RealForce vs Leopold (Topre Switch)?

[edithnut]

Thinking of getting a silent keyboard for work.
Having a hard time deciding between the RealForce TKL PFU Limited Edition and Leopold FC980C. Any ideas?
I actually prefer smaller size board so I could have my arms closer.
The only reason I'm considering the FC980C is due to its shorten layout.

BTW, do they both use PBT key cap? Would that be difficult to find some key cap replacement?
Cuz I'm assuming I could use them for a long period of time.

[rxc92]

All Topre boards besides the Type Heaven are PBT, and new Realforces and I believe all Leopolds have PBT spacebars (older ones have ABS spacebars). HHKB has an ABS spacebar. 
The R2 silenced is, in my opinion, superior to HHKB Type-S, and much quieter than the original silenced Realforce models. Would recommend a TKL R2 silenced.

[edithnut]

All Topre boards besides the Type Heaven are PBT, and new Realforces and I believe all Leopolds have PBT spacebars (older ones have ABS spacebars). HHKB has an ABS spacebar. 
The R2 silenced is, in my opinion, superior to HHKB Type-S, and much quieter than the original silenced Realforce models. Would recommend a TKL R2 silenced.

Thanks for you input. Would you recommend Realforce more than Leopold in general?

[rxc92]

No problem, and I'd say now that the R2 is released, I would always recommend it over Leopold. Their offerings are in some ways superior to the original Realforce boards (especially since Leopold boards are more modern) but the R2's new software and superior case design, especially in silencing, makes it better in my book. However, I haven't tried an unsilenced R2; comparing that to Leopold is more difficult. 

[nc0de]

HHKB has an ABS spacebar. 

The new HHKBs that dropped in 2019 have a PBT spacebar.

[rxc92]

HHKB has an ABS spacebar. 

The new HHKBs that dropped in 2019 have a PBT spacebar.

 
Hybrids or all models?

[nc0de]

HHKB has an ABS spacebar. 

The new HHKBs that dropped in 2019 have a PBT spacebar.

 
Hybrids or all models?

Had to check. All new models (Hybrid, Classic) have the 'PBT space bar' listed as a new feature on the PFU online shop.

[edithnut]

Where do you guys find those key cap replacement thats fit RF keyboard?

[rxc92]

You can buy them from kbdfans here, they have a nice clean look to them. If you mean just the spacebar, they were sold on Massdrop a long time ago and they do reruns every now and then I believe.