Questions about Leopold FC660c (EW) before I buy

[varmemester]

Okay, I'll make it short and sweet:

1. Are people using Topre to MX adapters? I saw a video about it, but there wasn't really any thorough analysis of how it impacted sound and feel.

2. I've been trying to find blank keycaps. Preferable a full set. I found someone one elitekeyboards (https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=pdkb400ktwn). But they are quite expensive, not in stock, the low row modifiers don't fit (since FC660 uses 1.25U) and I have to add shipping + 25% VAT since i live in Denmark. Do anybody know of cheaper sets that fit the FC660? I know the stock key caps are good, but I would rather have blanks on the special danish letters ('æ,ø,å' which replaces the two key caps to the right of 'l' and the first letter to the right of 'p').

3. I read somewhere that the newest FC660 has a standard space bar (6.25u) and not 6u as the first version. Is this correct?

4. Apparently the key caps on the newest FC660c are called "Step Culture 2" and are supposed to be quite similar to the cherry profile, but I haven't been able to find any photos of them, besides one of the keyboard in profile. It would be nice with a photo comparing them with cherry, oem etc. Has anybody had any luck?

[moh18one]

1. Can't answer for this question

2. Use a proxy to send you a keyset from Amazon.jp

3. 6u like every Topre keyboards

4. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=89134.0 

[varmemester]

1. Can't answer for this question

2. Use a proxy to send you a keyset from Amazon.jp

3. 6u like every Topre keyboards

4. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=89134.0

Thank you!!!

[hking0036]

Okay, I'll make it short and sweet:

1. Are people using Topre to MX adapters? I saw a video about it, but there wasn't really any thorough analysis of how it impacted sound and feel.

2. I've been trying to find blank keycaps. Preferable a full set. I found someone one elitekeyboards (https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=pdkb400ktwn). But they are quite expensive, not in stock, the low row modifiers don't fit (since FC660 uses 1.25U) and I have to add shipping + 25% VAT since i live in Denmark. Do anybody know of cheaper sets that fit the FC660? I know the stock key caps are good, but I would rather have blanks on the special danish letters ('æ,ø,å' which replaces the two key caps to the right of 'l' and the first letter to the right of 'p').

3. I read somewhere that the newest FC660 has a standard space bar (6.25u) and not 6u as the first version. Is this correct?

4. Apparently the key caps on the newest FC660c are called "Step Culture 2" and are supposed to be quite similar to the cherry profile, but I haven't been able to find any photos of them, besides one of the keyboard in profile. It would be nice with a photo comparing them with cherry, oem etc. Has anybody had any luck?

1. I don't, you can if you want but the stabilized keys are either going to have to stay stock or you're going to have to drill holes, not to mention 6u spacebars are a little hard to find. It does have closer to cherry bottom row than most (RF uses 1u win keys for ex), but rshift is still a little stubby.

2. You can get those if you want but the bottom row won't have all the keys and the rshift may be too long (I don't know hhkb length). Also no arrows or ins/del cluster. If you just want alphas it'll work but keep in mind that the white on the 660c isn't white like hhkb, it's more of a cream. If that bothers you, probably not a no-go. I have a white PBT spacebar on.

All-in-all, I really like the 660c even if it has some limitations. I like it better than my RF personally.

[losing_ctrl]

HHKB blank key sets are a little cheaper (and in stock apparently) here:

http://www.smartimports.net/happy-hacking-keyboard-extra-key-set-white-blank/

[varmemester]

HHKB blank key sets are a little cheaper (and in stock apparently) here:

http://www.smartimports.net/happy-hacking-keyboard-extra-key-set-white-blank/

Nice. I read somewhere that the profile is the same. Correct? Also, because of different sizes for the modifiers, which of the modifiers won't I be able to replace with this kit?

[varmemester]

So, did a little digging, and think I found the mod sizes for HHKB and FC660 (See attachments and please correct me if I'm wrong).

So it seems, if I purchased this set, I would be able to replace all modifiers except for one 2.25u (enter-key for instance), one 2u (backspace), three 1u's and the bottom row 1.25u's. Right?

Not being able to get a blank backspace key is kind of a bummer, since I use caps lock as backspace. I might use the Topre to MX adapters for the backspace and enter key, and purchase some blank key caps for FC660 (MX switches). They are a bit easier to find. Colors won't match but wrong labeling is more annoying.

[varmemester]

Okay, I'll make it short and sweet:

1. Are people using Topre to MX adapters? I saw a video about it, but there wasn't really any thorough analysis of how it impacted sound and feel.

2. I've been trying to find blank keycaps. Preferable a full set. I found someone one elitekeyboards (https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,toprekeys&pid=pdkb400ktwn). But they are quite expensive, not in stock, the low row modifiers don't fit (since FC660 uses 1.25U) and I have to add shipping + 25% VAT since i live in Denmark. Do anybody know of cheaper sets that fit the FC660? I know the stock key caps are good, but I would rather have blanks on the special danish letters ('æ,ø,å' which replaces the two key caps to the right of 'l' and the first letter to the right of 'p').

3. I read somewhere that the newest FC660 has a standard space bar (6.25u) and not 6u as the first version. Is this correct?

4. Apparently the key caps on the newest FC660c are called "Step Culture 2" and are supposed to be quite similar to the cherry profile, but I haven't been able to find any photos of them, besides one of the keyboard in profile. It would be nice with a photo comparing them with cherry, oem etc. Has anybody had any luck?

1. I don't, you can if you want but the stabilized keys are either going to have to stay stock or you're going to have to drill holes, not to mention 6u spacebars are a little hard to find. It does have closer to cherry bottom row than most (RF uses 1u win keys for ex), but rshift is still a little stubby.

2. You can get those if you want but the bottom row won't have all the keys and the rshift may be too long (I don't know hhkb length). Also no arrows or ins/del cluster. If you just want alphas it'll work but keep in mind that the white on the 660c isn't white like hhkb, it's more of a cream. If that bothers you, probably not a no-go. I have a white PBT spacebar on.

All-in-all, I really like the 660c even if it has some limitations. I like it better than my RF personally.

Thank you! Nice to know about the cream vs. white colors. If I purchased the HHKB-set I would be able to chance all the alphas to white which would look nice. I also like cream though. More old school I think. Still blank keys would help my touch typing and I would not get annoyed about the wrongly labeled danish letters.

[losing_ctrl]

HHKB blank key sets are a little cheaper (and in stock apparently) here:

http://www.smartimports.net/happy-hacking-keyboard-extra-key-set-white-blank/

Nice. I read somewhere that the profile is the same. Correct? Also, because of different sizes for the modifiers, which of the modifiers won't I be able to replace with this kit?

I am not sure about the profiles being the same, I've never owned a LC660c, although I'd like to someday. To me the profile on those two keysets looks a little different, but it's hard to tell just by looking.

[_PixelNinja]

The keycaps on both the Leopold Mini C and HHKB are Stepsculpture 2 profile.

[SpAmRaY]

The keycaps on both the Leopold Mini C and HHKB are Stepsculpture 2 profile.

Step sculpture 2 is a Leopold key cap profile the HHKB is OEM Topre they are not the same

[moh18one]

The keycaps on both the Leopold Mini C and HHKB are Stepsculpture 2 profile.

Step sculpture 2 is a Leopold key cap profile the HHKB is OEM Topre they are not the same

I have asked many owners of both keyboard and they said that the HHKB and Leopold FC660C keycaps have the same profile

[hking0036]

The keycaps on both the Leopold Mini C and HHKB are Stepsculpture 2 profile.

Step sculpture 2 is a Leopold key cap profile the HHKB is OEM Topre they are not the same

The caps off my realforce are the same profile as the leopold caps, so long as they're in the same row.

[SpAmRaY]

The keycaps on both the Leopold Mini C and HHKB are Stepsculpture 2 profile.

Step sculpture 2 is a Leopold key cap profile the HHKB is OEM Topre they are not the same

I have asked many owners of both keyboard and they said that the HHKB and Leopold FC660C keycaps have the same profile

Then the FC660C is OEM topre profile and not step sculpture 2.

[kmba]

Leopold, hhkb, Realforce all use oem topre profile, and they're all the same.

[SpAmRaY]

Leopold, hhkb, Realforce all use oem topre profile, and they're all the same.

Just remember Leopold has both topre and MX keyboard variants.

 I think that is where the confusion is since the modern Leopold MX keycaps are marketed as step sculpture 2 profile.

[sodiumjoe]

I've been trying to find a blank set for an fc660c with no luck as well. I even thought about buying two of the HHKB sets, but like you discovered, there are still some missing (1.25 fn row mods). I even asked around about dying lettered keycaps black, but apparently since they're dye-subbed, the lettering would mostly likely still show.

The most annoying thing is apparently there was a blank version at one point, though I've never seen pictures or reviews: https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,compact&pid=fc660cnb

My current plan is to harvest sliders from my Novatouch, but I'll be taking my time with it. Would love an update if you find an alternative, though.

[varmemester]

I've been trying to find a blank set for an fc660c with no luck as well. I even thought about buying two of the HHKB sets, but like you discovered, there are still some missing (1.25 fn row mods). I even asked around about dying lettered keycaps black, but apparently since they're dye-subbed, the lettering would mostly likely still show.

The most annoying thing is apparently there was a blank version at one point, though I've never seen pictures or reviews: https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,compact&pid=fc660cnb

My current plan is to harvest sliders from my Novatouch, but I'll be taking my time with it. Would love an update if you find an alternative, though.

Yeah, I also stumbled upon the blank version...then my heart sank when I found out it wasn't in production anymore (apologize for emotional language...lol...they are only keyboards...but then again, they are not). It is called FC660/NB. Here are som pictures:http://imgur.com/a/0xhxK.

I guess my plan is to try MX to Topre adapters. I found a few videos about the installation proces ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Na6rkeyztc&t=5688s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6yvdGINh50. I found these on aliexpress https://goo.gl/Up74J0, which seems to be the same as Skiwithpete uses in the first video, but as Skiwithpete points out there are no adapters for the stabilized keys. These https://goo.gl/t9SfM2, also from Aliexpress, apparently also include adapters for the stabilized keys.

[_PixelNinja]

Step sculpture 2 is a Leopold key cap profile the HHKB is OEM Topre they are not the same

I own the discussed keyboards.

Stepscupture 2 is a profile used by Leopold, Topre and PFU. Furthermore, it is literally written in Japanese and Engrish on the box of the HHKB that the caps are Stepscupture profile:

[SpAmRaY]

Step sculpture 2 is a Leopold key cap profile the HHKB is OEM Topre they are not the same

I own the discussed keyboards.

Stepscupture 2 is a profile used by Leopold, Topre and PFU. Furthermore, it is literally written in Japanese and Engrish on the box of the HHKB that the caps are Stepscupture profile:

Show Image

Honestly I had never noticed that on the HHKB box, good catch.

But I'm curious on the hhkb if the use of step sculpture wording is being used just to say the rows have different heights instead of calling out an actual profile name.

So is step sculpture the same as step sculpture 2?

I was thinking step sculpture was Leopold's original profile and step sculpture 2 was a more recent revision at least for the MX keyboards.

I agree the topre Leopold's and other topre boards share a profile but the Leopold MX boards sure seem different.

[wishful_cynic]

I've been trying to find a blank set for an fc660c with no luck as well. I even thought about buying two of the HHKB sets, but like you discovered, there are still some missing (1.25 fn row mods). I even asked around about dying lettered keycaps black, but apparently since they're dye-subbed, the lettering would mostly likely still show.

The most annoying thing is apparently there was a blank version at one point, though I've never seen pictures or reviews: https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,compact&pid=fc660cnb

My current plan is to harvest sliders from my Novatouch, but I'll be taking my time with it. Would love an update if you find an alternative, though.

Yeah, I also stumbled upon the blank version...then my heart sank when I found out it wasn't in production anymore (apologize for emotional language...lol...they are only keyboards...but then again, they are not). It is called FC660/NB. Here are som pictures:http://imgur.com/a/0xhxK.

I guess my plan is to try MX to Topre adapters. I found a few videos about the installation proces ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Na6rkeyztc&t=5688s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6yvdGINh50. I found these on aliexpress https://goo.gl/Up74J0, which seems to be the same as Skiwithpete uses in the first video, but as Skiwithpete points out there are no adapters for the stabilized keys. These https://goo.gl/t9SfM2, also from Aliexpress, apparently also include adapters for the stabilized keys.

I'm adding sliders to ins and del but I'm nervous about taking the 660c apart.  I found the same two videos you linked but none specific to the 660c.  Have you taken yours apart yet?  I'll let you know if I find a guide/video/other info specific to the 660c, and please let me know if you know more about this.  Thanks! 

[varmemester]

Step sculpture 2 is a Leopold key cap profile the HHKB is OEM Topre they are not the same

I own the discussed keyboards.

Stepscupture 2 is a profile used by Leopold, Topre and PFU. Furthermore, it is literally written in Japanese and Engrish on the box of the HHKB that the caps are Stepscupture profile:

Show Image

Honestly I had never noticed that on the HHKB box, good catch.

But I'm curious on the hhkb if the use of step sculpture wording is being used just to say the rows have different heights instead of calling out an actual profile name.

So is step sculpture the same as step sculpture 2?

I was thinking step sculpture was Leopold's original profile and step sculpture 2 was a more recent revision at least for the MX keyboards.

I agree the topre Leopold's and other topre boards share a profile but the Leopold MX boards sure seem different.

I am not sure If you have already figured this out. Am a little confused. But it states on the Leopold website that both the MX and topre versions of the FC660 features the Step Sculpture 2. I took these screenshots: FC660C: http://imgur.com/a/4cFmJ & FC660M: http://imgur.com/a/pS7J1

[varmemester]

I've been trying to find a blank set for an fc660c with no luck as well. I even thought about buying two of the HHKB sets, but like you discovered, there are still some missing (1.25 fn row mods). I even asked around about dying lettered keycaps black, but apparently since they're dye-subbed, the lettering would mostly likely still show.

The most annoying thing is apparently there was a blank version at one point, though I've never seen pictures or reviews: https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,compact&pid=fc660cnb

My current plan is to harvest sliders from my Novatouch, but I'll be taking my time with it. Would love an update if you find an alternative, though.

Yeah, I also stumbled upon the blank version...then my heart sank when I found out it wasn't in production anymore (apologize for emotional language...lol...they are only keyboards...but then again, they are not). It is called FC660/NB. Here are som pictures:http://imgur.com/a/0xhxK.

I guess my plan is to try MX to Topre adapters. I found a few videos about the installation proces ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Na6rkeyztc&t=5688s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6yvdGINh50. I found these on aliexpress https://goo.gl/Up74J0, which seems to be the same as Skiwithpete uses in the first video, but as Skiwithpete points out there are no adapters for the stabilized keys. These https://goo.gl/t9SfM2, also from Aliexpress, apparently also include adapters for the stabilized keys.

I'm adding sliders to ins and del but I'm nervous about taking the 660c apart.  I found the same two videos you linked but none specific to the 660c.  Have you taken yours apart yet?  I'll let you know if I find a guide/video/other info specific to the 660c, and please let me know if you know more about this.  Thanks! 

I haven't received mine yet Later this week.. If you are afraid of taking it apart this video shows how to install Hasu's controller for the FC660c: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYmAb8zOPWU. It only shows, though, how to take it apart. Not how to replace the sliders. Also this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaLqTMtXCN4&t=197s) might be helpful. Watch from 10:50 and turn down the speed in youtube to 0.25.

[wishful_cynic]

I've been trying to find a blank set for an fc660c with no luck as well. I even thought about buying two of the HHKB sets, but like you discovered, there are still some missing (1.25 fn row mods). I even asked around about dying lettered keycaps black, but apparently since they're dye-subbed, the lettering would mostly likely still show.

The most annoying thing is apparently there was a blank version at one point, though I've never seen pictures or reviews: https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,compact&pid=fc660cnb

My current plan is to harvest sliders from my Novatouch, but I'll be taking my time with it. Would love an update if you find an alternative, though.

Yeah, I also stumbled upon the blank version...then my heart sank when I found out it wasn't in production anymore (apologize for emotional language...lol...they are only keyboards...but then again, they are not). It is called FC660/NB. Here are som pictures:http://imgur.com/a/0xhxK.

I guess my plan is to try MX to Topre adapters. I found a few videos about the installation proces ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Na6rkeyztc&t=5688s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6yvdGINh50. I found these on aliexpress https://goo.gl/Up74J0, which seems to be the same as Skiwithpete uses in the first video, but as Skiwithpete points out there are no adapters for the stabilized keys. These https://goo.gl/t9SfM2, also from Aliexpress, apparently also include adapters for the stabilized keys.

I'm adding sliders to ins and del but I'm nervous about taking the 660c apart.  I found the same two videos you linked but none specific to the 660c.  Have you taken yours apart yet?  I'll let you know if I find a guide/video/other info specific to the 660c, and please let me know if you know more about this.  Thanks! 

I haven't received mine yet Later this week.. If you are afraid of taking it apart this video shows how to install Hasu's controller for the FC660c: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYmAb8zOPWU. Thats the only video I know of, where the FC660c is taken apart. It only shows, though, how to take it apart. Not how to replace the sliders.

Great!  Thanks!  I think this will make it easy.  Replacing sliders seems standard across boards from what I've seen so far, the difference between boards being how to disassemble them carefully.