I'm writing this with the Leopold FC980 I ordered the other day. This is my review based on my first impressions, in case anyone is interested. Sorry for my English. I'll try to do my best.
I have read several comments by users about the need of an adaptation period of at least a week to really appreciate the quality of topres. So, I will be careful and will try no to be initially biased by any feelings of disappointment or fear to have made a mistake, which usually happens to me when I buy and try a new device.
The visuals and finishes are perfect (typically Leopold), featuring this fantastic 1800 layout that I love and to which I have get used during the last years (I own a FC980M with blacks). The modifier keys are maybe a little too dark, but I already knew that. The keycaps have a more pronounced texture than the model with cherries, which is good. They are a bit thinner. The wobble over the switch is small, just the same in both keyboards. The legends are elegant and clear. Unfortunatelly, there are some minor imperfections on the top of some of them such as the spacebar (left and right ends) and the backspace (middle). I've heard that these keycaps are made by Topre and not by Leopold. Maybe that's the reason that my FC980M doesn't exhibit these little defects. The key press is not totally new to me, as I had the chance to try topre in a switch tester some time ago. Typing with them is a unique experience, completely opposite to typing with liner switches. It feels like a membrane keyboard, with a longer and smoother throw. With my MX blacks I can type smoothly. With topres, it's much more like an impact with each key press. Unlike with linear switches, there's a notable resistance when you touch the key. Then it suddenly releases and the bottom is reached quickly. Then it snaps back. This makes the typing quite tactile. As regard performance, I'm doing it a bit slower at the moment (lack of practice). Accuracy is almost the same. I must say I can confirm what somebody said about the first row (function keys, etc) feeling lighter than the rest. Not a very important issue, but it's there. As regard the sound, it's not as glamorous and amazing as I expected. It's nice, but not better than the sound of the MX blacks on my FC980M (maybe the thick keycaps have something to do). What is a bit more disappointing is the sound of some long keys, and it's not the spacebar (which I was worried about, but sounds great), but for instance the backspace, which sounds more treble and hollow. On the other hand all these long keys feel perfect, with no mushiness at all, a problem that do occur on my FC980M, although it's minimal thanks to the modified Cherry stabs. The spacebar is the only key on the FC980C that feels a little scratchy, but it's something almost unnoticeable. By the way, I have already flipped the spacebar for better ergonomics. Finally, it's a bit sad that not extra keys are provided (unlike with other models). At least the practical plastic cover is included. The instructions come in Korean, as usual.
In conclusion, this is a keyboard that everyone should try because it's really different. Is it worth 250€? At the moment, I would say no. Maybe in a few weeks I might change my mind. Leopold means quality and this is no exception. The point is that I'm not very impressed by topres, maybe because I had too many expectations or because I'm too used to typing with linear switches, which are exceptionally good on the FC980M. Anyway, it will be interesting to use both keyboards in the future and see how my thoughts change.
