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geekhack Community => Reviews => Topic started by: Acetrak on Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:53:16

Title: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Acetrak on Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:53:16
Got my new Leo today, will do a review comparing it with the HHKB Type-S. Will finish write up laterz. Feel free tol lask questions now and I can include it in my write up.

So I got my new Leo today, the Leopold FC660C, a 66key Electrostatic Capacitive Mini Keyboard. If you are not familiar, Leopold recently came out with their 660 line, the 660R and the 660C. The 660R uses Cherry MX switches and the 660C uses topre switches. What I got today is the topre version and I will compare this with my HHKB Type-S. I am excited to do this review because this is the first topre keyboard under the Leopold line, and also because of this never before seen 66key layout.
(http://i.imgur.com/1IrouPo.jpg)

I was lucky enough to get help from a friend's friend from Korean to obtain this keyboard. The Leopold FC660C comes with the keyboard, gold plated USB cable, extra 1.5 ctrl key and 1.25 capslock keycaps to swap out. In addition I believe they were doing some promotions so I got some free lavender wasd, arrow keys, and a red esc. This whole package cost me $200 including shipping (split between some other dudes getting stuff from Korea). I believe the retail price is $179, there was a promotion that bumped the price down to around $167 or so retail. My guess for when this sells outside of Korea it will probably be around the $200 ballpark.
(http://i.imgur.com/KHwZhNP.jpg)

One of the most unique features about this keyboard is the 66key layout. It's similar to a 60% layout like the poker but this layout had dedicated arrow keys (awesome) and a dedicated del key (awesome) and insert key (meh). Red LED's are on the capslock and insert key. The dedicated insert key is probably there because this was intended for programmers. The 660 also has a fn layer so you can access keys outside from the 66 in the normal. The fn key is located on the right side of the RCtrl. I won't go over all of them but I do want to mention that fn+Q swaps out your esc for the ~ key and lights up the insert LED. There are also 4 dip switch settings that you can configure your LCtrl/CapsLock, Win/LAlt, win/fn, and win/off.
(http://i.imgur.com/NH65q4r.jpg)

On the back there are standoff feet available if you're like me and prefer to type on an higher incline. Unlike the HHKB, the Leo feet are rubberized for better grip on the desk. This makes the board feel more solid overall since the HHKB's weight can be too light for some people. Also unlike the HHKB, the Leo only has 1 height option and it's somewhat steep for normal standards. The incline feels roughly the same as the HHKB.
(http://i.imgur.com/mf2VgIi.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/i7zlq2g.jpg)

Now as far as feel goes, there are surprisingly some noticeable differences, for me at least. Both the Leo and type s are 45g uniform, however the topre on the Leo feels more crisp and pronounced. This may be due to the fact that I just got it today and so everything is nice and fresh. I also noticed that the Leo feels more forgiving when you bottom out. Bottom out with the Leo gives a softer feedback, almost as if you're supposed to bottom out. On the HHKB bottom out feels a tad harsher. It still feels nicer than bottom out on Cherry MX switches, but for me the Leopold gave the softest feedback. In addition, the throws on the type s also feels shorter than the 660C. I think I prefer the longer throw feel better, but I'm not sure if this will wear off over time or not.

With regards to layout I really love that the 66 layout has dedicated arrow keys. Although I've gotten used to the HHKB arrow keys, the dedicated arrow cluster is definitely a great feature. The delete key is good but I pretty much never use the insert key. It'd be great if they could be remapped within the keyboard itself. One downside from my personal preference is that the \ and backspace key cannot bot swapped within the keyboard. After using the HHKB the backspace on \ for ansi boards just feels right. Another thing that I'm not a huge fan of is the fn key being on the bottom row. But then again, these are things that probably can be adjusted.
(http://i.imgur.com/wE0iq5L.jpg)
Size differences are minimal

Overall I am pretty impressed by this keyboard especially at its price. However I think I still prefer the HHKB due to my preference in layout. The fn key on the Leo makes it so that I will have to move my right hand a lot when I want to access fn keys such as home/end/pg up/pg down. However this is the cheapest topre board to date and it does not lack in quality whatsoever. My only reasons in picking HHKB is personal preference and not because I believe this is an inferior product, especially at this price. If I like this layout better you will probably see me putting my type s up for sale hah. I would recommend this board to topre-virgins as well as topre-enthusiasts. For the topre-virgins this offers a cheaper way of obtaining a topre board. And for the veterans, this will be a great keyboard to get if you are not a fan of the fn layer on the HHKB. If you ever have the chance to try this board, please do consider picking it up. This board has great quality, unique layout/size, and is priced at a good place. And Dedicated arrow keys, I can't stress this enough.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask in thread. It's past my bed time so I'll answer tomorrow. Peace out.
Title: Re: Leopold FC 660C
Post by: Turbo Slaab on Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:57:35
Keeping an eye on this!
Title: Re: Leopold FC 660C
Post by: calavera on Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:59:13
Damn, mine's still in the mail. :(
Title: Leopold FC 660C
Post by: Halverson on Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:59:23
Make sure to describe the feel difference between the two.
*captain obvious says*
Title: Re: Leopold FC 660C
Post by: daerid on Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:33:42
Where are you guys getting these? Are you using a proxy? Do tell for us laypersons!
Title: Re: Leopold FC 660C
Post by: calavera on Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:38:50
Boost did a mini run the day I posted the thread. He's doing in IC for a bigger group buy, so if you want one you should look into that.
Title: Re: Re: Leopold FC 660C
Post by: boost on Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:57:30
Where are you guys getting these? Are you using a proxy? Do tell for us laypersons!

I.tired to get you one but the order was already placed :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Acetrak on Fri, 26 April 2013, 01:36:43
OP updated, sleep time zzz
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: 420 on Fri, 26 April 2013, 01:41:43
omg it is so cool... but can it disable the windows key??
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Sai on Fri, 26 April 2013, 02:30:30
Yes. i am getting one next month. This will be my first Topre board as well. :)

Thanks for the review also.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Rendom on Fri, 26 April 2013, 05:17:12
meh, the layout. : /
Title: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Acetrak on Fri, 26 April 2013, 05:40:35
Yes winkey can be disabled through dip switch settings

EDIT: Spelling
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: MJ45 on Fri, 26 April 2013, 08:05:55
Nice alternative choice for Topre 60% buyers. I waited quite a while to purchase a HHKB Pro and only a month later the FC660C comes out, oh well.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: boost on Fri, 26 April 2013, 08:26:23
very nice review!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jalaj on Fri, 26 April 2013, 08:56:49
Great review, so far the aspects of the default FN key location and uncertainty about a full keycap set replacement compatibility/availability are changing my original impulse 'gotta have' mentality to a lukewarm 'meh' response. I can wait for more reviews and feedback before jumping the gun now.
With the physical arrow keys on the FC660C, I think the FN key would see less frequently use than on the HHKB P2.
Though it could be cumbersome to hit ALT + F4.
Perhaps a specific dip switch combination allow you to swap the Win key and FN key? Or at least rearrange, so that the FN key is on the left side while retaining the Win key somewhere.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Turbo Slaab on Fri, 26 April 2013, 09:12:12
Is that gold or silver legends? Are the keys actually black or grey?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Acetrak on Fri, 26 April 2013, 09:13:48
There's is a dip switch setting that lets you swap the winkey with fn, so that may be a solution for interested buyers. For alt+f4 or any other hotkey with the f-row becomes a 3 key combo which may be slightly annoying. I started using ctrl+w to close out of my web browsers.

Gold legends, black keys. Oops sorry about the bad lighting lol.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Turbo Slaab on Fri, 26 April 2013, 09:23:08
It's all good. Just making sure my monitor was in check. Lol.

Idk if I would like the gold legends. I wonder if Leopold will offer keycap replacements.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: babyhands on Fri, 26 April 2013, 15:58:50
does it come with ABS or PBT keycaps?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Halverson on Fri, 26 April 2013, 16:01:11
does it come with ABS or PBT keycaps?

PBT
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rknize on Fri, 26 April 2013, 16:05:44
They seem to be pad-printed PBT.

My dream HHKB would actually be a Topre Poker.  This comes really close and in some ways is better than the Poker.  I don't use the right modifiers much, so I lock them and Esc on Poker.  However, I do miss having right-shift in some cases and the Esc/tilde bug is a nuisance.  The 660C addresses both of those and throws in a Del key at the expense of a bit more length.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 26 April 2013, 17:34:32
I got one of these today from the esteemed Mr. Boost.  I'm liking it a lot so far.  It doesn't have that awesome HHKB sound, but it feels really nice.  I have remapped Insert/Del to PgUp/PgDown for now.  Might end up with Home/End instead.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: MJ45 on Sat, 27 April 2013, 17:58:11
I got one of these today from the esteemed Mr. Boost.  I'm liking it a lot so far.  It doesn't have that awesome HHKB sound, but it feels really nice.  I have remapped Insert/Del to PgUp/PgDown for now.  Might end up with Home/End instead.
Hope you post a review being a Realforce & HHKB owner. Your thoughts would be most welcome for would be Topre buyers.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Mon, 29 April 2013, 23:56:19
Just got mine tonight. I'm going to use it for work for the next 3 days and post my thoughts here.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Thu, 02 May 2013, 05:39:33
Just got mine tonight. I'm going to use it for work for the next 3 days and post my thoughts here.

Sooooo..... :rolleyes: Any impressions you'd like to share yet?
Title: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:28:48
Well, yes. I'm on a plane at the moment and hungover, so I'll post a more thorough write up after I land. But quick version: this board rules. It's 60% (ish), arrow keys, standard backspace, and it's also currently the cheapest Topre board on the market I believe. Total winner.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sat, 04 May 2013, 16:21:01
Thank you for this! Now to gather some money... :))
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Guillairmo on Sat, 04 May 2013, 16:48:29
Nice min-maxing, I see you had the LoL match loading in the background on your computer screen. :P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Elrick on Sat, 04 May 2013, 19:05:41
For those that already have the 660C keyboard, can you try and swap the Realforce Topre Keycaps with it to see if they are truly compatible?

Just curious to know.  If they are, then fun times ahead swapping them out for some dye-subbed Colour Caps  ;) .
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Michael on Sat, 04 May 2013, 19:10:56
For those that already have the 660C keyboard, can you try and swap the Realforce Topre Keycaps with it to see if they are truly compatible?

Just curious to know.  If they are, then fun times ahead swapping them out for some dye-subbed Colour Caps  ;) .




http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42300.msg854610#msg854610 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42300.msg854610#msg854610)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: calavera on Sat, 04 May 2013, 20:08:04
I just noticed my 660c has a capacitance? equation. kewl.

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/IMG_20130504_180128_zps0b086de6.jpg~original)

Curious why they did this. Anyone know?
Title: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Acetrak on Sat, 04 May 2013, 20:48:05
Topre is a capacitive switch :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sun, 05 May 2013, 00:24:56
Okay so I know I said I'd post a more detailed review, but I don't think I can. This board is just awesome. As far as I'm concerned, it's the perfect mini layout. Just having arrow keys alone makes it a winner, but the fact that FN+arrows gives you pgup/pgdn/home/end is the nail in the HHKB coffin in my opinion. The only thing that would make this board better is 55g switches. But even so, this particular board feels stiffer than my old 45g 87U did.

For anybody who uses Windows, and has ever wanted to get a HHKB but was put off by the layout, get this board. It's almost 1/3 cheaper than the HHKB, and has a completely usable layout for the Windows user. I was initially worried about the choice of ins/del for the two off-keys, but having the arrows double as the rest of the six-pack makes up for it. All those keys are easily accessible in a surprisingly intuitive layout.

It's also the cheapest Topre board on the market, and extremely well made. Yes, you don't get dye subbed PBT's, but you still get PBT's (albeit laser-etched). Not sure how the finish is going to hold up, but all the 1x keys from a RF set will fit (plus a few others like Tab, Backspace, \, Enter, and the Shifts). Unfortunately I believe the space bar is still ABS, as it's straight as an arrow.

Cliffs: If you love Topres, or are wanting to try them, buy this board. Period.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Sun, 05 May 2013, 01:54:07
Thanks for the extra info - can't wait to give my one from Boost's GB a hoon!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Elrick on Sun, 05 May 2013, 04:56:11
Just having arrow keys alone makes it a winner, but the fact that FN+arrows gives you pgup/pgdn/home/end is the nail in the HHKB coffin in my opinion.

For the owners of any HHKB's out there, them's fightin' words  ::) .

Although I love the way the 660C looks including it's key-layout but the hard core lover's of the HHKB, will be heading out to your place with Pitchforks and Torches  ^-^ .  You do know how easy it is the rile certain fanatics on here at GH?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ktownhero on Sun, 05 May 2013, 09:50:14
For anybody who uses Windows, and has ever wanted to get a HHKB but was put off by the layout, get this board. It's almost 1/3 cheaper than the HHKB, and has a completely usable layout for the Windows user. I was initially worried about the choice of ins/del for the two off-keys, but having the arrows double as the rest of the six-pack makes up for it. All those keys are easily accessible in a surprisingly intuitive layout.

Wait, the arrows also double as pgup/pgdn/home/end?  I assume up/down being home/end, and left/right being the page keys?  If so, that's ****ing awesome.  That's way more intuitive than having them baked into the letter keys. 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jksteger on Sun, 05 May 2013, 10:17:53
I've noticed one other difference between the fc600c and the HHKB. The size of the key caps. I love the larger caps that the HHKB has. Has anyone else noticed this?  To anyone that has both can you tell any difference in size of the caps?
Title: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Acetrak on Sun, 05 May 2013, 10:36:02
The bottom row of the 660 uses 1.25x mods, hhkb uses 1x and 1.5x mods. The Leo is the first topre board that uses 1.25x mods so keep that in mind if you plan to get replacement caps. (RF and HHKB replacement keycaps won't fit)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: naokira on Sun, 05 May 2013, 10:44:31
I like the layout! Any word when will the 660r gets released?
Title: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sun, 05 May 2013, 13:23:33

Wait, the arrows also double as pgup/pgdn/home/end?  I assume up/down being home/end, and left/right being the page keys?  If so, that's ****ing awesome.  That's way more intuitive than having them baked into the letter keys.

The opposite actually: fn+left/right is home/end, and fn+up/dn is pgup/pgdn

Makes more sense if you think about cursor movements.
Title: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sun, 05 May 2013, 13:24:26
I didn't notice any difference in size between HHKB and 660C caps
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Sun, 05 May 2013, 15:38:38
Hey daerid, now that you've been using this for about a week.. How would you compare it to your 55g RF's?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sun, 05 May 2013, 16:30:59
Different, but not as much as you'd think. The most striking is that it's 45g, obviously, but it feels more solid than the HHKB did. It definitely has a Realforce level of solidity (doesn't move around on the desk when you pound on it). Wins hands down in the portability department though. Threw it in my laptop bag without breaking a sweat.

Really though, it's hard to compare them because they're such different form factors. Typing feel on the 66C is somewhat between the 45g and 55g realforce (of course, my AE 55g feels noticeably stiffer than my white 55g, so YYMV). Hard to beat the 660C's price though :-o
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ktownhero on Mon, 06 May 2013, 06:15:49

Wait, the arrows also double as pgup/pgdn/home/end?  I assume up/down being home/end, and left/right being the page keys?  If so, that's ****ing awesome.  That's way more intuitive than having them baked into the letter keys.

The opposite actually: fn+left/right is home/end, and fn+up/dn is pgup/pgdn

Makes more sense if you think about cursor movements.

Right, that's actually what I meant to write.  :P 

That's great!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rknize on Mon, 06 May 2013, 10:45:08
I had no idea about the Fn+Arrow thing.  That is awesome because I struggle with those a bit.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Tue, 07 May 2013, 15:42:00
What is this video???

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Tue, 07 May 2013, 16:30:24
What is this video???

Testing the FC660C's squeezeability. Obviously..  :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: AKIMbO on Tue, 07 May 2013, 17:18:50
That's an odd sound.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: MJ45 on Tue, 07 May 2013, 17:24:12
What is this video???

Testing the FC660C's squeezeability. Obviously..  :p
Please Don't Squeeze the Leo's! they can get creaky about that!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Tue, 07 May 2013, 18:18:12
Mine doesn't do anything like that.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Tue, 07 May 2013, 18:20:37
Maybe it's just that one guy's 660C so people probably don't have to worry. I just thought I'd share it because it was the first video that popped up when I youtube'd "660C".

Please Don't Squeeze the Leo's! they can get creaky about that!

Time to go upstairs and squeeze my brother's Leo :P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Wed, 08 May 2013, 07:55:51
Exploring hackerability

Controller is on a daughter board. Easy to replace.

(http://i.imgur.com/6slkxKz.jpg)

This is the connector, let's see if I can find a replacement.

(http://i.imgur.com/UpLtfkj.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Wed, 08 May 2013, 14:06:47
Exploring hackerability

[img]

Controller is on a daughter board. Easy to replace.

[img]

This is the connector, let's see if I can find a replacement.

Niiiiiiice... getting a Teensy in there with some blank caps would make my day.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Binge on Wed, 08 May 2013, 15:06:34
I smell so much sexy... maybe a GB in the future for replacement boards if the GB gods are listening.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Wed, 08 May 2013, 16:47:09
I ordered a couple of 20 header connectors from mouser today. I couldn't really tell if they are the right ones from the almost nonexistent specs. I should get them in a couple of days, I hope one will fit. Tomorrow I'll try to find the key matrix. go-go gadget multimeter!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Wed, 08 May 2013, 23:55:05
Please document as much as you can !!! <3
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 09 May 2013, 01:38:44
will do!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Thu, 09 May 2013, 05:41:13
Also very interested to see this... these new 660C's are making it hard for me to not buying a Captivate switch board :))
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: orlando on Fri, 10 May 2013, 12:36:59
Can anyone comment on the keycap printing. Inspecting the images posted I get the impression it would easily wear off, kinda like the printing on the kbt pure pbt caps.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Sun, 12 May 2013, 20:31:04
Does anyone think they'll release this thing in gray and/or white? I wouldn't even mind black with blanks, but the keycap printing looks so bad :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Mon, 13 May 2013, 01:53:38
legends seem lasered.

the connector of the controller is the following:

http://uk.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hirose-Connector/DF14-20S-125C/?qs=zOgoZG1CgI9B89vVdCJoOw==

the female:

http://uk.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hirose-Connector/DF14-20P-125H25/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMs%252bGHln7q6pm7BjqI3J1T15JBL8pyo91tQ%3d
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Tue, 14 May 2013, 13:54:22
Sounds promising! I'd love to wire up a teensy 3 to this thing, if possible. Maybe add a USB hub
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: geminimech on Tue, 14 May 2013, 19:22:55
Does anyone think they'll release this thing in gray and/or white? I wouldn't even mind black with blanks, but the keycap printing looks so bad :(

I'm with this guy.  I have a white RF, and would love to keep the Topre collection white.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Tue, 14 May 2013, 19:38:30
Does anyone think they'll release this thing in gray and/or white? I wouldn't even mind black with blanks, but the keycap printing looks so bad :(

I'm with this guy.  I have a white RF, and would love to keep the Topre collection white.

"guy"  :rolleyes:

I think elitekeyboards said that there was a check box for white/grey option on the box so it's very possible.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Michael on Tue, 14 May 2013, 19:47:19
The more I look at it, the more I think they could have used the 1.5-1-1.5 mod layout so the topre keycap sets would have been compatible. =/
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Tue, 14 May 2013, 20:22:31
I have to agree with this because if i end up getting one of these and make it my primary keyboard, I'd like to have as much custom keycap options available as possible :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: AKIMbO on Tue, 14 May 2013, 20:33:45
Can someone give a detailed description of keyfeel....the 660c vs the HHKB?  Por favor.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 14 May 2013, 20:42:37
I just noticed my 660c has a capacitance? equation. kewl.

Show Image
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/IMG_20130504_180128_zps0b086de6.jpg~original)


Curious why they did this. Anyone know?

I know this is an old post to quote, but I *just* noticed this today for the first time.  Funny, as I've been using it as my primary board since Boost's first shipment.  It kind of blends in with normal lighting.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Tue, 14 May 2013, 22:48:03
Can someone give a detailed description of keyfeel....the 660c vs the HHKB?  Por favor.

It's very similar, but the bottom-out is a bit crisper. It's kind of a blend between the 45g Realforce and the HHKB. One thing about the HHKB that I could never get used to was the feeling that at any point the board might slide around due to the force of typing on it. I don't have that with the FC660C at all.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: geminimech on Tue, 14 May 2013, 22:49:28
Does anyone think they'll release this thing in gray and/or white? I wouldn't even mind black with blanks, but the keycap printing looks so bad :(

I'm with this guy.  I have a white RF, and would love to keep the Topre collection white.

"guy"  :rolleyes:

I think elitekeyboards said that there was a check box for white/grey option on the box so it's very possible.

"expression"  :-*
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jksteger on Wed, 15 May 2013, 10:21:21
FedEx just delivered my FC660C. 

Here it is compared with my Pure
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Wed, 15 May 2013, 10:27:26
I love mine but that WIN8 logo is really killing me.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Guillairmo on Wed, 15 May 2013, 17:45:35
I just got mine today as well, does anyone feel that the insert key produces a slightly different sound/feel?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Wed, 15 May 2013, 22:20:58
Great review, it's making me want to pick one up!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Sniping on Thu, 16 May 2013, 00:18:10
I just got mine today as well, does anyone feel that the insert key produces a slightly different sound/feel?

I don't like the sound coming from my backspace key, it sounds really different than all the other keys.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 16 May 2013, 06:43:48
Is that gold or silver legends? Are the keys actually black or grey?
Gold legends, black keys.

It's actually brownish/tan legends, and dark grey keys.
 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Thu, 16 May 2013, 06:47:00
Is that gold or silver legends? Are the keys actually black or grey?
Gold legends, black keys.

It's actually brownish/tan legends, and dark grey keys.

Seriously? It's going to be very difficult to wait for a different color after reading this. Wish they had done black on dark grey instead and I'm doubtful we'll see more sets for this board.

Edit - Anyway you can take some all-star photos that show off more accurate colors? :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 16 May 2013, 06:57:49

this is pretty close to the real thing in terms of colors.

(http://i.imgur.com/BxWRNj7.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Thu, 16 May 2013, 07:03:18
Thanks so much for the photo Matt3o!! I definitely dislike them less after seeing your photo and knowing that they're grey and not black, but I'm still not sure what I want to do :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 16 May 2013, 07:16:08
So you still dislike them, but just less. They won't have one with black legends on dark grey. Just wait for the blanks to come out, I think you like blanks more anyways. There will be white ones later, but given Leopold's history, it'll be more like beige.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Thu, 16 May 2013, 07:30:10
So you still dislike them, but just less. They won't have one with black legends on dark grey. Just wait for the blanks to come out, I think you like blanks more anyways. There will be white ones later, but given Leopold's history, it'll be more like beige.

I'm probably going to take your advice, but I'm thinking I could resell this one for a small loss if something else comes out. I do really want blanks like you mentioned for the simple reason that I enjoy the look, but all blank mods will work so much better with Topre colored sets and I won't have to worry about the non replaceable 1.25x stuff. Thanks for your input :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morpheus on Thu, 16 May 2013, 08:15:33
Thanks for this review!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: MJ45 on Thu, 16 May 2013, 08:31:25
So you still dislike them, but just less. They won't have one with black legends on dark grey. Just wait for the blanks to come out, I think you like blanks more anyways. There will be white ones later, but given Leopold's history, it'll be more like beige.
WFD I hope you have time to do one of your video reviews on this keyboard. Thanks, MJ
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: AKIMbO on Thu, 16 May 2013, 10:28:32
The lack of indepth reviews existing on this new topre market entrant makes me a sad Nicholas Cage.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Thu, 16 May 2013, 11:48:25
The lack of indepth reviews existing on this new topre market entrant makes me a sad Nicholas Cage.

what would you like to know?

The keyboard is great. Feels and sounds better than a HHKB. I don't have a realforce, I can't make a comparison with that.

Caps are PBT with a very nice texture but legends are not dye sub'd, you can see them wearing out just after 10 days of use (just slightly, but still...).

The layout is great, I really love it and I prefer it to a 60%. Having dedicated arrows with page up/down/home/end FN layer is just perfect for me. The DEL key is a nice addition even though they could have added FN+BS as well. INS is completely useless instead.

The FN layer is brilliant. Also Shift+ESC=~ and FN+ESC=`

I didn't like the right part of the keyboard initially, but I must say that now that I have it in front of may nose, I'm totally in love with it.

What I don't like is the position of the FN key. It can be swapped with the win key, but it's still not perfect.

Definitely one of my preferred keyboard ever.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: whiteduck on Thu, 16 May 2013, 13:21:03
my package has been delivered... must... resist... bailing on work... 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Inept on Thu, 16 May 2013, 15:19:04
After much consideration I took the plunge to get Topre like everyone said and it was definitely the best advice.  This keyboard is a dream to type on.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Thu, 16 May 2013, 17:03:58
Agh I can't wait to get this! Only just got delivered to my US proxy this morning - should be in my hot little hands in NZ next Friday! ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Guillairmo on Thu, 16 May 2013, 20:22:12
Well, this is my first time using topre and it definitley is a unique and excellent experience. However, I can see why most people prefer the 55g weighted over 45g.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: orlando on Thu, 16 May 2013, 20:25:01
Well, this is my first time using topre and it definitley is a unique and excellent experience. However, I can see why most people prefer the 55g weighted over 45g.
55g w/ blank caps and I'd be all over this ... although one of the two would be enough for me to jump on this.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: calavera on Thu, 16 May 2013, 20:32:37
They did plan on releasing a white version this month or the next. No guarantee though. I think they were having issues with key caps printing with whites.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Thu, 16 May 2013, 21:18:45
I think they were having issues with key caps printing with whites.

Ohh the irony..
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morpheus on Thu, 16 May 2013, 23:55:40
Here's a nice typing video...

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:05:51
They did plan on releasing a white version this month or the next. No guarantee though. I think they were having issues with key caps printing with whites.

Then they should just go with blanks  :p

Here's a nice typing video...


 OMG, I really want this keyboard... Thanks for the video!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: calavera on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:23:54
am I the only one that started laughing at 1:30 lol
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:33:15
^ haha he started getting aggressive with those key presses.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: calavera on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:40:14
vtec kicked in yo..in his fingers.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: keymaster on Fri, 17 May 2013, 00:49:53
Lol, he needs something heavy like buckling spring. Spare the poor Topre from this savagery.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WRXChris on Fri, 17 May 2013, 01:29:09
I've been deliberating picking up an FC660C for the past few days and decided I'm going to wait until I can afford an HHKB as my first Topre board.

Anyways, there's one FC660C left at EK, and I need it to stop staring at me, so GOGOGOGO!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:10:35
I've been deliberating picking up an FC660C for the past few days and decided I'm going to wait until I can afford an HHKB as my first Topre board.

Anyways, there's one FC660C left at EK, and I need it to stop staring at me, so GOGOGOGO!

:eek: Wow, so it's finally going to sell out. How do you know how many are in stock?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:12:28
How do you know there's only one left? You can add 1000 to your cart!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:15:12
How do you know there's only one left? You can add 1000 to your cart!

DO EET. 1000, "place order." :))
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:15:15
Add a million to your cart, and pretend to check out. Duh.

Hopefully they can restock with different FC660C choice in June.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:15:59
Add a million to your cart, and pretend to check out. Duh.

Hopefully they can restock with different FC660C choice in June.

I'm definitely with this. I'd love to see some variations! Hopefully I can save up enough money by then :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morpheus on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:38:30
What kind of variations are they coming up with? I hope they make some different keycap sets for this, like with the RF.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:40:50
According to someone, I forget who, there were check boxes for a white version on the box, which is a good thing because that's the one I want.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:45:31
According to someone, I forget who, there were check boxes for a white version on the box, which is a good thing because that's the one I want.

Brian from EK said that I think.. Anyone like black caps on white body? I'll to a trade ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:49:25
Brian from EK said that I think.. Anyone like black caps on white body? I'll to a trade ;D

Good luck on getting that trade. I think most people trade their black caps for white ones on their black cases :P Never give up hope :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 17 May 2013, 02:54:43
What kind of variations are they coming up with? I hope they make some different keycap sets for this, like with the RF.

Grey or "white" color cases. Caps are Korean, Enlglish, or blanks. I'm not sure if all combinations will be possible.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morpheus on Fri, 17 May 2013, 03:30:38
What kind of variations are they coming up with? I hope they make some different keycap sets for this, like with the RF.

Grey or "white" color cases. Caps are Korean, Enlglish, or blanks. I'm not sure if all combinations will be possible.

I see.

Just curious, but do you think they will come out with complete colored keycap sets like RF and WASD for this board?
I can tolerate the font, but I would love it if they could use the original IBM Model M font, whatever that is.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 17 May 2013, 03:48:39
I'm not the person to ask for that. You'll have to hear it straight from the horses mouth.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: MJ45 on Fri, 17 May 2013, 09:43:58
I've been deliberating picking up an FC660C for the past few days and decided I'm going to wait until I can afford an HHKB as my first Topre board.

Anyways, there's one FC660C left at EK, and I need it to stop staring at me, so GOGOGOGO!
Its the best way to get your 1st Topre! I bought mine in Feb. before I knew about the F660C but I have no regrets. The new Leopold is nice but the HHKB is the 60% that sets the standard IMHO. If I need more keys I'll go with a RF 87u 55g, the F660C keys are not as nice and upgrading would put it at the same price range, when and if they become available.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:56:34
Here's my typing video, if anybody's interested. Not quite as intense as the one above (just a quick TypeRacer practice run).

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Fri, 17 May 2013, 10:57:31
Brian from EK said that I think.. Anyone like black caps on white body? I'll to a trade ;D

When the white version comes out, you got yourself a deal!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kbrdhero on Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:26:18
Sold out on EK -_-
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 17 May 2013, 12:47:46
Here's my typing video, if anybody's interested. Not quite as intense as the one above (just a quick TypeRacer practice run).

Ooo! Thank you for this video. I can't get enough of hearing this keyboard at work.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Fri, 17 May 2013, 18:56:39
Brian from EK said that I think.. Anyone like black caps on white body? I'll to a trade ;D

When the white version comes out, you got yourself a deal!

Legend! :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Fri, 17 May 2013, 23:08:18
Dairy
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 18 May 2013, 05:49:19
Dairy

Dary.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sat, 18 May 2013, 10:27:30
Dairy

Dary.

(http://i.imgur.com/DH5ivr9.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sat, 18 May 2013, 10:34:35
The Thockness is strong with this keyboard.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Sat, 18 May 2013, 10:36:39
The Thockness is strong with this keyboard.
Aren't all topre boards with plates like that? :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Sat, 18 May 2013, 10:38:04
The Thockness is strong with this keyboard.
Aren't all topre boards with plates like that? :)

HHKB is PCB mounted.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Sat, 18 May 2013, 10:38:41
The Thockness is strong with this keyboard.
Aren't all topre boards with plates like that? :)

HHKB is PCB mounted.

Reread my post or I could italicize the "with" :)

Edit - I guess I can understand how it may have been misinterpreted, but I meant; "All topre boards that come with plates sound like that, right?"
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Sat, 18 May 2013, 10:49:32
oh I see what you mean, sorry. My bad.

Apart from that who has Realforce says that it is a bit more solid (hence slightly different sound)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Jocelyn on Sat, 18 May 2013, 10:52:06
Thank You for the Realforce sound comparison! Leopold better release a version with blanks soon :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Michael on Sat, 18 May 2013, 13:13:49
HHKB's 'thock' more than RF's.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sat, 18 May 2013, 13:51:39
The Thockness is strong with this keyboard.


HHKB's 'thock' more than RF's.

"Thock" hahaha. First time reading that but it's so accurate of how it sounds.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sat, 18 May 2013, 18:43:05
It's true. However, this FC660C also thocks quite hard. Almost as much as a HHKB, and much more than a RealForce.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ktownhero on Sat, 18 May 2013, 22:35:38
It's true. However, this FC660C also thocks quite hard. Almost as much as a HHKB, and much more than a RealForce.

I can confirm that the thockness of the FC 660C is greater than that of the RealForce.  Thickity thock. 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sat, 18 May 2013, 23:48:01
When you guys say that it thocks "hard," that's in a good way, right? I absolutely love the sound, at least from what I've heard through youtube :P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Yuuki on Sun, 19 May 2013, 03:55:32
The "thockiness" is due to the fact that it's lasererd I think.
My realforce with lasered caps "thocks" more than the dyed one
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sun, 19 May 2013, 12:18:27
Has nothing to do with key cap material or printing. It's due to how the case resonates with the sound of the dome collapsing and the air being forced out of it. The rubber dampens the sound of the plastic impacting, and the escaping air gives it a hollow-ish sound. The case then resonates and adds its own character. A plate will dampen that resonation somewhat. The larger the plate, the larger the low frequency dampening effect. That's why the HHKB thock is much deeper than the Realforce, and only slightly deeper than the 660C.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Yuuki on Sun, 19 May 2013, 15:46:13
So why a realforce with lasered caps sound different ?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sun, 19 May 2013, 16:00:24
Realforce keycaps are dye sub. They sound different because the larger plate absorbs a lot of the low-frequency vibration. Makes the keys slightly quieter and the higher pitched.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Yuuki on Sun, 19 May 2013, 16:26:56
What i'm telling you is that I have several realforces and some are lasered, not dyed and they do sound different than the regular dye sub keycaps realforce. So I assumed that there is a direct correlation between the printing and the sound.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Matt3o on Sun, 19 May 2013, 16:45:29
What i'm telling you is that I have several realforces and some are lasered, not dyed and they do sound different than the regular dye sub keycaps realforce. So I assumed that there is a direct correlation between the printing and the sound.

check the thickness of those keys, that's where the difference in sound lays. the legend print type can't alter the sound.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Yuuki on Sun, 19 May 2013, 16:59:17
will do it. Maybe the thickness of the cap isnt the same between lasered and dyed sub.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sun, 19 May 2013, 17:58:37
I didn't realize that there were lasered RealForces. Which models do you have that are lasered?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Yuuki on Mon, 20 May 2013, 01:51:44
Check the keyboardco topre euro layout with "gold on black" keycaps. Those are lasered.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: EZjiji on Tue, 21 May 2013, 19:06:02
I finally got mine from EK. omg each keypress is orgasmic. Cherry switches feel almost sloppy vs topre. I don't really know how else to describe it. It sounds exactly like the videos that people have put up.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Turkishrambo on Sun, 26 May 2013, 20:22:10
Heres an audio recording i did with my mac.

around 80 wpm or so.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/eft5x6vjxcnmyi3/KYJQ8lVtYA/Untitled%202%20%28AAC%20audio%29.m4a
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: pichu23 on Mon, 27 May 2013, 12:38:34
dat sound..
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Mon, 27 May 2013, 13:55:54
It definitely is one of the best sounding keyboards I've used.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 27 May 2013, 14:07:50
Thank you for the audio recording! Gives me a better idea of how it actually sounds... makes me want one more.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Turkishrambo on Mon, 27 May 2013, 19:52:57
No problemo!

I havn't even touched a cherry keyboard since i got this lmao.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jabar on Mon, 27 May 2013, 20:05:47
I havn't even touched a cherry keyboard since i got this lmao.
That's what happened when I got my HHKB... then it had to go because I was having BSOD problems (corrupt chipset drivers I think, so it wasn't the keyboard). I eventually sold it. I am afraid my FC660C is going to swing me away from Cherry again.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: tycotuna on Wed, 29 May 2013, 16:55:33
Are the Keycaps on the HHKB larger than the ones on the leopard and realforce? Or are my eyes playing a trick on me?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 29 May 2013, 16:58:50
Maybe it's just the size of the legends (and perspective)? People have posted pictures of their FC660C with other Topre caps on them.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Wed, 29 May 2013, 18:59:24
The caps are the same size
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jabar on Thu, 30 May 2013, 00:42:03
The keycaps supplied with the special FC660C release are identical to standard Topre WASD, arrow keycap clusters. They are dyesubbed and noticeably different.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Cafeine on Fri, 31 May 2013, 18:04:03
Got mine. Ohhh happy day. (3 ordered for 2 other friends).
Got a friend to ask his coworkers at the Korea branch of his company for some help. No charge for transport to Paris. WIN. Around 175 dollars per keyboard thanks to him ! <3


(http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/40d988f0ca2711e2b42122000a9d0ed9_7.jpg)


Another keyboardlover friend did a video (http://youtu.be/QRpZKfp0-Lk) (again) but the sound is weird in the 1st part (loudness ON :D)


I use it on my Mac but with a weird AZERTY / Mac layout, still need to find a way to have <> in my layout.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Schattendolch on Fri, 31 May 2013, 23:31:19
what cable is that? it looks sick
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: insilica on Sat, 08 June 2013, 05:51:47
Acetrak,

Have you tried any Realforce/HHKB caps on the 660C?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WONDERBRIGHT on Sat, 08 June 2013, 06:01:33
It's very nice ! :D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Sun, 30 June 2013, 16:25:07
The Thockness is strong with this keyboard.



The Thockness Monster!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jabar on Sun, 30 June 2013, 22:28:33
Still haven't swapped this keyboard out since I received it...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sun, 30 June 2013, 22:30:32
Still haven't swapped this keyboard out since I received it...

What do you mean by swap out?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ImperfectLink on Mon, 01 July 2013, 06:36:28
Nice review. I could almost use this board if it wasn't for needing Home+End all the time.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Mon, 01 July 2013, 11:44:36
Nice review. I could almost use this board if it wasn't for needing Home+End all the time.

Fn+Left and Fn+Right, easy and intuitive
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Binge on Mon, 01 July 2013, 13:57:24
When I found this out I became a bit more elated with the board.  That's far more useful than where it is marked on the keyboard.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: insilica on Mon, 01 July 2013, 14:37:38
Nice review. I could almost use this board if it wasn't for needing Home+End all the time.

Fn+Left and Fn+Right, easy and intuitive

Although I use this board I have mapped Ctrl+A and Ctrl+E to home and end respectively as I have it in terminal.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Exoverture on Mon, 01 July 2013, 19:18:46
After a few days of using this board, I've come to like it a lot.

I always thought topre switches were for me. I never really liked cherry all that much (had tried browns and blues). Sometimes when I would type on it, it would be pretty nice. Others, not so much. Felt like a scratchy keyboard made of lego pieces.

I like the FC660C a lot more than any cherry board I've tried. It is a lot smoother and does not feel that much like rubber domes to me. I type on one everyday almost at school or work, and the difference is huge.

I wouldn't go back to cherry, and I think (just like headphones I decided on 3-4 yrs ago), my keyboard hunt ends here :). I could only see myself wanting a keyboard with more keys, but that hasn't seem to have been an issue so far, so I doubt it ever will. I originally wanted a Realforce but it remains too expensive to purchase in Canada. That being said, I haven't missed any keys that my Filco TKL had that this doesn't.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rknize on Mon, 01 July 2013, 21:17:33
I got bored with it after a while, but going back to it is a nice change of pace.  If they ever come out with a 55g version...maybe it won't feel this mushy.  I still think the space bar is too stiff compared to the rest of the keys.  The layout is great, though.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Sniping on Mon, 01 July 2013, 22:21:36
The extra weight on the spacebar comes from a spring that you can remove. I put it on my backspace.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jabar on Mon, 01 July 2013, 23:42:10
What do you mean by swap out?
haven't used any of my other umpteen boards  :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: insilica on Tue, 02 July 2013, 02:55:58
What do you mean by swap out?
haven't used any of my other umpteen boards  :p

Does this mean you're on your way to the marketplace to sell your umpteen boards?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Tue, 02 July 2013, 16:03:01
Ordered a 55g 87U to do a dome swap :)) This is gonna be epic.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: insilica on Tue, 02 July 2013, 16:16:43
Ordered a 55g 87U to do a dome swap :)) This is gonna be epic.

You might as well use the dye sub pbt goodness from the RF, the alpha keys at least :)

Or you gonna dome swap and throw it on classified?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Tue, 02 July 2013, 16:27:50
Ordered a 55g 87U to do a dome swap :)) This is gonna be epic.

You might as well use the dye sub pbt goodness from the RF, the alpha keys at least :)

Or you gonna dome swap and throw it on classified?

Think I'll swap then chuck it on the classifieds.

Seems a shame to have a $250 keyboard not getting any love ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rknize on Tue, 02 July 2013, 16:36:08
The extra weight on the spacebar comes from a spring that you can remove. I put it on my backspace.

Thanks...I took it off and that solved that annoyance.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 02 July 2013, 17:01:49
The extra weight on the spacebar comes from a spring that you can remove. I put it on my backspace.

Thanks...I took it off and that solved that annoyance.

Not being overly familiar with Topre (only just got a HHKB), and thinking about getting a FC660C at some stage (if the white ones come out), is there much involved in removing said spring?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Tue, 02 July 2013, 17:04:21
Not being overly familiar with Topre (only just got a HHKB), and thinking about getting a FC660C at some stage (if the white ones come out), is there much involved in removing said spring?

Nah man, you literally pop off the spacebar and it's just a loose spring sitting over the switch stem :P high-tech!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 02 July 2013, 17:44:45
Not being overly familiar with Topre (only just got a HHKB), and thinking about getting a FC660C at some stage (if the white ones come out), is there much involved in removing said spring?

Nah man, you literally pop off the spacebar and it's just a loose spring sitting over the switch stem :P high-tech!

As simple as that?  I was expecting a bit more lol
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Sniping on Tue, 02 July 2013, 18:13:26
WFD explains it well in his video. They added the spring on top so you can remove if you don't like it but it's probably there to reduce the sound of the "slap" the spacebar makes when you press it.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rknize on Tue, 02 July 2013, 19:47:02
Well, your thumbs are stronger than your other fingers and the space bar is the heaviest key, so it is technically more ergonomic to have a spring there.  Some MX blue keyboards will use a green for the space bar for the same reason.  Personally, I don't like it.

All the stabs are rattly on mine.  Removing the spring didn't change anything.  Typical for Topre?  It might be a tad tricky to lube them.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 02 July 2013, 20:12:43
I do have fairly strong thumbs, and in fact I hadn't noticed that both my keyboards with MX blues had greens for the space bars.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morpheus on Wed, 03 July 2013, 00:12:39
Not being overly familiar with Topre (only just got a HHKB), and thinking about getting a FC660C at some stage (if the white ones come out), is there much involved in removing said spring?

Nah man, you literally pop off the spacebar and it's just a loose spring sitting over the switch stem :P high-tech!

As simple as that?  I was expecting a bit more lol

I did this too, it was very easy.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: insilica on Wed, 03 July 2013, 02:50:16
TBH the space bar doesn't bother me. I'm still getting used to the form factor.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ImperfectLink on Wed, 03 July 2013, 09:08:13
Nice review. I could almost use this board if it wasn't for needing Home+End all the time.

Fn+Left and Fn+Right, easy and intuitive

Usually I'm doing Shift+Home etc. so using FN would add yet another layer.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 03 July 2013, 11:36:01
The extra weight on the spacebar comes from a spring that you can remove. I put it on my backspace.

This was my preferred usage, I also flipped the back space.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Wed, 03 July 2013, 16:00:35
Fn+Left and Fn+Right, easy and intuitive

Usually I'm doing Shift+Home etc. so using FN would add yet another layer.

Yeah, me too. I still found it super easy to just use my thumb to hit Fn and my fingers to hit left/right.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: deazncy on Wed, 03 July 2013, 20:17:50
I've had the 660c for about 2 weeks, but I'm already noticing a fade in some of the letters on the keyboard. Are there any decently priced replacement Topre keycaps that will fit on it?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ImperfectLink on Thu, 04 July 2013, 21:10:03
Yeah, me too. I still found it super easy to just use my thumb to hit Fn and my fingers to hit left/right.

I'm still unsure how I would do a Ctrl+tilde. Is there a way to swap default esc and tilde so I wouldn't have to use 3 keys?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kelske on Thu, 04 July 2013, 21:19:44
Yeah, me too. I still found it super easy to just use my thumb to hit Fn and my fingers to hit left/right.

I'm still unsure how I would do a Ctrl+tilde. Is there a way to swap default esc and tilde so I wouldn't have to use 3 keys?

Holding function and pressing Q toggles between Esc and ` as default, it will light up the LED under insert to tell you it's on or off :)

Hope that's what you were looking for
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ImperfectLink on Thu, 04 July 2013, 22:45:25
Damn you guys are making me want one.  ;)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 04 July 2013, 22:47:30
I still want a white one.

Anyone seen a white one in the wild yet?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: megaxpop on Sat, 06 July 2013, 06:00:48
yeah! i wanna white one too! :x
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: KangarooZombies on Tue, 09 July 2013, 04:14:14
I would really like some sweet keycaps for this thing...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Tue, 09 July 2013, 17:00:39
...
If you have any questions please feel free to ask in thread. It's past my bed time so I'll answer tomorrow. Peace out.

Thanks for the review. I have a FC660C on backorder from EK. It should arrive by the end of the month. Already I know I will want to replace the keycaps, or at least the alphas. Two questions:

1. Where can I get Topre keycaps in white/light gray to fit the FC660C? Even if the caps for the 87u fit, EK is out of stock. However, they do have HHKB Pro 2 keycaps -- would these work?

2. I might leave the spacebar as is because it is an odd size that is difficult to find. If I left the spacebar and perhaps the modifiers, would there be too much of a profile mismatch between the new keys and the stock ones?

BTW, I have just received the FC660M. Keycaps for this Cherry model should be easier to find, but again there would be a profile mismatch if I kept some of the original keycaps. The spacebar might be the most difficult one to replace.

Thanks for any suggestions on this.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Turkishrambo on Tue, 09 July 2013, 17:18:56
...
If you have any questions please feel free to ask in thread. It's past my bed time so I'll answer tomorrow. Peace out.

Thanks for the review. I have a FC660C on backorder from EK. It should arrive by the end of the month. Already I know I will want to replace the keycaps, or at least the alphas. Two questions:

1. Where can I get Topre keycaps in white/light gray to fit the FC660C? Even if the caps for the 87u fit, EK is out of stock. However, they do have HHKB Pro 2 keycaps -- would these work?

2. I might leave the spacebar as is because it is an odd size that is difficult to find. If I left the spacebar and perhaps the modifiers, would there be too much of a profile mismatch between the new keys and the stock ones?

BTW, I have just received the FC660M. Keycaps for this Cherry model should be easier to find, but again there would be a profile mismatch if I kept some of the original keycaps. The spacebar might be the most difficult one to replace.

Thanks for any suggestions on this.

good luck finding a 6x spacebar.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: listokei on Mon, 12 August 2013, 07:47:59
Great review! Thank you  ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: MJ45 on Mon, 12 August 2013, 10:49:21
HHKB & Realforce space bars are 6x but ABS.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: redchrome on Mon, 26 August 2013, 05:34:09
This keyboard looks promising, but I have just one concern: Is it possible to type Shift-Esc on this thing? That is sometimes useful, for example in Chrome it activates the Task Manager.

Can someone confirm if it's possible to type Shift-Esc somehow? Shift-Fn-Esc or something?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Grim Fandango on Mon, 26 August 2013, 06:00:58
I like the layout on this.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 26 August 2013, 06:05:40
I hope mine comes in today but I'll probably have to wait until tomorrow :( Can't wait!!!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dreamingftw on Mon, 26 August 2013, 13:34:04
Just got mine in the mail the other day, loving it so far!

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 26 August 2013, 17:04:26
I'm still waiting for a white one, but as my non-existend IT budget has been depleted, I am unlikely to be able to get one if a few white ones suddenly appear.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 26 August 2013, 17:31:26
I'm still waiting for a white one, but as my non-existend IT budget has been depleted, I am unlikely to be able to get one if a few white ones suddenly appear.

I am in the same boat as you when it comes to a white one but I caved because I wanted to try a small form factor Topre for my new work. If a white one comes out, I'll just sell this one and pay a lil' more for the white one :D This is all assuming I end up liking Topre :))
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 26 August 2013, 17:37:05
I'm still waiting for a white one, but as my non-existend IT budget has been depleted, I am unlikely to be able to get one if a few white ones suddenly appear.

I am in the same boat as you when it comes to a white one but I caved because I wanted to try a small form factor Topre for my new work. If a white one comes out, I'll just sell this one and pay a lil' more for the white one :D This is all assuming I end up liking Topre :))

I caved in and got HHKB Pro 2 ;)

I would have bought the FC660C in white in a heartbeat if it had been available at the time.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 26 August 2013, 18:16:18
I'm still waiting for a white one, but as my non-existend IT budget has been depleted, I am unlikely to be able to get one if a few white ones suddenly appear.

I am in the same boat as you when it comes to a white one but I caved because I wanted to try a small form factor Topre for my new work. If a white one comes out, I'll just sell this one and pay a lil' more for the white one :D This is all assuming I end up liking Topre :))

I caved in and got HHKB Pro 2 ;)

I would have bought the FC660C in white in a heartbeat if it had been available at the time.

Ooo HKKB Pro 2. I want to try that baby in the future just so I can have a comparison. I'm actually attempting to look for a set of White RF key caps so I can put them on the 660C. We all know how that's going :))
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Mon, 26 August 2013, 18:33:14
I'm still waiting for a white one, but as my non-existend IT budget has been depleted, I am unlikely to be able to get one if a few white ones suddenly appear.

I am in the same boat as you when it comes to a white one but I caved because I wanted to try a small form factor Topre for my new work. If a white one comes out, I'll just sell this one and pay a lil' more for the white one :D This is all assuming I end up liking Topre :))

I caved in and got HHKB Pro 2 ;)

I would have bought the FC660C in white in a heartbeat if it had been available at the time.

Ooo HKKB Pro 2. I want to try that baby in the future just so I can have a comparison. I'm actually attempting to look for a set of White RF key caps so I can put them on the 660C. We all know how that's going :))

Will the keycaps from the RF 87u work for the Leopold FC660C? What about the spacebar? If the keycaps fit, then the only other problem is getting an extra left shift to use as the right shift keycap.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 26 August 2013, 18:34:43
I'm still waiting for a white one, but as my non-existend IT budget has been depleted, I am unlikely to be able to get one if a few white ones suddenly appear.

I am in the same boat as you when it comes to a white one but I caved because I wanted to try a small form factor Topre for my new work. If a white one comes out, I'll just sell this one and pay a lil' more for the white one :D This is all assuming I end up liking Topre :))

I caved in and got HHKB Pro 2 ;)

I would have bought the FC660C in white in a heartbeat if it had been available at the time.

Ooo HKKB Pro 2. I want to try that baby in the future just so I can have a comparison. I'm actually attempting to look for a set of White RF key caps so I can put them on the 660C. We all know how that's going :))

Will the keycaps from the RF 87u work for the Leopold FC660C? What about the spacebar? If the keycaps fit, then the only other problem is getting an extra left shift to use as the right shift keycap.

I believe all the keycaps fit except for the entire bottom row of the 660C (alt, ctrl, windows, fn, spacebar), and the right Shift key.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Mon, 26 August 2013, 22:54:42
I'm still waiting for a white one, but as my non-existend IT budget has been depleted, I am unlikely to be able to get one if a few white ones suddenly appear.

I am in the same boat as you when it comes to a white one but I caved because I wanted to try a small form factor Topre for my new work. If a white one comes out, I'll just sell this one and pay a lil' more for the white one :D This is all assuming I end up liking Topre :))

I caved in and got HHKB Pro 2 ;)

I would have bought the FC660C in white in a heartbeat if it had been available at the time.

Ooo HKKB Pro 2. I want to try that baby in the future just so I can have a comparison. I'm actually attempting to look for a set of White RF key caps so I can put them on the 660C. We all know how that's going :))

Will the keycaps from the RF 87u work for the Leopold FC660C? What about the spacebar? If the keycaps fit, then the only other problem is getting an extra left shift to use as the right shift keycap.

I believe all the keycaps fit except for the entire bottom row of the 660C (alt, ctrl, windows, fn, spacebar), and the right Shift key.
Yikes! That still leaves quite a few keycaps to replace. It seems that one of the the main issues with both the FC660M and the FC660C is finding replacement keycaps. In particular, with respect to its Cherry-switch boards, Leopold makes it difficult by adhering to a different standard for the spacing of the mounting stems from the more commonly used standard found in boards made by Filco, CoolerMaster, and others.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Tue, 27 August 2013, 14:38:59
Got me ma 660C today! Feels amazing! Flipped the spacebar and added a Red ESC key :P

(http://i.imgur.com/hCxqvFJ.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/EFT4Xwa.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/Xr94QQ5.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/s1ylFeQ.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/M16P5Lw.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/fkTDmuz.jpg)


Update: Just flipped dip switch 3 which switched the windows key with the fn key. The fn key felt awkward where it was on the right.


Here are also some rough youtube videos I uploaded of me typing on it:


This video has less accurate audio but shows off the board a bit more:

This video has a slightly more accurate recording of the sound:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Muldoonite on Thu, 29 August 2013, 19:24:38
I'm thinking of picking one of these up and was wondering if the topre switches were quiet enough to use in a library or some other quiet area. I'm only familiar with Cherry browns (leopold tenkeyless). Thanks.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Sniping on Thu, 29 August 2013, 19:49:33
I would say that it's quiet enough. Similar to a rubber dome keyboard, a lot of the noise depends on how much force you use when you type.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jabar on Thu, 29 August 2013, 20:42:02
Still have yet to revert to a Cherry keyboard since I bought this some 3+ months ago...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 29 August 2013, 21:29:04
Still have yet to revert to a Cherry keyboard since I bought this some 3+ months ago...

Ditto. (Though, I did use the 660M for a bit, but 660C feels better.) 

My spacebar has a shine already. I assume it's ABS and not PBT like the other keys?  (Like HHKB)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morpheus on Fri, 30 August 2013, 04:37:44
I am sort of disappointed because the keycaps for letters are already fading. I can barely see the C, N, M, K, D, S and L keys. Oh well, at least I can touch type so I don't have to look at the keys.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 30 August 2013, 04:58:16
I'm thinking of picking one of these up and was wondering if the topre switches were quiet enough to use in a library or some other quiet area. I'm only familiar with Cherry browns (leopold tenkeyless). Thanks.

I would say it CAN be quiet enough. I find it possible to type on this at fast speeds while still keeping the volume down by how I softly I type on it. Also, not using the rubber feet help keep the volume down.

Still have yet to revert to a Cherry keyboard since I bought this some 3+ months ago...

I can see this happening :)) Main reason for going to Cherry these days is whenever I game because I can only game on my Vintage Black.

My spacebar has a shine already. I assume it's ABS and not PBT like the other keys?  (Like HHKB)

Yes, the spacebars on these things are ABS :( The rest are PBT.

I am sort of disappointed because the keycaps for letters are already fading. I can barely see the C, N, M, K, D, S and L keys. Oh well, at least I can touch type so I don't have to look at the keys.

I'm also scared of the day this starts happening because, even though I touch type, it'll just start looking ugly :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Cafeine on Fri, 30 August 2013, 17:31:15
I am sort of disappointed because the keycaps for letters are already fading. I can barely see the C, N, M, K, D, S and L keys. Oh well, at least I can touch type so I don't have to look at the keys.


Same here but I wanted a blank KB anyway...   8)   So anyone knows a way to speed up the process? :x
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Muldoonite on Sat, 31 August 2013, 01:38:22
I'm thinking of picking one of these up and was wondering if the topre switches were quiet enough to use in a library or some other quiet area. I'm only familiar with Cherry browns (leopold tenkeyless). Thanks.

I would say it CAN be quiet enough. I find it possible to type on this at fast speeds while still keeping the volume down by how I softly I type on it. Also, not using the rubber feet help keep the volume down.


I would say that it's quiet enough. Similar to a rubber dome keyboard, a lot of the noise depends on how much force you use when you type.


Cool, good to know. Guess I'll be getting one of these then. Can't wait to try out a Topre board!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Sun, 15 September 2013, 10:41:14
Finally got my Leopold FC660C, and I've had it for several weeks now. I like the Topre switches MUCH more than any Cherry mx switch I have tried (brown, blue, black, white, green), and almost as much as IBM buckling springs. Not only do I like the typing feel and sound, but my speed and accuracy are better on this board than any of my Cherry mx boards, including the FC660M.

The Leopold FC660C could be my favorite board if they ever issue some decent dye-sub PBT keycaps for it. In the meantime, I will probably revert to my trusty IBM SSK.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Tempiz on Sun, 15 September 2013, 16:18:17
Awesome review! I've been looking to get one of these when I get some extra money!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: s0ckpupp3t on Wed, 18 September 2013, 22:11:28
I just got the FC660C and I have a question:  Is the INS key supposed to light up when you press it?  Mine doesn't but it looks like it should since it has a little window for it.

My CapsLock lights up.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Wed, 18 September 2013, 22:13:16
I just got the FC660C and I have a question:  Is the INS key supposed to light up when you press it?  Mine doesn't but it looks like it should since it has a little window for it.

My CapsLock lights up.

Thanks.

It lights up when you press fn + Q. It makes it so when you press Esc, it types `.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: s0ckpupp3t on Wed, 18 September 2013, 22:39:48
I just got the FC660C and I have a question:  Is the INS key supposed to light up when you press it?  Mine doesn't but it looks like it should since it has a little window for it.

My CapsLock lights up.

Thanks.

It lights up when you press fn + Q. It makes it so when you press Esc, it types `.

Ah, it does.  But if that's the case, why on Earth is the LED on the INS and not the ESC key?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Wed, 18 September 2013, 23:29:04
I just got the FC660C and I have a question:  Is the INS key supposed to light up when you press it?  Mine doesn't but it looks like it should since it has a little window for it.

My CapsLock lights up.

Thanks.

It lights up when you press fn + Q. It makes it so when you press Esc, it types `.

Ah, it does.  But if that's the case, why on Earth is the LED on the INS and not the ESC key?

Ż\_(ツ)_/Ż
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 00:20:16
Yeah, that's what I thought originally!  :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: PadawanGeek on Thu, 19 September 2013, 05:43:06
I like the layout on my FC660M, so I'm leaning towards getting an FC660C when they become available locally.....
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Thu, 19 September 2013, 16:56:26
I like the layout on my FC660M, so I'm leaning towards getting an FC660C when they become available locally.....

Where do you live? They're in stock at elitekeyboards.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: PadawanGeek on Thu, 19 September 2013, 19:24:03
Where do you live? They're in stock at elitekeyboards.
Somewhere in Asia, the local distributer of Ducky and HHKB did mention they would be bringing in some Leopold keyboards.....so, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jbondeson on Thu, 19 September 2013, 20:43:41
Got my FC660c earlier this week, and as people have been saying the switches feel heavier than 45g. I've been driving a first run Das since 2006 (these were made with mx blues) and as a developer this sucker's seen a lot of action and it feels like the blues on my Das are lighter.

Don't know how I feel about the topres yet, this board may end up for trade here in a couple weeks, just want to give it a fair shake first. I'm definitely not an instant convert.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 20:56:45
Got my FC660c earlier this week, and as people have been saying the switches feel heavier than 45g. I've been driving a first run Das since 2006 (these were made with mx blues) and as a developer this sucker's seen a lot of action and it feels like the blues on my Das are lighter.

Don't know how I feel about the topres yet, this board may end up for trade here in a couple weeks, just want to give it a fair shake first. I'm definitely not an instant convert.

It is often said that you should give yourself a week or two to become accustomed to Topre before making a final decision.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Thu, 19 September 2013, 21:35:54
Got my FC660c earlier this week, and as people have been saying the switches feel heavier than 45g. I've been driving a first run Das since 2006 (these were made with mx blues) and as a developer this sucker's seen a lot of action and it feels like the blues on my Das are lighter.

Don't know how I feel about the topres yet, this board may end up for trade here in a couple weeks, just want to give it a fair shake first. I'm definitely not an instant convert.

It is often said that you should give yourself a week or two to become accustomed to Topre before making a final decision.

I can somewhat agree with this, and I've been one of those people that have been saying the 45g on the 660C are much stiffer, and I still stick by this. Even after over 100 hours on my 660C, and even though it definitely has gotten a lil' lighter and smoother, it is still feels stiffer than 45g in a Cherry board AND it's still stiffer/pop-ier/springier than my 45g Realforce 23UB. When I first used my 45g 23UB when I got it, I almost thought that was what 35g must feel like and felt and compared every switch on it. Just like how Cherry MX blues can feel and sound different depending on the brand, maybe the 45g Topre switches can feel and sound different depending on the maker also... who knows, maybe the 23UB is lighter because of more use than my 660C. I guess I'll only know after another 100 or so hours on my 660C, and we'll see if it gets even lighter with more use. Either way, I can confidently say that the pop-ier/springier feeling on the 660C is greatly satisfying, and would choose it over the feel of the Realforce 23UB. However, don't get any wrong ideas... the 23UB still feels like a dream, it's just the key press is lighter than the 660C.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jbondeson on Thu, 19 September 2013, 22:16:53
It is often said that you should give yourself a week or two to become accustomed to Topre before making a final decision.

Certainly, when you've been running the same board for 7 years like I have, any change is going to be dramatic. And since this is an entirely different type of switch the change will be even more pronounced.

I actually picked up a QFR with browns at the same time that I'm using at home to see how I like the feel between the two, and as can be expected I have been much more comfortable with the browns so far than with the Topres. But I'm certainly not giving up yet!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 September 2013, 22:43:01
It is often said that you should give yourself a week or two to become accustomed to Topre before making a final decision.

Certainly, when you've been running the same board for 7 years like I have, any change is going to be dramatic. And since this is an entirely different type of switch the change will be even more pronounced.

I actually picked up a QFR with browns at the same time that I'm using at home to see how I like the feel between the two, and as can be expected I have been much more comfortable with the browns so far than with the Topres. But I'm certainly not giving up yet!

7 years is a long time to be using one keyboard.  How many computers did you go through in that time?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jbondeson on Thu, 19 September 2013, 23:06:58
7 years is a long time to be using one keyboard.  How many computers did you go through in that time?

It outlasted 3 laptops and a desktop at work, and the thing is still kicking and could rip through another 4. I would hope the better build quality on the FC660C would be able to match the Das as their first mechanical model has a cheap plastic case, thin ABS caps, and I'm pretty sure it's PCB mounted.

I'd be interested to hear from people who have been using HHKBs or RealForces for as long and as consistently as I used my Das and how their keyboards have held up.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: baotung on Fri, 20 September 2013, 01:50:37
All these threads and posts on the 660C gets me tempted to buy one! My friend has one and I must say... I can see why so many just fall for the Topre trap... Question is, if I do go for Topre, do I get this or a RF... or a HHKB... :))
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 20 September 2013, 01:54:39
All these threads and posts on the 660C gets me tempted to buy one! My friend has one and I must say... I can see why so many just fall for the Topre trap... Question is, if I do go for Topre, do I get this or a RF... or a HHKB... :))

RF if you are addicted to a conventional layout.

HHKB if you don't mind not having dedicated arrow keys.

FC660C if you are undecided.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: baotung on Fri, 20 September 2013, 01:59:16
All these threads and posts on the 660C gets me tempted to buy one! My friend has one and I must say... I can see why so many just fall for the Topre trap... Question is, if I do go for Topre, do I get this or a RF... or a HHKB... :))

RF if you are addicted to a conventional layout.

HHKB if you don't mind not having dedicated arrow keys.

FC660C if you are undecided.

This is actually a pretty decent way to look at it lol. Thanks!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: PadawanGeek on Fri, 20 September 2013, 03:17:21
All these threads and posts on the 660C gets me tempted to buy one! My friend has one and I must say... I can see why so many just fall for the Topre trap... Question is, if I do go for Topre, do I get this or a RF... or a HHKB... :))
Exactly! I have two Topre and two HHKB 2's, and when I come here.....I somehow feel my collection isn't complete w/o an FC660C. GH can be very taxing on one's wallet at times, no? :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: aggiejy on Sat, 21 September 2013, 00:02:51
For the past couple weeks, I've been alternating between the FC660C and FC660M a couple times a day.  It's funny, because right when I switch to the other, it feels so nice and good.  Back and forth.  It's like marrying two hot Korean twins, if polygamy wasn't frowned upon. I highly recommend. :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 21 September 2013, 01:39:46
For the past couple weeks, I've been alternating between the FC660C and FC660M a couple times a day.  It's funny, because right when I switch to the other, it feels so nice and good.  Back and forth.  It's like marrying two hot Korean twins, if polygamy wasn't frowned upon. I highly recommend. :)

You sound a bit like me - lots of different keyboards but too easily pleased by whichever one you are using at the moment.

I loved the Model M, then switched back to the HHKB and love it too.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sat, 21 September 2013, 02:17:30
For the past couple weeks, I've been alternating between the FC660C and FC660M a couple times a day.  It's funny, because right when I switch to the other, it feels so nice and good.  Back and forth.  It's like marrying two hot Korean twins, if polygamy wasn't frowned upon. I highly recommend. :)

:)) "it's like marrying two hot Korean twins,"... that would be a headache :))

However, I can agree with you there. Once you've gathered enough nice boards and caps, it's too easy to fall in love with whatever switch type and keycaps that are touching your finger tips at the time... Makes it so hard to sell them when the money becomes tight :)) What's worse is that I'm usually wanting to sell things to get more of the same things :)) I'm sure many of you can empathize.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 21 September 2013, 02:19:33
For the past couple weeks, I've been alternating between the FC660C and FC660M a couple times a day.  It's funny, because right when I switch to the other, it feels so nice and good.  Back and forth.  It's like marrying two hot Korean twins, if polygamy wasn't frowned upon. I highly recommend. :)

:)) "it's like marrying two hot Korean twins,"... that would be a headache :))

Is that an option?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sat, 21 September 2013, 02:29:00
For the past couple weeks, I've been alternating between the FC660C and FC660M a couple times a day.  It's funny, because right when I switch to the other, it feels so nice and good.  Back and forth.  It's like marrying two hot Korean twins, if polygamy wasn't frowned upon. I highly recommend. :)

:)) "it's like marrying two hot Korean twins,"... that would be a headache :))

Is that an option?

Lol! I would bet on it not being an option :)) But then again, I think polygamy in general is a formula for trouble :P huehuehue
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 21 September 2013, 03:54:02
For the past couple weeks, I've been alternating between the FC660C and FC660M a couple times a day.  It's funny, because right when I switch to the other, it feels so nice and good.  Back and forth.  It's like marrying two hot Korean twins, if polygamy wasn't frowned upon. I highly recommend. :)

:)) "it's like marrying two hot Korean twins,"... that would be a headache :))

Is that an option?

Lol! I would bet on it not being an option :)) But then again, I think polygamy in general is a formula for trouble :P huehuehue

With twins could be interesting ;)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sun, 22 September 2013, 06:31:12
With twins could be interesting ;)

LOL! Most probably so :P



On another note, I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this already but, anyone who owns a 660C, do you notice how the arrow cluster feels? I know the 660C is supposed to be uniform 45g but the arrow cluster just feels so much more ridiculously lighter compared to the rest of the keyboard... It can't be just me. Someone else agree here because I know for a fact that I've barely used the arrow cluster, so it can't be that it's broken in, and even with the 100+ hours on the alpha cluster, my arrow cluster still feels way lighter (I actually kind of like how light it is... maybe I'd enjoy a full 30/35g board, or at least the variable weight RF).
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: therecorder on Sun, 22 September 2013, 07:28:58
With twins could be interesting ;)

LOL! Most probably so :P



On another note, I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this already but, anyone who owns a 660C, do you notice how the arrow cluster feels? I know the 660C is supposed to be uniform 45g but the arrow cluster just feels so much more ridiculously lighter compared to the rest of the keyboard... It can't be just me. Someone else agree here because I know for a fact that I've barely used the arrow cluster, so it can't be that it's broken in, and even with the 100+ hours on the alpha cluster, my arrow cluster still feels way lighter (I actually kind of like how light it is... maybe I'd enjoy a full 30/35g board, or at least the variable weight RF).

Might be interested in this thread, especially from Reply #134, forward:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=27474.msg1047302#msg1047302
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jbondeson on Sun, 22 September 2013, 10:11:37
On another note, I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this already but, anyone who owns a 660C, do you notice how the arrow cluster feels? I know the 660C is supposed to be uniform 45g but the arrow cluster just feels so much more ridiculously lighter compared to the rest of the keyboard... It can't be just me. Someone else agree here because I know for a fact that I've barely used the arrow cluster, so it can't be that it's broken in, and even with the 100+ hours on the alpha cluster, my arrow cluster still feels way lighter (I actually kind of like how light it is... maybe I'd enjoy a full 30/35g board, or at least the variable weight RF).

I can't say I immediately noticed that, but I'm still not used to its position so that discomfort probably clouds any judgement on weight. I brought my board home over the weekend so I'll try it out sometime today and see if I have the same observation.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Sun, 22 September 2013, 11:09:00
On another note, I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this already but, anyone who owns a 660C, do you notice how the arrow cluster feels? I know the 660C is supposed to be uniform 45g but the arrow cluster just feels so much more ridiculously lighter compared to the rest of the keyboard... It can't be just me. Someone else agree here because I know for a fact that I've barely used the arrow cluster, so it can't be that it's broken in, and even with the 100+ hours on the alpha cluster, my arrow cluster still feels way lighter (I actually kind of like how light it is... maybe I'd enjoy a full 30/35g board, or at least the variable weight RF).

I can't say I immediately noticed that, but I'm still not used to its position so that discomfort probably clouds any judgement on weight. I brought my board home over the weekend so I'll try it out sometime today and see if I have the same observation.

You could also measure the actuation force using stacks of nickels.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sun, 22 September 2013, 14:33:54
Might be interested in this thread, especially from Reply #134, forward:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=27474.msg1047302#msg1047302

Oo, I'm definitely going to have to check this out. I know for a fact that I do not feel any inconsistency issues on this board at all, and the rest of my keys, other than the arrow cluster, are uniform 45g, or at least feel like it. The quality on this thing is awesome.

I can't say I immediately noticed that, but I'm still not used to its position so that discomfort probably clouds any judgement on weight. I brought my board home over the weekend so I'll try it out sometime today and see if I have the same observation.

Please do :D I'll look forward to hearing back from you. You will definitely notice the difference in weight between the two, there's no doubt. I can feel it, it's not just my imagination :)) I just wanted to see if everyone else had the same issue (I wouldn't necessarily see it as a problem because it's just the arrow cluster, and I kind of like it).

You could also measure the actuation force using stacks of nickels.

I might actually try this in the near future. Thanks.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kenmai9 on Sun, 22 September 2013, 15:04:22
has anyone tried adding the 10g spring to all of the keys to make this a 55g board? or are those springs not easily available?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sun, 22 September 2013, 15:12:08
has anyone tried adding the 10g spring to all of the keys to make this a 55g board? or are those springs not easily available?

I moved my spacebar spring and put it on the Esc key but I've asked multiple people and it does not make it feel like the 55g Topre switch. However, it does make it nice and stiff, and doesn't feel too bad. I don't know if they're readily available though. If they are, someone post a link, I'd love to try it out because I actually like how it feels.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Sun, 22 September 2013, 15:21:17
has anyone tried adding the 10g spring to all of the keys to make this a 55g board? or are those springs not easily available?
I recently posted this question, and I have asked EK.com about it. The springs are not readily available. However, it should be possible to measure the spring and have them custom made. Alternatively, there are online spring calculators for designing springs with specific dimensions and spring constants, e.g., compression force. Apparently there are companies that could make custom springs according to the parameters given to them. However, putting such auxiliary springs on the stems would not be the same as swapping domes or installing 55-gram Topres in the place of 45-gram Topres.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: jbondeson on Sun, 22 September 2013, 15:29:21
Please do :D I'll look forward to hearing back from you. You will definitely notice the difference in weight between the two, there's no doubt. I can feel it, it's not just my imagination :)) I just wanted to see if everyone else had the same issue (I wouldn't necessarily see it as a problem because it's just the arrow cluster, and I kind of like it).

Alright, pulled out the board, and you're definitely right, the arrow cluster is weighted differently. It's especially noticeable with my pinky, which i'm just now starting to use for that.

You could also measure the actuation force using stacks of nickels.

Because I was curious I went ahead and tried it:

Arrows: 9-11 nickels to bottom out so ~45g-55g
Others: 12-13 nickels to bottom out so ~60g-65g

Now that method seems highly error prone since you're talking +/- 12% with 5g weights and the key profiles make this a little tough enough that i had to adjust the board pitch to keep the force perpendicular to the key top. In the end tough it was consistently lighter on items in the same row so that makes me feel a little better.

For anyone curious my QFR with browns was consistently at 11 nickels or ~55g, and my Das with blues was consistently at 13 nickels or ~65g so at least how i was performing it passes the smell test.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: EZjiji on Mon, 23 September 2013, 15:40:19
Is there a way to the get Caps Lock led to light up when you have the dip switch 1 on? It turns on fine with the switch off, so I don't think there's anything wrong with the led.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: s0ckpupp3t on Tue, 24 September 2013, 16:08:37
Please do :D I'll look forward to hearing back from you. You will definitely notice the difference in weight between the two, there's no doubt. I can feel it, it's not just my imagination :)) I just wanted to see if everyone else had the same issue (I wouldn't necessarily see it as a problem because it's just the arrow cluster, and I kind of like it).

Alright, pulled out the board, and you're definitely right, the arrow cluster is weighted differently. It's especially noticeable with my pinky, which i'm just now starting to use for that.

You could also measure the actuation force using stacks of nickels.

Because I was curious I went ahead and tried it:

Arrows: 9-11 nickels to bottom out so ~45g-55g
Others: 12-13 nickels to bottom out so ~60g-65g

Now that method seems highly error prone since you're talking +/- 12% with 5g weights and the key profiles make this a little tough enough that i had to adjust the board pitch to keep the force perpendicular to the key top. In the end tough it was consistently lighter on items in the same row so that makes me feel a little better.

For anyone curious my QFR with browns was consistently at 11 nickels or ~55g, and my Das with blues was consistently at 13 nickels or ~65g so at least how i was performing it passes the smell test.

The RealForce 87U EK edition just came and I have the FC660C in front of me as well.  (1) I agree that the FC660C arrow keys are lighter than the other keys on the FC660C.  (2) The arrow keys on the FC660C definitely feel a lot like the keys on the 87U-EK. 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Tue, 24 September 2013, 17:09:00
Please do :D I'll look forward to hearing back from you. You will definitely notice the difference in weight between the two, there's no doubt. I can feel it, it's not just my imagination :)) I just wanted to see if everyone else had the same issue (I wouldn't necessarily see it as a problem because it's just the arrow cluster, and I kind of like it).

Alright, pulled out the board, and you're definitely right, the arrow cluster is weighted differently. It's especially noticeable with my pinky, which i'm just now starting to use for that.

You could also measure the actuation force using stacks of nickels.

Because I was curious I went ahead and tried it:

Arrows: 9-11 nickels to bottom out so ~45g-55g
Others: 12-13 nickels to bottom out so ~60g-65g

Now that method seems highly error prone since you're talking +/- 12% with 5g weights and the key profiles make this a little tough enough that i had to adjust the board pitch to keep the force perpendicular to the key top. In the end tough it was consistently lighter on items in the same row so that makes me feel a little better.

For anyone curious my QFR with browns was consistently at 11 nickels or ~55g, and my Das with blues was consistently at 13 nickels or ~65g so at least how i was performing it passes the smell test.

The RealForce 87U EK edition just came and I have the FC660C in front of me as well.  (1) I agree that the FC660C keys are lighter than the other keys on the FC660C.  (2) The arrow keys on the FC660C definitely feel a lot like the keys on the 87U-EK. 

For you (1), I think you meant that the arrow keys are lighter than the other keys on the FC660C :P

Oh man... I was actually looking at that EK edition... The weight on my RF 23UB I have now, I would say, is in between the weight of the stiffer alpha switches of the 660C and the super light arrow cluster on the 660C. Man... I really want to try a full RF keyboard with 45g to compare and then try the variable weights to compare the 35g on there with the arrow cluster on my 660C! I wish I could score a variable weight RF for about $160 shipped... I would pay it right on the spot.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: s0ckpupp3t on Tue, 24 September 2013, 17:42:03

For you (1), I think you meant that the arrow keys are lighter than the other keys on the FC660C :P

Oh man... I was actually looking at that EK edition... The weight on my RF 23UB I have now, I would say, is in between the weight of the stiffer alpha switches of the 660C and the super light arrow cluster on the 660C. Man... I really want to try a full RF keyboard with 45g to compare and then try the variable weights to compare the 35g on there with the arrow cluster on my 660C! I wish I could score a variable weight RF for about $160 shipped... I would pay it right on the spot.

Ok (1) corrected in my original post.

I went back to revisit the keys between the FC660C and the 87U-EK.  The keys on the 87U-EK are lighter than the alpha keys on the FC660C but a little heavier than the FC660C arrow keys.  However, I wouldn't categorize the arrow keys on the FC660C as being super light vs. the alpha keys.

Please don't make me balance nickels on the keys... I'm in the office and people will be able to see me.   :-[

On thing off the bat that I'm having a hard time getting used to is the broad forehead on the 87U.  Why so big? All that wasted space!  It makes me really appreciate the compact form factor of the FC660C.

Windows keys with the shiny domes on the 87U are also kind of bugging me.  Anyone want to sell me 2 blank dark grey Topre keycaps?  Do they even exist?  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Tue, 24 September 2013, 17:50:56

For you (1), I think you meant that the arrow keys are lighter than the other keys on the FC660C :P

Oh man... I was actually looking at that EK edition... The weight on my RF 23UB I have now, I would say, is in between the weight of the stiffer alpha switches of the 660C and the super light arrow cluster on the 660C. Man... I really want to try a full RF keyboard with 45g to compare and then try the variable weights to compare the 35g on there with the arrow cluster on my 660C! I wish I could score a variable weight RF for about $160 shipped... I would pay it right on the spot.

Ok (1) corrected in my original post.

I went back to revisit the keys between the FC660C and the 87U-EK.  The keys on the 87U-EK are lighter than the alpha keys on the FC660C but a little heavier than the FC660C arrow keys.  However, I wouldn't categorize the arrow keys on the FC660C as being super light vs. the alpha keys.

Please don't make me balance nickels on the keys... I'm in the office and people will be able to see me.   :-[

On thing off the bat that I'm having a hard time getting used to is the broad forehead on the 87U.  Why so big? All that wasted space!  It makes me really appreciate the compact form factor of the FC660C.

Windows keys with the shiny domes on the 87U are also kind of bugging me.  Anyone want to sell me 2 blank dark grey Topre keycaps?  Do they even exist?  :rolleyes:


I find the arrow keys on my 660C to be significantly lighter than the alphas on my 660C and only slightly less lighter than on the RF 23UB. Hmmmm~ I actually like the super light Topre feel on my arrow cluster :S

I have seen many complain about the RF's large bezel on top, and I can see where they're coming from. I, on the other hand, like how it looks :P Kind of gives it that classic look while still being chic at the same time with the smooth curves.

Good luck finding blank Topre keys that people will just readily sell you. If you do, expect to pay a lot, and if you get a good price, LUCKY! I agree though, I don't see why they didn't just print their Windows keys instead of that retarded dome... I don't see why any company uses those domes...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: AuRinBei on Wed, 25 September 2013, 14:48:26
 My arrow cluster is a tiny bit lighter than the lighter side of my keyboard on the whole, but not ridiculously so. There are alpha keys that are lighter. I don’t think this is by design. I think that Leopold or their manufacturer or whoever got a crapload of left alpha sheets, right alpha sheets, and miscellaneous single domes (pretty much all of the non-alpha keys in the FC660C are unconnected domes next to each other) from Topre, and it just so happened that the misc domes were lighter on average then the alpha domes, and the alpha domes just so happened to be heavier than the average batch used by Realforce. To be honest, I’m kind of pissed off about this. I don’t understand how it’s so hard to make sure the weights are at most 5g different from each other, even if it’s just on a board by board basis. I mean, where exactly is the money going if not excellent QC? I don’t see how I can pay almost $200 for a “Uniform 45g keyboard” and get a keyboard where most of the switches are well above 50g, with a 55g sitting next to a 40g.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Wed, 25 September 2013, 16:11:32
I've solved my issues with the Leopold FC660C by buying a HHKB Pro 2. I kept seeing rave reviews and not quite believing that they could pertain to me. I was skeptical about the layout and absence of dedicated arrow keys. However, now that I've actually tried it, I found that I adjusted to the layout and Fn-layer arrow keys within the first day, and it now appears that this masterpiece of minimalism is going to be my daily driver.

About the only thing I would have them change about the HHKB Pro 2 is the switch weight. I would like to see a 55-gram option, but the 45-gram switches seem fine. I have not yet tested their uniformity and how this compares to my FC660C, but overall I now prefer the HHKB Pro 2 to the Leopold.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: SNF on Tue, 08 October 2013, 00:02:01
I've solved my issues with the Leopold FC660C by buying a HHKB Pro 2. I kept seeing rave reviews and not quite believing that they could pertain to me. I was skeptical about the layout and absence of dedicated arrow keys. However, now that I've actually tried it, I found that I adjusted to the layout and Fn-layer arrow keys within the first day, and it now appears that this masterpiece of minimalism is going to be my daily driver.

About the only thing I would have them change about the HHKB Pro 2 is the switch weight. I would like to see a 55-gram option, but the 45-gram switches seem fine. I have not yet tested their uniformity and how this compares to my FC660C, but overall I now prefer the HHKB Pro 2 to the Leopold.

I agree, when I had both keyboards I really favored the HHKB2 more.

It felt better overall for typing, the keys felt bouncier and landing was softer.

The FC660 is still a solid board too.

The keys felt smoother and faster.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 08 October 2013, 01:07:06
I've solved my issues with the Leopold FC660C by buying a HHKB Pro 2. I kept seeing rave reviews and not quite believing that they could pertain to me. I was skeptical about the layout and absence of dedicated arrow keys. However, now that I've actually tried it, I found that I adjusted to the layout and Fn-layer arrow keys within the first day, and it now appears that this masterpiece of minimalism is going to be my daily driver.

About the only thing I would have them change about the HHKB Pro 2 is the switch weight. I would like to see a 55-gram option, but the 45-gram switches seem fine. I have not yet tested their uniformity and how this compares to my FC660C, but overall I now prefer the HHKB Pro 2 to the Leopold.

I agree, when I had both keyboards I really favored the HHKB2 more.

It felt better overall for typing, the keys felt bouncier and landing was softer.

The FC660 is still a solid board too.

The keys felt smoother and faster.

I'd still like to try an orange keyboard - the one thing I miss on my HHKB is the arrow keys, which FC660C has.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Tue, 08 October 2013, 08:55:57
I've solved my issues with the Leopold FC660C by buying a HHKB Pro 2. I kept seeing rave reviews and not quite believing that they could pertain to me. I was skeptical about the layout and absence of dedicated arrow keys. However, now that I've actually tried it, I found that I adjusted to the layout and Fn-layer arrow keys within the first day, and it now appears that this masterpiece of minimalism is going to be my daily driver.

About the only thing I would have them change about the HHKB Pro 2 is the switch weight. I would like to see a 55-gram option, but the 45-gram switches seem fine. I have not yet tested their uniformity and how this compares to my FC660C, but overall I now prefer the HHKB Pro 2 to the Leopold.

I agree, when I had both keyboards I really favored the HHKB2 more.

It felt better overall for typing, the keys felt bouncier and landing was softer.

The FC660 is still a solid board too.

The keys felt smoother and faster.

I'd still like to try an orange keyboard - the one thing I miss on my HHKB is the arrow keys, which FC660C has.

I'm not missing the arrow keys with the HHKB Pro 2 as I thought I would, and compared to the FC660C, I prefer the form factor, layout, and appearance of the HHKB Pro 2. Although I have found the default cursor diamond on the HHKB Pro 2 sufficient for my needs, I have discovered a wealth of alternative keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts are very easy to implement for Mac users through the excellent software, KeyReMap4MacBook.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: MTManiac on Tue, 08 October 2013, 09:34:09
patiently awaiting amazon shipping to try out the FC660C
hopefully the switches aren't all wacky, but I don't mind doing a nickel test on all the keys to see what's up
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Sniping on Tue, 08 October 2013, 19:24:11
You probably just shouldn't test it-I can't notice that it's not uniform, and if you can't either, why force yourself to believe that it is non-uniform with the nickel test?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Belfong on Sun, 13 October 2013, 06:36:12
Hi OP, my sister is going Korea next week. I may asked her to look for Leopold for me. Do you have any idea where your friend got it from? I wonder how common it is. You also said there was promotion. I don't think that's available but who knows. Appreciate!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Aliwia on Sun, 13 October 2013, 16:42:19
Is the spacebar ABS or PBT?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sun, 13 October 2013, 16:50:14
Is the spacebar ABS or PBT?

ABS. I believe most Topre boards have an ABS spacebar.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Aliwia on Sun, 13 October 2013, 17:01:18
Sad to hear, couldnt live without my PBT spacebar on the Keycool 87 grey pbt
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zoolzoo on Wed, 30 October 2013, 12:10:55
Any word on replacement caps from Leopold or otherwise? Love the board but the caps.....legends are wearing already.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kenmai9 on Wed, 30 October 2013, 12:19:00
Any word on replacement caps from Leopold or otherwise? Love the board but the caps.....legends are wearing already.

I emailed EK and this is what they sent me.

Hi kenmai9,

I believe Leopold is working on offering these, but they are not available yet. Please join our newsletter.

Best regards,
Brian
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 30 October 2013, 23:44:45
Any word on replacement caps from Leopold or otherwise? Love the board but the caps.....legends are wearing already.

I emailed EK and this is what they sent me.

Hi kenmai9,

I believe Leopold is working on offering these, but they are not available yet. Please join our newsletter.

Best regards,
Brian

With the popularity of the FC660C, you'd think that replacement keycaps were almost inevitable!

But we are still waiting for replacement coloured sets for HHKB.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Netbootz on Mon, 11 November 2013, 15:12:59
Yeah, just noticed my caps are getting a tad shinier and it's been used moderately over a couple months.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: keymaster on Mon, 11 November 2013, 16:58:24
For me, one of the main turn-offs of the FC660 is the fact the keycaps are laser-etched. I'm okay with non-standard space bar stems as long as they provide high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zoolzoo on Mon, 11 November 2013, 17:18:15
For me, one of the main turn-offs of the FC660 is the fact the keycaps are laser-etched. I'm okay with non-standard space bar stems as long as they provide high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.

Yea, I use mine all day at work and the legends are already starting to wear off. Its a shame because I love the gold on black. Still a great board though.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: AuRinBei on Mon, 11 November 2013, 21:46:17
For me, one of the main turn-offs of the FC660 is the fact the keycaps are laser-etched. I'm okay with non-standard space bar stems as long as they provide high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.

They are actually pad printed, despite what EK says.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 11 November 2013, 22:48:40
For me, one of the main turn-offs of the FC660 is the fact the keycaps are laser-etched. I'm okay with non-standard space bar stems as long as they provide high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.

They are actually pad printed, despite what EK says.

Yet another reason for Leopold (or someone) to create a replacement keycap set.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zoolzoo on Tue, 12 November 2013, 08:43:07
For me, one of the main turn-offs of the FC660 is the fact the keycaps are laser-etched. I'm okay with non-standard space bar stems as long as they provide high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.

They are actually pad printed, despite what EK says.

I think this is true. I can practically scratch off the rest of the legend on my most worn key.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: baotung on Wed, 13 November 2013, 03:26:28
Great review! Can't believe it's so affordable too.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: thoere on Sat, 16 November 2013, 14:14:54
I'm looking to get one of these as my first Topre, is it a good choice?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 16 November 2013, 17:16:47
I'm looking to get one of these as my first Topre, is it a good choice?

Yes.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Travellerr on Sat, 30 November 2013, 13:11:07
Okay so, I am newer to the geekhack community and so far I really love what a lot members have done as far reviews, threads, and even things such as showing how to modify your mechanical keyboard as well. I really like the way the Leopold 660 design is laid out, and have been contemplating buying one for a while, but only in a cherry mx mechanical key switch, and now I have started watching reviews, reading blogs and threads, and researching the topre switch mechanical keyboards which many experienced mechanical keyboard owners and users stand by as being one of the best when it comes to mechanical keyboards. I just want to know if you guys were to compare the mx cherry mechanical keyboard to the leopold 660c or happy hacking is it that much of a different typing experience. Also, does it justify the extra 50 dollars I am about to spend this christmas purchasing the topre version of the leopold? Because from what I have read it seems to be an awesome experience, but no one in the community ever seems to write me back save a few decent enough people who want me to stick around. I really would like to learn about mechanical keyboards more than I have and would appreciate some feedback. Because I was up between the leopold fc660m(clear switches or browns), the poker 2 or pure pro(with browns, and because of the customizability of the keycaps you can purchase) and the leopold fc660c(seems like a really nice keyboard and typing experience, is this switch suitable for playing games of most kinds with?) these are the few compact boards I have been looking at I already own a blue switch keyboard, and the browns switch xt I am lending to my girlfriend so if anyone could give me an idea of if the leopold fc660c with topre switches is worth it in terms of price and switching switches..lol....please write me back, thanks and happy holidays
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ComradeSniper on Sat, 30 November 2013, 14:23:24
Okay so, I am newer to the geekhack community and so far I really love what a lot members have done as far reviews, threads, and even things such as showing how to modify your mechanical keyboard as well. I really like the way the Leopold 660 design is laid out, and have been contemplating buying one for a while, but only in a cherry mx mechanical key switch, and now I have started watching reviews, reading blogs and threads, and researching the topre switch mechanical keyboards which many experienced mechanical keyboard owners and users stand by as being one of the best when it comes to mechanical keyboards. I just want to know if you guys were to compare the mx cherry mechanical keyboard to the leopold 660c or happy hacking is it that much of a different typing experience. Also, does it justify the extra 50 dollars I am about to spend this christmas purchasing the topre version of the leopold? Because from what I have read it seems to be an awesome experience, but no one in the community ever seems to write me back save a few decent enough people who want me to stick around. I really would like to learn about mechanical keyboards more than I have and would appreciate some feedback. Because I was up between the leopold fc660m(clear switches or browns), the poker 2 or pure pro(with browns, and because of the customizability of the keycaps you can purchase) and the leopold fc660c(seems like a really nice keyboard and typing experience, is this switch suitable for playing games of most kinds with?) these are the few compact boards I have been looking at I already own a blue switch keyboard, and the browns switch xt I am lending to my girlfriend so if anyone could give me an idea of if the leopold fc660c with topre switches is worth it in terms of price and switching switches..lol....please write me back, thanks and happy holidays

Topre feels totally different from MX. I think it's worth the extra money, but plenty of people don't like Topre at all, so it's something you'll have to decide for yourself. The only "problem" with Topre is that your keycap customization options are incredibly narrow.

It's fine for gaming, I personally prefer gaming on a linear switch, but if you're gaming on blues right now than you'll be fine with Topre.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zoolzoo on Sat, 30 November 2013, 14:52:16
Okay so, I am newer to the geekhack community and so far I really love what a lot members have done as far reviews, threads, and even things such as showing how to modify your mechanical keyboard as well. I really like the way the Leopold 660 design is laid out, and have been contemplating buying one for a while, but only in a cherry mx mechanical key switch, and now I have started watching reviews, reading blogs and threads, and researching the topre switch mechanical keyboards which many experienced mechanical keyboard owners and users stand by as being one of the best when it comes to mechanical keyboards. I just want to know if you guys were to compare the mx cherry mechanical keyboard to the leopold 660c or happy hacking is it that much of a different typing experience. Also, does it justify the extra 50 dollars I am about to spend this christmas purchasing the topre version of the leopold? Because from what I have read it seems to be an awesome experience, but no one in the community ever seems to write me back save a few decent enough people who want me to stick around. I really would like to learn about mechanical keyboards more than I have and would appreciate some feedback. Because I was up between the leopold fc660m(clear switches or browns), the poker 2 or pure pro(with browns, and because of the customizability of the keycaps you can purchase) and the leopold fc660c(seems like a really nice keyboard and typing experience, is this switch suitable for playing games of most kinds with?) these are the few compact boards I have been looking at I already own a blue switch keyboard, and the browns switch xt I am lending to my girlfriend so if anyone could give me an idea of if the leopold fc660c with topre switches is worth it in terms of price and switching switches..lol....please write me back, thanks and happy holidays

The tactile aspect of a topre switch... imagine the rubber cup collapsing all at once when enough pressure is applied, the switch lands with a nice "thock" instead of a "clack" (in contrast with mx). In practice it feels refined; and although rubber is used in the mechanism I think the difference between a regular "rubber dome" keyboard is night and day. Though, your cherry mx board will feel further apart from a rubber dome board than a topre will. The 660C is sturdy and heavy, I think you will like it.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: tbc on Sat, 30 November 2013, 18:11:23
people really need to focus less on the 'thock' sound and more on the 'thock' feel.  It is the feeling of bottoming out that really makes topre stand out.

bottom out on:

membrane - plastic against plastic
mx - plastic against metal/plastic
topre - plastic against rubber

both membrane and mx bottom out on something very solid and hard.  that gives the feeling of all your keystroke force being bounced back up against your finger; the topre rubber completely absorbs this downward force.  This is the absolutely biggest difference between topre and other switches; all the other pro-topre arguments are rather make-believe in comparison.

NOTE:

this is the reason I hate MX reds and loves mx clicky switches; on mx linears, there is NOTHING stopping you from bottoming out and feeling the bounce-back.  With topre though, tactility is rather pathetic (yes it is), but it's actually not important in getting a pleasant typing experience.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: tobr1an on Wed, 04 December 2013, 19:47:44
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Wed, 04 December 2013, 20:05:08
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?

My 2 cents ~ If you're wanting to get only a 45g:

- 660C if you want something that feels poppy, soft, and full-on cloudofboobs. Best feel 45g, IMO. Dedicated arrow cluster.

- HHKB if you want max THOCK, plastic-feel/casemount-feel (this is not a bad thing, and it is greatly fun). Best looking. 60% layout.

- RealForce 87 if you want TKl layout. Probably the worst feeling 45g Topre out of them all.



If you want Thorpe God Feels, Realforce 55g ;)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 05 December 2013, 03:20:59
^ Similar, but:

Conventional TKL layout = RealForce
Arrow keys = FC660C
Unix/Linux = HHKB
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Linkbane on Thu, 05 December 2013, 16:37:54
people really need to focus less on the 'thock' sound and more on the 'thock' feel.  It is the feeling of bottoming out that really makes topre stand out.

bottom out on:

membrane - plastic against plastic
mx - plastic against metal/plastic
topre - plastic against rubber

both membrane and mx bottom out on something very solid and hard.  that gives the feeling of all your keystroke force being bounced back up against your finger; the topre rubber completely absorbs this downward force.  This is the absolutely biggest difference between topre and other switches; all the other pro-topre arguments are rather make-believe in comparison.

NOTE:

this is the reason I hate MX reds and loves mx clicky switches; on mx linears, there is NOTHING stopping you from bottoming out and feeling the bounce-back.  With topre though, tactility is rather pathetic (yes it is), but it's actually not important in getting a pleasant typing experience.

People place way too much concern on bottoming out, when you aren't supposed to do it either. Personally I'd rather hit something solid like a plate rather than something squishy like a Topre rubber dome. Literally the only good thing about Topre versus any other board is its sound.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ioXt_2 on Fri, 06 December 2013, 09:53:02
The more I see, the more I like this KB.

Thanks for the review!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: AuRinBei on Fri, 06 December 2013, 12:55:54
Just thought I'd pop in and ask if anybody has heard anything new regarding replacement caps.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 06 December 2013, 17:59:54
Just thought I'd pop in and ask if anybody has heard anything new regarding replacement caps.

I have heard nothing new (FWIW).
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: C5Allroad on Thu, 12 December 2013, 17:31:10
I bet no one noticed that he has a bottle of Aveeno lotion.  :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Pacifist on Thu, 12 December 2013, 17:50:58
I bet no one noticed that he has a bottle of Aveeno lotion.  :p

what's wrong with aveeno?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: fourzeropooh on Tue, 24 December 2013, 15:35:06
Good review! :thumb:

I must get one of these soon  :))
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Wed, 29 January 2014, 11:28:33
People place way too much concern on bottoming out, when you aren't supposed to do it either. Personally I'd rather hit something solid like a plate rather than something squishy like a Topre rubber dome. Literally the only good thing about Topre versus any other board is its sound.

The sound is nice, yes, but it is much, much, much less important than the feel when it comes to Topre. And bottoming-out is definitely relevant to the discussion around Topre, as due to how they're designed it's virtually impossible to avoid. I'm curious if you've actually tried a Topre board? Not trying to be snarky, just curious.

Yes, you may be "supposed" to avoid bottoming out, but that's mainly on Cherry boards, and even still purely subjective.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 12:47:31
Do you ever find yourself mistyping due to the abbreviated right shift key on the Leopold and on the HHKB? I know it's basically full size, but it isn't quite, and I imagine I would end up overshooting it now and then.

Thanks for the great review!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 29 January 2014, 13:54:13
Do you ever find yourself mistyping due to the abbreviated right shift key on the Leopold and on the HHKB? I know it's basically full size, but it isn't quite, and I imagine I would end up overshooting it now and then.

Thanks for the great review!

Typing at over 150, never had an issue. It's more than wide enough.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 14:29:16
Man, you crazy 150-plus typists! You're the people I'm always getting crushed by on typeracer!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 29 January 2014, 14:43:34
Man, you crazy 150-plus typists! You're the people I'm always getting crushed by on typeracer!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 ;)
Practice for a year daily, you'll get to it without a problem.
(of course, you have to learn Dvorak first!)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: demik on Wed, 29 January 2014, 14:59:22
Man, you crazy 150-plus typists! You're the people I'm always getting crushed by on typeracer!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

On the bright side, you aren't winning online typing races!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 15:18:53
LOL. That's a silver lining I hadn't considered.  ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 15:23:30
Thanks for the encouragement, Linkbane!

Of course, by the time I'm up to 150, you'll probably be at something completely otherworldly like 225.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 15:45:03
P.S. Did you find any site or service particularly helpful when learning Dvorak?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 29 January 2014, 15:50:49
P.S. Did you find any site or service particularly helpful when learning Dvorak?

I used this source (http://learn.dvorak.nl/) to start, then used Stamina 3.0 a lot for practice with all sorts of words and sentences, and now I mostly use 10FF. And if I could get to 170 in that time, I'd be happy heh.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 15:56:09
Very cool, thank you!  ;) ;)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 29 January 2014, 16:41:45
Very cool, thank you!  ;) ;)

Best of luck.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 17:05:40
Thank you! Are you also Linkbane on typeracer? Or do you go by another name?

It would be nice to know one of the many people I lose to on typeracer.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 29 January 2014, 17:24:25
Thank you! Are you also Linkbane on typeracer? Or do you go by another name?

It would be nice to know one of the many people I lose to on typeracer.

Yup, that's me. Same person on 10FF, as well. I don't go on typeracer that often, but probably at least once a week. I usually am on 10FF several times per day.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 29 January 2014, 21:55:45
Do you ever find yourself mistyping due to the abbreviated right shift key on the Leopold and on the HHKB? I know it's basically full size, but it isn't quite, and I imagine I would end up overshooting it now and then.

Thanks for the great review!

I don't (on HHKB).  But then it seems that I mostly use the left Shift key anyway.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 17 February 2014, 11:20:26
I noticed a lot of complaints about the keycaps for this board -- I just got my blank version in on Friday and ohmygod this board is perfect. All I need are two clacks for the ins/del and this board will be my daily driver for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 17 February 2014, 11:48:23
I noticed a lot of complaints about the keycaps for this board -- I just got my blank version in on Friday and ohmygod this board is perfect. All I need are two clacks for the ins/del and this board will be my daily driver for the foreseeable future.

My legends are already starting to fade unfortunately. :( But you won't have that problem with the blanks. I'm waiting on some Realforce dye-sublimated keycaps to replace the Leopold ones, so that will solve my problem!

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 17 February 2014, 12:15:14
Another FC660C owner in Ottawa, what are the odds? haha. I'd love to see what those caps look like when you get them in.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Mon, 17 February 2014, 12:38:16
My legends are already starting to fade unfortunately. :( But you won't have that problem with the blanks. I'm waiting on some Realforce dye-sublimated keycaps to replace the Leopold ones, so that will solve my problem!

Nice! Where did you end up finding the Realforce keycaps? And is it a full set or just modifiers?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 17 February 2014, 13:00:44
Another FC660C owner in Ottawa, what are the odds? haha. I'd love to see what those caps look like when you get them in.

Haha, yeah I see that! I just joined geekhack, so I'm not sure how many FC660C Ottawa owners are on here.

Nice! Where did you end up finding the Realforce keycaps? And is it a full set or just modifiers?

Got them on elitekeyboards (a full pink set): http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=se09e0_ktf1

But ugh... I don't know if I'll buy them from there again because shipping to Canada was like $33 US + another $37 Canadian dollars in custom fees!!! :'( I don't know where else to find replacement Topre keycaps and I don't have 60 posts yet to go through classifieds lol. I know taobao carries them too, but I really have no idea how to order from there.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Mon, 17 February 2014, 13:10:03
Got them on elitekeyboards (a full pink set): http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=se09e0_ktf1

But ugh... I don't know if I'll buy them from there again because shipping to Canada was like $33 US + another $37 Canadian dollars in custom fees!!! :'( I don't know where else to find replacement Topre keycaps and I don't have 60 posts yet to go through classifieds lol. I know taobao carries them too, but I really have no idea how to order from there.

You'll pay a lot more than what EK charges if you buy off taobao :/ Here are some sets http://goo.gl/2mkYDz imsto will proxy them for you if you're interested http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1827

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 17 February 2014, 13:34:31
Got them on elitekeyboards (a full pink set): http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=se09e0_ktf1

But ugh... I don't know if I'll buy them from there again because shipping to Canada was like $33 US + another $37 Canadian dollars in custom fees!!! :'( I don't know where else to find replacement Topre keycaps and I don't have 60 posts yet to go through classifieds lol. I know taobao carries them too, but I really have no idea how to order from there.

You'll pay a lot more than what EK charges if you buy off taobao :/ Here are some sets http://goo.gl/2mkYDz imsto will proxy them for you if you're interested http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1827

Thanks! I would've love to get the blue set if I knew about this sooner. Too bad these are becoming more rare! :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: reziak on Mon, 17 February 2014, 13:59:59
I noticed a lot of complaints about the keycaps for this board -- I just got my blank version in on Friday and ohmygod this board is perfect. All I need are two clacks for the ins/del and this board will be my daily driver for the foreseeable future.

My legends are already starting to fade unfortunately. :( But you won't have that problem with the blanks. I'm waiting on some Realforce dye-sublimated keycaps to replace the Leopold ones, so that will solve my problem!

I just received my FC660C with blank caps and bypassed the poor printing quality. This thing feels amazing. I'm actually using it instead of my HHKB right now  :eek:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 17 February 2014, 14:16:23
I just received my FC660C with blank caps and bypassed the poor printing quality. This thing feels amazing. I'm actually using it instead of my HHKB right now  :eek:

So do you find it feels better than your HHKB?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Mon, 17 February 2014, 15:30:50
The switches and/or keycaps feel softer on the FC660C than they do on the HHKB. Replacing the stock keycaps with the Realforce ones made a little bit of difference. The dedicated arrow keys is a nice touch compared to the HHKB but the latter is smaller.

Apparently CM's Novatouch will be manufactured at the same factory that produces the FC660C so if you like that keyboard...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 17 February 2014, 17:38:34
The switches and/or keycaps feel softer on the FC660C than they do on the HHKB. Replacing the stock keycaps with the Realforce ones made a little bit of difference. The dedicated arrow keys is a nice touch compared to the HHKB but the latter is smaller.

Apparently CM's Novatouch will be manufactured at the same factory that produces the FC660C so if you like that keyboard...

Good to know. I hope the difference you're talking about is a "good" difference. I really do love how this keyboard feels with stock keycaps right now. Although, I did take out the spring in the spacebar since it felt a little too heavy compared to the rest of the keys.

I can't wait to see the first review of the Novatouch. Still a bit of a wait though. I think they said it'll be released in Q2.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Mon, 17 February 2014, 18:33:19
Good to know. I hope the difference you're talking about is a "good" difference.

I guess this won't be helpful but I wouldn't describe the difference as being good or bad, just noticeable. If I could only have one keyboard out of the two then it would have to be the Leopold because of the dedicated arrow keys.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 17 February 2014, 18:59:58
Good to know. I hope the difference you're talking about is a "good" difference.

I guess this won't be helpful but I wouldn't describe the difference as being good or bad, just noticeable. If I could only have one keyboard out of the two then it would have to be the Leopold because of the dedicated arrow keys.

Are you talking about the difference between the HHKB and the Leopold or the difference between stock Leopold keycaps and Realforce keycaps on a Leopold? I was referring to the Realforce keycaps.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Mon, 17 February 2014, 19:22:28
Are you talking about the difference between the HHKB and the Leopold or the difference between stock Leopold keycaps and Realforce keycaps on a Leopold? I was referring to the Realforce keycaps.

Ah my bad! I was still hung up on the keyboard comparison. The difference between the stock FC660C keycaps and the replacement Realforce ones is significant and worth the upgrade. The latter feel firmer and also seem to augment the sound of key presses.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 17 February 2014, 19:42:03
Ah my bad! I was still hung up on the keyboard comparison. The difference between the stock FC660C keycaps and the replacement Realforce ones is significant and worth the upgrade. The latter feel firmer and also seem to augment the sound of key presses.

Interesting... I guess I'll see when they arrive!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: reziak on Mon, 17 February 2014, 20:24:55
I just received my FC660C with blank caps and bypassed the poor printing quality. This thing feels amazing. I'm actually using it instead of my HHKB right now  :eek:

So do you find it feels better than your HHKB?

Hard to admit it, but right now I do  :eek: I actually prefer the mods on the HHKB and the alphas on the Leopold xD they just feel so soft and smooth...

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 17 February 2014, 20:41:00
I just received my FC660C with blank caps and bypassed the poor printing quality. This thing feels amazing. I'm actually using it instead of my HHKB right now  :eek:

So do you find it feels better than your HHKB?

Hard to admit it, but right now I do  :eek: I actually prefer the mods on the HHKB and the alphas on the Leopold xD they just feel so soft and smooth...

I do agree, it does feel buttery smooth.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: aref on Wed, 19 February 2014, 12:12:12
I just received my FC660C with blank caps and bypassed the poor printing quality. This thing feels amazing. I'm actually using it instead of my HHKB right now  :eek:

So do you find it feels better than your HHKB?

Hard to admit it, but right now I do  :eek: I actually prefer the mods on the HHKB and the alphas on the Leopold xD they just feel so soft and smooth...

I do agree, it does feel buttery smooth.

Which of the two keyboards, HHKB and FC660C, 45-gram key switches feels firmer? I use 55-gram Topres and found RF's 45-gram KB to be too soft for me.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Wed, 19 February 2014, 12:49:23
Which of the two keyboards, HHKB and FC660C, 45-gram key switches feels firmer? I use 55-gram Topres and found RF's 45-gram KB to be too soft for me.

Between those two the HHKB's switches definitely feel firmer. I have a RF 87U 55g making its way to me so hopefully I'll be able to compare all three next week.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: aref on Wed, 19 February 2014, 14:26:38
Which of the two keyboards, HHKB and FC660C, 45-gram key switches feels firmer? I use 55-gram Topres and found RF's 45-gram KB to be too soft for me.

Between those two the HHKB's switches definitely feel firmer. I have a RF 87U 55g making its way to me so hopefully I'll be able to compare all three next week.

I'd be interested to here how the key switches compare. Thus far, Ive not found a more agreeable switch than Topre's 55-gram. So your observation will be interesting. I even prefer it to my buckling-spring KBs.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Wed, 19 February 2014, 14:39:13
I just received my FC660C with blank caps and bypassed the poor printing quality. This thing feels amazing. I'm actually using it instead of my HHKB right now  :eek:

So do you find it feels better than your HHKB?

Hard to admit it, but right now I do  :eek: I actually prefer the mods on the HHKB and the alphas on the Leopold xD they just feel so soft and smooth...

I do agree, it does feel buttery smooth.

Which of the two keyboards, HHKB and FC660C, 45-gram key switches feels firmer? I use 55-gram Topres and found RF's 45-gram KB to be too soft for me.

Which of the two keyboards, HHKB and FC660C, 45-gram key switches feels firmer? I use 55-gram Topres and found RF's 45-gram KB to be too soft for me.

Between those two the HHKB's switches definitely feel firmer. I have a RF 87U 55g making its way to me so hopefully I'll be able to compare all three next week.

I'd be interested to here how the key switches compare. Thus far, Ive not found a more agreeable switch than Topre's 55-gram. So your observation will be interesting. I even prefer it to my buckling-spring KBs.



I think it really depends on how you define "firm". If you want talk about construction and overall feel, the 660C definitely takes the cake here because of the overall feel of the butter smooth bottoming-out because of steel plate and the tight construction of the case. It's also snappier and more poppy than the RF 45g. However, that is not to say that the HHKB isn't well constructed. The construction is great on the HHKB, however, it can feel cheap to some people because of its light weight and plastic case mounting, which results in much resonance (also known as the famous HHKB thock). I, on the other hand (like many), personally find this to be the best aspect of the HHKB because it makes it more fun to type on. Now if you're talking about stiffness of the switch, the difference in weight between the two is minimal and probably most depends on how much use they switches have seen.

However, subjectively, the RF 45g definitely feels the lightest, then 660C, and HHKB. I find the RF 45g to be least satisfying and just mushy because of the lack of tactility and soft bottoming-out. The 660C seems to be the best "feeling" because of the balance between tactility/snappy with the most butter/smooth feel when bottoming out (bc of plate). The HHKB is the most "fun" because of the case mounting and how the entire keyboard/case resonates with each bottoming out. Remember, this is my opinion between the three, and that it will be nearly all subjective when it comes to the comparison between the three 45g's. Just a matter of what does one prefer.

They are all far from the 55g though. All hail 55g thorpe. Best thorpe.

Remember to take all this with a grain of salt because in the end, the best way to find out is to try them all yourself. I know that even with over a year of reading pages and pages on Topre, and I felt like I knew/imagined what they felt like, they all felt way different than I imagined when I actually got them in my hands. Same applies for when I got the 55g (already had 660c for awhile before). I just assumed the 55g would feel like a stiffer 45g (and probably like a 45g with the spacebar spring in it) but it turned out to be a totally different animal with different characteristics.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Wed, 19 February 2014, 19:08:37
I think it really depends on how you define "firm". If you want talk about construction and overall feel, the 660C definitely takes the cake here because of the overall feel of the butter smooth bottoming-out because of steel plate and the tight construction of the case. It's also snappier and more poppy than the RF 45g. However, that is not to say that the HHKB isn't well constructed. The construction is great on the HHKB, however, it can feel cheap to some people because of its light weight and plastic case mounting, which results in much resonance (also known as the famous HHKB thock). I, on the other hand (like many), personally find this to be the best aspect of the HHKB because it makes it more fun to type on. Now if you're talking about stiffness of the switch, the difference in weight between the two is minimal and probably most depends on how much use they switches have seen.

However, subjectively, the RF 45g definitely feels the lightest, then 660C, and HHKB. I find the RF 45g to be least satisfying and just mushy because of the lack of tactility and soft bottoming-out. The 660C seems to be the best "feeling" because of the balance between tactility/snappy with the most butter/smooth feel when bottoming out (bc of plate). The HHKB is the most "fun" because of the case mounting and how the entire keyboard/case resonates with each bottoming out. Remember, this is my opinion between the three, and that it will be nearly all subjective when it comes to the comparison between the three 45g's. Just a matter of what does one prefer.

They are all far from the 55g though. All hail 55g thorpe. Best thorpe.

Remember to take all this with a grain of salt because in the end, the best way to find out is to try them all yourself. I know that even with over a year of reading pages and pages on Topre, and I felt like I knew/imagined what they felt like, they all felt way different than I imagined when I actually got them in my hands. Same applies for when I got the 55g (already had 660c for awhile before). I just assumed the 55g would feel like a stiffer 45g (and probably like a 45g with the spacebar spring in it) but it turned out to be a totally different animal with different characteristics.

Wow, that's a great review of all three. Thanks for that! That was my first thought about the 55g, that it would just feel like the spacebar with the spring it. Good to know the RF 55g is much more than just a stiffer 45g.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: 1pq on Wed, 19 February 2014, 22:24:51
I think it really depends on how you define "firm". If you want talk about construction and overall feel, the 660C definitely takes the cake here because of the overall feel of the butter smooth bottoming-out because of steel plate and the tight construction of the case. It's also snappier and more poppy than the RF 45g. However, that is not to say that the HHKB isn't well constructed. The construction is great on the HHKB, however, it can feel cheap to some people because of its light weight and plastic case mounting, which results in much resonance (also known as the famous HHKB thock). I, on the other hand (like many), personally find this to be the best aspect of the HHKB because it makes it more fun to type on. Now if you're talking about stiffness of the switch, the difference in weight between the two is minimal and probably most depends on how much use they switches have seen.

However, subjectively, the RF 45g definitely feels the lightest, then 660C, and HHKB. I find the RF 45g to be least satisfying and just mushy because of the lack of tactility and soft bottoming-out. The 660C seems to be the best "feeling" because of the balance between tactility/snappy with the most butter/smooth feel when bottoming out (bc of plate). The HHKB is the most "fun" because of the case mounting and how the entire keyboard/case resonates with each bottoming out. Remember, this is my opinion between the three, and that it will be nearly all subjective when it comes to the comparison between the three 45g's. Just a matter of what does one prefer.

They are all far from the 55g though. All hail 55g thorpe. Best thorpe.

Remember to take all this with a grain of salt because in the end, the best way to find out is to try them all yourself. I know that even with over a year of reading pages and pages on Topre, and I felt like I knew/imagined what they felt like, they all felt way different than I imagined when I actually got them in my hands. Same applies for when I got the 55g (already had 660c for awhile before). I just assumed the 55g would feel like a stiffer 45g (and probably like a 45g with the spacebar spring in it) but it turned out to be a totally different animal with different characteristics.

Still haven't tried my ingenious idea of putting 55g rubber in a 660C, eh? I'm awaiting your review ;)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Thu, 20 February 2014, 23:02:11
I just received my FC660C with blank caps and bypassed the poor printing quality. This thing feels amazing. I'm actually using it instead of my HHKB right now  :eek:

So do you find it feels better than your HHKB?

Hard to admit it, but right now I do  :eek: I actually prefer the mods on the HHKB and the alphas on the Leopold xD they just feel so soft and smooth...

I do agree, it does feel buttery smooth.

Which of the two keyboards, HHKB and FC660C, 45-gram key switches feels firmer? I use 55-gram Topres and found RF's 45-gram KB to be too soft for me.

Which of the two keyboards, HHKB and FC660C, 45-gram key switches feels firmer? I use 55-gram Topres and found RF's 45-gram KB to be too soft for me.

Between those two the HHKB's switches definitely feel firmer. I have a RF 87U 55g making its way to me so hopefully I'll be able to compare all three next week.

I'd be interested to here how the key switches compare. Thus far, Ive not found a more agreeable switch than Topre's 55-gram. So your observation will be interesting. I even prefer it to my buckling-spring KBs.



I think it really depends on how you define "firm". If you want talk about construction and overall feel, the 660C definitely takes the cake here because of the overall feel of the butter smooth bottoming-out because of steel plate and the tight construction of the case. It's also snappier and more poppy than the RF 45g. However, that is not to say that the HHKB isn't well constructed. The construction is great on the HHKB, however, it can feel cheap to some people because of its light weight and plastic case mounting, which results in much resonance (also known as the famous HHKB thock). I, on the other hand (like many), personally find this to be the best aspect of the HHKB because it makes it more fun to type on. Now if you're talking about stiffness of the switch, the difference in weight between the two is minimal and probably most depends on how much use they switches have seen.

However, subjectively, the RF 45g definitely feels the lightest, then 660C, and HHKB. I find the RF 45g to be least satisfying and just mushy because of the lack of tactility and soft bottoming-out. The 660C seems to be the best "feeling" because of the balance between tactility/snappy with the most butter/smooth feel when bottoming out (bc of plate). The HHKB is the most "fun" because of the case mounting and how the entire keyboard/case resonates with each bottoming out. Remember, this is my opinion between the three, and that it will be nearly all subjective when it comes to the comparison between the three 45g's. Just a matter of what does one prefer.

They are all far from the 55g though. All hail 55g thorpe. Best thorpe.

Remember to take all this with a grain of salt because in the end, the best way to find out is to try them all yourself. I know that even with over a year of reading pages and pages on Topre, and I felt like I knew/imagined what they felt like, they all felt way different than I imagined when I actually got them in my hands. Same applies for when I got the 55g (already had 660c for awhile before). I just assumed the 55g would feel like a stiffer 45g (and probably like a 45g with the spacebar spring in it) but it turned out to be a totally different animal with different characteristics.

Everything you've said about FC660C vs. HHKB is spot-on.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: 1pq on Fri, 21 February 2014, 23:48:07
Oh did you get your blank one from EK already?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Fri, 21 February 2014, 23:59:19
Oh did you get your blank one from EK already?

I owned a printed version in the past -- but I actually did get the EK order -- the cost to overnight was not substantially more than regular 2day shipping to DC so I ended up doing that. Will post pix soon  :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morpheus on Sat, 22 February 2014, 03:52:04
So are they ever gonna come out with better keycaps for this?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sat, 22 February 2014, 04:42:09
Everything you've said about FC660C vs. HHKB is spot-on.  :thumb:

:thumb:


Oh did you get your blank one from EK already?

I owned a printed version in the past -- but I actually did get the EK order -- the cost to overnight was not substantially more than regular 2day shipping to DC so I ended up doing that. Will post pix soon  :)

Can't wait to see the pics! I'm probably gonna get a lil' jelly.


So are they ever gonna come out with better keycaps for this?

What do you mean? Like their printing? They just released a blank version. Other than the printing issue, their caps are of decent PBT, imo.

Still haven't tried my ingenious idea of putting 55g rubber in a 660C, eh? I'm awaiting your review ;)

Not yet :P So much worrrk~
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sat, 22 February 2014, 12:45:51
Right now I've got my HHKB alphas on the Leo w/ blank mods -- interestingly, the HHKB caps feel much better on the Leo, and the Leo's caps feel much better on the HHKB! The Leo's profile is slightly different -- a little shorter -- and the PBT is thinner. This actually makes the HHKB thock even more, while the thicker HHKB keys reduce the (IMO undesirable) upstroke "click" of the Leo. I plan to do spicebar's silence mod on my Leo as soon as I get the right materials.

(http://i.imgur.com/OHbvgiD.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sat, 22 February 2014, 12:52:17
The HHKB:

(http://i.imgur.com/yPNZNPo.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Sat, 22 February 2014, 13:21:31

Right now I've got my HHKB alphas on the Leo w/ blank mods

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/OHbvgiD.jpg)


This looks awesome!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Sat, 22 February 2014, 13:32:07
Right now I've got my HHKB alphas on the Leo w/ blank mods -- interestingly, the HHKB caps feel much better on the Leo, and the Leo's caps feel much better on the HHKB! The Leo's profile is slightly different -- a little shorter -- and the PBT is thinner. This actually makes the HHKB thock even more, while the thicker HHKB keys reduce the (IMO undesirable) upstroke "click" of the Leo. I plan to do spicebar's silence mod on my Leo as soon as I get the right materials.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/OHbvgiD.jpg)


This looks awesome. I wish I knew about the blank version before I purchased mine! :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sat, 22 February 2014, 14:38:40
Right now I've got my HHKB alphas on the Leo w/ blank mods -- interestingly, the HHKB caps feel much better on the Leo, and the Leo's caps feel much better on the HHKB! The Leo's profile is slightly different -- a little shorter -- and the PBT is thinner. This actually makes the HHKB thock even more, while the thicker HHKB keys reduce the (IMO undesirable) upstroke "click" of the Leo. I plan to do spicebar's silence mod on my Leo as soon as I get the right materials.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/OHbvgiD.jpg)


The HHKB:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/yPNZNPo.jpg)


Those are pretty sexy!!! I rike, so very rike. Your observation on switching the caps is quite interesting! I'm going to have to throw my Leopold caps on my HHKB sometime to see for myself :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sat, 22 February 2014, 16:49:34
Those are pretty sexy!!! I rike, so very rike. Your observation on switching the caps is quite interesting! I'm going to have to throw my Leopold caps on my HHKB sometime to see for myself :)

I'll be interested to hear what you think.

I stopped by Ace this afternoon and picked up stuff for a silence mod... will provide videos and results soon. 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: tbc on Sat, 22 February 2014, 21:25:53
The HHKB:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/yPNZNPo.jpg)


nice!

that IS purple right?

purple caps w/ purple silenced stems would be ridiculous (and expensive)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sun, 23 February 2014, 05:27:09
The HHKB:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/yPNZNPo.jpg)


nice!

that IS purple right?

purple caps w/ purple silenced stems would be ridiculous (and expensive)

No sir, those are the keycaps from blank FC660C. black.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sun, 23 February 2014, 06:00:55
So,

I have completed the silence mod on my FC660C. It is epic. But I have some advice for others: get the soft-landing pads from EK. Don't screw around with anything else. I used adhesive rubber pads from Ace that I punched and trimmed to size and it was a royal pain in the ass. Took way longer than necessary. Also, these were only about 1mm thick, but they are very nearly too thick. In fact, for some keys that were particularly sensitive, I had to sand down the rubber pads to avoid false keypresses. I also had to tighten PCB/plate screws a minimal amount to give the domes as much free play as possible.  Even with this, many keys are on hair trigger status due to the extra dome compression from the pads I inserted.

I believe the soft landing pads are thinner, and either way, they'll save you a huge headache doing it another way.

ANYWAY. Here are the vids. A note in advance-- the FC660C has a voice for radio. IMO, the stock configuration sounds much better on a recording than in real life, including on my 'before' video below. This is true of nearly all Youtube videos of the FC660C. Most recording devices seem to overemphasize the thock and underemphasize the click (upstroke) which is really not accurate at all. Even when trying to avoid false bass detection, videos make the FC660C sound like it has this great rolling, resonant low tone. NOT TRUE IMO. In reality, the upstroke click (yuck) really overpowers the downstroke thock; hence, the silence mod.

The videos are a fairly close approximation, with the caveat I mentioned above. FWIW, In real life, the silence mod sounds way way way better than stock.

Also, not that I did not silence the backspace key.

Vid 1: FC660C before modding ^-^


Vid 2: FC660C after silence mod  :thumb: 


Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Sun, 23 February 2014, 09:47:37
Too bad about the key sensitivity but sounds like your efforts were not in vain, it seems so silent now :thumb:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: 1pq on Sun, 23 February 2014, 10:30:41
Yeah that's why I didn't do the silencing mod on my 660C--I wouldn't want to reduce the keytravel at all. Sounds really nice, though :thumb:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spiceBar on Sun, 23 February 2014, 19:29:14
So,

I have completed the silence mod on my FC660C. It is epic. But I have some advice for others: get the soft-landing pads from EK. Don't screw around with anything else. I used adhesive rubber pads from Ace that I punched and trimmed to size and it was a royal pain in the ass. Took way longer than necessary. Also, these were only about 1mm thick, but they are very nearly too thick. In fact, for some keys that were particularly sensitive, I had to sand down the rubber pads to avoid false keypresses. I also had to tighten PCB/plate screws a minimal amount to give the domes as much free play as possible.  Even with this, many keys are on hair trigger status due to the extra dome compression from the pads I inserted.

I believe the soft landing pads are thinner, and either way, they'll save you a huge headache doing it another way.

ANYWAY. Here are the vids. A note in advance-- the FC660C has a voice for radio. IMO, the stock configuration sounds much better on a recording than in real life, including on my 'before' video below. This is true of nearly all Youtube videos of the FC660C. Most recording devices seem to overemphasize the thock and underemphasize the click (upstroke) which is really not accurate at all. Even when trying to avoid false bass detection, videos make the FC660C sound like it has this great rolling, resonant low tone. NOT TRUE IMO. In reality, the upstroke click (yuck) really overpowers the downstroke thock; hence, the silence mod.

The videos are a fairly close approximation, with the caveat I mentioned above. FWIW, In real life, the silence mod sounds way way way better than stock.

Also, not that I did not silence the backspace key.

Vid 1: FC660C before modding ^-^


Vid 2: FC660C after silence mod  :thumb: 


Great job, and thank you for posting the videos.

The soft landing pads are not thinner, as they are approximately 1mm thick, but they are probably made of a softer material than the pads that you have used. So the rubber dome and the spring of the Topre switches are strong enough to compress them just a little, and eventually everything falls into place.

My mod of the FC660C was one of the first I have ever done on Topres. I think I may have done the mod on my Realforce 88UW before, but I'm not even sure.

Anyway, now that I have more experience, here is what I would recommend:

1. Use EliteKeyboards' soft landing pads, because they do the job and I don't see any other easy way to agree on a useable and well-defined material.
    http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,slpads&pid=sl120_cs
NOTE: O-rings are not suitable. They grey landing pads are not suitable either.

2. You need to slim down the landing pads using a clothing iron. Yep. You do that by putting the landing pads between two sheets of paper (preferably non-printed) and press on them with a hot iron until they are slimmed down to 0.5mm or even 0.3mm. You will need to make a number of trials in order to find the right temperature, the right amount of pressure to apply and how long to press on them. I slimmed them down 4 at a time once I had found the right way to do it.

The slimmed down landing pads work really well. The reduction in travel is barely noticeable. I have been forced to start using this technique when I tried to mod my Realforce 87U. It has lighter keys than the FC660C (some of them are only 30g), so using out-if-the-box landing pads did not work. I had a small number of keys that stayed actuated.

Slimmed down landing pads work on 30g Topre switches, and they work even better with the 45g or 55g.

In 30g switches, they change the feel a little bit. On 45g and 55g switches, they make almost no difference in feel. But they do make a huge difference in sound: the famous "Thock" is still there, but the plasticky "click" on the upstroke is almost gone.

I can't resist to post once again the video demonstrating the difference between a stock Realforce 87U and one silenced using slimmed down landing pads:
  http://www.chesstiger.com/images/keyboards/RF87_silenced_before_after.mp4

Finally, one thing I have noticed in your videos is that your spacebar seems a little noisy. I think you need to put high viscosity lubricant on the stabilizer wire, at every point where it touches the plastic, that will help. You may also need to put landing pads (or something equivalent) under the spacebar, on the stabilizers plungers.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sun, 23 February 2014, 21:40:12
Thanks for the information. I'll probably add some soft landing pads to my next EK order, compress them, and swap them in.

So you have a total of 3 soft landing pads on your spacebar? Also, yes, I did not use any lube -- will also give that a shot next time.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:59:26
Update: After 24 hours, the "q" key is now acting up.

Sadtrombone.mid

Looks like the current setup isn't reliable. Gotta get the softlanding pads and do it right.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 25 February 2014, 13:23:37
Does anyone know whether it's possible to use a program like autohotkey to create media keys on the FC660C? Ideally, I'd like to have volume up as fn+ins and volume down as fn+del.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: gh_pp on Tue, 25 February 2014, 17:44:01
Does anyone know whether it's possible to use a program like autohotkey to create media keys on the FC660C? Ideally, I'd like to have volume up as fn+ins and volume down as fn+del.

Not unless Fn+ins is already a shortcut recognized by FC660C (I don't have one, so I don't know).

If Fn+ins sent PageUp by the FC660C, you can remap PageUp to media function with autohotkey, etc.
But if Fn+ins does nothing, then you're out of luck.


someone asked the same question here:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55167.0

you cannot remap hardwired virtual modifier keys like Fn
When you press Fn alone, nothing is sent from the firmware to your computer, so you cannot software remap it.

To do that requires a hardware mod by swapping the stock controller with a teensy

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.0
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HPE1000 on Tue, 25 February 2014, 18:12:00
I wonder if they would make a blank, 55g version of this. I have always liked these leopold fc660 layouts, the delete and insert key spot is amazing for displaying novelty keycaps imo.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Rena on Wed, 26 February 2014, 11:01:00
I just got my FC660M yesterday and this really is a fantastic board. The quality of it and the keycaps are excellent for the price, and it's very nice having dedicated arrow keys while maintaining a functional layout for such a small board.

Only issue I have with it, which isn't necessarily a flaw but still a significant inconvenience is the placement of the Fn key. Even if it were to be switched with the control key sitting next to it that would be better. But having to, for example, use two hands to actuate F5 feels unnecessary. I guess I can get used to it though. I would buy this board again in the 660C version.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ideus on Wed, 26 February 2014, 11:35:56
I have been using the MX version of this 66 keyboard for two months now, and it is way awesome. Its build quality is outstanding, solid like a tank. I am using thick PBTs for the alphas and DS for the mods. Coming from a cramped 60% the arrows are fresh air and the dedicated delete and its position makes it very handy. I am planning to buy a second with green or clears for home.

And the awesome Macross set is coming to fit one of them.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Travellerr on Thu, 06 March 2014, 10:22:22
Right now I've got my HHKB alphas on the Leo w/ blank mods -- interestingly, the HHKB caps feel much better on the Leo, and the Leo's caps feel much better on the HHKB! The Leo's profile is slightly different -- a little shorter -- and the PBT is thinner. This actually makes the HHKB thock even more, while the thicker HHKB keys reduce the (IMO undesirable) upstroke "click" of the Leo. I plan to do spicebar's silence mod on my Leo as soon as I get the right materials.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/OHbvgiD.jpg)


That is fantastic news because I was thinking about buying some new key caps for my Leo which is right now modded with the blank red keycaps for a Realforce keyboard, and it looks good but I want something different lately. I have been looking for white and or beige alpha keys from a Realforce key set to order for the leopold. I only wish that I ordered the Leo later on so I could have some blank black pbt caps on it because it would make my switching between keyboards with different key placement and size so much easier to do when you have blank caps to work with. Granted I am fine with the alpha keys being marked with legends and what not because usually that is something that does not change on most keyboards I have used. I am seriously considering doing something similar to what you have done here but with the blank red modifier key instead of black. If only leopold gave you the option to buy blank black key caps.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ideus on Thu, 06 March 2014, 11:25:38
I just got my FC660M yesterday and this really is a fantastic board. The quality of it and the keycaps are excellent for the price, and it's very nice having dedicated arrow keys while maintaining a functional layout for such a small board.

Only issue I have with it, which isn't necessarily a flaw but still a significant inconvenience is the placement of the Fn key. Even if it were to be switched with the control key sitting next to it that would be better. But having to, for example, use two hands to actuate F5 feels unnecessary. I guess I can get used to it though. I would buy this board again in the 660C version.


You should get a Macross set for your new Leo
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: drinkbleach on Sat, 08 March 2014, 10:07:19
Just got my 660c with blank keycaps

(http://i.imgur.com/SWhMbno.jpg)

I put a piece of black masking tape on the space bar, in hopes to protects it from shine and gives an added textured feel. Easy to put on, easy to take off 

Love the smooth action of topre. The board up-stroke is a little "clacky" . Will be trying silent mod.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: combataran on Mon, 24 March 2014, 20:13:10
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?

My 2 cents ~ If you're wanting to get only a 45g:

- 660C if you want something that feels poppy, soft, and full-on cloudofboobs. Best feel 45g, IMO. Dedicated arrow cluster.

- HHKB if you want max THOCK, plastic-feel/casemount-feel (this is not a bad thing, and it is greatly fun). Best looking. 60% layout.

- RealForce 87 if you want TKl layout. Probably the worst feeling 45g Topre out of them all.



If you want Thorpe God Feels, Realforce 55g ;)

If you were to choose your first Topre(it is in my case), would you go with the 660C or the RF 55g?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zoolzoo on Mon, 24 March 2014, 20:20:08
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?

My 2 cents ~ If you're wanting to get only a 45g:

- 660C if you want something that feels poppy, soft, and full-on cloudofboobs. Best feel 45g, IMO. Dedicated arrow cluster.

- HHKB if you want max THOCK, plastic-feel/casemount-feel (this is not a bad thing, and it is greatly fun). Best looking. 60% layout.

- RealForce 87 if you want TKl layout. Probably the worst feeling 45g Topre out of them all.



If you want Thorpe God Feels, Realforce 55g ;)

If you were to choose your first Topre(it is in my case), would you go with the 660C or the RF 55g?

I have the 660C and a RF 55g. The 660C has a great feel and a good pop to it. The 55g has a little more pop but it puts stress on my fingers and wrists. I dont intend to "get used to it" either. One thing I learned from my knee...if your joint is hurting thats bad...dont power through it. You may be fine with the 55g though, it depends on the person.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 24 March 2014, 20:25:39
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?

My 2 cents ~ If you're wanting to get only a 45g:

- 660C if you want something that feels poppy, soft, and full-on cloudofboobs. Best feel 45g, IMO. Dedicated arrow cluster.

- HHKB if you want max THOCK, plastic-feel/casemount-feel (this is not a bad thing, and it is greatly fun). Best looking. 60% layout.

- RealForce 87 if you want TKl layout. Probably the worst feeling 45g Topre out of them all.



If you want Thorpe God Feels, Realforce 55g ;)

If you were to choose your first Topre(it is in my case), would you go with the 660C or the RF 55g?

Get the FC660C as your first Topre board. Then when you're used to that, get the RF 55g. I think it's best to ease into Topre that way.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 24 March 2014, 20:37:07
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?

My 2 cents ~ If you're wanting to get only a 45g:

- 660C if you want something that feels poppy, soft, and full-on cloudofboobs. Best feel 45g, IMO. Dedicated arrow cluster.

- HHKB if you want max THOCK, plastic-feel/casemount-feel (this is not a bad thing, and it is greatly fun). Best looking. 60% layout.

- RealForce 87 if you want TKl layout. Probably the worst feeling 45g Topre out of them all.



If you want Thorpe God Feels, Realforce 55g ;)

If you were to choose your first Topre(it is in my case), would you go with the 660C or the RF 55g?


I have the 660C and a RF 55g. The 660C has a great feel and a good pop to it. The 55g has a little more pop but it puts stress on my fingers and wrists. I dont intend to "get used to it" either. One thing I learned from my knee...if your joint is hurting thats bad...dont power through it. You may be fine with the 55g though, it depends on the person.

I can agree that you should never force something that hurts onto oneself.. However, I think the 55g is a good kind of weight. It's never going to cause any harm to your fingers unless one finds it to be strenuous and that same person is typing for 6 hours straight a day on it, and even then, as long as that person isn't typing over 100 WPMs during that entire time, it's perfectly fine. It's a great, responsive, and solid switch that is actually not that stiff compared to other stiff switches like Cherry MX Black, stock Clears, or Buckling Spring. It only has a semi-stiff peak at top for like 0.5mm travel before it's just a smooth butter light drop to the bottom.

Get the FC660C as your first Topre board. Then when you're used to that, get the RF 55g. I think it's best to ease into Topre that way.

I agree that the FC660C is an absolutely awesome first Topre to get. It gives the best representation of why Topre feels so good, and you'll be totally sucked in. If you end up liking it, you'll definitely end up being super curious about the 55g afterwards. I can bet on that. You can't really go wrong with either of them. If you're okay with stiffer switches, the 55g is a perfect first Topre too. You'll eventually end up with 55g in the end anyway :P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: 1pq on Mon, 24 March 2014, 20:41:08
Vesperbro, remember when I asked you about putting 55g domes in a FC660C? Well turns out that Matt3o's already done it! I might try it after my RF comes.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 24 March 2014, 20:45:25
Vesperbro, remember when I asked you about putting 55g domes in a FC660C? Well turns out that Matt3o's already done it! I might try it after my RF comes.

Oooo really nowwwwww~ That's interesting!!! Only reason I haven't done it is because I just love my RF55g as is :P. If you do it, please let me know what you think compared to how it feels in the 660C and the RF!

Man, you and Travellerr went the exact same routes because of my videos on Youtube, which is 660C then to RF55g (you went one extra and also got the Filco Ergo Clears too :P ) My apologies LOL!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: 1pq on Mon, 24 March 2014, 20:48:38
Vesperbro, remember when I asked you about putting 55g domes in a FC660C? Well turns out that Matt3o's already done it! I might try it after my RF comes.

Oooo really nowwwwww~ That's interesting!!! Only reason I haven't done it is because I just love my RF55g as is :P. If you do it, please let me know what you think compared to how it feels in the 660C and the RF!

Man, you and Travellerr went the exact same routes because of my videos on Youtube, which is 660C then to RF55g (you went one extra and also got the Filco Ergo Clears too :P ) My apologies LOL!

Haha I've actually since sold the 660C and have purchased a JD40 that's currently being built...so, not exactly the same. Maybe someday I'll have all your boards, though :thumb:

If i mod the 660C to 55g I'll have to pick up a blank one from EK—but I could never stand those legends anyway ;P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 24 March 2014, 20:51:07
Vesperbro, remember when I asked you about putting 55g domes in a FC660C? Well turns out that Matt3o's already done it! I might try it after my RF comes.

Oooo really nowwwwww~ That's interesting!!! Only reason I haven't done it is because I just love my RF55g as is :P. If you do it, please let me know what you think compared to how it feels in the 660C and the RF!

Man, you and Travellerr went the exact same routes because of my videos on Youtube, which is 660C then to RF55g (you went one extra and also got the Filco Ergo Clears too :P ) My apologies LOL!

Haha I've actually since sold the 660C and have purchased a JD40 that's currently being built...so, not exactly the same. Maybe someday I'll have all your boards, though :thumb:

If i mod the 660C to 55g I'll have to pick up a blank one from EK—but I could never stand those legends anyway ;P

Hehehe nice gets on the JD40!

I definitely prefer blanks too but because I don't look down at my hands, I don't mind the legends on my 660C, but I really do wish they'd just sell the caps separately :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: combataran on Mon, 24 March 2014, 21:10:54
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?

My 2 cents ~ If you're wanting to get only a 45g:

- 660C if you want something that feels poppy, soft, and full-on cloudofboobs. Best feel 45g, IMO. Dedicated arrow cluster.

- HHKB if you want max THOCK, plastic-feel/casemount-feel (this is not a bad thing, and it is greatly fun). Best looking. 60% layout.

- RealForce 87 if you want TKl layout. Probably the worst feeling 45g Topre out of them all.



If you want Thorpe God Feels, Realforce 55g ;)

If you were to choose your first Topre(it is in my case), would you go with the 660C or the RF 55g?


I have the 660C and a RF 55g. The 660C has a great feel and a good pop to it. The 55g has a little more pop but it puts stress on my fingers and wrists. I dont intend to "get used to it" either. One thing I learned from my knee...if your joint is hurting thats bad...dont power through it. You may be fine with the 55g though, it depends on the person.

I can agree that you should never force something that hurts onto oneself.. However, I think the 55g is a good kind of weight. It's never going to cause any harm to your fingers unless one finds it to be strenuous and that same person is typing for 6 hours straight a day on it, and even then, as long as that person isn't typing over 100 WPMs during that entire time, it's perfectly fine. It's a great, responsive, and solid switch that is actually not that stiff compared to other stiff switches like Cherry MX Black, stock Clears, or Buckling Spring. It only has a semi-stiff peak at top for like 0.5mm travel before it's just a smooth butter light drop to the bottom.

Get the FC660C as your first Topre board. Then when you're used to that, get the RF 55g. I think it's best to ease into Topre that way.

I agree that the FC660C is an absolutely awesome first Topre to get. It gives the best representation of why Topre feels so good, and you'll be totally sucked in. If you end up liking it, you'll definitely end up being super curious about the 55g afterwards. I can bet on that. You can't really go wrong with either of them. If you're okay with stiffer switches, the 55g is a perfect first Topre too. You'll eventually end up with 55g in the end anyway :P

I never like MX Blacks to begin with. I bottom out all the time, but the blacks just felt too stiff for me. I was worried that it might be the same with the 55g. I just can't decide between the two, and the price difference isn't that much either. On one hand there's the better looking(black on black keys) albeit more expensive 55g, and on the other, well I would certainly miss the function row. I don't plan on waiting for the Novatouch anymore, I'm not that patient of a person. I really do want to believe that the 55 is the god switch though. Still find it hard deciding between the two.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 24 March 2014, 21:36:06
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?

My 2 cents ~ If you're wanting to get only a 45g:

- 660C if you want something that feels poppy, soft, and full-on cloudofboobs. Best feel 45g, IMO. Dedicated arrow cluster.

- HHKB if you want max THOCK, plastic-feel/casemount-feel (this is not a bad thing, and it is greatly fun). Best looking. 60% layout.

- RealForce 87 if you want TKl layout. Probably the worst feeling 45g Topre out of them all.



If you want Thorpe God Feels, Realforce 55g ;)

If you were to choose your first Topre(it is in my case), would you go with the 660C or the RF 55g?


I have the 660C and a RF 55g. The 660C has a great feel and a good pop to it. The 55g has a little more pop but it puts stress on my fingers and wrists. I dont intend to "get used to it" either. One thing I learned from my knee...if your joint is hurting thats bad...dont power through it. You may be fine with the 55g though, it depends on the person.

I can agree that you should never force something that hurts onto oneself.. However, I think the 55g is a good kind of weight. It's never going to cause any harm to your fingers unless one finds it to be strenuous and that same person is typing for 6 hours straight a day on it, and even then, as long as that person isn't typing over 100 WPMs during that entire time, it's perfectly fine. It's a great, responsive, and solid switch that is actually not that stiff compared to other stiff switches like Cherry MX Black, stock Clears, or Buckling Spring. It only has a semi-stiff peak at top for like 0.5mm travel before it's just a smooth butter light drop to the bottom.

Get the FC660C as your first Topre board. Then when you're used to that, get the RF 55g. I think it's best to ease into Topre that way.

I agree that the FC660C is an absolutely awesome first Topre to get. It gives the best representation of why Topre feels so good, and you'll be totally sucked in. If you end up liking it, you'll definitely end up being super curious about the 55g afterwards. I can bet on that. You can't really go wrong with either of them. If you're okay with stiffer switches, the 55g is a perfect first Topre too. You'll eventually end up with 55g in the end anyway :P

Pretty much what happened to me. FC660C was my first Topre board. My first impression was "Ooooo... aaaah... buttery smoooooth... I like... I like very much.... " Then I caught the Topre bug and became super curious about the much talked about 55g. So when I finally got that, I had the FC660C to compare it to and holy smokes did it make a difference. Even though I initially loved the feel of the FC660C, I love typing on the 55g even more than the FC660C now.

So yeah like Vesper says... all roads eventually lead to 55g! :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 24 March 2014, 22:29:38
I never like MX Blacks to begin with. I bottom out all the time, but the blacks just felt too stiff for me. I was worried that it might be the same with the 55g. I just can't decide between the two, and the price difference isn't that much either. On one hand there's the better looking(black on black keys) albeit more expensive 55g, and on the other, well I would certainly miss the function row. I don't plan on waiting for the Novatouch anymore, I'm not that patient of a person. I really do want to believe that the 55 is the god switch though. Still find it hard deciding between the two.

The 55g Topre is no way near as stiff as the Cherry MX Blacks. You have to realize that with Topre only the top part of the key press is stiff for a split second before the cup rubber caves and it's pretty much a free fall to the bottom of the switch. It's designed to be bottomed out, and it's near impossible not to while typing normally. Even at its peak stiffness at the top (which is only for a split second), the 55g Topre is still lighter than Black.



Pretty much what happened to me. FC660C was my first Topre board. My first impression was "Ooooo... aaaah... buttery smoooooth... I like... I like very much.... " Then I caught the Topre bug and became super curious about the much talked about 55g. So when I finally got that, I had the FC660C to compare it to and holy smokes did it make a difference. Even though I initially loved the feel of the FC660C, I love typing on the 55g even more than the FC660C now.

So yeah like Vesper says... all roads eventually lead to 55g! :)

:) 45g Topre may be the most efficient but 55g is definitely the most pleasurable in terms of feel and sound, in my opinion :D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zoolzoo on Tue, 25 March 2014, 05:55:11
660C vs Realforce 87 vs HHKB? Which 1 should I try to pick up?

My 2 cents ~ If you're wanting to get only a 45g:

- 660C if you want something that feels poppy, soft, and full-on cloudofboobs. Best feel 45g, IMO. Dedicated arrow cluster.

- HHKB if you want max THOCK, plastic-feel/casemount-feel (this is not a bad thing, and it is greatly fun). Best looking. 60% layout.

- RealForce 87 if you want TKl layout. Probably the worst feeling 45g Topre out of them all.



If you want Thorpe God Feels, Realforce 55g ;)

If you were to choose your first Topre(it is in my case), would you go with the 660C or the RF 55g?


I have the 660C and a RF 55g. The 660C has a great feel and a good pop to it. The 55g has a little more pop but it puts stress on my fingers and wrists. I dont intend to "get used to it" either. One thing I learned from my knee...if your joint is hurting thats bad...dont power through it. You may be fine with the 55g though, it depends on the person.

I can agree that you should never force something that hurts onto oneself.. However, I think the 55g is a good kind of weight. It's never going to cause any harm to your fingers unless one finds it to be strenuous and that same person is typing for 6 hours straight a day on it, and even then, as long as that person isn't typing over 100 WPMs during that entire time, it's perfectly fine. It's a great, responsive, and solid switch that is actually not that stiff compared to other stiff switches like Cherry MX Black, stock Clears, or Buckling Spring. It only has a semi-stiff peak at top for like 0.5mm travel before it's just a smooth butter light drop to the bottom.



To me it sounds like you are describing my 660c. I think I just have baby hands I guess. Maybe Ill take her for another run tonight well see.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Tue, 25 March 2014, 08:31:38
I can agree that you should never force something that hurts onto oneself.. However, I think the 55g is a good kind of weight. It's never going to cause any harm to your fingers unless one finds it to be strenuous and that same person is typing for 6 hours straight a day on it, and even then, as long as that person isn't typing over 100 WPMs during that entire time, it's perfectly fine. It's a great, responsive, and solid switch that is actually not that stiff compared to other stiff switches like Cherry MX Black, stock Clears, or Buckling Spring. It only has a semi-stiff peak at top for like 0.5mm travel before it's just a smooth butter light drop to the bottom.



To me it sounds like you are describing my 660c. I think I just have baby hands I guess. Maybe Ill take her for another run tonight well see.

:) Yeah, for some people 55g Topre can be overwhelming at first (I almost sold mine too because of this), but with some time, people learn how to type on it and it eventually becomes their favorite. Of course, it's not for everyone though :P It'll also never be a workhorse keyboard though because lighter keyboards are always better for that, even if they don't feel as good and responsive as the 55g.

You should definitely give it another shot! Only problem is that they take a decent amount of time to get used to :P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: combataran on Tue, 25 March 2014, 09:49:05
P.S. Did you find any site or service particularly helpful when learning Dvorak?

I used this source (http://learn.dvorak.nl/) to start, then used Stamina 3.0 a lot for practice with all sorts of words and sentences, and now I mostly use 10FF. And if I could get to 170 in that time, I'd be happy heh.
Hey dude, can I have the link to Stamina 3.0? Can't seem to find it anywhere. I'm thinking of cold-turkey switching to Dvorak, and need all the help I can get. Also, I would like to know of any initial hurdles you had to surpass during the initial learning phase.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 25 March 2014, 16:21:37
I can agree that you should never force something that hurts onto oneself.. However, I think the 55g is a good kind of weight. It's never going to cause any harm to your fingers unless one finds it to be strenuous and that same person is typing for 6 hours straight a day on it, and even then, as long as that person isn't typing over 100 WPMs during that entire time, it's perfectly fine. It's a great, responsive, and solid switch that is actually not that stiff compared to other stiff switches like Cherry MX Black, stock Clears, or Buckling Spring. It only has a semi-stiff peak at top for like 0.5mm travel before it's just a smooth butter light drop to the bottom.



To me it sounds like you are describing my 660c. I think I just have baby hands I guess. Maybe Ill take her for another run tonight well see.

:) Yeah, for some people 55g Topre can be overwhelming at first (I almost sold mine too because of this), but with some time, people learn how to type on it and it eventually becomes their favorite. Of course, it's not for everyone though :P It'll also never be a workhorse keyboard though because lighter keyboards are always better for that, even if they don't feel as good and responsive as the 55g.

You should definitely give it another shot! Only problem is that they take a decent amount of time to get used to :P

I found I prefer MX black or green, so I surprised myself by also liking 45g Topre in my HHKB.

I am curious to try 55g Topre one day ...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zoolzoo on Tue, 25 March 2014, 16:35:09
I can agree that you should never force something that hurts onto oneself.. However, I think the 55g is a good kind of weight. It's never going to cause any harm to your fingers unless one finds it to be strenuous and that same person is typing for 6 hours straight a day on it, and even then, as long as that person isn't typing over 100 WPMs during that entire time, it's perfectly fine. It's a great, responsive, and solid switch that is actually not that stiff compared to other stiff switches like Cherry MX Black, stock Clears, or Buckling Spring. It only has a semi-stiff peak at top for like 0.5mm travel before it's just a smooth butter light drop to the bottom.





To me it sounds like you are describing my 660c. I think I just have baby hands I guess. Maybe Ill take her for another run tonight well see.

:) Yeah, for some people 55g Topre can be overwhelming at first (I almost sold mine too because of this), but with some time, people learn how to type on it and it eventually becomes their favorite. Of course, it's not for everyone though :P It'll also never be a workhorse keyboard though because lighter keyboards are always better for that, even if they don't feel as good and responsive as the 55g.

You should definitely give it another shot! Only problem is that they take a decent amount of time to get used to :P

I found I prefer MX black or green, so I surprised myself by also liking 45g Topre in my HHKB.

I am curious to try 55g Topre one day ...

want to buy my 55g?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 25 March 2014, 16:39:39
I can agree that you should never force something that hurts onto oneself.. However, I think the 55g is a good kind of weight. It's never going to cause any harm to your fingers unless one finds it to be strenuous and that same person is typing for 6 hours straight a day on it, and even then, as long as that person isn't typing over 100 WPMs during that entire time, it's perfectly fine. It's a great, responsive, and solid switch that is actually not that stiff compared to other stiff switches like Cherry MX Black, stock Clears, or Buckling Spring. It only has a semi-stiff peak at top for like 0.5mm travel before it's just a smooth butter light drop to the bottom.





To me it sounds like you are describing my 660c. I think I just have baby hands I guess. Maybe Ill take her for another run tonight well see.

:) Yeah, for some people 55g Topre can be overwhelming at first (I almost sold mine too because of this), but with some time, people learn how to type on it and it eventually becomes their favorite. Of course, it's not for everyone though :P It'll also never be a workhorse keyboard though because lighter keyboards are always better for that, even if they don't feel as good and responsive as the 55g.

You should definitely give it another shot! Only problem is that they take a decent amount of time to get used to :P

I found I prefer MX black or green, so I surprised myself by also liking 45g Topre in my HHKB.

I am curious to try 55g Topre one day ...

want to buy my 55g?

No money :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Nixietube on Wed, 26 March 2014, 12:51:55
nice, thanks for the review... maybe i'll pick one up too
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Wed, 26 March 2014, 22:26:56
nice, thanks for the review... maybe i'll pick one up too

(b^_^)b

let us know if you do and you get it :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: boradori007 on Sun, 30 March 2014, 02:11:41
Maybe one day...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: blingcaps on Tue, 01 April 2014, 22:44:56
mine finally arrived in the mail!

i've been typing on reds and browns at home for a couple weeks now.  after opening the FC660C and typing on it, my first impression was actually huge disappointment....

"this is it!?" is what i thought.  i also felt that the keys were extremely heavy.  i'm surprised that reds, browns, and these topres are all 45g, because i don't believe it.  it's clearly reds, then browns, then topres in terms of force required.

i'm starting to get used to the topre the more i type on it, and the more i type the more i enjoy it.   i suspect it might become my favorite after a week.  i guess time will tell.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ideus on Tue, 01 April 2014, 22:49:19
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 02 April 2014, 00:14:48
mine finally arrived in the mail!

i've been typing on reds and browns at home for a couple weeks now.  after opening the FC660C and typing on it, my first impression was actually huge disappointment....

"this is it!?" is what i thought.  i also felt that the keys were extremely heavy.  i'm surprised that reds, browns, and these topres are all 45g, because i don't believe it.  it's clearly reds, then browns, then topres in terms of force required.

i'm starting to get used to the topre the more i type on it, and the more i type the more i enjoy it.   i suspect it might become my favorite after a week.  i guess time will tell.

Please give yourself a week or two using the FC660C exclusively, if you can.

Then try switching back to something else and see how the old keyboard feels then.

Yes Topre seems to dissapoint a lot of people the first time they try it, because really it is rubber dome.  It is just capacitive rubber dome.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ideus on Wed, 02 April 2014, 00:19:04
mine finally arrived in the mail!

i've been typing on reds and browns at home for a couple weeks now.  after opening the FC660C and typing on it, my first impression was actually huge disappointment....

"this is it!?" is what i thought.  i also felt that the keys were extremely heavy.  i'm surprised that reds, browns, and these topres are all 45g, because i don't believe it.  it's clearly reds, then browns, then topres in terms of force required.

i'm starting to get used to the topre the more i type on it, and the more i type the more i enjoy it.   i suspect it might become my favorite after a week.  i guess time will tell.

Please give yourself a week or two using the FC660C exclusively, if you can.

Then try switching back to something else and see how the old keyboard feels then.

Yes Topre seems to dissapoint a lot of people the first time they try it, because really it is rubber dome.  It is just capacitive rubber dome.


A very expensive rubber dome though.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 02 April 2014, 00:24:43
mine finally arrived in the mail!

i've been typing on reds and browns at home for a couple weeks now.  after opening the FC660C and typing on it, my first impression was actually huge disappointment....

"this is it!?" is what i thought.  i also felt that the keys were extremely heavy.  i'm surprised that reds, browns, and these topres are all 45g, because i don't believe it.  it's clearly reds, then browns, then topres in terms of force required.

i'm starting to get used to the topre the more i type on it, and the more i type the more i enjoy it.   i suspect it might become my favorite after a week.  i guess time will tell.

Please give yourself a week or two using the FC660C exclusively, if you can.

Then try switching back to something else and see how the old keyboard feels then.

Yes Topre seems to dissapoint a lot of people the first time they try it, because really it is rubber dome.  It is just capacitive rubber dome.


A very expensive rubber dome though.

Yes, but very quality too :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: boradori007 on Wed, 02 April 2014, 00:48:55
soon  you will be mine!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Wed, 02 April 2014, 07:21:55
mine finally arrived in the mail!

i've been typing on reds and browns at home for a couple weeks now.  after opening the FC660C and typing on it, my first impression was actually huge disappointment....

"this is it!?" is what i thought.  i also felt that the keys were extremely heavy.  i'm surprised that reds, browns, and these topres are all 45g, because i don't believe it.  it's clearly reds, then browns, then topres in terms of force required.

i'm starting to get used to the topre the more i type on it, and the more i type the more i enjoy it.   i suspect it might become my favorite after a week.  i guess time will tell.

Please give yourself a week or two using the FC660C exclusively, if you can.

Then try switching back to something else and see how the old keyboard feels then.

Yes Topre seems to dissapoint a lot of people the first time they try it, because really it is rubber dome.  It is just capacitive rubber dome.


A very expensive rubber dome though.

You just haven't experienced the oneness with cup rubber yet, give it time young padawan.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: blingcaps on Fri, 04 April 2014, 22:13:52
just reporting back that i'm starting to feel oneness with the cup rubber  :))

i'm consistently 10wpm slower with the topre switches, since i find it incredibly difficult not to bottom out, whereas i'm able to do so much easier on the brown/red switches.  nonetheless, bottoming out on topres is very satisfying.  i didn't notice it at first but it's very noticable now when i switch back and forth between keyboards.

now i know what people mean when they say "scratchy" browns or "smooth" topres!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 04 April 2014, 22:23:23
just reporting back that i'm starting to feel oneness with the cup rubber  :))

i'm consistently 10wpm slower with the topre switches, since i find it incredibly difficult not to bottom out, whereas i'm able to do so much easier on the brown/red switches.  nonetheless, bottoming out on topres is very satisfying.  i didn't notice it at first but it's very noticable now when i switch back and forth between keyboards.

now i know what people mean when they say "scratchy" browns or "smooth" topres!

Glad to hear, bro :D

Just in case ~ if you're trying not to bottom out on Topre, you should make it easier on yourself and just stop trying. Topre is designed to be bottomed out.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: 1pq on Fri, 04 April 2014, 22:40:59
just reporting back that i'm starting to feel oneness with the cup rubber  :))

i'm consistently 10wpm slower with the topre switches, since i find it incredibly difficult not to bottom out, whereas i'm able to do so much easier on the brown/red switches.  nonetheless, bottoming out on topres is very satisfying.  i didn't notice it at first but it's very noticable now when i switch back and forth between keyboards.

now i know what people mean when they say "scratchy" browns or "smooth" topres!

You shouldn't try not to bottom out on topre; it's virtually impossible. You might notice yourself making fewer mistakes on topre than on mx red/brown, though. My accuracy and WPM went up significantly from MX Blues to 45g topre.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Linkbane on Sat, 05 April 2014, 00:57:01
just reporting back that i'm starting to feel oneness with the cup rubber  :))

i'm consistently 10wpm slower with the topre switches, since i find it incredibly difficult not to bottom out, whereas i'm able to do so much easier on the brown/red switches.  nonetheless, bottoming out on topres is very satisfying.  i didn't notice it at first but it's very noticable now when i switch back and forth between keyboards.

now i know what people mean when they say "scratchy" browns or "smooth" topres!

You shouldn't try not to bottom out on topre; it's virtually impossible. You might notice yourself making fewer mistakes on topre than on mx red/brown, though. My accuracy and WPM went up significantly from MX Blues to 45g topre.

Just my experience, I'm pretty much the same on anything that's not a heavy switch or linear, including rubber domes, although most of my bests were in Blues. YMMV but for typing, Blues are definitely better because you won't bottom out much as you say. Might not make much of a difference, and certainly not a reason to switch considering you like the feel of Topre.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 05 April 2014, 02:38:06
just reporting back that i'm starting to feel oneness with the cup rubber  :))

i'm consistently 10wpm slower with the topre switches, since i find it incredibly difficult not to bottom out, whereas i'm able to do so much easier on the brown/red switches.  nonetheless, bottoming out on topres is very satisfying.  i didn't notice it at first but it's very noticable now when i switch back and forth between keyboards.

now i know what people mean when they say "scratchy" browns or "smooth" topres!

Congratulations!

One of us ... one of us ...

That slight resistance as your finger touches the key, then the keyboard succumbs to the pressure and your finger seems to melt through the keyboard, and you enjoy the oneness with cup rubber.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: skrotnisse on Thu, 24 April 2014, 18:03:57
Nice review. Waiting for it to pop in the mailbox  :D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: gh_pp on Fri, 25 April 2014, 12:31:45
One of the things hold me back from getting one is the keycaps.
Looks like finally that's no longer an issue.

$233, same price as the 87u type-s

Not sure I can live without the pu/pd/home/end cluster & func keys...

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/p180x540/1972389_638529909530308_1206669748324047190_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p180x540/10245482_638529916196974_1967581401462823334_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p180x540/1926866_638529949530304_6156607449255660603_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p180x540/10264965_638529932863639_116688433369070120_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/p180x540/10302742_638529979530301_303857904110015717_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/p180x540/10308281_638530006196965_7601814030163430863_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p180x540/1012564_638530046196961_6406831640818243085_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/t1.0-9/p180x540/10152679_638530066196959_5676048093226216866_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/p180x540/10297951_638530086196957_3854274729738229726_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/p180x540/10178014_638528246197141_6621306444555351422_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Fri, 25 April 2014, 12:34:21
Very nice. Is it in your possession, and if so, where did you get it? More pics plz? :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Premonition on Fri, 25 April 2014, 12:35:04
Very nice review. Topre sounds really nice, I want to try one of these next.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Fri, 25 April 2014, 12:36:10
One of the things hold me back from getting one is the keycaps.
Looks like finally that's no longer an issue.

The omission of the pu/pd/home/end cluster however...

Show Image
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/p180x540/1972389_638529909530308_1206669748324047190_n.jpg)


Show Image
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p180x540/10245482_638529916196974_1967581401462823334_n.jpg)


Show Image
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p180x540/1926866_638529949530304_6156607449255660603_n.jpg)


Show Image
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p180x540/10264965_638529932863639_116688433369070120_n.jpg)


Whaaaa....?!? Where did this come from?!?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Fri, 25 April 2014, 13:03:23
Whaaaa....?!? Where did this come from?!?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57246.0
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Fri, 25 April 2014, 13:21:45
Whaaaa....?!? Where did this come from?!?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57246.0

Oh, I did see that a few days ago! I didn't realize they were dye-sublimated!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 25 April 2014, 19:31:14
Show Image
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p180x540/10264965_638529932863639_116688433369070120_n.jpg)


That picture of a keyboard on the bottom of the box - it is a photo, or a drawing?

When these were first released, a blurry picture made me think that there was a white FC660C (white case and keycaps) somewhere.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 28 April 2014, 19:05:35
I just finished doing the dental band mod on my fc660c, I honestly can't believe how well this worked. My keyboard sounds absolutely incredible and there's absolutely no impact on the key travel. Unreal.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 28 April 2014, 19:09:02
I just finished doing the dental band mod on my fc660c, I honestly can't believe how well this worked. My keyboard sounds absolutely incredible and there's absolutely no impact on the key travel. Unreal.

Hmmm.... curious to do it on mine now...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 28 April 2014, 19:10:53
I just finished doing the dental band mod on my fc660c, I honestly can't believe how well this worked. My keyboard sounds absolutely incredible and there's absolutely no impact on the key travel. Unreal.

Hmmm.... curious to do it on mine now...

I have a whole spare back of dental bands and krytox lube is showing up tomorrow. I'd be happy to pass along the surplus supplies.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 28 April 2014, 19:30:35
I just finished doing the dental band mod on my fc660c, I honestly can't believe how well this worked. My keyboard sounds absolutely incredible and there's absolutely no impact on the key travel. Unreal.

Hmmm.... curious to do it on mine now...

I have a whole spare back of dental bands and krytox lube is showing up tomorrow. I'd be happy to pass along the surplus supplies.

Is it a big difference in feel? How does the upstroke sound? Because I hate the "Clack" on the upstroke. It's even worse with the RF keys.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 28 April 2014, 19:52:58
Eliminates the upstroke clack entirely.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: blingcaps on Mon, 28 April 2014, 20:28:37
after getting this keyboard, it has completely ruined my ability to enjoy typing on cherry reds :-(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: skrotnisse on Sun, 04 May 2014, 03:57:08
Looking forward to getting it in the mail!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Sun, 04 May 2014, 15:30:23
Finished part 2 of the silencing this weekend, the krytox lube took care of the remaining chatter in the board, and additionally the keypresses feel even smoother than before. I would strongly recommend the dental band+krytox lube mod for those inclined to take the board apart. Seems daunting at first but honestly it's very straightforward.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sun, 04 May 2014, 18:18:36
Finished part 2 of the silencing this weekend, the krytox lube took care of the remaining chatter in the board, and additionally the keypresses feel even smoother than before. I would strongly recommend the dental band+krytox lube mod for those inclined to take the board apart. Seems daunting at first but honestly it's very straightforward.

Where do you get the dental bands from? I'm thinking of doing it to both my RF and the incoming 660C
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sun, 04 May 2014, 18:19:40
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051XWXCE/
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 05 May 2014, 06:58:17
Finished part 2 of the silencing this weekend, the krytox lube took care of the remaining chatter in the board, and additionally the keypresses feel even smoother than before. I would strongly recommend the dental band+krytox lube mod for those inclined to take the board apart. Seems daunting at first but honestly it's very straightforward.

Where do you get the dental bands from? I'm thinking of doing it to both my RF and the incoming 660C

Do not buy the bands that Intelli linked, they won't stay put on the topre stems and will impact key travel. The reason orthodontal bands are used over o-rings is because they're flat, not rounded. Once placed on the bottom of the stem they WILL NOT move.

Here's the link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEON-1-8-LIGHT-2-5-oz-ORTHODONTIC-ELASTIC-BRACES-DENTAL-RUBBER-BANDS-/141017868936?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:CA:3160) to the specific auction for the bands I used.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dook0 on Sun, 11 May 2014, 03:45:00
Just ordered mine, can't wait to get it :). It will be me first topre keyboard.
Now I have to find some keycaps. I heard that the spacebar is kinda hard to find.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 11 May 2014, 04:50:02
Just ordered mine, can't wait to get it :). It will be me first topre keyboard.
Now I have to find some keycaps. I heard that the spacebar is kinda hard to find.

At the moment most Topre keycaps are hard to find :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dook0 on Sun, 11 May 2014, 06:44:43
And the space bar is smaller than standard right ?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Sun, 11 May 2014, 10:45:28
Just ordered mine, can't wait to get it :). It will be me first topre keyboard.
Now I have to find some keycaps. I heard that the spacebar is kinda hard to find.

At the moment most Topre keycaps are hard to find :(

Truth. They're in stock now at ek, so grab some now while you can.

And the space bar is smaller than standard right ?

No. It's standard.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dustinhxc on Sun, 11 May 2014, 11:41:00
Finished part 2 of the silencing this weekend, the krytox lube took care of the remaining chatter in the board, and additionally the keypresses feel even smoother than before. I would strongly recommend the dental band+krytox lube mod for those inclined to take the board apart. Seems daunting at first but honestly it's very straightforward.

Where do you get the dental bands from? I'm thinking of doing it to both my RF and the incoming 660C

Do not buy the bands that Intelli linked, they won't stay put on the topre stems and will impact key travel. The reason orthodontal bands are used over o-rings is because they're flat, not rounded. Once placed on the bottom of the stem they WILL NOT move.

Here's the link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEON-1-8-LIGHT-2-5-oz-ORTHODONTIC-ELASTIC-BRACES-DENTAL-RUBBER-BANDS-/141017868936?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:CA:3160) to the specific auction for the bands I used.

This is the correct ones. ;)

I want to get the grey keyset now for my bottom row arg...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dook0 on Sun, 11 May 2014, 19:30:17
Just ordered mine, can't wait to get it :). It will be me first topre keyboard.
Now I have to find some keycaps. I heard that the spacebar is kinda hard to find.

At the moment most Topre keycaps are hard to find :(

Truth. They're in stock now at ek, so grab some now while you can.

And the space bar is smaller than standard right ?

No. It's standard.


Just ordered mine, can't wait to get it :). It will be me first topre keyboard.
Now I have to find some keycaps. I heard that the spacebar is kinda hard to find.

At the moment most Topre keycaps are hard to find :(

Truth. They're in stock now at ek, so grab some now while you can.

And the space bar is smaller than standard right ?

No. It's standard.

Thanks
Maybe I ve been mistaken with the fc660m which have a spacebar with none standard holes place
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Sun, 11 May 2014, 21:08:11
And the space bar is smaller than standard right ?

No. It's standard.

Hmm I perceived it as not being standard since it's 6u. 6.25 and 7 seem to be more common options in group buys.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sun, 11 May 2014, 21:28:50
Standard as in the same as RF and HHKB.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: avtar on Sun, 11 May 2014, 21:30:58
Ah gotcha. As you were :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dook0 on Mon, 12 May 2014, 03:19:29
just to confirm about the space bar mounting (for the fc660m cherry switches)
(The first one is the standard cherry space bar)
They have to change that, that's really annoying...

(http://i.imgur.com/yN2LYfh.png)

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Mon, 12 May 2014, 17:00:14
Here's the link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEON-1-8-LIGHT-2-5-oz-ORTHODONTIC-ELASTIC-BRACES-DENTAL-RUBBER-BANDS-/141017868936?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:CA:3160) to the specific auction for the bands I used.

Just finished the mod. Holy crap I can't recommend it enough. Sooooooooo smooth and satisfying.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 12 May 2014, 18:15:30
Here's the link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEON-1-8-LIGHT-2-5-oz-ORTHODONTIC-ELASTIC-BRACES-DENTAL-RUBBER-BANDS-/141017868936?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:CA:3160) to the specific auction for the bands I used.

Just finished the mod. Holy crap I can't recommend it enough. Sooooooooo smooth and satisfying.

Hmmm. Maybe I should just do this already.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Premonition on Mon, 12 May 2014, 19:57:48
I tried using some standard Ormco Z-Pak Moose bands, which are 5/16". It was fine for a while, but eventually the reduced travel was kind of annoying and it sounded better to me unsilenced. It would be nice to try something thinner like those linked, I'm just afraid that it might not silence enough to justify a purchase. Perhaps the different material will solve everything, though.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Mon, 12 May 2014, 20:08:27
The dental bands that are linked make a very noticeable difference in sound.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dook0 on Thu, 15 May 2014, 00:10:18
Just got it
I think I may have found The One (but we never know, it's my first Topre) but feels like "back in the childhood"
Hug for fingers.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 15 May 2014, 01:01:22
Just got it
I think I may have found The One (but we never know, it's my first Topre) but feels like "back in the childhood"
Hug for fingers.

The feeling of oneness with cup rubber triumphs again!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Thu, 15 May 2014, 01:17:14
Just got it
I think I may have found The One (but we never know, it's my first Topre) but feels like "back in the childhood"
Hug for fingers.

You have ;)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dook0 on Thu, 15 May 2014, 01:36:51
Ahah can't stop fingering it even unplugged... Btw the serial is number 58 :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 15 May 2014, 01:38:34
Ahah can't stop fingering it even unplugged... Btw the serial is number 58 :)

Are we still talking about the keyboard? :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dook0 on Thu, 15 May 2014, 03:12:23
;)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dook0 on Fri, 16 May 2014, 11:26:35
I read somewhere someone saying "feels like typing on a cloud of boobs" ahah
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 16 May 2014, 11:48:01
(http://i.imgur.com/ixhaFmk.jpg)

- 660C feels
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 17 May 2014, 00:47:36
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ixhaFmk.jpg)


- 660C feels

Cute smile included? ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Fri, 23 May 2014, 18:22:16
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ixhaFmk.jpg)


- 660C feels

Cute smile included? ;D

A 660c ought to bring a cute (maybe creepy) smile to anyone's face.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 24 May 2014, 02:57:33
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ixhaFmk.jpg)


- 660C feels

Cute smile included? ;D

A 660c ought to bring a cute (maybe creepy) smile to anyone's face.

I might get one one day and find out ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: allocerveau on Mon, 26 May 2014, 09:40:18
I've got a HHKB Type S and need money right now. I might sell it and get a FC660C. Thanks for the review.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Mon, 26 May 2014, 18:02:50
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ixhaFmk.jpg)


- 660C feels

Not a cloud of boobs but still works.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 26 May 2014, 18:10:54
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ixhaFmk.jpg)


- 660C feels

Not a cloud of boobs but still works.

How many does it take to make a cloud?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HipsterPunks on Thu, 29 May 2014, 21:56:50
Really desperate trying to find a blank black one of these, if anyone knows a site thats instock or is selling one please let me know.

That HHKB short backspace was the downfall of that board for me, and my poker slowly creeped his way back into becoming my daily board. This board maybe the best of both worlds.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: anoxy on Thu, 29 May 2014, 22:00:42
Really desperate trying to find a blank black one of these, if anyone knows a site thats instock or is selling one please let me know.

That HHKB short backspace was the downfall of that board for me, and my poker slowly creeped his way back into becoming my daily board. This board maybe the best of both worlds.

You could always just snag the regular version from EK and get a set of blank black caps.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HipsterPunks on Thu, 29 May 2014, 22:08:21
Really desperate trying to find a blank black one of these, if anyone knows a site thats instock or is selling one please let me know.

That HHKB short backspace was the downfall of that board for me, and my poker slowly creeped his way back into becoming my daily board. This board maybe the best of both worlds.

You could always just snag the regular version from EK and get a set of blank black caps.

Thought about it but i heard the space bar and shift arent compatible :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: anoxy on Thu, 29 May 2014, 22:10:41

Thought about it but i heard the space bar and shift arent compatible :(

Yeah, I'm having the same problem with MX version :(

Bought a couple of lovely sets, but that spacebar and right shift aghh
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Thu, 29 May 2014, 23:09:14
Really desperate trying to find a blank black one of these, if anyone knows a site thats instock or is selling one please let me know.

That HHKB short backspace was the downfall of that board for me, and my poker slowly creeped his way back into becoming my daily board. This board maybe the best of both worlds.

You could always just snag the regular version from EK and get a set of blank black caps.

Thought about it but i heard the space bar and shift arent compatible :(

Space bar is compatible, it's the modifiers and right shift that aren't. I speak from experience as I have several replacement spacebars from EK in a drawer and they fit just fine. No ctrl/alt/winkey and no right shift.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HipsterPunks on Fri, 30 May 2014, 00:13:12
Screw it just bought the new grey one, Now the waiting game XD. Woot back to topre! Thanks for the help guys the spacebar was my main concern.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: anoxy on Fri, 30 May 2014, 00:17:34
Congrats man, I'm jelly. Kinda wish I would have snagged the topre version instead of clears.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: SSIPAK on Fri, 30 May 2014, 00:18:24
Screw it just bought the new grey one, Now the waiting game XD. Woot back to topre! Thanks for the help guys the spacebar was my main concern.
Maybe you can make more Topre KBK? I still dont have my first KBK  :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Fri, 30 May 2014, 00:32:35
Screw it just bought the new grey one, Now the waiting game XD. Woot back to topre! Thanks for the help guys the spacebar was my main concern.

Welcome back.... bwa ha ha ha

(http://i.imgur.com/SAZsK0t.gif)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Fri, 30 May 2014, 16:19:49
I just got the fc660c, too.

I had to try topre to see what it's about.

I like it so far. I don't know if I used it long enough to have a good opinion.

After the first week, I didn't realize how smooth it was until I went to use my old cherry switches. It makes you realize how scratchy cherry mx is. Granted I don't know how smooth cherry mx switches can be with a professional lubing.

They did feel fun to type on.

What lasts longer? Cherry mx switches or topre domes.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: feizor on Fri, 30 May 2014, 17:56:44
I just got the fc660c, too.

I had to try topre to see what it's about.

I like it so far. I don't know if I used it long enough to have a good opinion.

After the first week, I didn't realize how smooth it was until I went to use my old cherry switches. It makes you realize how scratchy cherry mx is. Granted I don't know how smooth cherry mx switches can be with a professional lubing.

They did feel fun to type on.

What lasts longer? Cherry mx switches or topre domes.


Cherry MX switches last longer I believe.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: mmmty on Fri, 30 May 2014, 18:02:45
Just bought a grey one. I haven't bought a new keyboard in a long time. It's the combination of topre + small form factor + dedicated arrow keys. Should be awesome!!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Fri, 30 May 2014, 18:26:17
Just bought a grey one. I haven't bought a new keyboard in a long time. It's the combination of topre + small form factor + dedicated arrow keys. Should be awesome!!

I have to admit, I still haven't gotten used to the separate arrow keys.

I'm so used to keeping my fingers on the home row on the poker using wasd. I feel like it slows me down.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: mmmty on Fri, 30 May 2014, 18:46:30
Just bought a grey one. I haven't bought a new keyboard in a long time. It's the combination of topre + small form factor + dedicated arrow keys. Should be awesome!!

I have to admit, I still haven't gotten used to the separate arrow keys.

I'm so used to keeping my fingers on the home row on the poker using wasd. I feel like it slows me down.

I like to do CTRL and sometimes SHFT with my left hand and use the arrow keys with my right hand to move the cursor and select text.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: clacktalk on Sat, 31 May 2014, 22:38:02
Can anyone relatively qualified on the matter of Topre keycaps speculate whether the FC660C will be shown any love anytime soon? I can replace all my 1x1s with artisan caps given time, but I can't see myself getting into cap making just so I can have a bottom row that matches the rest of my keyboard. Or maybe a separation of alphas and modifiers so I can not feel sad after hypothetically picking up a full HHKB set.

My FC660C is on its way from the mechmarket, and I'm not too concerned with this keycap availability issue. But I am concerned that I will be very concerned in the future.

So many worries ahead : ' [
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Sat, 31 May 2014, 23:08:33
I doubt it. The market for Topre caps is really small currently. There's arguably a lot more RealForce boards out there, and Topre discontinued the colored caps for those (at least here in the states). Not likely the 660C will get any custom caps any time soon, especially since it's bottom row is so different from the RealForce's.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HipsterPunks on Sun, 01 June 2014, 06:57:30
Can anyone relatively qualified on the matter of Topre keycaps speculate whether the FC660C will be shown any love anytime soon? I can replace all my 1x1s with artisan caps given time, but I can't see myself getting into cap making just so I can have a bottom row that matches the rest of my keyboard. Or maybe a separation of alphas and modifiers so I can not feel sad after hypothetically picking up a full HHKB set.

My FC660C is on its way from the mechmarket, and I'm not too concerned with this keycap availability issue. But I am concerned that I will be very concerned in the future.

So many worries ahead : ' [

i plan a shapeways order very soon for some MX sliders for the modifiers when my leo gets here. Definitely opens the door for some very cool options to solve the non standard issues
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: clacktalk on Tue, 03 June 2014, 10:47:43
I got my keyboard in the mail yesterday, and I've been typing away on it nonstop. Some observations:

I received mine used and already dental modded/lubed, and out of the box the L key was stuck. I googled the issue and read that the keys could get stuck if the dental band moved too far up from the plunger, so I opened her up (inanimate objects tend to be feminine to me) and checked/pushed the bands down. Still opened up and unscrewed, I tested every key, and they all registered without any issue. When I screwed the metal plate back to the PCB, the L key got stuck again. Turned out that with the dental band silence mod, the screws were fastened too tight and the plunger ultimately interfered with the capacitive sensor at rest. Once loosened, the problem went away and the two-handed, self-back pats began.

Also, the keycaps are beyond wonderful to the touch! My point of reference is the thick stock PBT caps that come with the Poker II, my (ex?)daily mobile driver. The Leopold keycaps are markedly better. I'm worried that when I go back to my daily desktop driver with ABS caps, I'll shed sad tears. I'm not prepared to cry because of something this trivial.

i plan a shapeways order very soon for some MX sliders for the modifiers when my leo gets here. Definitely opens the door for some very cool options to solve the non standard issues

It's most definitely a solid workaround. I am considering picking up the cheaper white ones that do the job until the hopefully inevitable mass production of them. I can't justify spending over six bones for more than one HQ slider.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ideus on Wed, 04 June 2014, 21:47:11
just to confirm about the space bar mounting (for the fc660m cherry switches)
(The first one is the standard cherry space bar)
They have to change that, that's really annoying...

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/yN2LYfh.png)


Translate the Asian characters into English please.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: mmmty on Fri, 06 June 2014, 17:04:39
Got it yesterday. Awesomeness confirmed!!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Sun, 08 June 2014, 10:41:19
I can barely tell the difference in weight between the 45g fc660c and the RF 55g.

Wasn't there some reviews talking about how some newer batches of the fc660c have heavier domes that may fall into a 50g range?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Sun, 08 June 2014, 11:53:06
I can barely tell the difference in weight between the 45g fc660c and the RF 55g.

Wasn't there some reviews talking about how some newer batches of the fc660c have heavier domes that may fall into a 50g range?

Yes, intelli did a very thorough investigation about this!
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57706.0 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57706.0)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Sun, 08 June 2014, 11:57:36
I can barely tell the difference in weight between the 45g fc660c and the RF 55g.

Wasn't there some reviews talking about how some newer batches of the fc660c have heavier domes that may fall into a 50g range?

I absolutely notice a huge difference. I have one of these newer batches (actually, I have the exact one intelli78 used in his test since he sold it to me) and the 55g still by far feels way more weightier than my ~45-50g ish fc660c.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Sun, 08 June 2014, 12:30:30
My RF55G is definitely heavier than any FC660C, but I maintain that newer FC660Cs are heavier than older ones.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Sun, 08 June 2014, 15:55:54
I've used the rf55g for a big part of today after using the fc660c.

I'm starting to notice how much heavier the rf55g is.

The problem is the rf55g feels a little cheaper compared to the fc660c.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: juguerre on Tue, 10 June 2014, 11:59:26
What the hell! RF 55g cheaper than 660c? Elaborate that please!
^_^
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Tue, 10 June 2014, 12:53:26
What the hell! RF 55g cheaper than 660c? Elaborate that please!
^_^

Dye subbed PBT keycaps?

I just got mine but it was almost $250 shipped after tax.  I'm not sure I like it yet though.  The keys feel a bit stiff compared to the cherry brown board I was using before so It seems like I have to type a lot slower even though I was never a speed daemon typer before. Ill give it a chance though and it does feel a lot smoother than cherry.  It has a good weight but it is no where near as heavy as my blackbird was.

It's going to take alot of getting used to, I'm already hitting the wrong keys lol. Ctrl-FN-F5 to clear page cache just feels awckward.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Tue, 10 June 2014, 14:17:26
What the hell! RF 55g cheaper than 660c? Elaborate that please!
^_^

Fc660c was the first topre board I tried. The rf55g was the second one.

The 55g rattles more on the way down as well as on the way up compared to the 660c.

The 55g has more cup-rubber farts.

I still like the 55g because of the weight. At first, I didn't notice much of a weight difference between both.

55g is the way to go.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Tue, 10 June 2014, 14:23:41
What the hell! RF 55g cheaper than 660c? Elaborate that please!
^_^

Fc660c was the first topre board I tried. The rf55g was the second one.

The 55g rattles more on the way down as well as on the way up compared to the 660c.

The 55g has more cup-rubber farts.

I still like the 55g because of the weight. At first, I didn't notice much of a weight difference between both.

55g is the way to go.

First few hours of use here but I'm finding I think the weight of the 660c to be more than I like.  I'm actually thinking I'm glad I didn't get the 55g Realforce now.  I would be on that instead if I didn't have to wait another month for one (mostly because of not having to hit an addition FN key to do common tasks like page refresh).  Too bad leopold isn't making a TK less design board or I would have snagged that instead. I'd prefer to go lighter instead of stiffer though although I can imagine that might create other issues with topre design. Is that just because I'm used to Cherry switches?  One of the things I liked about cherries is how light they were, it made we feel I could really increase my typing speed.  With this board you really need to be sure to hit the keys harder to make them register, but it really is quite pleasing to type on so far though.  I'm thinking my accuracy may go up on this board compared to cherries due to the way it works.  I also really like the sound it makes when you type.  I don't even think I will need to silence it as it is already much quieter than a cherry brown and no one complained about that.

Another positive is that it's probably safer to leave this guy at work as it is not as flashy as my last keyboard.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HipsterPunks on Tue, 10 June 2014, 14:37:51
My RF55G is definitely heavier than any FC660C, but I maintain that newer FC660Cs are heavier than older ones.

Can confirm, just got the new grey fc660c off EK, i thought i was going crazy because it seemed a lot heavier than my HHKB. Glad to know im not the only one experiencing this, crisis adverted.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Wed, 11 June 2014, 12:51:39
It took a whole day but now I'm a topre convert (at least at work).  It think I still like my blackbird for gaming though, at least for the games where you need to spam a key quickly.  Now I'm just wishing this thing was a 87 key, but maybe I will get used to it eventually.  This particular keyboard does so many thing right from traction to textures to portability and layout it is amazing, it is growing on me VERY quickly. 

Anyone else notice that the stabs in the spacebars sound loose and the shift keys do not "thock"?

edit: taking typing tests I can type faster with cherry browns on my blackbird.  The keys on the blackbird also feel noticeably lighter.  I notice my errors on the blackbird are from accidentally registering extra keys while my mistakes on the topre are often from not pressing the keys down hard enough.  I really like the sound from the board though and it feels good, but I think I might be more of a cherry guy.  Still the cherry board is a little noisy at work, so I'd probably stick to the topre for that environment anyways. I'm not convinced it is totally better than cherry boards that are much more reasonably priced, but it is really nice and different. 

For me describing topre, id say it is just basically an expensive, nice sounding, rubber dome keyboard that does not need to be  bottomed out to register the keystroke.  Mechanical cherry switches seem lighter and more consistent throughout the keystroke though, granted sure they feel scratching in comparison due to using a spring instead of a rubber dome I bet, but they can provide your choice of feedback (click, bump, or nothing at all.) 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Thu, 12 June 2014, 20:20:17
Just modded my fc660c with 55g domes.

I'm liking it but I have to bring it to work to run it through the gauntlet to make a final decision.

The spacebar is real heavy on it. I think it's cause of the spring built into the spacebar.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Thu, 12 June 2014, 20:27:56
Just modded my fc660c with 55g domes.

I'm liking it but I have to bring it to work to run it through the gauntlet to make a final decision.

The spacebar is real heavy on it. I think it's cause of the spring built into the spacebar.

Bro, get that spring out of there. I remember when I first got my 660C, it was like near impossible to even space words at 100 WPM because it was so stiff, even at 45g. Getting the spacebar off the 660C is quite the pain tho... :P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Thu, 12 June 2014, 20:32:25
Just modded my fc660c with 55g domes.

I'm liking it but I have to bring it to work to run it through the gauntlet to make a final decision.

The spacebar is real heavy on it. I think it's cause of the spring built into the spacebar.

Bro, get that spring out of there. I remember when I first got my 660C, it was like near impossible to even space words at 100 WPM because it was so stiff, even at 45g. Getting the spacebar off the 660C is quite the pain tho... :P

Darn! I shouldn't have put it together so soon.

How hard is it to remove? Is there a tutorial or imgur album that shows you how to remove it?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Thu, 12 June 2014, 20:41:08
Just modded my fc660c with 55g domes.

I'm liking it but I have to bring it to work to run it through the gauntlet to make a final decision.

The spacebar is real heavy on it. I think it's cause of the spring built into the spacebar.

Bro, get that spring out of there. I remember when I first got my 660C, it was like near impossible to even space words at 100 WPM because it was so stiff, even at 45g. Getting the spacebar off the 660C is quite the pain tho... :P

Darn! I shouldn't have put it together so soon.

How hard is it to remove? Is there a tutorial or imgur album that shows you how to remove it?


Take off the mod keys on each side first so you have space for your fingers. Then stick your index and middle finger underneath both sides of the spacebar, and lever it off both sides, using your fingers as a sort-of-crowbar. One side at a time might be easier first but be sure to keep both fingers in on both sides while prying off one side. It helps, trust me. Make sure not to pull at the sides of the spacebar because you don't want to accidentally pull off one side too hard and breaking something. LEVER IT. It may hurt your fingers a lil' bit, which is why I recommend using both the index and middle finger. Using one finger will lead to finger-rape.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HipsterPunks on Thu, 12 June 2014, 20:49:13
Just modded my fc660c with 55g domes.

I'm liking it but I have to bring it to work to run it through the gauntlet to make a final decision.

The spacebar is real heavy on it. I think it's cause of the spring built into the spacebar.

Bro, get that spring out of there. I remember when I first got my 660C, it was like near impossible to even space words at 100 WPM because it was so stiff, even at 45g. Getting the spacebar off the 660C is quite the pain tho... :P

Darn! I shouldn't have put it together so soon.

How hard is it to remove? Is there a tutorial or imgur album that shows you how to remove it?


Take off the mod keys on each side first so you have space for your fingers. Then stick your index and middle finger underneath both sides of the spacebar, and lever it off both sides, using your fingers as a sort-of-crowbar. One side at a time might be easier first but be sure to keep both fingers in on both sides while prying off one side. It helps, trust me. Make sure not to pull at the sides of the spacebar because you don't want to accidentally pull off one side too hard and breaking something. LEVER IT. It may hurt your fingers a lil' bit, which is why I recommend using both the index and middle finger. Using one finger will lead to finger-rape.

DUDE! i had a brick in my pants when i first took off the space bar! I was used to the HHKB and removing that spacebar was a breeze. The leopold has such resistance, i heard that initial snap on the 660c when i first took it off, im honestly terrified to remove it again...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Thu, 12 June 2014, 20:55:01
Just modded my fc660c with 55g domes.

I'm liking it but I have to bring it to work to run it through the gauntlet to make a final decision.

The spacebar is real heavy on it. I think it's cause of the spring built into the spacebar.

Bro, get that spring out of there. I remember when I first got my 660C, it was like near impossible to even space words at 100 WPM because it was so stiff, even at 45g. Getting the spacebar off the 660C is quite the pain tho... :P

Darn! I shouldn't have put it together so soon.

How hard is it to remove? Is there a tutorial or imgur album that shows you how to remove it?


Take off the mod keys on each side first so you have space for your fingers. Then stick your index and middle finger underneath both sides of the spacebar, and lever it off both sides, using your fingers as a sort-of-crowbar. One side at a time might be easier first but be sure to keep both fingers in on both sides while prying off one side. It helps, trust me. Make sure not to pull at the sides of the spacebar because you don't want to accidentally pull off one side too hard and breaking something. LEVER IT. It may hurt your fingers a lil' bit, which is why I recommend using both the index and middle finger. Using one finger will lead to finger-rape.

DUDE! i had a brick in my pants when i first took off the space bar! I was used to the HHKB and removing that spacebar was a breeze. The leopold has such resistance, i heard that initial snap on the 660c when i first took it off, im honestly terrified to remove it again...

:)) :)) :)) Yeah, mang. The 660C is a constructed like a tank. Thing is so solid. Too bad the spacebar is on there way too tight and well... Just take off the spacebar as I wrote, and it'll be painless and harmless, to you and the keyboard ;) I've done it many times without a single problem. The key part is making sure to take it off the stabilizers one side at a time without lifting it too far. Too far, and you risk damaging the Topre stem and the stabilizer on the other side. This is why I recommend wedging your two fingers and crowbar-ing it off with your fingers (only use your finger strength and not your arm). This way, you have control in how far you lift your fingers. Pulling is riskyyyy and much harder.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Thu, 12 June 2014, 21:47:24
Thanks for the tips guys.

I think I know what to do. I'll be careful.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Thu, 12 June 2014, 21:53:12
Just modded my fc660c with 55g domes.

I'm liking it but I have to bring it to work to run it through the gauntlet to make a final decision.

The spacebar is real heavy on it. I think it's cause of the spring built into the spacebar.

Bro, get that spring out of there. I remember when I first got my 660C, it was like near impossible to even space words at 100 WPM because it was so stiff, even at 45g. Getting the spacebar off the 660C is quite the pain tho... :P

Darn! I shouldn't have put it together so soon.

How hard is it to remove? Is there a tutorial or imgur album that shows you how to remove it?


Take off the mod keys on each side first so you have space for your fingers. Then stick your index and middle finger underneath both sides of the spacebar, and lever it off both sides, using your fingers as a sort-of-crowbar. One side at a time might be easier first but be sure to keep both fingers in on both sides while prying off one side. It helps, trust me. Make sure not to pull at the sides of the spacebar because you don't want to accidentally pull off one side too hard and breaking something. LEVER IT. It may hurt your fingers a lil' bit, which is why I recommend using both the index and middle finger. Using one finger will lead to finger-rape.

DUDE! i had a brick in my pants when i first took off the space bar! I was used to the HHKB and removing that spacebar was a breeze. The leopold has such resistance, i heard that initial snap on the 660c when i first took it off, im honestly terrified to remove it again...

Haha! I felt exactly the same way the first time I had to take off the spacebar! I had such anxiety about it every time I needed to remove it. Now, I'm used to it. You get a feel for the technique after a while.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Fri, 13 June 2014, 06:13:32
I just took off the space bar.

It wasn't too bad.

You have to pull it pretty hard off of the connection points.

I can't believe there was an extra spring in there.

It feels so much better without the spring.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Fri, 13 June 2014, 08:47:58
I just took off the space bar.

It wasn't too bad.

You have to pull it pretty hard off of the connection points.

I can't believe there was an extra spring in there.

It feels so much better without the spring.

Agreed! That spring had no business being there!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Fri, 13 June 2014, 13:14:44
I might have to try this I did notice myself not always hitting the scpacebar hard enough.  Will a standard keycap puller work fine for the alt keys?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Fri, 13 June 2014, 13:30:14
I might have to try this I did notice myself not always hitting the scpacebar hard enough.  Will a standard keycap puller work fine for the alt keys?

Yep! It should be fine.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Fri, 13 June 2014, 13:40:04
I might have to try this I did notice myself not always hitting the scpacebar hard enough.  Will a standard keycap puller work fine for the alt keys?

Yep! It should be fine.

And by "standard" I'm assuming you mean this (http://www.amazon.com/WASD-Keyboards-Wire-Keycap-Puller/dp/B00AZCGF7K) and not those horrible plastic ones.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Fri, 13 June 2014, 15:57:24
I might have to try this I did notice myself not always hitting the scpacebar hard enough.  Will a standard keycap puller work fine for the alt keys?

Yep! It should be fine.

And by "standard" I'm assuming you mean this (http://www.amazon.com/WASD-Keyboards-Wire-Keycap-Puller/dp/B00AZCGF7K) and not those horrible plastic ones.

Nope I meant the horrible plastic ones.  Will the horrible plastic ones not work?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Fri, 13 June 2014, 16:00:58
I might have to try this I did notice myself not always hitting the scpacebar hard enough.  Will a standard keycap puller work fine for the alt keys?

Yep! It should be fine.

And by "standard" I'm assuming you mean this (http://www.amazon.com/WASD-Keyboards-Wire-Keycap-Puller/dp/B00AZCGF7K) and not those horrible plastic ones.

Nope I meant the horrible plastic ones.  Will the horrible plastic ones not work?


The plastic ones can damage the key caps.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Fri, 13 June 2014, 16:01:28
I might have to try this I did notice myself not always hitting the scpacebar hard enough.  Will a standard keycap puller work fine for the alt keys?

Yep! It should be fine.

And by "standard" I'm assuming you mean this (http://www.amazon.com/WASD-Keyboards-Wire-Keycap-Puller/dp/B00AZCGF7K) and not those horrible plastic ones.

Nope I meant the horrible plastic ones.  Will the horrible plastic ones not work?

Lol horrible plastic ones should work fine. They're just horrible. :P
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: byker on Fri, 13 June 2014, 23:34:13
Hello FC660C owners, I am meeting someone tomorrow to check out and most likely buy his FC660c. Any advice on what to check? I will take my laptop with me to check all the keys work properly. He said he has only used it for a month, here is a photo I received.
(http://i.imgur.com/FW6UYAb.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 14 June 2014, 00:53:48
Just a note that the keycaps are MX, and the keyboard is Topre - they do not match (if you are buying both).
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: byker on Sat, 14 June 2014, 01:13:48
Just a note that the keycaps are MX, and the keyboard is Topre - they do not match (if you are buying both).

Thanks, just buying the keyboard though :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: byker on Sat, 14 June 2014, 18:42:52
Ended up buying it, and so far I am loving it! Takes a while to get used to it, especially with the blank caps, but I am almost there! Loving the topre feel so far..
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 14 June 2014, 19:01:54
Ended up buying it, and so far I am loving it! Takes a while to get used to it, especially with the blank caps, but I am almost there! Loving the topre feel so far..

One of us ... one of us ... at least in the Thorpe sense ;)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 16 June 2014, 12:35:42
Anyone know how to get Crtl-Shift-Esc to work?  If it can not be done from this keyboard I am going to have to get rid of it.  It does not seem to work with this keyboard on any windows machine, so I have to plug in another keyboard just to do this one command.  It's supper annoying.

So I checked this site.

http://www.keyboardtester.com/

If I hit esc, esc registers, but it I hit ctrl-shift-escape it registers as the ~ key.  Actually just hitting shift-esc it will register the ~ key....  This is a  huge problem for anyone who wants to launch task manager.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 16 June 2014, 12:41:38
Anyone know how to get Crtl-Shift-Esc to work?  If it can not be done from this keyboard I am going to have to get rid of it.  It does not seem to work with this keyboard on any windows machine, so I have to plug in another keyboard just to do this one command.  It's supper annoying.

Did you make sure it was enabled? FN + Q toggles between ` and ESC.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 16 June 2014, 12:49:05
Anyone know how to get Crtl-Shift-Esc to work?  If it can not be done from this keyboard I am going to have to get rid of it.  It does not seem to work with this keyboard on any windows machine, so I have to plug in another keyboard just to do this one command.  It's supper annoying.

Did you make sure it was enabled? FN + Q toggles between ` and ESC.

Yea All the keys work individually just not together.  Does it work for you?  I might have to return this thing if it works for other people...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 16 June 2014, 12:56:45
Anyone know how to get Crtl-Shift-Esc to work?  If it can not be done from this keyboard I am going to have to get rid of it.  It does not seem to work with this keyboard on any windows machine, so I have to plug in another keyboard just to do this one command.  It's supper annoying.

Did you make sure it was enabled? FN + Q toggles between ` and ESC.

Yea All the keys work individually just not together.  Does it work for you?  I might have to return this thing if it works for other people...

Huh... you're right. It actually doesn't work. I never noticed that because I don't use CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to bring up the task manager. I usually just do WIN key then type 'taskm' or CTRL+ALT+DEL. Granted, it's not as fast as CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, but I'm pretty used to pulling it up quickly without using the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC combo.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 16 June 2014, 13:09:05
Anyone know how to get Crtl-Shift-Esc to work?  If it can not be done from this keyboard I am going to have to get rid of it.  It does not seem to work with this keyboard on any windows machine, so I have to plug in another keyboard just to do this one command.  It's supper annoying.

Did you make sure it was enabled? FN + Q toggles between ` and ESC.

Yea All the keys work individually just not together.  Does it work for you?  I might have to return this thing if it works for other people...

Huh... you're right. It actually doesn't work. I never noticed that because I don't use CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to bring up the task manager. I usually just do WIN key then type 'taskm' or CTRL+ALT+DEL. Granted, it's not as fast as CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, but I'm pretty used to pulling it up quickly without using the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC combo.

Yea that's not going to fly for me as I use this shortcut constantly to kill runaway processes or when my IDE or server crashes.  I mean if they keyboard is going to make my life harder to have nice keys to type on then it is no good to me.  Besides Crtl-Alt-Del does not work since I have to work through a VM, it will lauch the options menu for the physical machine and not the VM.  To Launch the options screen for the VM I would ned to press "Ctrl-Alt-Fn-," and that is getting ridiculous. For now I just have a second keyboard plugged in to launch the task manager.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 16 June 2014, 13:25:51
Anyone know how to get Crtl-Shift-Esc to work?  If it can not be done from this keyboard I am going to have to get rid of it.  It does not seem to work with this keyboard on any windows machine, so I have to plug in another keyboard just to do this one command.  It's supper annoying.

Did you make sure it was enabled? FN + Q toggles between ` and ESC.

Yea All the keys work individually just not together.  Does it work for you?  I might have to return this thing if it works for other people...

Huh... you're right. It actually doesn't work. I never noticed that because I don't use CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to bring up the task manager. I usually just do WIN key then type 'taskm' or CTRL+ALT+DEL. Granted, it's not as fast as CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, but I'm pretty used to pulling it up quickly without using the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC combo.

Yea that's not going to fly for me as I use this shortcut constantly to kill runaway processes or when my IDE or server crashes.  I mean if they keyboard is going to make my life harder to have nice keys to type on then it is no good to me.  Besides Crtl-Alt-Del does not work since I have to work through a VM, it will lauch the options menu for the physical machine and not the VM.  To Launch the options screen for the VM I would ned to press "Ctrl-Alt-Fn-," and that is getting ridiculous. For now I just have a second keyboard plugged in to launch the task manager.

It's weird that it doesn't work. This is the first time I've heard of this issue with the FC660C.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 16 June 2014, 13:35:03
Anyone know how to get Crtl-Shift-Esc to work?  If it can not be done from this keyboard I am going to have to get rid of it.  It does not seem to work with this keyboard on any windows machine, so I have to plug in another keyboard just to do this one command.  It's supper annoying.

Did you make sure it was enabled? FN + Q toggles between ` and ESC.

Yea All the keys work individually just not together.  Does it work for you?  I might have to return this thing if it works for other people...

Huh... you're right. It actually doesn't work. I never noticed that because I don't use CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to bring up the task manager. I usually just do WIN key then type 'taskm' or CTRL+ALT+DEL. Granted, it's not as fast as CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, but I'm pretty used to pulling it up quickly without using the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC combo.

Yea that's not going to fly for me as I use this shortcut constantly to kill runaway processes or when my IDE or server crashes.  I mean if they keyboard is going to make my life harder to have nice keys to type on then it is no good to me.  Besides Crtl-Alt-Del does not work since I have to work through a VM, it will lauch the options menu for the physical machine and not the VM.  To Launch the options screen for the VM I would ned to press "Ctrl-Alt-Fn-," and that is getting ridiculous. For now I just have a second keyboard plugged in to launch the task manager.

It's weird that it doesn't work. This is the first time I've heard of this issue with the FC660C.

I sent a support email to elitekeyboards.  It was driving me crazy at home since I'm putting together a windows server essentials 2012 box.  I thought maybe they had removed that feature until I got into work and had the same problem.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 16 June 2014, 14:22:06
Anyone know how to get Crtl-Shift-Esc to work?  If it can not be done from this keyboard I am going to have to get rid of it.  It does not seem to work with this keyboard on any windows machine, so I have to plug in another keyboard just to do this one command.  It's supper annoying.

Did you make sure it was enabled? FN + Q toggles between ` and ESC.

Yea All the keys work individually just not together.  Does it work for you?  I might have to return this thing if it works for other people...

Huh... you're right. It actually doesn't work. I never noticed that because I don't use CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to bring up the task manager. I usually just do WIN key then type 'taskm' or CTRL+ALT+DEL. Granted, it's not as fast as CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, but I'm pretty used to pulling it up quickly without using the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC combo.

Yea that's not going to fly for me as I use this shortcut constantly to kill runaway processes or when my IDE or server crashes.  I mean if they keyboard is going to make my life harder to have nice keys to type on then it is no good to me.  Besides Crtl-Alt-Del does not work since I have to work through a VM, it will lauch the options menu for the physical machine and not the VM.  To Launch the options screen for the VM I would ned to press "Ctrl-Alt-Fn-," and that is getting ridiculous. For now I just have a second keyboard plugged in to launch the task manager.

It's weird that it doesn't work. This is the first time I've heard of this issue with the FC660C.

I sent a support email to elitekeyboards.  It was driving me crazy at home since I'm putting together a windows server essentials 2012 box.  I thought maybe they had removed that feature until I got into work and had the same problem.

Let us know how that goes! I'm curious if this is a known issue with this keyboard or not.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: VesperSAINT on Mon, 16 June 2014, 15:22:37
Friend had the same issue. I did too, but I started just using task manager too :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Mon, 16 June 2014, 15:32:10
I have never used the Ctrl+Shift+Esc command before, and I mostly use Mac OS X and Linux. Out of curiosity to see if this works on my IBM XT keyboard with a Hagstrom converter and remapped to a HHKB Pro2/Mac configuration, I tried it on a Windows machine and it worked!

If a 30-year-old keyboard can do it, I should think a new Leo ought to do it! If not, this looks like a real flaw. Interesting discovery.

PS: My Leo FC660C is out on loan, so I could not test this, but it appears that the defect has already been independently verified by others.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 16 June 2014, 17:27:27
It's a real bummer, I wonder if I will be able to return the keyboard for something else, returning for the same model isn't really going to gain me anything, and it's not like this defect was disclosed on the site... but I use that shortcut many times a day and it's been driving me nuts.  I really liked the keyboard otherwise though, it's growing on me quickly, which I noticed more when going back to my cherry board after using the FC660C all day, but at least the shortcut works on the cherry board...For $250 It would be nice if I could access task manager like all of my other keyboards can do.

Maybe a realforce 45g is in my near future then.  I wonder if the Leo is closer to the 45g or the 55g weighted board.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HipsterPunks on Mon, 16 June 2014, 17:45:18
It's a real bummer, I wonder if I will be able to return the keyboard for something else, returning for the same model isn't really going to gain me anything, and it's not like this defect was disclosed on the site... but I use that shortcut many times a day and it's been driving me nuts.  I really liked the keyboard otherwise though, it's growing on me quickly, which I noticed more when going back to my cherry board after using the FC660C all day, but at least the shortcut works on the cherry board...For $250 It would be nice if I could access task manager like all of my other keyboards can do.

Maybe a realforce 45g is in my near future then.  I wonder if the Leo is closer to the 45g or the 55g weighted board.

Im sure you would have no issues trading the fc660c for a realforce on GH, werent the EK editions selling for $200?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 16 June 2014, 19:14:24
for now I found I can hit Crtl-Alt and then FN and then "," key, hit the down arrow 4 times and launch task manager.  This is bFcause I am working in a remote desktop so the proper keys are Ctyl-Alt-End instead of Crtl-Alt-Del, however due to the key configuration you cannot press FN before the control key.

It would be nice if the shortcut just worked, it's killing me, otherwise I really like the board, so I'm hoping a realforce would be similar but I am a bit skeptical, based on reviews I am not sure if it would have the same quality feel but I wouldn't mind getting those F keys back though... 

I really do hate hate pressing Ctrl-Alt + FN-',' then down,down,down,enter! to do what I should be able to achieve in less than a second.

Edit:
I found a work around, although it is not great to have to do this on every windows computer I want to use my "portable keyboard" on.

Open task manager, and find the taskmgr.exe under processes, right click and go to open file location, then right click on the executable and create a shortcut, you will probably get a message that asks if you want to  place the shortcut on the desktop instead.

You can place the shortcut on the desktop or anywhere else your allowed to create one.  Then right click on the shortcut and go to properties, under the shortcut key property create your shortcut.  I used Ctrl-Shift-` (or basically Crtl-Shift-ESC).  Now when I press the keys the keyboard works as usual.  It's too bad this isn't a fully windows compatible keyboard though. I don't think I can recommend it to my colleagues because of this issue.   If I did they would all think I am out of my head for having a dysfunctional board...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Mon, 16 June 2014, 20:43:14
How about using autohotkey to create a macro?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Tue, 17 June 2014, 12:15:50
How about using autohotkey to create a macro?

If it has to be installed I do not have access to install applications on my work PC.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: sonano on Thu, 19 June 2014, 23:37:21
I'm currently using autohotkey to workaround the Ctrl+Shift+ESC issue on my home PC. Using the simple macro below:

^~::Run, taskmgr

Will make the Ctrl+Shift+ESC shortcut work perfectly on a FC660C. (Though, I've found that a macro using Ctrl+Shift+Capslock is more convienent to press, you can try that too)

You can compile the autohotkey script into a .exe, which should work without an installation.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 June 2014, 23:46:09
Instead of Ctrl-Shift-Esc you can right-click on the task bar and select Start Task Manager ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 23 June 2014, 14:18:53
Instead of Ctrl-Shift-Esc you can right-click on the task bar and select Start Task Manager ;D

I'll have to remember that one, granted scrolling in nested VM's to to the taskbar isn't very fun.

I got an email from EK.

Quote
Hi Justin,

Leopold is aware of this issue, as it is the same on all FC660s, but they do not see it as a bug.

And no, we don't think it is a great design, so I'm sorry if you feel like we've somehow misled you into buying this board, but I think it is disingenuous of you to say you cannot perform your job efficiently by not being able to open the task manager using this key combination. Please excuse my digression, but while I understand your frustration, sending this kind of drivel to our support mailbox is irritating.

If you're not satisfied with the board then I'm glad to offer you a refund and issue an return authorization.

Best regards,
Brian

probably just going to deal with the issues though.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 23 June 2014, 14:45:42
Instead of Ctrl-Shift-Esc you can right-click on the task bar and select Start Task Manager ;D

I'll have to remember that one, granted scrolling in nested VM's to to the taskbar isn't very fun.

I got an email from EK.

Quote
Hi Justin,

Leopold is aware of this issue, as it is the same on all FC660s, but they do not see it as a bug.

And no, we don't think it is a great design, so I'm sorry if you feel like we've somehow misled you into buying this board, but I think it is disingenuous of you to say you cannot perform your job efficiently by not being able to open the task manager using this key combination. Please excuse my digression, but while I understand your frustration, sending this kind of drivel to our support mailbox is irritating.

If you're not satisfied with the board then I'm glad to offer you a refund and issue an return authorization.

Best regards,
Brian

probably just going to deal with the issues though.

Well.... that settles that. That was a very honest response from Brian.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 23 June 2014, 14:52:04
Instead of Ctrl-Shift-Esc you can right-click on the task bar and select Start Task Manager ;D

I'll have to remember that one, granted scrolling in nested VM's to to the taskbar isn't very fun.

I got an email from EK.

Quote
Hi Justin,

Leopold is aware of this issue, as it is the same on all FC660s, but they do not see it as a bug.

And no, we don't think it is a great design, so I'm sorry if you feel like we've somehow misled you into buying this board, but I think it is disingenuous of you to say you cannot perform your job efficiently by not being able to open the task manager using this key combination. Please excuse my digression, but while I understand your frustration, sending this kind of drivel to our support mailbox is irritating.

If you're not satisfied with the board then I'm glad to offer you a refund and issue an return authorization.

Best regards,
Brian

probably just going to deal with the issues though.

Well.... that settles that. That was a very honest response from Brian.

Honest and straight up douchey, if you ask me. If he's going to offer a refund anyways why bother shaming the customer with that bull**** line about his concern being drivel? Totally unnecessary and terribly unprofessional. If the customer's product doesn't perform as expected (there's no reason to expect a standard key combination doesn't work) and he's dissatisfied it's not drivel, it's his opinion. I've bought 2 boards and multiple keycaps from EK but probably won't give them my business again after reading his arrogant response to a genuine inquiry. What an *******.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 23 June 2014, 15:00:26
Well I probably did make the issue out to be more serious than it is.  I think maybe he was just having a bad day or something I dunno.  At least he answered the question.

How I have been searching for the link on how to silence this board and I'm wondering what is the best way to do it?  Dental bands? soft landing pads? krytox? 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Mon, 23 June 2014, 15:24:47
Well I probably did make the issue out to be more serious than it is.  I think maybe he was just having a bad day or something I dunno.  At least he answered the question.

How I have been searching for the link on how to silence this board and I'm wondering what is the best way to do it?  Dental bands? soft landing pads? krytox?

Fair enough, but if he's happy to offer a return then he can leave it at "Sorry you're unhappy, provide us the required info and we'll process the return". Customer service isn't hard, I haven't had to do it in years. If this is how he handles e-mails on his support inbox he should consider hiring someone with a nicer disposition for the job, or even just walking away from his keyboard for 5 minutes before hitting send. If I had berated every customer I dealt with whose excuse for the return was convoluted I would have had a lot more angry customers or a lot less of them returning to spend money.

To get back on topic, I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 23 June 2014, 16:51:15
Well I probably did make the issue out to be more serious than it is.  I think maybe he was just having a bad day or something I dunno.  At least he answered the question.

How I have been searching for the link on how to silence this board and I'm wondering what is the best way to do it?  Dental bands? soft landing pads? krytox?

Fair enough, but if he's happy to offer a return then he can leave it at "Sorry you're unhappy, provide us the required info and we'll process the return". Customer service isn't hard, I haven't had to do it in years. If this is how he handles e-mails on his support inbox he should consider hiring someone with a nicer disposition for the job, or even just walking away from his keyboard for 5 minutes before hitting send. If I had berated every customer I dealt with whose excuse for the return was convoluted I would have had a lot more angry customers or a lot less of them returning to spend money.

To get back on topic, I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Is there a thread that shows where to apply the bands and the krytox?  I must be searching for the wrong thing.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: exitfire401 on Mon, 23 June 2014, 16:54:02
Well I probably did make the issue out to be more serious than it is.  I think maybe he was just having a bad day or something I dunno.  At least he answered the question.

How I have been searching for the link on how to silence this board and I'm wondering what is the best way to do it?  Dental bands? soft landing pads? krytox?

Fair enough, but if he's happy to offer a return then he can leave it at "Sorry you're unhappy, provide us the required info and we'll process the return". Customer service isn't hard, I haven't had to do it in years. If this is how he handles e-mails on his support inbox he should consider hiring someone with a nicer disposition for the job, or even just walking away from his keyboard for 5 minutes before hitting send. If I had berated every customer I dealt with whose excuse for the return was convoluted I would have had a lot more angry customers or a lot less of them returning to spend money.

To get back on topic, I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Is there a thread that shows where to apply the bands and the krytox?  I must be searching for the wrong thing.

Slide the dental bands to the bottom of the sliders and put the krytox on the top all the way down to the dental band.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 23 June 2014, 17:06:38
Well I probably did make the issue out to be more serious than it is.  I think maybe he was just having a bad day or something I dunno.  At least he answered the question.

How I have been searching for the link on how to silence this board and I'm wondering what is the best way to do it?  Dental bands? soft landing pads? krytox?

Fair enough, but if he's happy to offer a return then he can leave it at "Sorry you're unhappy, provide us the required info and we'll process the return". Customer service isn't hard, I haven't had to do it in years. If this is how he handles e-mails on his support inbox he should consider hiring someone with a nicer disposition for the job, or even just walking away from his keyboard for 5 minutes before hitting send. If I had berated every customer I dealt with whose excuse for the return was convoluted I would have had a lot more angry customers or a lot less of them returning to spend money.

To get back on topic, I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Is there a thread that shows where to apply the bands and the krytox?  I must be searching for the wrong thing.

Slide the dental bands to the bottom of the sliders and put the krytox on the top all the way down to the dental band.

Thanks, I have not taken apart a topre switch before, are the sliders easy to remove? is this the lube you are all recommending?
http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Krytox-General-Purpose-Grease/dp/B004568IC2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403560909&sr=8-1&keywords=krytox

Or should I get one of these options?
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=61
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Mon, 23 June 2014, 17:10:29
Well I probably did make the issue out to be more serious than it is.  I think maybe he was just having a bad day or something I dunno.  At least he answered the question.

How I have been searching for the link on how to silence this board and I'm wondering what is the best way to do it?  Dental bands? soft landing pads? krytox?

Fair enough, but if he's happy to offer a return then he can leave it at "Sorry you're unhappy, provide us the required info and we'll process the return". Customer service isn't hard, I haven't had to do it in years. If this is how he handles e-mails on his support inbox he should consider hiring someone with a nicer disposition for the job, or even just walking away from his keyboard for 5 minutes before hitting send. If I had berated every customer I dealt with whose excuse for the return was convoluted I would have had a lot more angry customers or a lot less of them returning to spend money.

To get back on topic, I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Is there a thread that shows where to apply the bands and the krytox?  I must be searching for the wrong thing.

Slide the dental bands to the bottom of the sliders and put the krytox on the top all the way down to the dental band.

Thanks, I have not taken apart a topre switch before, are the sliders easy to remove? is this the lube you are all recommending?
http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Krytox-General-Purpose-Grease/dp/B004568IC2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403560909&sr=8-1&keywords=krytox

Or should I get one of these options?
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=61

http://imgur.com/a/gxpEi (http://imgur.com/a/gxpEi)

This might help too for specific instructions on taking the fc660c apart: http://imgur.com/a/duUmk (http://imgur.com/a/duUmk)

Dyslexic was kind enough to provide those links for me a while back.

@Dyslexic: I keep forgetting to meet up with you to pick up those dental bands! I can drop by your area after I get off work. PM me when you're free! :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: exitfire401 on Mon, 23 June 2014, 17:14:22
Well I probably did make the issue out to be more serious than it is.  I think maybe he was just having a bad day or something I dunno.  At least he answered the question.

How I have been searching for the link on how to silence this board and I'm wondering what is the best way to do it?  Dental bands? soft landing pads? krytox?

Fair enough, but if he's happy to offer a return then he can leave it at "Sorry you're unhappy, provide us the required info and we'll process the return". Customer service isn't hard, I haven't had to do it in years. If this is how he handles e-mails on his support inbox he should consider hiring someone with a nicer disposition for the job, or even just walking away from his keyboard for 5 minutes before hitting send. If I had berated every customer I dealt with whose excuse for the return was convoluted I would have had a lot more angry customers or a lot less of them returning to spend money.

To get back on topic, I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Is there a thread that shows where to apply the bands and the krytox?  I must be searching for the wrong thing.

Slide the dental bands to the bottom of the sliders and put the krytox on the top all the way down to the dental band.

Thanks, I have not taken apart a topre switch before, are the sliders easy to remove? is this the lube you are all recommending?
http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Krytox-General-Purpose-Grease/dp/B004568IC2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403560909&sr=8-1&keywords=krytox

Or should I get one of these options?
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=61

For removing, just push from the top with a small screwdriver. And yeah, I used GPL 205 on mine, so that would be fine.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 23 June 2014, 17:50:02
What about this stuff?  It is considerably cheaper?  http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Extreme-Fluoro-Syringe/dp/B002L5UL92/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1403560909&sr=8-5&keywords=krytox
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: exitfire401 on Mon, 23 June 2014, 17:50:47
What about this stuff?  It is considerably cheaper?  http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Extreme-Fluoro-Syringe/dp/B002L5UL92/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1403560909&sr=8-5&keywords=krytox

I don't have any experience with it, so I can't speak for the quality.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Pacifist on Mon, 23 June 2014, 17:51:36
What about this stuff?  It is considerably cheaper?  http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Extreme-Fluoro-Syringe/dp/B002L5UL92/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1403560909&sr=8-5&keywords=krytox
I've seen people use this before, but mostly for stabs
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Mon, 23 June 2014, 20:19:37
I read that the Finish Line Extreme Fluoro is probably about the same as Krytox 203, but I don't really know what that  means in terms of it's lubrication properties.  I'm think to just get this since it 1/2 the cost. 

I do have some Nano Lube at home as well that I got for lubing twisty flashlights, it seems to work really well as it embeds itself in the surface of whatever your using it on. (Door hing squeeks have not come back for years now), etc.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Tue, 24 June 2014, 00:17:09
Honest and straight up douchey, if you ask me. If he's going to offer a refund anyways why bother shaming the customer with that bull**** line about his concern being drivel? Totally unnecessary and terribly unprofessional. If the customer's product doesn't perform as expected (there's no reason to expect a standard key combination doesn't work) and he's dissatisfied it's not drivel, it's his opinion. I've bought 2 boards and multiple keycaps from EK but probably won't give them my business again after reading his arrogant response to a genuine inquiry. What an *******.

Just to play the devil's advocate here, but it's a non-standard keyboard layout. There's every reason to expect some standard key combinations won't work.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Tue, 24 June 2014, 00:40:47
There's every reason to expect some standard key combinations won't work.

Can't say I agree with that. But the bigger point is, EK's response was a rotten way to talk to anyone, much less a customer. I have made many purchases from EK but this makes me want to cut them off forever.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: byker on Tue, 24 June 2014, 00:41:59
There's every reason to expect some standard key combinations won't work.

Can't say I agree with that. But the bigger point is, EK's response was a rotten way to talk to anyone, much less a customer. I have made many purchases from EK but this makes me want to cut them off forever.

Yeah, the response doesn't really make any sense when in the next line he says he will accept returns..
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 24 June 2014, 07:07:40
http://imgur.com/a/gxpEi (http://imgur.com/a/gxpEi)

This might help too for specific instructions on taking the fc660c apart: http://imgur.com/a/duUmk (http://imgur.com/a/duUmk)

Dyslexic was kind enough to provide those links for me a while back.

@Dyslexic: I keep forgetting to meet up with you to pick up those dental bands! I can drop by your area after I get off work. PM me when you're free! :)

Hey :) I should still have enough bands and krytox for a third FC660C mod, just let me confirm tonight. I ended up picking up a second FC660C and modding it. I'll drop you a line after work this evening to confirm.

Also, I used these (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEON-1-8-LIGHT-2-5-oz-ORTHODONTIC-ELASTIC-BRACES-DENTAL-RUBBER-BANDS-/141017868936?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160) bands, not the 3/16" ones in the link you provided as I'm pretty sure they do less to reduce key travel and are a bit thinner. See the picture below for where to lube. This is a modified pic from Dustinhxc's mod log on his HHKB but the principle is the same. You do not lube the whole slider, just where the slider contacts the plate/housing (while the slider is removed) to reduce the upstroke plastic on plastic clack. You only need to put a very small amount of krytox in those crevices.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Tue, 24 June 2014, 09:49:15
http://imgur.com/a/gxpEi (http://imgur.com/a/gxpEi)

This might help too for specific instructions on taking the fc660c apart: http://imgur.com/a/duUmk (http://imgur.com/a/duUmk)

Dyslexic was kind enough to provide those links for me a while back.

@Dyslexic: I keep forgetting to meet up with you to pick up those dental bands! I can drop by your area after I get off work. PM me when you're free! :)

Hey :) I should still have enough bands and krytox for a third FC660C mod, just let me confirm tonight. I ended up picking up a second FC660C and modding it. I'll drop you a line after work this evening to confirm.

Also, I used these (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEON-1-8-LIGHT-2-5-oz-ORTHODONTIC-ELASTIC-BRACES-DENTAL-RUBBER-BANDS-/141017868936?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160) bands, not the 3/16" ones in the link you provided as I'm pretty sure they do less to reduce key travel and are a bit thinner. See the picture below for where to lube. This is a modified pic from Dustinhxc's mod log on his HHKB but the principle is the same. You do not lube the whole slider, just where the slider contacts the plate/housing (while the slider is removed) to reduce the upstroke plastic on plastic clack. You only need to put a very small amount of krytox in those crevices.

Excellent! Let me know if you have extras.

It looks like only a very small amount of lube needed from that picture. So you apply it on the interior flat surface of the two corners where the arrows are?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 24 June 2014, 10:05:24
Yup, on the inside corners of the housing for the sliders. To be clear, the part attached to the plate, not the slider itself. The FC660C is plate mounted and you can also pop out the modifier stabilizers and lube the contact points to reduce the plastic chatter of the modifiers as well. I was nervous at first but honestly it all pops out and pops back together quite easily.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Tue, 24 June 2014, 11:45:24
http://imgur.com/a/gxpEi (http://imgur.com/a/gxpEi)

This might help too for specific instructions on taking the fc660c apart: http://imgur.com/a/duUmk (http://imgur.com/a/duUmk)

Dyslexic was kind enough to provide those links for me a while back.

@Dyslexic: I keep forgetting to meet up with you to pick up those dental bands! I can drop by your area after I get off work. PM me when you're free! :)

Hey :) I should still have enough bands and krytox for a third FC660C mod, just let me confirm tonight. I ended up picking up a second FC660C and modding it. I'll drop you a line after work this evening to confirm.

Also, I used these (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEON-1-8-LIGHT-2-5-oz-ORTHODONTIC-ELASTIC-BRACES-DENTAL-RUBBER-BANDS-/141017868936?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160) bands, not the 3/16" ones in the link you provided as I'm pretty sure they do less to reduce key travel and are a bit thinner. See the picture below for where to lube. This is a modified pic from Dustinhxc's mod log on his HHKB but the principle is the same. You do not lube the whole slider, just where the slider contacts the plate/housing (while the slider is removed) to reduce the upstroke plastic on plastic clack. You only need to put a very small amount of krytox in those crevices.

Thanks I ordered the ones you linked to be safe, but I did see these immediatly after I ordered, Same thing only clear and cheaper right?
 clear version?  (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CLEAR-1-8-MEDIUM-3-5-oz-ORTHODONTIC-ELASTIC-BRACES-DENTAL-RUBBER-BANDS/141017868924?_trksid=p5713.c100041.m2061&_trkparms=aid%3D333008%26algo%3DRIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140109102600%26meid%3D7848678349302309671%26pid%3D100041%26prg%3D20140109102600%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D9%26sd%3D141017868936)

They are a buck cheaper if they are the same thing.

Then I'm going to grab some Finish Line Extreme Fluoro 100% because it's half as much as krytox 205.  I have read that for many applications it will work about the same, but others have said it is also slightly thinner and may be the same thing as krytox 203 which only sounds like it might actually work better for this application.  Finish Line Extreme Fluoro 100% DuPont Teflon Grease (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L5UL92/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 24 June 2014, 13:12:13
Can't speak to those as I used the multicolour. I wouldn't worry about it unless a dollar makes a big difference. :) haha
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: byker on Tue, 24 June 2014, 14:13:54
Here are some pics of mine, unfortunately they didn't turn out to well.
(http://i.imgur.com/EncbGJD.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FosFM3F.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 24 June 2014, 14:23:57
Here are some pics of mine, unfortunately they didn't turn out to well.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/EncbGJD.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/FosFM3F.jpg)


Is the lens on the camera being used to take these pictures fish-eye or something? Your board looks wickedly wonky. I have 2 modded FC660Cs and they look nothing like that. Visually, you would never know the mod was even performed. Did you put the dental bands on the very bottom of the stems before reassembly?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Tue, 24 June 2014, 14:32:54
I better add a brush to the cart too, I saw a pro-tip by ripster to use a red sable brush, but not sure how serious to take that.  I'm certainly not buying a $20 bush to put lube on the sliders and stabs... 

Would this one work alright?
Connoisseur Red Sable/Gold Taklon Mix Brush, #1 Round (http://www.amazon.com/Connoisseur-Sable-Taklon-Brush-Round/dp/B0044TU8PK/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1403638125&sr=1-2&keywords=Red+Sable+brush)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: byker on Tue, 24 June 2014, 14:46:24
Here are some pics of mine, unfortunately they didn't turn out to well.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/EncbGJD.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/FosFM3F.jpg)


Is the lens on the camera being used to take these pictures fish-eye or something? Your board looks wickedly wonky. I have 2 modded FC660Cs and they look nothing like that. Visually, you would never know the mod was even performed. Did you put the dental bands on the very bottom of the stems before reassembly?

Sorry if there was a misunderstanding, my board isn't modded. I do have some dental bands and some lube, but haven't decided if I want to mod it yet, as it is already fairly quiet. Yeah the pics do seem off, kinda weird as the camera doesn't have a fish eye lens, but the keyboard definitely isn't that wonky irl.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Tue, 01 July 2014, 03:21:21
Anyone know if I am supposed to put dental bands on the stabilized key stems?  I'm a little worried about disassembling those.

BTW even without the stab keys oringed this mod just brought this keyboard from excellent to amazing.  I think the keys do feel a little smoother not that they were bad before but the stabs seems to have quieted down a little and the rest of the keys sound amazing now.  Why aren't they doing this from the factory!

The finish line extreme floro grease seems to be working great.  It seems really light weight but not gooey or slugish at all.

Editing for a midway update:  I just have to say WOW again, just "WOW" everyone should be doing this if they are confident enough to take this sucker apart, the difference is phenomenal!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Tue, 01 July 2014, 23:29:44
Anyone know if I am supposed to put dental bands on the stabilized key stems?  I'm a little worried about disassembling those.

BTW even without the stab keys oringed this mod just brought this keyboard from excellent to amazing.  I think the keys do feel a little smoother not that they were bad before but the stabs seems to have quieted down a little and the rest of the keys sound amazing now.  Why aren't they doing this from the factory!

The finish line extreme floro grease seems to be working great.  It seems really light weight but not gooey or slugish at all.

Editing for a midway update:  I just have to say WOW again, just "WOW" everyone should be doing this if they are confident enough to take this sucker apart, the difference is phenomenal!

You think from all the positive testimonials in this thread about silencing the FC660C, they'd release a silent version already!

I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Dyslexic, did you use a thin or thick formula from techkeys? I believe dustinhxc used a very thick formula for his HHKB. Is that what you would recommend?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Wed, 02 July 2014, 12:53:22
Anyone know if I am supposed to put dental bands on the stabilized key stems?  I'm a little worried about disassembling those.

BTW even without the stab keys oringed this mod just brought this keyboard from excellent to amazing.  I think the keys do feel a little smoother not that they were bad before but the stabs seems to have quieted down a little and the rest of the keys sound amazing now.  Why aren't they doing this from the factory!

The finish line extreme floro grease seems to be working great.  It seems really light weight but not gooey or slugish at all.

Editing for a midway update:  I just have to say WOW again, just "WOW" everyone should be doing this if they are confident enough to take this sucker apart, the difference is phenomenal!

You think from all the positive testimonials in this thread about silencing the FC660C, they'd release a silent version already!

I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Dyslexic, did you use a thin or thick formula from techkeys? I believe dustinhxc used a very thick formula for his HHKB. Is that what you would recommend?

Ill wait for Dyslexic's response as well but serious consider this stuff it seems to be working amazing. http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Extreme-Fluoro-Syringe/dp/B002L5UL92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404235751&sr=8-1&keywords=floro+finishline+grease  I hear it is similar to krytox 203/204 just way cheaper. From my experience with greases over the years I wouldn't call it thick or thin, it's just there, very light but stays put because it is grease vs oil, I think "light" would be a better term to describe this one.  Never used another grease quite like it.  But if I had to choose between a thick gooey grease or a lighter one I would use a lighter one on the tracks for the stems and a medium one for the stabs.  The Extreme floro seems to work very well for both though, since it is such a thin amount for the tracks it wasn't too thick, but if you put too much on the stabs or where the stabs slide (not sure I was supposed to use any there but I did anyways) then when you pickup the plate with keys attached they might sometimes not fall back down on their own, but they would not be stuck enough to actually feel any difference and a slight tap on the plate would allow them to fall so to me that is just about perfect for both applications.  I also picked up the small brush to apply I think it was worth spending a few dollars for it to help spread the grease thin.

I also did modify the modifier keys last night, grew a pair and popped them out of the plate then popped the metal bar from the key.  It was the most sketchy part of the whole process as I have broken those little tabs off many things before but it went perfectly smooth for me.

Keyboard is a dream to type on now, even my Girl said it sounded amazing and she not into this hobby at all.  It's a must do mod and thanks to everyone who came up with the process or helped me to see the light of doing it.  This is by far my favorite keyboard to use now.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 02 July 2014, 12:55:02
Anyone know if I am supposed to put dental bands on the stabilized key stems?  I'm a little worried about disassembling those.

BTW even without the stab keys oringed this mod just brought this keyboard from excellent to amazing.  I think the keys do feel a little smoother not that they were bad before but the stabs seems to have quieted down a little and the rest of the keys sound amazing now.  Why aren't they doing this from the factory!

The finish line extreme floro grease seems to be working great.  It seems really light weight but not gooey or slugish at all.

Editing for a midway update:  I just have to say WOW again, just "WOW" everyone should be doing this if they are confident enough to take this sucker apart, the difference is phenomenal!

You think from all the positive testimonials in this thread about silencing the FC660C, they'd release a silent version already!

I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Dyslexic, did you use a thin or thick formula from techkeys? I believe dustinhxc used a very thick formula for his HHKB. Is that what you would recommend?

I used 205 (thick) on my Realforce. It does slow the return if you overapply, so I'd suggest a thin just to keep from running into that problem.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Justintoxicated on Wed, 02 July 2014, 16:02:21
I don't have any slow return once the domes are in, I meant without any spring or dome and just gravity if you pickup the plate,  that was just for the modifiers.  I think the density of the krytox extreme floro is just about perfect for this stuff, granted I haven't tried anything else, just that when I started using it I kind though "oh, well that's why it was worth buying new grease specific for keyboards".

Tempted to take apart my other keyboard and use some of it now.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Wed, 02 July 2014, 20:30:39
Anyone know if I am supposed to put dental bands on the stabilized key stems?  I'm a little worried about disassembling those.

BTW even without the stab keys oringed this mod just brought this keyboard from excellent to amazing.  I think the keys do feel a little smoother not that they were bad before but the stabs seems to have quieted down a little and the rest of the keys sound amazing now.  Why aren't they doing this from the factory!

The finish line extreme floro grease seems to be working great.  It seems really light weight but not gooey or slugish at all.

Editing for a midway update:  I just have to say WOW again, just "WOW" everyone should be doing this if they are confident enough to take this sucker apart, the difference is phenomenal!

You think from all the positive testimonials in this thread about silencing the FC660C, they'd release a silent version already!

I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Dyslexic, did you use a thin or thick formula from techkeys? I believe dustinhxc used a very thick formula for his HHKB. Is that what you would recommend?

I used thick for my keyboard, I believe on techkeys they had 3 options (thin, thick and very thick). I can't speak to the alternative lubes cause I didn't use them. PS, I have more than 66 elastics remaining so if you want them they're yours.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Wed, 02 July 2014, 20:53:20
Anyone know if I am supposed to put dental bands on the stabilized key stems?  I'm a little worried about disassembling those.

BTW even without the stab keys oringed this mod just brought this keyboard from excellent to amazing.  I think the keys do feel a little smoother not that they were bad before but the stabs seems to have quieted down a little and the rest of the keys sound amazing now.  Why aren't they doing this from the factory!

The finish line extreme floro grease seems to be working great.  It seems really light weight but not gooey or slugish at all.

Editing for a midway update:  I just have to say WOW again, just "WOW" everyone should be doing this if they are confident enough to take this sucker apart, the difference is phenomenal!

You think from all the positive testimonials in this thread about silencing the FC660C, they'd release a silent version already!

I did the dental band mod with krytox lube from techkeys on two different FC660Cs and it works fantastically. Very happy with the results and feel.

Dyslexic, did you use a thin or thick formula from techkeys? I believe dustinhxc used a very thick formula for his HHKB. Is that what you would recommend?

I used thick for my keyboard, I believe on techkeys they had 3 options (thin, thick and very thick). I can't speak to the alternative lubes cause I didn't use them. PS, I have more than 66 elastics remaining so if you want them they're yours.

Thanks for all the info guys! Now, I just need to gather all the necessary tools to perform this mod.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: EvillePanda on Thu, 03 July 2014, 22:26:37
So, just read through this whole thread...  I came across the Leopold while looking for compact keyboards.  My main travel PC is a Microsoft Surface, and let's be fair, the keyboard on that thing is shameful.  Great in a pinch but typing on it for hours at a time hurts.  I had a marathon writing session of 6+ hours the other day, switching back and forth between the Surface and my TECK and my arms hated me the next day.  My TECK is an MX Blue and I bottom out on those way too easily.  I've got clears for my ErgoDox and I've also tried red (way too soft, blech).  I'm intrigued by Topre.  Sometimes rubber domes feel better to me than my Blues, only because I think they're a bit bouncier?  I also know it's unfair to compare Topre to rubber dome.

Also, as a woman, with boobs, I'm not sure I want to type on a cloud of them.  That's rather....mushy.  Unless maybe we're talking cheap silicone?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Smasher816 on Thu, 03 July 2014, 22:57:13
Well the thing is - there is nothing inherently wrong with rubber domes. At the end of the day a key is something you press that makes something happen. If it feels and sounds good to you then why does it matter if it has some rubber in it? It seems like they get too easily stigmatized. Some might argue that mechanical is better because it last longer or whatever, but I don't think it is so important. However, like you said, Topre is a different ball park then most average $5 boards.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Mon, 07 July 2014, 12:59:01
My main problem with rubber domes is that they deteriorate way too rapidly. Also in the vast majority of cases they feel very "mushy" and don't offer a crisp enough tactile feedback.

@EvillePanda: Did you try the Surface Type cover? TBH that's probably the best feeling low profile keyboard I've used.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: EvillePanda on Mon, 07 July 2014, 14:26:53
That's what I have.  The problem is, with the keyboard attached, there are only so many places you can put the Surface to type and they all get uncomfortable relatively quickly.  That and the keyboard has virtually no bounce, so the impact on the finger joints is very pronounced.  I'm also most done with my ErgoDox and I've got some crowdfunding keyboards to throw my money at, but, the more I read, the more I think the Leopold will be part of a very nice Christmas present to myself (and my fingers).  Provided the other keyboards aren't the most wonderful things ever.  Or not.  I may get it just to see what this Topre business is all about.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Thu, 10 July 2014, 11:14:01
That's what I have.  The problem is, with the keyboard attached, there are only so many places you can put the Surface to type and they all get uncomfortable relatively quickly.  That and the keyboard has virtually no bounce, so the impact on the finger joints is very pronounced.  I'm also most done with my ErgoDox and I've got some crowdfunding keyboards to throw my money at, but, the more I read, the more I think the Leopold will be part of a very nice Christmas present to myself (and my fingers).  Provided the other keyboards aren't the most wonderful things ever.  Or not.  I may get it just to see what this Topre business is all about.

Pretty much agreed on every point, actually. Can't wait for the keyboard.io and Axios. The ErgoDox was really, really close, but not quite there yet.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morethanless on Tue, 22 July 2014, 08:33:05
Was the FC660C only limited production? Or why can't I find it anywhere? I only saw it on aliexpress for 295$+ ~100$  shipping (with 19% import VAT that would be 475$ with shipping to Germany).
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nobee on Tue, 22 July 2014, 10:31:54
Was the FC660C only limited production? Or why can't I find it anywhere? I only saw it on aliexpress for 295$+ ~100$  shipping (with 19% import VAT that would be 475$ with shipping to Germany).

EK still has the dye-sub version in stock. There also seems to be some in the classifieds from cooldiscretion and AKIMbO but you'll have to see if they'll ship to Germany.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rm2889 on Tue, 22 July 2014, 12:26:56
Mod edit: This is not the classifieds. Do not make sale offers outside of the classifieds section.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: morethanless on Tue, 22 July 2014, 13:20:50
Ok, i was just wondering. Didn't make a buying decision yet.

Including 56$ Shipping and 19% Vat it would be 245€ or 329$. But they send it via EMS, which is bad, since EMS is processed via GDSK in Germany and they add another 25€/33$ for handling the package.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Tallon on Sun, 03 August 2014, 16:07:51
I read a lot of this thread awhile ago - prior to buying my own leopold mini. I bought the dye-sub as soon as it went up for sale at elite keyboards. Thankfully, I was in the market when this came around :). I also have a realforce 87U 55 gram.

I bought the leopold primarily for travel and use at work. It is now my favorite keyboard, closely followed by the realforce 55g. This is odd to me, because I find the 45g brown cherry keys to be too light. The leopold feel perfect. Great feel, great sound, great for long typing sessions. It's definitely better than the garbage lenovo keyboard at work.

Sometimes I do miss the separate function keys - primarily if I'm gaming. With one hand on the mouse, pressing a function key becomes far more problematic.

This keyboard has a good weight and does not slip around. It feels very sturdy. Most of the keys are exchangeable with the realforce. The only nitpick is that the delete key is ever so slightly crooked. It doesn't effect typing at all, and it's not a big deal at all. But that's all I can find if I'm trying to give a nitpick in build quality :).

Ok, I do have one real complaint. The function and right control pulls up the context menu. I hate this! I'd MUCH rather not ever have the context menu. This should be an option. Perhaps choose which control button would serve as the context, or just turn it off entirely. I like to use the page up/page down/home/end with the control key quite often. If the right control key did not pull up the context menu when using the function key, I could do this one handed.

In the end - this is my daily driver. No buyers remorse in the slightest :).

-Tallon
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Wed, 06 August 2014, 11:34:24
Just proves you can't make everybody happy. Personally, I'm ecstatic that the menu key is even on this board (a lot of smaller boards sacrifice that key for the FN key), as I make heavy use of that key.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dr.Empyrean on Sat, 28 March 2015, 19:45:28
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 29 March 2015, 00:04:01
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!

Older thread, but given the section it is in (reviews) please post your (brief, if you like) review of it when it arrives!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: PunksDead on Sun, 29 March 2015, 00:09:32
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!

Great purchase, you wont regret it! One of the snappiest topre boards, a bit louder because of the plate. She sings beautifully though
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dr.Empyrean on Sun, 29 March 2015, 17:36:30
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!

Great purchase, you wont regret it! One of the snappiest topre boards, a bit louder because of the plate. She sings beautifully though

I ended up not being able to find a topre version of it unfortunately. Im really wanting to try a Topre board, but don't know anyone with one!
 
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!

Older thread, but given the section it is in (reviews) please post your (brief, if you like) review of it when it arrives!

Im defiantly going to be giving it a review. It's only my second mechanical board and Im really thrilled to have gotten it, especially since I am in college and am learning to program!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: spiceBar on Sun, 29 March 2015, 21:10:49
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!

Great purchase, you wont regret it! One of the snappiest topre boards, a bit louder because of the plate. She sings beautifully though

I ended up not being able to find a topre version of it unfortunately. Im really wanting to try a Topre board, but don't know anyone with one!
 
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!

Older thread, but given the section it is in (reviews) please post your (brief, if you like) review of it when it arrives!

Im defiantly going to be giving it a review. It's only my second mechanical board and Im really thrilled to have gotten it, especially since I am in college and am learning to program!

So you have the Cherry MX version, the FC660M?

I have two coming in the next weeks/months. And I already have the Topre one, the FC660C. Typing on it ATM.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dr.Empyrean on Mon, 30 March 2015, 11:45:45
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!

Great purchase, you wont regret it! One of the snappiest topre boards, a bit louder because of the plate. She sings beautifully though

I ended up not being able to find a topre version of it unfortunately. Im really wanting to try a Topre board, but don't know anyone with one!
 
Great review, just purchased one and eagerly waiting its arrival!

Older thread, but given the section it is in (reviews) please post your (brief, if you like) review of it when it arrives!

Im defiantly going to be giving it a review. It's only my second mechanical board and Im really thrilled to have gotten it, especially since I am in college and am learning to program!

So you have the Cherry MX version, the FC660M?

I have two coming in the next weeks/months. And I already have the Topre one, the FC660C. Typing on it ATM.

Yes I got the Cherry MX with Clears. My first board was a K70 RGB with Reds and really looking forward to testing the clears on this board!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: yomammary on Mon, 30 March 2015, 13:22:04
Yeah the FC660C is the Topre version. I also have a FC660M with clears, I like it a lot.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: tokidokijake on Wed, 01 April 2015, 20:25:42
Nice review. I have an hhkb but am curious to test the differences with the 660c
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: ctm on Thu, 09 April 2015, 15:57:56
Where can I find a FC660C with reasonable price? I think it is supposed to be cheaper than HHKB, but those FC660C I found on eBay are all more than 210 dollars, which are more expensive than ordering a HHKB from Japan plus shipping.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: durainello on Fri, 10 April 2015, 05:48:23
I got it locally in Singapore at SGD$279. http://www.x-tremesolution.com/#!product/prd1/2659748561/leopold-fc660c-grey-keycap (http://www.x-tremesolution.com/#!product/prd1/2659748561/leopold-fc660c-grey-keycap). You can try if they ships to US.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Dyslexic on Sat, 11 April 2015, 13:00:46
Where can I find a FC660C with reasonable price? I think it is supposed to be cheaper than HHKB, but those FC660C I found on eBay are all more than 210 dollars, which are more expensive than ordering a HHKB from Japan plus shipping.

When they launched they were significantly cheaper than HHKBs and could be purchased from Elitekeyboards for like $190+tax, it seems they're currently only available on ebay from a reseller in korea at a much higher sticker price. Glad I snagged 2 while they were affordable :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Cafeine on Sat, 11 April 2015, 20:38:11
My 1st one (in 2012, 1st batch) was around 120 dollars. No taxes, no shipping, no bank fee. Gotta love friends working for big corps using internal messaging system and friends in Seoul to smuggle you some nerdy stuff. But I HAD TO GET THE 2014 EDITION. Official price went up (hello dyesub keycaps), and friend wasnt in the nice company anymore = 200 dollars.  :x  So I bought a RF 55g (300 dollars) to ease the pain. Kinda. #topremasterracebutstupidetoo    ;)

TL;DR : find a friend in Seoul & buy from the official site. But it will still be expensive. If the serials are related to the number of boards made, it's still sold in low quantities (compared to the MX version).
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: bamtan on Sun, 12 April 2015, 00:44:26
Would a Ducky Shine 3 White edition be a fair trade with ones of these boards? (FC660C and FC660M)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: tkim on Mon, 27 April 2015, 08:15:35
 :D

Same rated switches, but two very very different boards imo. I got my F660C very strangely, it was listed as out of stock on the website at a local seller but I rang and it turned out there was one left.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: AlexdeL on Wed, 29 April 2015, 10:56:32
Are there any differences in the gray, blue and white/gray variants of Leopold FC660C  - actuation force, typing feel, build-quailty etc?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: bowji on Wed, 29 April 2015, 10:59:38
Are there any differences in the gray, blue and white/gray variants of Leopold FC660C  - actuation force, typing feel, build-quailty etc?

The FC660"C" is the capacitive switch (Topre) version, which only comes with one switch type. Im guessing youre confusing with the "m" (FC660M) version where they offer different case colors and cherry switches. Which, the FC660M has different feel depending on which cherry switch it comes with.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: AlexdeL on Wed, 29 April 2015, 13:01:31
Are there any other places to buy Leopold FC660M Cherry MX BLUE in Yongsan besides Leaderskey and PCGear? Constantly checked their websites, MX Blue FC660M out of stock for a long time :'(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Gaspar on Wed, 13 May 2015, 22:00:51
How loud is the Leopold?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: shibbyllama889 on Fri, 10 July 2015, 20:35:26
How loud is the Leopold?

It is very quiet, one of the quietest keyboards I own. To my ear, it's quieter than an HHKB. The Leopold still has that characteristic thock, but it's a slightly deadened sound compared to the HHKB. I would also consider it quieter than any MX switch since it's not as loud of a bottoming out sound.

Here's a decent comparison between the FC660C, HHKB, and MX Brown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ibtKN32r1U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ibtKN32r1U)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 10 July 2015, 20:37:10
I'm typing on one right now actually. :D It's been a couple of years and I still rotate it in pretty regularly at work.

Agree that it's slightly softer than the HHKB.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rsadek on Sun, 12 July 2015, 05:56:29
I'm considering an F660C. A while back there was some discussion about modding the controller. Did anyone pursue that? I wasn't able to find much recent info. I love my HHKB+Hasu's mod, but holding the Fn layer all the time is driving me mad.


A question for users of this board and HHKB: does the different layout above enter (backspace, |/, ~, etc) cause you trouble on the F660? This part of the HHKB is fantastic.
-R
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Sun, 12 July 2015, 13:47:59
Using a FC660C from south Korea. Love it. Full grey keyboard with pbt keycaps. Have already a novatouch tkl before was not suprise by the topre. Love it. First less % keyboard.

Looking for a nice keyset in pbt or few keycaps like modifiers. Will also add homemade wood wrist rest in the nex few weeks because the keyboard is a little bit thick.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: opendealer on Sun, 12 July 2015, 16:41:15
I'm looking into buying the FC660C but to me the all-grey is not as good looking as the white-and-gray one. Would the white Lettered Keycaps for HHKB keycap set fit the FC600C? I want to know if the profiles would be the same. I would only replace the alphanumeric keycaps.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Gaspar on Sun, 12 July 2015, 17:26:44
How loud is the Leopold?

It is very quiet, one of the quietest keyboards I own. To my ear, it's quieter than an HHKB. The Leopold still has that characteristic thock, but it's a slightly deadened sound compared to the HHKB. I would also consider it quieter than any MX switch since it's not as loud of a bottoming out sound.

Here's a decent comparison between the FC660C, HHKB, and MX Brown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ibtKN32r1U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ibtKN32r1U)

I got one since that post, I like it a lot, a lot more than any MX switch i tried so far. And yes it's quieter.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Sun, 12 July 2015, 21:46:43
I'm considering an F660C. A while back there was some discussion about modding the controller. Did anyone pursue that? I wasn't able to find much recent info. I love my HHKB+Hasu's mod, but holding the Fn layer all the time is driving me mad.


A question for users of this board and HHKB: does the different layout above enter (backspace, |/, ~, etc) cause you trouble on the F660? This part of the HHKB is fantastic.
-R

I think Matt3o was looking into making a new "brain" for the fc660c. I was hoping I would have heard something about it by now.

I think the fc660c isn't as popular as I think it should be.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: dwk396 on Sun, 12 July 2015, 22:48:15
I'm considering an F660C. A while back there was some discussion about modding the controller. Did anyone pursue that? I wasn't able to find much recent info. I love my HHKB+Hasu's mod, but holding the Fn layer all the time is driving me mad.


A question for users of this board and HHKB: does the different layout above enter (backspace, |/, ~, etc) cause you trouble on the F660? This part of the HHKB is fantastic.
-R

I think Matt3o was looking into making a new "brain" for the fc660c. I was hoping I would have heard something about it by now.

I think the fc660c isn't as popular as I think it should be.


I guess thats mainly it is not that convenient to buy.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: opendealer on Tue, 21 July 2015, 23:46:16
I own a FC660M and I'm interested in buying the FC660C. Does anyone around here prefer one over the other? Which one do you like better? I love my FC660M with clear MX switches but the sound of the topre switches on a FC660C is just so satisfying. I'm not sure if the 45g topre switch would be too soft.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 22 July 2015, 01:38:35
I own a FC660M and I'm interested in buying the FC660C. Does anyone around here prefer one over the other? Which one do you like better? I love my FC660M with clear MX switches but the sound of the topre switches on a FC660C is just so satisfying. I'm not sure if the 45g topre switch would be too soft.

Disclaimer: I do not have FC660M or FC660C.

However if you like MX clear switches, you will find 45g Topre very light in comparison.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Wed, 22 July 2015, 10:27:42
I own a FC660M and I'm interested in buying the FC660C. Does anyone around here prefer one over the other? Which one do you like better? I love my FC660M with clear MX switches but the sound of the topre switches on a FC660C is just so satisfying. I'm not sure if the 45g topre switch would be too soft.
I have the fc660c. I sold the fc660m mx-blue to a friend of mine.

I stayed with the fc660c. I ended up modding it with 55g domes. Now it feels more tactile when pressing keys.

I'm hoping that someone will create a new controller pcb to replace the pcb inside the fc660c (Similar to the hhkb controller) so I can have full control over the key mapping.

I'm also excited to get the slider stem replacements from Bunny's gb so I can replace the key caps and space bar.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HalfSharkAlligator on Wed, 22 July 2015, 10:38:06

I'm also excited to get the slider stem replacements from Bunny's gb so I can replace the key caps and space bar.

 Do you have a link to that group buy thread?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Air tree on Wed, 22 July 2015, 16:49:20

I'm also excited to get the slider stem replacements from Bunny's gb so I can replace the key caps and space bar.

 Do you have a link to that group buy thread?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71630.0
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Gaspar on Wed, 22 July 2015, 22:43:39

I think the fc660c isn't as popular as I think it should be.

I can't agree more with this. I was just reading henz's review of the HHKB and he's difficulties with the layout while he loves the switches and i was thinking about the Leopold and it's more standard design while still be being very small and how good the keys feel.

I use my 660c at work where i do most of my typing (coworkers were amazed how good it looks and some even mentioned how good it sounds) and now I don't enjoy my MX keyboards that i have at home anymore.

I don't want to get another Leopold at home, I don't think I'd enjoy the HHKB layout so maybe I'll try a TKless Realforce, would just have to choose between a 45 or 55g.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Latin00032 on Fri, 24 July 2015, 07:01:24

I think the fc660c isn't as popular as I think it should be.

I can't agree more with this. I was just reading henz's review of the HHKB and he's difficulties with the layout while he loves the switches and i was thinking about the Leopold and it's more standard design while still be being very small and how good the keys feel.

I use my 660c at work where i do most of my typing (coworkers were amazed how good it looks and some even mentioned how good it sounds) and now I don't enjoy my MX keyboards that i have at home anymore.

I don't want to get another Leopold at home, I don't think I'd enjoy the HHKB layout so maybe I'll try a TKless Realforce, would just have to choose between a 45 or 55g.
I think the fc660c and fc660m are underrated.

They have a good minimal form factor.
They keep the arrow keys.
Decent function layer.

I just want programmability, mx keycap compatibility, and an aluminum case.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rsadek on Sat, 25 July 2015, 01:42:08

I think the fc660c isn't as popular as I think it should be.

I can't agree more with this. I was just reading henz's review of the HHKB and he's difficulties with the layout while he loves the switches and i was thinking about the Leopold and it's more standard design while still be being very small and how good the keys feel.

I use my 660c at work where i do most of my typing (coworkers were amazed how good it looks and some even mentioned how good it sounds) and now I don't enjoy my MX keyboards that i have at home anymore.

I don't want to get another Leopold at home, I don't think I'd enjoy the HHKB layout so maybe I'll try a TKless Realforce, would just have to choose between a 45 or 55g.
I think the fc660c and fc660m are underrated.

They have a good minimal form factor.
They keep the arrow keys.
Decent function layer.

I just want programmability, mx keycap compatibility, and an aluminum case.

 
Agreed, on all fronts. I'd settle for programmability.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 25 July 2015, 04:50:41

I think the fc660c isn't as popular as I think it should be.

I can't agree more with this. I was just reading henz's review of the HHKB and he's difficulties with the layout while he loves the switches and i was thinking about the Leopold and it's more standard design while still be being very small and how good the keys feel.

I use my 660c at work where i do most of my typing (coworkers were amazed how good it looks and some even mentioned how good it sounds) and now I don't enjoy my MX keyboards that i have at home anymore.

I don't want to get another Leopold at home, I don't think I'd enjoy the HHKB layout so maybe I'll try a TKless Realforce, would just have to choose between a 45 or 55g.
I think the fc660c and fc660m are underrated.

They have a good minimal form factor.
They keep the arrow keys.
Decent function layer.

I just want programmability, mx keycap compatibility, and an aluminum case.

Can't help you with programmability.

MX keycaps - either get FC660M or put MX sliders in FC660C (available from several sources).

Aluminium case for FC660M: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/aluminum-case-for-leopold-fc660m?mode=guest_open
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: mumbosauce on Wed, 26 August 2015, 16:46:25
So I have an FC660C and the mini-usb connector is a bit loose. It wiggles and loses connection frequently.  Has anyone had this problem before? I would prefer not to do any soldering and use some glue or something, as I've never soldered anything before; but of course if thats the only way to fix it I could figure it out. 

 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 26 August 2015, 21:45:27
So I have an FC660C and the mini-usb connector is a bit loose. It wiggles and loses connection frequently.  Has anyone had this problem before? I would prefer not to do any soldering and use some glue or something, as I've never done soldered anything before; but of course if thats the only way to fix it I could figure it out. 
 

Welcome to Geekhack!

If you don't get many replies here (in the review section), try creating a new thread in the keyboards (https://geekhack.org/index.php?board=31.0) area.

Or, after a quick search, these:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48274.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62318.0
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Mon, 31 August 2015, 06:49:47
I'm very often tild for coding and when doing č. Is there a way to map it to left alt+Esc ? rather than left alt+fn+Esc ?

Cheers
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HeeCh2ei on Sat, 14 May 2016, 07:03:39
One thing that I don't like in this board it the screws. Screws without the standoffs is surely be overtighted on a factory. Some of them has pieces of metal catched inside a threads.
Finally it comes to inability to tighten them properly
 
Upd: finally I can tighten the screws. On first attempt I was too cautious to not strip the threads in the plate.
Nevertheless I still search around for M2 die to clean the screws.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Sun, 15 May 2016, 04:30:12
I had hug problem with the usb plug. Wrong contact then I saw that it was nearly unsoldered. I've resoldere it but it's not gonna stay soldered a long time. I don't travel anymore with it. Why they didn't a macro-usb ?! :/

It seems I'm not the only one : https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/3iia58/leopold_fc660c_female_miniusb_repair/
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: HeeCh2ei on Tue, 17 May 2016, 09:07:17
I had hug problem with the usb plug. Wrong contact then I saw that it was nearly unsoldered. I've resoldere it but it's not gonna stay soldered a long time.

Connector on your 660C is like this:
(http://i.imgur.com/AwBqTnb.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/CckNmFk.jpg)

Or this?
[attach=1] [attach=2]

Second one is white, china made 660C
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Wed, 18 May 2016, 01:49:44
The first one.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: chefmz23 on Fri, 20 May 2016, 02:57:55
I just picked up a 660c and am loving it! Typing on it right now. If you are looking for mx and compatibility I would look into possibly a clueboard build. You could build one into an aluminum case, and have programmability. :thumb:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: heyitsqi on Wed, 22 June 2016, 14:27:52
I had hug problem with the usb plug. Wrong contact then I saw that it was nearly unsoldered. I've resoldere it but it's not gonna stay soldered a long time.

Connector on your 660C is like this:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/AwBqTnb.jpg)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/CckNmFk.jpg)


Or this?
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Second one is white, china made 660C

I'm not too knowledgable about this kind of stuff but I'm guessing the 2nd set is more secure?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 22 June 2016, 21:39:16
I had hug problem with the usb plug. Wrong contact then I saw that it was nearly unsoldered. I've resoldere it but it's not gonna stay soldered a long time.

Connector on your 660C is like this:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/AwBqTnb.jpg)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/CckNmFk.jpg)


Or this?
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Second one is white, china made 660C

I'm not too knowledgable about this kind of stuff but I'm guessing the 2nd set is more secure?

Yes!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: suprsmo on Mon, 15 August 2016, 18:46:46
Just got my FC660C ..

Love it :D very stoked.

Now to sell off some of my MX boards to justify the price it cost me to get it here from the US.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Tue, 16 August 2016, 02:16:03
Just got my FC660C ..

Love it :D very stoked.

Now to sell off some of my MX boards to justify the price it cost me to get it here from the US.

Be careful with the usb female plug. Hope you don't get the same as me.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: PollandAkuma on Wed, 24 August 2016, 07:00:40
How difficult is it to get a Fc660c to work on a Mac? How can I map or reprogram it? I say this with no coding experience  :)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 24 August 2016, 21:47:24
How difficult is it to get a Fc660c to work on a Mac? How can I map or reprogram it? I say this with no coding experience  :)

It works, apparently:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46662.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=75724.0

To remap, it seems that Karabiner is somewhat popular:

https://pqrs.org/osx/karabiner/
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Thu, 25 August 2016, 03:47:39
No problem to use it with a mac. I've just inverted in pref option and command. That's it.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: suprsmo on Wed, 31 August 2016, 00:38:51
Just got my FC660C ..

Love it :D very stoked.

Now to sell off some of my MX boards to justify the price it cost me to get it here from the US.

Be careful with the usb female plug. Hope you don't get the same as me.

Whats the issue? What should I be doing??
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: WarCommand on Wed, 31 August 2016, 09:03:29
I just got mine a couple weeks ago. Retiring my hypersphere'd HHKB for it (for now)

I wasn't expecting to like it nearly as much as I do because I always favored the HHKB's case-mounted switches over the RF's plate-mounted, but this a different story entirely.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: heyitsqi on Thu, 15 September 2016, 11:10:00
Just got my FC660C ..

Love it :D very stoked.

Now to sell off some of my MX boards to justify the price it cost me to get it here from the US.

Be careful with the usb female plug. Hope you don't get the same as me.

Whats the issue? What should I be doing??

I think if you plug and unplug it really often you run the risk of damaging the connector.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Beanhead on Thu, 15 September 2016, 15:19:17
Just switched from a V60 with Clears to an FC660C. This is so, so so much nicer.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: silaz on Sun, 18 September 2016, 19:11:59
There has been some discussion on the FC660C and some saying that the domes weren't all uniform. In my experience with two boards, the number row actuated at exactly 35 grams and the alphas and modifiers actuated at 55 grams. This was tested via nickels, assuming each weighed 5 grams. I would be interested to see if others who have an FC660C could also test this!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Ashlyn on Sun, 02 October 2016, 15:56:47
I want Leopold 660c , but layout is little bit hard , F1 row is gone !
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: MJL on Mon, 17 October 2016, 20:14:36
I want Leopold 660c , but layout is little bit hard , F1 row is gone !

Still there, just need to use the number keys with the Fn key. Once mine arrives I'll be swapping the Fn and Windows keys so I can use the arrow keys as home/end/page up/page down without stressing the fingers on one hand.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: lanox on Thu, 03 November 2016, 17:13:13
I love the keyboard, but I still prefer to use my RF 55g I thin its the best keyboard by far for me.
I find leo to be little high of the table as well.

I got it last week I think I am going to be putting it on sale and getting another RF in white.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: daerid on Fri, 04 November 2016, 01:32:36
Damnit, now I want one of these again :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Ordinary_Boy on Fri, 04 November 2016, 01:56:40
Ahh, one of my wishlist keyboard.  :-X
Damn, I want this one, but never realized it. ;D And now, I feel "hungry" for this again.  :eek:
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: legendami on Mon, 21 November 2016, 10:35:35
I want Leopold 660c , but layout is little bit hard , F1 row is gone !

Still there, just need to use the number keys with the Fn key. Once mine arrives I'll be swapping the Fn and Windows keys so I can use the arrow keys as home/end/page up/page down without stressing the fingers on one hand.


Hey guys i'm new here. I got my FC660C about a month ago and i've been loving it ever since. I started out using it just for coding and work but ended up making it my main board... It's fair to say i stopped liking my other boards all together. The topre hype is real!!! I've been reading the same reports for FC660C about it not having uniform weight (silaz). I can confirm that my top row (number keys + ESC, not sure about backspace) are much lighter then the other keys. I've not been bothered by it at all, only recently started noticing the subtle difference. It might be a turnoff for others tho...

I've been looking to replace the topre sliders with MX compatible ones. The novatouch sliders are on CM's store but you can't buy them right now, only wishlist them. And i'm a little hesitant to buy the topre/mx sliders on Aliexpress. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Also... has anyone made an ALU case for it yet? I saw the one on massdrop for the FC660M but that one won't fit on the FC660C since the port is in a different position.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: nsmechkb on Mon, 21 November 2016, 19:12:01
. . .
I've been looking to replace the topre sliders with MX compatible ones. The novatouch sliders are on CM's store but you can't buy them right now, only wishlist them. And i'm a little hesitant to buy the topre/mx sliders on Aliexpress. Does anyone have any suggestions?
. . .

I've read reports of the Aliexpress sliders being scratchier than stock.

Check out the JTK Sophomore GB in the Group Buys subforum. Topre to MX sliders are available there. I ordered a set for my FC660C, but they ship on Friday so I can't comment on how they feel.  They look shiny (smooth) in the pictures.

PM BunnyLake to buy a set if you're interested.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: legendami on Mon, 21 November 2016, 19:42:08
I've read reports of the Aliexpress sliders being scratchier than stock.

Check out the JTK Sophomore GB in the Group Buys subforum. Topre to MX sliders are available there. I ordered a set for my FC660C, but they ship on Friday so I can't comment on how they feel.  They look shiny (smooth) in the pictures.

PM BunnyLake to buy a set if you're interested.

Tnx nsmechkb, i'm waiting for a reply from bunny! I hope they have some left, they indeed look better than the those from aliexpress. How much did it cost you exactly?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: exdurisgloria on Sun, 27 November 2016, 06:55:01
Just got my FC660C two months ago, and I alternate between that and a HHKB. There are plenty of things to love about the FC660C, not least of which are the lovely plate mounted switches and the amazing dye sub PBT caps.

I was wondering though, have any of you tried switching out the stock spacebar for a PBT one, only to find that the PBT spacebar has an unbearably loud clack on the upstroke? It was so bad that I had to revert to the original!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: IonutZ on Tue, 20 December 2016, 06:32:48
Has anyone been able to hook up a teensy to this thing? I know matt3o tried a few years ago. Anything successful recently?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Mavarina on Tue, 20 December 2016, 08:52:43
Do any of you guys notice the rubber feet coming off easily? I've had 2 fc660c boards and the rubber feet keep coming off after some use.  :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Tue, 20 December 2016, 18:32:18
Do any of you guys notice the rubber feet coming off easily? I've had 2 fc660c boards and the rubber feet keep coming off after some use.  :(

Yes. Superglue them back.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Tue, 20 December 2016, 18:37:04
who's this guy?!? ^^^^^ :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: intelli78 on Tue, 20 December 2016, 18:39:49
 :p
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rabbitfire on Fri, 23 December 2016, 18:12:43
Do any of you guys notice the rubber feet coming off easily? I've had 2 fc660c boards and the rubber feet keep coming off after some use.  :(

I'm using fc660c. The feet is okay. Do you move your kb around?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: linuxid10t on Mon, 26 December 2016, 17:56:40
. . .
I've been looking to replace the topre sliders with MX compatible ones. The novatouch sliders are on CM's store but you can't buy them right now, only wishlist them. And i'm a little hesitant to buy the topre/mx sliders on Aliexpress. Does anyone have any suggestions?
. . .

I've read reports of the Aliexpress sliders being scratchier than stock.

Check out the JTK Sophomore GB in the Group Buys subforum. Topre to MX sliders are available there. I ordered a set for my FC660C, but they ship on Friday so I can't comment on how they feel.  They look shiny (smooth) in the pictures.

PM BunnyLake to buy a set if you're interested.
Have you received your Topre to MX sliders?  If so how are they.  I recently received a FC660C and I'm rather curious how the sliders are.  That being said, to a degree it is a little silly since the keycaps that come with the board are pretty good to begin with.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: hking0036 on Mon, 02 January 2017, 21:55:52
I'm interested in picking one of these up. Been sizing up an HHKB but these two come out to about the same price and I'm interested to hear what people have to say. If I'm not mistaken the Leopold is plate-mounted so the feel should be more similar to a RF than to an HHKB? The stubby rShift and the FN placement (ideally I'd like to swap rctrl and Fn) on this are the only things that are sort of pushing me away, cause I've gotten used to the poker's layout, but I'd have to get used to the placement of the Backspace (and also the stubby rshift as well) on the HHKB. My Realforce is still in the mail so I'm waiting to pull the trigger on this but I'd appreciate some insight on how it feels vs an HHKB/RF. Upside on the HHKB is that I could get it running TMK as well, but I realistically don't see me changing much of the Layer 0 layout as much as changing up the Fn layer, and I heard the media keys only work in mac?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: XG3njiX on Thu, 05 January 2017, 23:22:12
Thanks for your review! I'm considering between Lepold and Filco. It helps alot!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 18 January 2017, 02:04:28
I'm interested in picking one of these up. Been sizing up an HHKB but these two come out to about the same price and I'm interested to hear what people have to say. If I'm not mistaken the Leopold is plate-mounted so the feel should be more similar to a RF than to an HHKB? The stubby rShift and the FN placement (ideally I'd like to swap rctrl and Fn) on this are the only things that are sort of pushing me away, cause I've gotten used to the poker's layout, but I'd have to get used to the placement of the Backspace (and also the stubby rshift as well) on the HHKB. My Realforce is still in the mail so I'm waiting to pull the trigger on this but I'd appreciate some insight on how it feels vs an HHKB/RF. Upside on the HHKB is that I could get it running TMK as well, but I realistically don't see me changing much of the Layer 0 layout as much as changing up the Fn layer, and I heard the media keys only work in mac?

This thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=76088.0) compares RealForce with HHKB, might be of interest if you haven't seen it already.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: tuxkey on Wed, 18 January 2017, 05:29:48
Has anyone been able to hook up a teensy to this thing? I know matt3o tried a few years ago. Anything successful recently?

i was just reading a post on DT called "Can we design the teensy alternative for keyboards?"

where user “derzemel” asked about if that particular controller could be used for the FC660C.

Matt3o answerd on “11-may-2016”;
theoretically, yes but the FC660C has not been fully reverse engineered yet

here’s the link page 10 of 23 as of this post.
https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/can-we-design-the-teensy-alternative-for-keyboards-t13662-270.html?hilit=FC660C

most of what is talked about here goes wel over my head.
i was just looking around for a teensy to put in both my FC660C and FC660M with mx-clears.

i guess the final answer is no , alas no teensy for us yet.
btw i emailed https://1upkeyboards.com a while back telling them i would be interested in buying two controllers for both my
FC660C/M models if they would ever consider making them  ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: IonutZ on Wed, 18 January 2017, 06:14:38
Has anyone been able to hook up a teensy to this thing? I know matt3o tried a few years ago. Anything successful recently?

i was just reading a post on DT called "Can we design the teensy alternative for keyboards?"

where user “derzemel” asked about if that particular controller could be used for the FC660C.

Matt3o answerd on “11-may-2016”;
theoretically, yes but the FC660C has not been fully reverse engineered yet

here’s the link page 10 of 23 as of this post.
https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/can-we-design-the-teensy-alternative-for-keyboards-t13662-270.html?hilit=FC660C

most of what is talked about here goes wel over my head.
i was just looking around for a teensy to put in both my FC660C and FC660M with mx-clears.

i guess the final answer is no , alas no teensy for us yet.
btw i emailed https://1upkeyboards.com a while back telling them i would be interested in buying two controllers for both my
FC660C/M models if they would ever consider making them  ;D

Yup! Definitely seen that one... if I get a chance one of these days I'll try to reproduce what they did. Think I need an oscilloscope first though. What you could potentially do is jerryrig a soarers to run between keyboard and computer I think, but that's a dirtier way of solving the problem.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kmba on Wed, 18 January 2017, 13:21:43
If I purchased the black 660c with the all gray pbt caps, would anyone be interested in swapping the white alphas off your white 660c? That would essentially swap the cap design on both boards.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Hypersphere on Wed, 18 January 2017, 15:17:16
I'm interested in picking one of these up. Been sizing up an HHKB but these two come out to about the same price and I'm interested to hear what people have to say. If I'm not mistaken the Leopold is plate-mounted so the feel should be more similar to a RF than to an HHKB? The stubby rShift and the FN placement (ideally I'd like to swap rctrl and Fn) on this are the only things that are sort of pushing me away, cause I've gotten used to the poker's layout, but I'd have to get used to the placement of the Backspace (and also the stubby rshift as well) on the HHKB. My Realforce is still in the mail so I'm waiting to pull the trigger on this but I'd appreciate some insight on how it feels vs an HHKB/RF. Upside on the HHKB is that I could get it running TMK as well, but I realistically don't see me changing much of the Layer 0 layout as much as changing up the Fn layer, and I heard the media keys only work in mac?
The FC660C was my first Topre board. I liked the solid feel, but at the time, there were no keycap options and I found the stock caps unattractive. I also didn't like the in-between form factor -- I favor 60%, TKL, or full-size, but not the various twilight-zone boards that fall in between these main types. Finally, I did not like the layout of the right half of the bottom row. I ended up giving the board away.

Since then, I've owned the RF87UB45, RF87UB55, Novatouch, and HHKB Pro 2. I've installed my Silencing Rings on all of them and lubed the stabilizers and switch rails with Superlube 51010. My favorite among these Topre-switch boards is the HHKB.

The HHKB has all the features I like: 60% form factor, HHKB layout, attractive styling, superb dye-sub PBT keycaps, and Topre switches. BTW, I put 55g domes in one of my HHKBs that I use at work, but I prefer the standard 45g domes.

Yes, the media keys on the HHKB only work on the Mac, but I do not really miss them -- I usually control the volume from the system tray icon using the mouse.

Another thing people often mention is that the switches in the HHKB are case-mounted rather than plate-mounted as in the RF87U or FC660C. I like the solid plate-mounted feel of the switches in the RF, NT, or FC660C, but I also like and prefer the springier feel of the case-mounted switches in the HHKB. The case-mounted switches in the HHKB seem to be more forgiving -- more flexible -- and less tiring than the harsher unyielding feel of the plate-mounted switches in the RF, NT, and FC660C boards.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: hking0036 on Wed, 18 January 2017, 15:22:40
This thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=76088.0) compares RealForce with HHKB, might be of interest if you haven't seen it already.

The FC660C was my first Topre board. I liked the solid feel, but at the time, there were no keycap options and I found the stock caps unattractive. I also didn't like the in-between form factor -- I favor 60%, TKL, or full-size, but not the various twilight-zone boards that fall in between these main types. Finally, I did not like the layout of the right half of the bottom row. I ended up giving the board away.

Since then, I've owned the RF87UB45, RF87UB55, Novatouch, and HHKB Pro 2. I've installed my Silencing Rings on all of them and lubed the stabilizers and switch rails with Superlube 51010. My favorite among these Topre-switch boards is the HHKB.

The HHKB has all the features I like: 60% form factor, HHKB layout, attractive styling, superb dye-sub PBT keycaps, and Topre switches. BTW, I put 55g domes in one of my HHKBs that I use at work, but I prefer the standard 45g domes.

Yes, the media keys on the HHKB only work on the Mac, but I do not really miss them -- I usually control the volume from the system tray icon using the mouse.

Another thing people often mention is that the switches in the HHKB are case-mounted rather than plate-mounted as in the RF87U or FC660C. I like the solid plate-mounted feel of the switches in the RF, NT, or FC660C, but I also like and prefer the springier feel of the case-mounted switches in the HHKB. The case-mounted switches in the HHKB seem to be more forgiving -- more flexible -- and less tiring than the harsher unyielding feel of the plate-mounted switches in the RF, NT, and FC660C boards.
Thanks guys. I went ahead and got a Leopold because I heard they're really sturdy and I heard great things about the feel too. The backspace placement on the HHKB is what really kills it for me, I think. After getting the 660C though, I have to say, the build quality on the thing is supreme: It's dense, and has a great sound and feel. The feel is arguably better than the Realforce I think, it feels a little snappier but it's hard to put into words. I think I'm still inclined to test out an HHKB at some point though, it just felt a little too much to buy into blindly, personally. Only thing that's kind of strange is that it's off-white so the replacement spacebar I got doesn't quite fit but other than that it's pretty incredible.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 18 January 2017, 20:06:05
If I purchased the black 660c with the all gray pbt caps, would anyone be interested in swapping the white alphas off your white 660c? That would essentially swap the cap design on both boards.

Might be better to open a WTT (want to trade) thread in classifieds (https://geekhack.org/index.php?board=59.0).
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: testplsignore on Mon, 23 January 2017, 11:01:34
Has anyone bought an FC660C from the latest stock from mechanicalkeyboards.com?

Wondering if their stock has the light top row or not...
My FC660C from widebasket has the light top row :(
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kmba on Tue, 24 January 2017, 21:58:42
Has anyone bought an FC660C from the latest stock from mechanicalkeyboards.com?

Wondering if their stock has the light top row or not...
My FC660C from widebasket has the light top row :(

curious as well
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: hking0036 on Wed, 25 January 2017, 06:23:32
Has anyone bought an FC660C from the latest stock from mechanicalkeyboards.com?

Wondering if their stock has the light top row or not...
My FC660C from widebasket has the light top row :(
If you're referring to the white one, I bought one in white from mechanicalkeyboards.com on the 5th and the number row is all white sans the backspace and escape keys. 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: testplsignore on Wed, 25 January 2017, 06:44:19
I mean more in terms of the number keys feeling lighter than the alphas.

In some of the newer FC660Cs it seems as though there are 30g domes in the numrow and 45g in the rest of the board.

Does your numrow feel different to the rest of the keys?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: hking0036 on Wed, 25 January 2017, 09:35:26
I mean more in terms of the number keys feeling lighter than the alphas.

In some of the newer FC660Cs it seems as though there are 30g domes in the numrow and 45g in the rest of the board.

Does your numrow feel different to the rest of the keys?
Oh, sorry for the misunderstanding  :))
I'll let you know when I get the chance to check.

Edit: It feels the same as any of the other keys on mine. Serial number on mine is #001348.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Frenky on Sun, 29 January 2017, 02:39:44
I got my 660c finally this friday, it's lovely! One of the first things my girlfriend noticed is how much quieter it is than my mx red board.  :thumb:

Now I just need another one so I can keep one at home and one at work!  ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: johnthedong on Fri, 03 February 2017, 00:46:00
Been lurking lately, but am happy to say that I've finally gotten a fc660c! I've tried the pre-dye-sub version and didn't like the feel, but the dye sub version was fantastic. Adding a towel/keyboard pad below the keyboard helped a lot with the bottoming down against the metal plate too.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: yuppie on Sun, 05 February 2017, 02:30:28
Wish I could find the "black" FC660C somewhere for purchase ... The grey is cool but the black looks so much better.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zslane on Sun, 05 February 2017, 10:12:36
Has anyone ever tried putting Topre Hi-Pro keycaps on an FC660C?
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kmba on Mon, 06 February 2017, 07:53:23
Wish I could find the "black" FC660C somewhere for purchase ... The grey is cool but the black looks so much better.

The keycaps on the new versions are a lot nicer and make a difference while typing.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: yuppie on Mon, 06 February 2017, 09:30:44
Wish I could find the "black" FC660C somewhere for purchase ... The grey is cool but the black looks so much better.

The keycaps on the new versions are a lot nicer and make a difference while typing.

Well, I could keep the caps I have or go to white and put them on the black body...
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: mr_tofu on Fri, 10 February 2017, 04:17:29
Hi everyone,

I've had this board for about a week, its my first topre board and i couldn't be happier. I'd like to customise it a bit with some different color keycaps. Anyone know which ones would fit? Thanks
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: hking0036 on Fri, 10 February 2017, 06:11:59
Has anyone ever tried putting Topre Hi-Pro keycaps on an FC660C?
It probably wouldn't go over well because of the bottom row, I think it would look and feel kind of gross to have a mish-mash of topre's standard profile and hi-pro at the same time.

Hi everyone,

I've had this board for about a week, its my first topre board and i couldn't be happier. I'd like to customise it a bit with some different color keycaps. Anyone know which ones would fit? Thanks
Any topre caps will fit but the 660c has a different bottom row than any original topre boards so it can't be changed. The profile of realforce caps is about the same as it is on the 660c so you can get some of those, but for the cost I don't know if that's worth it, really.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zslane on Fri, 10 February 2017, 12:11:36
Has anyone ever tried putting Topre Hi-Pro keycaps on an FC660C?
It probably wouldn't go over well because of the bottom row, I think it would look and feel kind of gross to have a mish-mash of topre's standard profile and hi-pro at the same time.

Yeah, I agree it would look a little funny. But since I don't use the bottom row modifiers very often, I doubt I would notice it when actually typing on the board. I'm just wondering if there is anything that prevents Hi-Pro keycaps from fitting and working properly with standard (i.e., non-Hi-Pro) switch housings.

Besides, sub-full-size boards with ugly mish-mashes of keycap colors, profiles, and artisans seem to be the norm around here.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: testplsignore on Sat, 11 February 2017, 09:57:23
I believe you can put hi-pro caps on any topre board, but you can't put normal topre caps onto a hipro board.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: xiaoxuesheng on Tue, 14 February 2017, 09:49:08
GOOD~ Good keyboardGOOD~ Good keyboardGOOD~ Good keyboard
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kmba on Tue, 21 February 2017, 08:31:32
I purchased the white fc660c from the latest restock at mechanicalkeyboards.com.  The num row is indeed uniform weight with the rest of the keys.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zutroy on Wed, 03 May 2017, 14:17:25
Could anyone provide some guidance with drilling holes in stabilized key housings (shifts, backspace, enter) to fit JTK's MX sliders? I know it seems pretty self explanatory (place drill on plastic, press button, drill...), but I'm a bit nervous about doing a permanent/brute force kind of mod on such an expensive board. Any tips, tutorial posts, or videos out there?

Also, is it generally agreed that drilling into the stabilizer housing to make room for the extra posts on MX caps is the best option? Or has anyone decided to just snip off the left and right stems on their MX caps instead of drilling?

I've done quite a bit of searching and haven't managed to find anything. Thanks ;D
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kmba on Wed, 03 May 2017, 16:10:11
Drilling is better if you're using nice caps. If you don't care about the caps, snip away. Use a center punch to create a mark where you want to drill, then drill with a very small bit. Easier to control and stay on center. Then go bigger and bigger until you're at the desired size.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: zutroy on Wed, 03 May 2017, 19:11:45
Drilling is better if you're using nice caps. If you don't care about the caps, snip away. Use a center punch to create a mark where you want to drill, then drill with a very small bit. Easier to control and stay on center. Then go bigger and bigger until you're at the desired size.

Thanks! This was exactly the kind of advice/tip I was looking for. Just a simple method to get the job done.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: DaBubbs on Sat, 06 May 2017, 15:30:01
I purchased the white fc660c from the latest restock at mechanicalkeyboards.com.  The num row is indeed uniform weight with the rest of the keys.
I did as well (got a white one) and I concur on your findings.

That said, I really, really like my FC660C but I cannot say that I am in love. I bought a HHKB at the same time and that felt more natural to me... especially the new location of the backspace. I also found out that I like the location of the function key on the HHKB better than the FC660C. Lastly, I agree with Hypershpere's comments about the metal plate being not as giving. The FC660C is top notch quality but I find the HHKB a little more lively to type on.

Again, I really, really like the FC660C, I would just give a slight edge to the HHKB.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kmba on Sun, 07 May 2017, 07:45:49
I'm the opposite. I also have an hhkb but I had to silence and lube it because I literally couldn't stand the upstroke noise in stock form. The fc660c sounds better to me, I like the heavier feeling domes, it's more tactile for sure, it's snappier feeling, and overall more solid. I love both but prefer the the Leo
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: varmemester on Thu, 18 May 2017, 15:02:35
Anyone tried Topre to MX adaptors like these:
http://s.aliexpress.com/67JjUFbA (http://s.aliexpress.com/67JjUFbA)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: kmba on Fri, 19 May 2017, 23:48:23
Lots of people have!  These are some of the nicer, or perhaps the nicest, mx sliders on the market.  The diameter is slightly smaller than stock sliders so they lead to a little more key wobble but nothing excessive, but they're also longer so you don't have any problems with key cap compatibility.  As always, you still have to use a topre spacebar. 
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: varmemester on Tue, 23 May 2017, 06:13:21
Lots of people have!  These are some of the nicer, or perhaps the nicest, mx sliders on the market.  The diameter is slightly smaller than stock sliders so they lead to a little more key wobble but nothing excessive, but they're also longer so you don't have any problems with key cap compatibility.  As always, you still have to use a topre spacebar.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Wed, 28 June 2017, 04:20:58
I would like to replace the USB controller on my Leopold.

Do you know if it's possible to find this part?

(http://i.imgur.com/pozxGwA.jpg)

I completely open the USB plug to fix it

(http://i.imgur.com/RE9hcP7.jpg)

It's now working but it's very unstable.

This is not a good idea to put usb plug like this. I love how Novatouch made this http://i.imgur.com/acWrscZ.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/acWrscZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Wed, 28 June 2017, 05:30:53
It seems Hasu made one : https://1upkeyboards.com/fc660c-controller.html
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Heliobb on Thu, 29 June 2017, 07:23:56
The seller widebasket from eBay told me Leopold don't sell the part for the keyboard.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: hasu on Thu, 29 June 2017, 07:33:53
if you can replace the connector your self what you need is exactly Hirose UX60SC-MB-5ST.

Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: Vespene on Sun, 22 July 2018, 23:10:12
Is it possible to put the silencing pad from a FC660M in a FC660C without issues? Has anyone done this? I'm curious to see what this would sound like.
Title: Re: Leopold FC660C
Post by: itbesandrodoe on Tue, 12 February 2019, 20:21:01
Great review, I have tried both of the boards and agree that the HHKB is just the better fit. I do love the looks of the leopold however.