Topre is a renowned Japanese brand of mechanical keyboards. They are well-known for their unique switch technology called "Topre switch" or "electrostatic capacitive switch". These switches combine capacitive sensing and mechanical components to provide a smooth, responsive, and quiet typing experience.

Topre keyboards are highly regarded for their high build quality, durability, and exceptional typing feel. The switches offer a balance between the tactile feedback of mechanical switches and the smoothness of capacitive technology. They are known for their high actuation points and superior typing comfort.

Topre keyboards often come in a variety of form factors, including full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), and compact layouts. They are favored by typists and keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate the unique feel and performance that Topre switches offer.

Overall, Topre is considered one of the top brands in the mechanical keyboard world, particularly for those seeking a premium typing experience with a blend of tactile and capacitive characteristics.

Founded: 1935

Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.topre.co.jp/en/

PFU Limited is a Japanese company that is a subsidiary of Fujitsu. They are well-known for their Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) lineup, which is highly regarded among keyboard enthusiasts.

The Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) is a series of compact and minimalistic keyboards designed with a focus on efficiency and simplicity. These keyboards are often preferred by programmers, developers, and enthusiasts who appreciate a high-quality typing experience.

The HHKB keyboards are known for their unique layout, which eliminates unnecessary keys and focuses on essential functions. They feature a compact form factor, usually without a dedicated number pad, function keys, or arrow keys, allowing for a more ergonomic and space-saving design. The HHKB keyboards also use electrostatic capacitive switches, providing a smooth and precise typing experience.

PFU Limited's Happy Hacking Keyboard lineup has gained a dedicated following due to its high build quality, attention to detail, and superior typing feel. These keyboards often feature top-quality materials, customizable key mappings, and a solid typing experience loved by enthusiasts seeking an efficient and high-performance keyboard.

Founded: 1982
Headquarters: Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Website: https://happyhackingkb.com/

Realforce is a keyboard brand that is well-known for producing high-quality mechanical keyboards. Realforce keyboards are manufactured by Topre Corporation, a Japanese company known for its electrostatic capacitive key switches. Realforce keyboards are highly regarded by keyboard enthusiasts for their exceptional build quality, typing experience, and durability.

One of the distinctive features of Realforce keyboards is their electrostatic capacitive key switches, which offer a unique typing feel. These switches combine a rubber dome with a conical spring and a capacitive sensor to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience with a tactile bump.

Realforce keyboards often come in various form factors, including full-size, compact, and tenkeyless (TKL) layouts. They are known for their robust construction, premium keycaps, and customizable features.

Realforce keyboards are highly sought after by typists, programmers, and keyboard enthusiasts who value the superior typing experience and the precision offered by the electrostatic capacitive key switches. Overall, Realforce keyboards are recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the unparalleled typing experience they provide.

Founded: 1982

Headquarters: Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Website: https://www.realforce.co.jp/en/

NIZ Keyboard is a Chinese brand that specializes in producing electro-capacitive keyboards. They are known for offering keyboards that incorporate electro-capacitive switches, providing a unique typing experience.

NIZ keyboards are often compared to the well-known Topre keyboards due to their use of similar electro-capacitive switch technology. These switches combine elements of mechanical and capacitive key switches, resulting in a smooth and tactile typing feel with reduced noise.

One of the popular NIZ keyboard models is the NIZ Plum keyboard series. The Plum keyboards feature electro-capacitive switches and come in various form factors, including full-size, TKL, and compact layouts. They often offer customizable layouts, programmable features, and backlighting options.

NIZ keyboards have gained a following among keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate the electro-capacitive switch technology and the unique typing experience it provides. They are recognized for their quality build, durability, and comfortable typing feel. While NIZ Keyboard is a Chinese brand, it's worth noting that they draw inspiration from the electro-capacitive switch technology popularized by Japanese brands like Topre.

Founded: 2014
Headquarters: China
Website: https://www.nizkeyboard.com/

Keychron is a keyboard brand that has gained popularity for producing wireless mechanical keyboards. Based in Taiwan, Keychron focuses on creating versatile keyboards that cater to both Mac and Windows users.

Keychron keyboards are known for their sleek design, quality construction, and user-friendly features. They offer a range of keyboard sizes and layouts, including compact (60%), tenkeyless (TKL), and full-size options. Keychron keyboards also feature hot-swappable switches, allowing users to easily change switches without soldering.

One of Keychron's notable offerings is the Keychron K6, a compact wireless mechanical keyboard that supports both wired and wireless connectivity. It features a compact layout with a 65% design, Bluetooth compatibility, and hot-swappable switches.

Keychron keyboards often include features like RGB backlighting, adjustable typing angles, and compatibility with multiple devices. They are designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, whether for work or gaming.

Keychron has gained a strong following among keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate the combination of wireless connectivity, mechanical switches, and customizable options. Their commitment to delivering high-quality and versatile keyboards has made them a popular choice in the mechanical keyboard community.

Founded: 2017

Headquarters: Taiwan

Website:https://www.keychron.com/

Leopold is a South Korean keyboard brand that is highly regarded for its high-quality mechanical keyboards. Leopold keyboards are known for their exceptional build quality, attention to detail, and excellent typing experience.

Leopold keyboards feature a minimalist and sleek design with a focus on functionality and durability. They offer a variety of keyboard sizes and layouts, including compact (60%), tenkeyless (TKL), and full-size options. Leopold keyboards often have a solid and heavy construction, with a steel plate and high-quality keycaps.

One of Leopold's standout features is their use of Cherry MX switches, renowned for their reliability and smooth key action. Leopold keyboards are available with various Cherry MX switch options, catering to different typing preferences, including linear, tactile, and clicky switches.

Leopold has gained a loyal following among keyboard enthusiasts for their consistent quality, refined aesthetics, and no-frills approach to keyboard design. Their keyboards are highly regarded for their sturdy construction, comfortable typing feel, and excellent overall user experience.

Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: https://global.leopold.co.kr/