Whoa. I don’t know how we missed this. Please send me an email and we’ll figure it out!
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@online: This is incredible! I’m somewhat new to Topre modification - and thus haven’t used any external controllers before - but want to make sure I fully understand what you have created here. Basically, instead of needing to use an external usb2usb controller (e.g. hasu and others) you would have the controller wired in the keyboard itself, since your PCB is used in place of the stock one?
What software/program/website would be used to program the controller, and how exactly would it work? Would this allow someone to modify the keys that are sent for any of the JIS-specific keys (kana, henkan, etc.) in a 91u for example?
If you were planning to make more of these, I would be very much interested! 
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The controller is actually a usb2usb with re-arranged pcb layout. The functionality is exactly the same as hasu’s one, it runs on TMK/QMK and only fit Norbaforce housing.
As you may know, u2u doesn’t make keyboard ‘programmable’, it converts keycodes from the keyboard into other keycodes, then output to the host. That’s not a preferable method to ‘program’ a keyboard, but the controller in Realforces is soldered on the mainboard (unlike HHKB, FC660 and etc…), replacing a controller is not as easy as swapping a controller board. So I think u2u is the second-best option.
I will share the gerber and kicad project after further testing, and I may offer pre-assembled board if it has enough people interested.
sent you an email
And here I thought I could use “whelp, I guess I missed out on that one” as an excuse to not get a Polycarbonate Norbaforce 
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I often find myself saying this about new offerings, but sorry/you’re welcome.
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so following up on the last time, @norbauer asked the factory to send me some inserts. My case was missing one but the factory sent me a whole bag for lifetime supply 
Ryan suggested to use a soldering iron to install the insert but I do not have one. But I do have a clothing iron with a small tip, and time to do a lot of careful/gentle pressing. And now my case is completely whole.
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Yep. I’ve got my 87u out, typing on it… wondering if I truly need a new housing for it. Are these 55g domes too heavy? Maybe. I haven’t used this keyboard in almost a year. Do I need to spend $565 on a new housing for it? Maybe… It’s madness. Madness, I TELL YOU!!
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I feel like this about all of Ryan’s releases, I just feel like I need to have them for some reason…
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@norbauer thanks for offering the Ghost of Christmas Future. Jumped on the train and super stoked to build my first Topre board. I guess you have been asked many times before but what will you choose between R2, 87U and RGB? Since this will be my first Topre Id want one with a signature Topre feeling…
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For the “signature Topre feeling,” I’d go with an 87U or, failing that, and R2. The RGB is very nice if lubed and silenced but still not quite the classic Topre sound and feel.
I don’t think I shared the video here yet, but here is a lubed and silenced RGB with Mt3 caps.
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thank you Ryan!
That’s awesome. Looks like light is shining through those caps? Do you have any photos with LEDs on and opaque keycaps? (e.g. GMK).
I ordered a Ghost of Christmas Future with a board for one of my 87Us, but now I’m wondering if I’d rather put an RGB in there…
I’ve been putting the Ghost-of-Christmas-Future Edition in and out of a cart all week and I finally decided to pick one up on deadline day! 
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The Ghost will be my first Topre. Well technically, I’m getting the RGB TKL first. But other than making sure everything works, it’s not getting used til it’s in the Norbaforce. I have to wait a little longer cause Fujitsu sent me the wrong board (55g non-RGB).
Currently planning on picking up Deskeys RGB Silencing Rings when they restock, and lubing rails with 3204. Any other recommended simple mods? I’ve heard some people have loud/rattling spacebars with these boards even when lubed…
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Yea, I’ve done everything that I can to try and improve the mods. I’ve band aid modded them, I’ve put plumber’s tape on the stems, I’ve put sound-dampening foam on the spacebar, I’ve gasket-modded the housings, but I’ve still yet to have the great Topre spacebar sounds that my HHKB/Leopolds have. If anyone else finds a way to make it better sounding, I’m all ears.
Oh and congrats on the first Topre experience! I still can’t find a Cherry style switch that comes close to the rounded tactility of Topre!
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I’m sorry to hear that, it’s probably a consequence of the MX stem sliders. But I guess it’s a trade-off we have to make, since there’s no other great way to get LEDs into the polycarb, and I can’t imagine paying so much for a housing and being stuck with Topre keycaps.
To whoever interested in the u2u board. I’ve uploaded gerber and kicad project on GitHub.
Enjoy
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Congrats! I really wanted pick up the Ghost Edition as well, but, I need every penny for the Heavy Grail … 
Enjoy!
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