimate Typing Championship sponsored by Cherry may have been what I had in mind.

The sight of this magnificent creation has inspired me to perfect my touch-typing skills. It's not only a gold-encrusted Realforce keyboard (gold painted), but the keys actually seem to work.

I never expected to be here. I was only interested the RC1. You might have to wait outside of Japan for a while to get one if you're interested in the RC1. The majority of these are imported from other countries. While the supply in the UK and US has increased in recent years, the costs can be high, and we may not receive the shiny thing as quickly.

It's worth keeping an eye on. I will.