In most MacBook-based computer setups people put together at home or in offices, an external keyboard stands in for the laptop’s own. That’s typically because the laptop sits open or closed on a stand, where reaching the keyboard is either awkward or impossible. Today’s MacBook Pro setup relies on a pricey and cool Realforce R3 TKL mechanical keyboard used in combination with a Magic Trackpad.
MacBook Pro rig relies on Realforce R3 mechanical keyboard and Magic Trackpad
Software developer and Redditor 95tuanle (“Tuan”) showcased the delightfully spare setup in a post entitled, “M1 Max Setup.” As the post’s titled indicates, they run an M1 Max MacBook Pro. It sits open on a stand driving a Studio Display. There’s plenty to like about the setup, including its badass mechanical keyboard.
Last week we covered Tuan’s overarching LED desk lamp. Today it’s all about the Realforce R3 tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard.
While on the basic side, Tuan’s setup grabs our attention for several reasons:
- It makes good use of the MacBook’s 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display as a second monitor.
- It features paired but color-mismatched (white and midnight) HomePods for great sound.
- The desk lamp arching over the Studio Display looks really useful.
- It uses a Magic Trackpad rather than a mouse.
- The other input device is a mechanical keyboard we haven’t seen before, the Realforce R3.
Realforce R3 TKL mechanical keyboard
The Realforce R3 mechanical keyboard lets you connect via USB-C cable or wirelessly using Bluetooth 5.0 (up to four devices). It features a 70-inch USB-C cable, full N-key rollover and silent Topre capacitive switches.
The company said that Realforce R3 uses Realforce software to access the following settings and save changes to on-board memory:
- APC (Actuation Point Changer) setting: Adjust the actuation point depth of each key by selecting from 0.8mm, 1.5mm, 2.2mm, or 3.0mm.
- Heat map: Allows you to visually check the keys you use most often and adjust them using APC or other customizable settings.
- Custom key map function: Allows you to change the key assignments as desired.
- Key layout switching function: Switch between two key layouts (A or B) on the fly depending on the application or OS.
- ECO mode setting: Adjust the battery consumption when using Bluetooth.
- Firmware update: You can update your Realforce Keyboard firmware via the software UI.
- Onboard memory: Allows you to save custom settings to the keyboard for use in offices where software cannot be installed on computer.
Shop these items now:
This tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard works via USB-C cable or Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity (with up to four devices via Bluetooth). It packs genuine Topre capacitive switches.
- Topre mechanical switches
- Tenkeyless (TKL) compact size
- Bluetooth 5.0 isn't latest version
- Keyboard's a bit expensive
Mechanical keyboard and Trackpad:
Desk lamp options:
- Micromlan Architect Desk Lamp
- KStarite LED Desk Lamp
- SuperDanny LED Desk Lamp
- EppiBasic LED Desk Lamp
- Jostic LED Desk Lamp
Computers and stands:
Display:
Audio:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
