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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: manfaux on Fri, 04 March 2011, 23:29:29

Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Fri, 04 March 2011, 23:29:29
http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=special&filter=spacesaver

The mob shall rejoice.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: digitalleftovers on Sat, 05 March 2011, 00:55:16
Well, I think its awesome.  They're REALLY 99 dollars! Take that silly gaming mech boards.  Thats amazing.  I suppose I should feel silly for buying that ducky for a... lot... But hey, I wanted a white board.  I'll probably pick one up in the future.  Not right away though.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: pitashen on Sat, 05 March 2011, 01:00:36
Old news, but YAY!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: clack on Sat, 05 March 2011, 01:02:02
excellent price, will they have the otaku with blues though?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Watson on Sat, 05 March 2011, 08:37:34
The price is good, but I miss MX blacks.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Engine on Sat, 05 March 2011, 09:22:10
Were Filcos that good and do you think the Leos are very good?  I'm looking for an intro to Cherry Blue springs and the $99 tag seems reasonable but there may be differing opinions on which kb w/blues is best for the money.  What say you??
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Engine on Sat, 05 March 2011, 09:31:26
I like the sup-$100 tag, so it may be a Leo but I'm looking at CDW to see what they have.
Thanks,
Engine
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: calavera on Sat, 05 March 2011, 10:18:14
price is great, but OOS. wtf
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Surly73 on Sat, 05 March 2011, 12:26:51
Quote from: calavera;305530
price is great, but OOS. wtf


I thought it was pretty clear that this was the "pre-order" period.  That means no stock, no shipping.... yet
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Sat, 05 March 2011, 12:40:38
Quote from: Surly73;305589
I thought it was pretty clear that this was the "pre-order" period.  That means no stock, no shipping.... yet


I think pre order starts on mar 7th if I understand EK correctly.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: zakazak on Sat, 05 March 2011, 13:07:17
i´m pretty sure that i´m gonna get the mx brown otaku version.

i just hope it wont be crap compared to filco.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: KosherPieFiasco on Sat, 05 March 2011, 13:56:58
I'd like to get my hands on the MX Brown Otaku board. Great prices!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: rustybarnacle on Sat, 05 March 2011, 14:22:31
Yep. Otaku brown here
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: CephalicCarnage on Sat, 05 March 2011, 14:42:25
Can't wait! I'm also likely to pick up the Otaku with browns.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Wogrim on Sat, 05 March 2011, 15:17:14
I've been thinking about the otaku as well but I think it would be bad for some games (like in Starcraft 2 when I need to hit stuff like I for immortals, or L to lift buildings).
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: rustybarnacle on Sat, 05 March 2011, 15:30:55
Once you have a blank keyboard, you'll have no issue after about a week.  But by all means order something else...for that means MOAR 4 ME!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: fds on Sat, 05 March 2011, 16:00:51
That makes 6 for the brown otaku already. Hopefully there will be enough stock for all of us. Otherwise it'll come down to:

(http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/BAismyhero/f5.gif)
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: EZjiji on Sat, 05 March 2011, 17:33:00
I'm debating whether I should get regular or otaku browns. I can't tell how dependent I am of the labels...

nonetheless, I'm not sleeping Sunday until I get my keyboard pre-ordered. :)
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: jomiyo on Sat, 05 March 2011, 20:41:47
Quote from: EZjiji;305849
I'm debating whether I should get regular or otaku browns. I can't tell how dependent I am of the labels...


Yeah, I'm considering it too.

Quote from: EZjiji;305849
nonetheless, I'm not sleeping Sunday until I get my keyboard pre-ordered. :)


Same here :biggrin:
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: vun on Sat, 05 March 2011, 20:45:21
I feel like I'm asking about this a lot, but what's the deal with Leopolds?
It seems like Filco keyboards are generally regarded as decent, solid mechanical boards. However everyone seems to be going nuts over the Leopolds which, as far as I can understad, are pretty much the same, only with a different name and slightly different look.

Is this simply because everyone's already tried the Filco and it's too old to make a fuss about, or are the Leopolds superior in some way and more worth the money?

When I plan on spending about £270 on keyboards I'd like to know I'm making the right choice, so sorry if I'm being a bit slow on this.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 05 March 2011, 20:47:22
I think it's because:
a. they're new and
b. they're priced better

FWIW, they're designed by the same guy. Japanese chap. Nice fellow.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: dracaXL on Sat, 05 March 2011, 20:50:24
I don't know if there's a huge difference between Filco and Leopolds. Most likely Leopold will have slightly less 'perfect' QA, but generally people seem pretty happy with their boards. I personally will always use Filco.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: vun on Sat, 05 March 2011, 20:55:03
Alright, my suspicions were correct then.

I'll just get the Filcos since I prefer their design, except for the lock lights, and they're easier to order.
Just have to wait for PayPal to confirm the new card...
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: iMav on Sat, 05 March 2011, 21:52:57
Quote from: ripster;305962
It's this month's trendy thing. (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=303196&postcount=16)


I think the PLU-87 and the noppoo choc mini split a month.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: kidchunks on Sat, 05 March 2011, 22:35:30
Still lovin my plu! Even got it some nice double shots!


Quote from: fds;305757
That makes 6 for the brown otaku already. Hopefully there will be enough stock for all of us. Otherwise it'll come down to:

Show Image
(http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/BAismyhero/f5.gif)

Would be magical if the site goes down. I think a panic would arise!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Canuck21 on Sun, 06 March 2011, 00:01:26
Quote from: vun;305960
I feel like I'm asking about this a lot, but what's the deal with Leopolds?
It seems like Filco keyboards are generally regarded as decent, solid mechanical boards. However everyone seems to be going nuts over the Leopolds which, as far as I can understad, are pretty much the same, only with a different name and slightly different look.

Is this simply because everyone's already tried the Filco and it's too old to make a fuss about, or are the Leopolds superior in some way and more worth the money?

When I plan on spending about £270 on keyboards I'd like to know I'm making the right choice, so sorry if I'm being a bit slow on this.

The only reason people here have been talking about Leopolds is because the sole Filco North American seller, Elitekeyboard, stopped selling the reputable brand and would sell Leopolds instead. That's when all the Leopolds buzz started since everyone wants to know how good they are compared to Filco.  

It'll be interesting to see if Leopolds how fare against Filco that is now available at Amazon.com.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: iMav on Sun, 06 March 2011, 08:02:16
Personally, I like my Archiss (identical to a Leopold) better then the many Filcos I've owned.  But, you can chalk that up exclusively to the removable USB cable.  Everything else (feel, quality, etc) is comparable AFAIC.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: fds on Sun, 06 March 2011, 10:15:32
I am hoping the key caps on these will be slightly wider or spaced a little farther apart.

Filco keys were too thin and squished together for me. I ended up making a lot of accidental key presses, especially caps lock / shift.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: colorcutclarity on Sun, 06 March 2011, 15:31:17
Will EK carry the fullsize Leo's?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: jomiyo on Sun, 06 March 2011, 15:55:22
Quote from: iMav;306126
Personally, I like my Archiss (identical to a Leopold) better then the many Filcos I've owned.  But, you can chalk that up exclusively to the removable USB cable.  Everything else (feel, quality, etc) is comparable AFAIC.

Thanks, gives me further confidence in my pre-order tomorrow.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: reaper on Sun, 06 March 2011, 16:12:35
Quote from: colorcutclarity;306350
Will EK carry the fullsize Leo's?


I'm pretty sure they will.  I, however, will be getting my pre-order in tomorrow. =P
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: CephalicCarnage on Sun, 06 March 2011, 16:19:52
Almost there...  for some reason I keep refreshing the page over at EK anyway...
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: fds on Sun, 06 March 2011, 18:05:20
Quote from: CephalicCarnage;306379
Almost there...  for some reason I keep refreshing the page over at EK anyway...


midnight PST is still 8 hours away..
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: mjacob on Sun, 06 March 2011, 20:24:04
Quote from: fds;306443
midnight PST is still 8 hours away..


Anyone else think that "March 7th" doesn't necessarily mean midnight of March 7th? Just a thought. What if the pre-ordering doesn't open up until 2 PM tomorrow?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: keyboardlover on Sun, 06 March 2011, 20:26:53
Quote from: mjacob;306525
Anyone else think that "March 7th" doesn't necessarily mean midnight of March 7th?


Yes, I had that exact thought. Also, majestouch said that the folks on the mailing list would get notified beforehand. I haven't heard anything.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: NormaJean on Sun, 06 March 2011, 20:29:19
I'm excited I've been telling all my friends :D

KEYBOARDS!

They're so tactile I'm gonna DIE!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: mjacob on Sun, 06 March 2011, 20:30:31
Quote from: NormaJean;306534
I'm excited I've been telling all my friends :D


You'll get over it. I have a lot of very nice keyboards, but they're still just keyboards to me. It's a collection, just like anything else.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: keyboardlover on Sun, 06 March 2011, 20:30:40
Whoah settle down! The only type of switch tactile enough to kill is ALPs.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15850&stc=1&d=1299441360)

Cherries should be pretty safe.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: dazed on Sun, 06 March 2011, 21:40:15
Anybody know if EK is going to stock blank blue cherry Leopolds?  There's just something about having no lettering on keys that turns me on.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Sun, 06 March 2011, 21:43:00
Quote from: dazed;306589
Anybody know if EK is going to stock blank blue cherry Leopolds?  There's just something about having no lettering on keys that turns me on.

Likely but no one except EK themselves knows for sure.

You can get some blanks from our mass order here:

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=13664 (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=13664)
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: 3one5 on Sun, 06 March 2011, 21:44:09
Quote from: vun;305968
Alright, my suspicions were correct then.

I'll just get the Filcos since I prefer their design, except for the lock lights, and they're easier to order.
Just have to wait for PayPal to confirm the new card...


Where are you easily ordering Filco boards?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: mjacob on Sun, 06 March 2011, 22:11:10
Quote from: 3one5;306591
Where are you easily ordering Filco boards?


Here (http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&search-alias=electronics&field-manufacturer=The%20Keyboard%20Company#/ref=sr_nr_p_n_availability_1?rh=n%3A172282%2Cp_15%3AThe+Keyboard+Company%2Cp_n_availability%3A1248801011&bbn=172282&ie=UTF8&qid=1299470994)?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Chobopants on Mon, 07 March 2011, 00:00:05
Quote from: mjacob;306609
Here (http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&search-alias=electronics&field-manufacturer=The%20Keyboard%20Company#/ref=sr_nr_p_n_availability_1?rh=n%3A172282%2Cp_15%3AThe+Keyboard+Company%2Cp_n_availability%3A1248801011&bbn=172282&ie=UTF8&qid=1299470994)?

Say it with gusto: Here!

So, for those of you thinking of grabbing Filcos off Amazon right now:
If you haven't been following the whole saga, Majestouch has said that the [part of the] reason Filcos are so well regarded right now is because of his intense QA on every board that he shipped out. Going through Amazon/PCHome you may not see that level of quality but can likely be assured that he will perform the same QA on the Leopold boards he gets. Also, you save 40 bucks. Why not (unless you need tenkey)?

Being in love with the Filco I got from EK I'm going to keep my loyalty to the vendor and get a Leopold from him.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: verifyid on Mon, 07 March 2011, 02:06:44
Pre-order is now live for the Leopolds at EK
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: CephalicCarnage on Mon, 07 March 2011, 02:08:43
Just put in my pre-order for the Otaku with browns.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: KosherPieFiasco on Mon, 07 March 2011, 02:19:32
Put in a pre-order for a Leopold with MX Browns! Can't wait for this baby to arrive!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Wogrim on Mon, 07 March 2011, 02:24:25
Not terribly excited for a tenkeyless but decided to go for the otaku browns.  Will probably get a full size blues in a year or two.

Now when are they actually coming in?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: duckyduck on Mon, 07 March 2011, 02:27:59
Quote from: Wogrim;306670
Not terribly excited for a tenkeyless but decided to go for the otaku browns.  Will probably get a full size blues in a year or two.

Now when are they actually coming in?


Hopefully soon since CC gets charged immediately.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Lophostrix on Mon, 07 March 2011, 02:34:00
Pre-order placed for standard FC200RC/AB. Fingers crossed for a speedy delivery!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: jomiyo on Mon, 07 March 2011, 02:36:53
Done and done. Now more waiting...D'oh!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: pm_ on Mon, 07 March 2011, 03:00:00
Ordered browns.  

It specifically says on the page that it "Ships end of March."
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: fds on Mon, 07 March 2011, 03:14:12
in line for the rat race. hopefully didn't get backordered
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: zakazak on Mon, 07 March 2011, 03:35:40
I just wanted to pre-order but...51$ just ehipping to europe (austria) must be a bad joke..rofl thats 150$ then + custom fees.. no thanks i will get the filco with blank key set for the same priceb.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: db_Iodine on Mon, 07 March 2011, 04:24:34
Quote from: zakazak;306700
I just wanted to pre-order but...51$ just ehipping to europe (austria) must be a bad joke..rofl thats 150$ then + custom fees.. no thanks i will get the filco with blank key set for the same priceb.


There's a good change that buying from Asia is cheaper for us Europeans.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: 3one5 on Mon, 07 March 2011, 05:29:09
Otaku brown ordered.  Probably shouldn't have, but I did :)
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: pyee on Mon, 07 March 2011, 07:32:35
First time looking for a mechanical keyboard here, do prices usually go up from the pre-order price on elitekeyboards? Still deciding between a filco and this unfortunately.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Brummell on Mon, 07 March 2011, 07:39:52
I bought a blue, I can't imagine the price ever being better than $99.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: snowball on Mon, 07 March 2011, 08:37:13
Put in an order for an Otaku.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: msarchet on Mon, 07 March 2011, 09:09:52
Picked up the "Otaku" as well, currently rocking a Das Ultimate III at home and wanted some a little quieter for work.

I was very sad when I saw the ship "date"
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: placebo guy on Mon, 07 March 2011, 09:11:54
Got me a brown too.  Dattebayo!!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Brummell on Mon, 07 March 2011, 09:12:57
Quote from: msarchet;306813
I was very sad when I saw the ship "date"


Yeah, I hope EK is being conservative, but as long as this has already dragged out I suspect it is otherwise.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: kidchunks on Mon, 07 March 2011, 09:28:57
Quote from: kalrykh;306805
Ordered a brown, I feel like a traitor. But the mushiness of clears is annoying me when I'm gaming and blues make too much noise.  Besides, I needed another board with cherries to put the round 3 double shots on :p


LOL! Converted! :biggrin:
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: jomiyo on Mon, 07 March 2011, 10:28:53
Forgot to say I went for the FCR200RT/AB. Otaku was tempting, but figured I'd play it safe and just switch caps later maybe (or buy another, with Blues :biggrin:) Again, this will be my very first mech 'board :smile:
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: zakazak on Mon, 07 March 2011, 10:38:06
well.. even with custom fees and shipping it would be cheaper than the filco from keyboardcompany.com i just saw that prices were without VAT.

So i might buy the leopold tenkeyless otaku. I´m just not sure if i will be fine with blank keys. I firstly thought i would buy a filco + blank key set and leave some keys printed and make the rest blank (w,a,s,d and some special characters maybe).

the blue w,a,s,d for leopold looks **** :(

anyone had the same problem and can tell me that blank keys arent a problem at all ? :P
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: reaper on Mon, 07 March 2011, 10:43:50
Got my pre-order in for one with brown switches..  Need something to go along with that bag I bought from them ages ago. lol
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: RiGS on Mon, 07 March 2011, 10:43:52
PChome sells the Filco occasionally, and the shipping is only 20 bucks to Europe. They probably falsify the value for you if you ask them.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: rustybarnacle on Mon, 07 March 2011, 11:17:40
Otaku w/browns ordered!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: wideyes on Mon, 07 March 2011, 11:58:57
Just preordered my own browns board.

All you otaku posers need to get the memo - you're only l33t enough to have a blank board if you wear through the printing on the keycaps yourself ;)
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 07 March 2011, 12:00:12
Quote from: wideyes;306933
All you otaku posers need to get the memo - you're only l33t enough to have a blank board if you wear through the printing on the keycaps yourself ;)


Strong.  I like that.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Mon, 07 March 2011, 12:04:18
Quote from: ripster;306935
Damn that is tacky.  Although once I transhipped a IBM Model M Industrial to Webwit from "Aunty Ripster" with Snoopy stickers on it and marked the Green form "Gift".


I shipped one of those Datavac blowers to a guy in Brazil and wrote messages on the outside in Portugese asking him if he got all the ladies, signed by his friend muchadoaboutnothing.

Apparently he would have gotten charged 80% tax had I not done so.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Moneyless on Mon, 07 March 2011, 12:05:01
Quote from: wideyes;306933
Just preordered my own browns board.

All you otaku posers need to get the memo - you're only l33t enough to have a blank board if you wear through the printing on the keycaps yourself ;)


What if you have double shot keys? :ohwell:
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: wideyes on Mon, 07 March 2011, 12:10:26
Quote from: Moneyless;306940
What if you have double shot keys? :ohwell:


Better get crackin' on them... gonna be a while!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 07 March 2011, 12:15:19
Every time I have shipped something overseas for a member, I always claimed the value as $20.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Mazora on Mon, 07 March 2011, 12:20:22
is elitekeyboard going to offer leopold with MX-Reds ?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: mjacob on Mon, 07 March 2011, 13:47:20
Quote from: duckyduck;306671
Hopefully soon since CC gets charged immediately.


It wasn't really a pre-order in the Amazon sense (i.e., order now, it'll ship on X date, pay when it ships). This was more of an order now, pay now, sit around and wait until it ships on a date TBD.

Call me cynical, but I wonder if EK has even ordered the boards yet, or if our pre-orders are fronting the capital for that.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: wideyes on Mon, 07 March 2011, 14:05:52
Quote from: mjacob;307006

Call me cynical, but I wonder if EK has even ordered the boards yet, or if our pre-orders are fronting the capital for that.


Same thought crossed my mind. Shipping at the "end of March" is pretty cryptic, and considering these were supposed to show up "Jan/Feb 2011" according to their previous estimates, I'm wondering if having my board by April 1st is gonna happen.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: EZjiji on Mon, 07 March 2011, 14:46:40
Just ordered Leopold browns. Better start coming up with excuses to buy a $100 keyboard.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: CephalicCarnage on Mon, 07 March 2011, 14:55:10
Quote from: EZjiji;307067
Just ordered Leopold browns. Better start coming up with excuses to buy a $100 keyboard.
If someone wants to scold you about it, tell them it's a budget board vs. $300 varieties.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: 3one5 on Mon, 07 March 2011, 14:59:19
Quote from: wideyes;307032
Same thought crossed my mind. Shipping at the "end of March" is pretty cryptic, and considering these were supposed to show up "Jan/Feb 2011" according to their previous estimates, I'm wondering if having my board by April 1st is gonna happen.


That would suck but I doubt it.  I would have thought they'd started the pre-ordering a lot earlier.  I went through a kickstarter project with items being made in China.  Ordered in Oct and got it in FEB.  Times like those would put EK out of business.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: 3one5 on Mon, 07 March 2011, 15:01:11
Quote from: ripster;307078
You can buy ALMOST 3 for one Realforce/HHKB.


I don't think anyone here needs the temptation.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Lpb45 on Mon, 07 March 2011, 15:02:20
More then likely the steamship these are coming over on has been delayed multiple times because of Chinese new years.  All of E. Asia right now is just a total mess after Chinese new years, happens every year but is alot worse for some reason this year.  Pretty much the entire country shuts down for about a week and its screws up any estimated timelines massively as it just creates a big domino effect of freight waiting for vessels.  

In all honesty the steamship lines do not care and will continually delay and bump your freight if someone is prepared to pay more for that space you have.  Especially out of China for example I work in A/F but the rates are very similar.  If I was to export something to China it would cost me around 1.50/kg All in now if China was to export something to the US it would cost around 6-7/kg All in because of the amount of stuff being exported and the amount of available space.  I am sure EK is trying to keep costs down as much as possible and delays around this time of year are inevitable (SP) trying to go the low cost route.

Rest assured they will arrive though.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 07 March 2011, 15:17:38
Quote from: ripster;307056
Hmmmm.... maybe that backfired for Insurance purposes with Webwit's keyboard.


Yes, it did.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Satisfaktion on Mon, 07 March 2011, 16:18:35
Chalk another Otaku up for me. :) Currently own a Rosewill RK-9000 and been wanting a tenkeyless with blank keys for a while now, but I didn't want to spend $250+ on a Happy Hacker or Real Force. Time to start searching for some blank red keycaps, I want to go for a checkerboard pattern of red + black keycaps. :D
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: .XL on Mon, 07 March 2011, 16:20:39
Quote from: Satisfaktion;307112
Chalk another Otaku up for me. :) Currently own a Rosewill RK-9000 and been wanting a tenkeyless with blank keys for a while now, but I didn't want to spend $250+ on a Happy Hacker or Real Force. Time to start searching for some blank red keycaps, I want to go for a checkerboard pattern of red + black keycaps. :D


Check down at the group buy section...there's a group buy for keys in there and there's a few blank options. I'm getting a full set of blank black keys for my white filco...going to be TOO sexy.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Satisfaktion on Mon, 07 March 2011, 18:27:56
The group buy threads are so intimidating. :x I have no idea whats going on in them, lol.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Armando Penblade on Mon, 07 March 2011, 19:13:10
Quote from: Satisfaktion;307207
The group buy threads are so intimidating. :x I have no idea whats going on in them, lol.


Tell me about it, God. . . so confusing :(
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 07 March 2011, 19:28:09
The first doubleshot group buy was very clear and not confusing at all. WhiteRice did an excellent job. 7bit is doing a good job catering to everyone but since everyone is customizing everything it's made the whole thing really confusing. And Moogle's kit...don't even get me started...
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 07 March 2011, 19:30:49
I LOLed. I have no idea, he stopped posting at DKT too. Not that I'm complaining.

I think some people can't handle the Internet.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Wogrim on Mon, 07 March 2011, 22:00:20
Anyone get a confirmation email from EK yet?  I know it says wait 24 hours and check your spam before contacting support but I'm impatient =(
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: krazymunky on Mon, 07 March 2011, 22:01:58
Quote from: Wogrim;307347
Anyone get a confirmation email from EK yet?  I know it says wait 24 hours and check your spam before contacting support but I'm impatient =(


i got a paypal confirmation. does that count ? lol
i thought i did when i saw a email from EK...but it was their newsletter
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Wogrim on Mon, 07 March 2011, 22:05:21
Quote from: krazymunky;307348
i got a paypal confirmation. does that count ? lol
i thought i did when i saw a email from EK...but it was their newsletter


that's exactly what i have, oh well i guess i'm not as worried
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: EZjiji on Mon, 07 March 2011, 22:13:32
I also got a paypal confirmation.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: fds on Mon, 07 March 2011, 22:28:21
paypal only here too
and it only charged 30% of the cost for some reason
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Engine on Mon, 07 March 2011, 23:08:16
Leopold for $99 or Das for $129?  Which should I get for an intro to not only Cherry springs but Cherry Blue?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Mon, 07 March 2011, 23:11:39
Quote from: Engine;307371
Leopold for $99 or Das for $129?  Which should I get for an intro to not only Cherry springs but Cherry Blue?  I would spend the extra 30 clams if enough peopld thought it would be worth it for the Das.


Unless you REALLY need a numpad,

Leopold seems to have better aesthetics in my eyes.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Engine on Mon, 07 March 2011, 23:19:31
I don't need a numpad.  I like one but don't need one.  I'm more for performance and yes you're right about Leos being better looking.  Well, I suppose the switch will be the same in any board right?  It's just about "packaging".  By the way, are you getting a Leo?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Mon, 07 March 2011, 23:52:54
Quote from: Engine;307375
I don't need a numpad.  I like one but don't need one.  I'm more for performance and yes you're right about Leos being better looking.  Well, I suppose the switch will be the same in any board right?  It's just about "packaging".  By the way, are you getting a Leo?


Not now!

I will probably get one with Reds later when I settle down at my new dig, if EK does end up selling them.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Engine on Tue, 08 March 2011, 00:00:16
The email from EK did "suggest" a future batch of kbs but I don't know if that means the same or different leo switches.  Maybe Reds or dunno.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: mjacob on Tue, 08 March 2011, 00:05:20
Quote from: Engine;307382
The email from EK did "suggest" a future batch of kbs but I don't know if that means the same or different leo switches.  Maybe Reds or dunno.

It also suggested that the pre-order price won't be the final price:

Quote
Leopold Tenkeyless Cherry MX Keyboards are finally available for Pre-Order at a GREAT introductory price!

I wonder what they'll jump to when all the dust settles. Maybe I should hedge my bets by buying 2 now just in case I like them and end up wanting one for home and one for work.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: wanabe on Tue, 08 March 2011, 00:20:22
you could, but i'm guessing regular price won't be significantly higher if it goes up
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Armando Penblade on Tue, 08 March 2011, 00:55:35
It's odd that the email is worded that way, because Bruce of EliteKeyboards recently said in what I thought were pretty clear terms that the price was set very specifically at $99:

http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=303876&postcount=51

No idea, though.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Suchadropper on Tue, 08 March 2011, 00:57:49
Quote from: mjacob;307006
It wasn't really a pre-order in the Amazon sense (i.e., order now, it'll ship on X date, pay when it ships). This was more of an order now, pay now, sit around and wait until it ships on a date TBD.

Call me cynical, but I wonder if EK has even ordered the boards yet, or if our pre-orders are fronting the capital for that.


That could be true. I might cancel one today.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: iMav on Tue, 08 March 2011, 02:45:53
I really couldn't care less whether the preorders are funding the initial order or not.  Whatever he has to do to get rolling with the new 'boards is fine with me.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Brummell on Tue, 08 March 2011, 06:14:09
Quote from: Wogrim;307347
Anyone get a confirmation email from EK yet?  (


Last night at around 3AM.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: ThoughtThief on Tue, 08 March 2011, 08:15:11
Also got my confirmation last night around 3am EST.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Tue, 08 March 2011, 09:10:22
I'm tempted to pick up my first tenkeyless, but strictly speaking, I don't need it.

I have the Filco Majestouch Tactile Touch "Otaku" NKRO (in @ EK for warranty service), ABS M1 (stolen by my father), a Filco Majestouch Tactile Touch (stolen by my brother), a Rosewill RK-9000 (currently using), and a BlackWidow (currently in the living room).

So mentally (a.k.a., me tricking myself) I only have two keyboards (since that's all that I have in front of me). However if I want an experimental board I might was well pick up a Topre tenkeyless, but then I'm making two changes at once (Torpe switches/form factor). I could hate the tenkeyless or the topre switch and then hate the board as a whole.

Ah, choices...

Also, the budget only permits one, and the Topre would be a stretch, so don't recommend both.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: nvarsj on Tue, 08 March 2011, 09:45:55
I ordered one as well. I've regretted selling my Filco - and after hearing some blue cherries in action recently, I can't help myself. I need a click!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: 3one5 on Tue, 08 March 2011, 09:46:19
Quote from: ThoughtThief;307560
Also got my confirmation last night around 3am EST.


Me 3 but mine came in at 12:53am which means I'll probably get mine first :)
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Chobopants on Tue, 08 March 2011, 13:05:56
Ok I waffled a lot on the tenkeyless thing but after some thought I decided that this was the best way for me to have a cherry blue board (and support one of our own as well):

FC200RC/AB Leopold Tenkeyless Tactile Click Keyboard
Item# 460   $99.00 USD   1   $99.00 USD
CF5F-SKU-1BLU Blue Skull Keycap (Row 5+6, CherryMX)
Item# 3002   $9.50 USD   2   $19.00 USD
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Tue, 08 March 2011, 13:18:24
Quote from: mjacob;307006
It wasn't really a pre-order in the Amazon sense (i.e., order now, it'll ship on X date, pay when it ships). This was more of an order now, pay now, sit around and wait until it ships on a date TBD.


That's how pre-ordering works son, you have to pay first. What's the last time you pre ordered something and they didn't take your money first?
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: mjacob on Tue, 08 March 2011, 13:23:13
Quote from: manfaux;307775
What's the last time you pre ordered something and they didn't take your money first?


Uhhh... every time I've pre-ordered something from Amazon.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Tue, 08 March 2011, 14:17:07
Quote from: mjacob;307784
Uhhh... every time I've pre-ordered something from Amazon.


and guess what, EK isn't a multi-billion-dollar enterprise like Amazon, and Amazon never guarantees the actual shipment date, you can pre order diablo 3 right now ffs.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: EZjiji on Tue, 08 March 2011, 14:39:49
Does a Red esc key and a key puller come with the keyboard? The EK confirmation email says something about being allowed to separately ship items.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: hansmuff on Tue, 08 March 2011, 14:48:52
Quote from: EZjiji;307870
Does a Red esc key and a key puller come with the keyboard? The EK confirmation email says something about being allowed to separately ship items.


Actually, the product page states in detail what comes with the package. A red Esc key and/or puller aren't part of it.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: duckyduck on Tue, 08 March 2011, 15:10:20
Quote from: manfaux;307844
and guess what, EK isn't a multi-billion-dollar enterprise like Amazon, and Amazon never guarantees the actual shipment date, you can pre order diablo 3 right now ffs.


Being a small business does not make you exempt from agreements with credit card companies. Of the big 3 at least Mastercard does not allow the card to be charged before the product is shipped.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: phillip on Tue, 08 March 2011, 15:17:14
Quote from: manfaux;307844
and guess what, EK isn't a multi-billion-dollar enterprise like Amazon, and Amazon never guarantees the actual shipment date, you can pre order diablo 3 right now ffs.


Well, you did ask the question.  I've preordered from other places that haven't charged me until the item ships (store.nisamerica.com is an example).  I don't care if EK charges and ships later, provided the boards actually ship at the end of march.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Tue, 08 March 2011, 15:32:33
Quote from: duckyduck;307908
Being a small business does not make you exempt from agreements with credit card companies. Of the big 3 at least Mastercard does not allow the card to be charged before the product is shipped.

What part of the Mastercard Merchant agreement prevents charging stuff before shipping? It is a more common practice to do an authorization hold which merely falls off after a period of time if it is not turned into a formal charge (guaranteeing the availability of funds forgiving the account getting suspended, etc.), but can go to a formal charge if it ships. That's more common, but I don't know if it is explicitly against the rules to charge people before an item ships.

Also, Paypal is the payment facilitator and holds the payment in escrow - they charge the card, then fund the money to EK. If there's a dispute PayPal gets involved. So as a payment facilitator PayPal operates under different rules.

(if you have a dispute with Paypal, you can dispute with your credit card company...but if you have a dispute with the seller, and you just go to the card company, they'll freeze your paypal account)
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: neo on Tue, 08 March 2011, 15:47:30
Many businesses will only charge your credit card when they are ready to ship. EliteKeyboards apparently charges immediately even though the shipment date is still at least three weeks away and isn't known precisely. It is an inconvenience no doubt, but only a minor one assuming boards actually ship when promised.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Tue, 08 March 2011, 15:55:24
Quote from: neo;307932
Many businesses will only charge your credit card when they are ready to ship. EliteKeyboards apparently charges immediately even though the shipment date is still at least three weeks away and isn't known precisely. It is an inconvenience no doubt, but only a minor one assuming boards actually ship when promised.

Again, most businesses do not use Paypal, EK does. I don't think Paypal allows such a behavior.

Any merchant with brains does an authorization hold at the time of the order being placed if they don't charge immediately. That immediately impacts the available balance but does not formally hit the card. That authorization hold is why it can be easy to overdraft a debit card when you go to a gas station - it typically tries to place an authorization hold of $50 or more. Once you have an actual amount, the actual charge goes through for the authorization hold amount or less.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Chobopants on Tue, 08 March 2011, 15:58:12
Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;307934
Again, most businesses do not use Paypal, EK does. I don't think Paypal allows such a behavior.

Any merchant with brains does an authorization hold at the time of the order being placed if they don't charge immediately. That immediately impacts the available balance but does not formally hit the card. That authorization hold is why it can be easy to overdraft a debit card when you go to a gas station - it typically tries to place an authorization hold of $50 or more. Once you have an actual amount, the actual charge goes through for the authorization hold amount or less.


This is quite true. Back when I was a college kid with my first real debit card I got hit with a number of overdrafts due to this. I quickly learned to keep a few hundred $ buffer in my checking account.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Tue, 08 March 2011, 16:23:13
Quote from: phillip;307913
Well, you did ask the question.  I've preordered from other places that haven't charged me until the item ships (store.nisamerica.com is an example).  


Great stores, good for you, and I can name 2000 other stores that charge you for pre-orders, but I'm not going to right now am I.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: phillip on Tue, 08 March 2011, 16:27:02
Quote from: manfaux;307775
What's the last time you pre ordered something and they didn't take your money first?

You're the one who asked the ****ing question.  You didn't specify that amazon or other major business was exempt from being an answer.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: neo on Tue, 08 March 2011, 16:29:56
Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;307934
Again, most businesses do not use Paypal, EK does.


There is your problem.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Tue, 08 March 2011, 16:32:16
Quote from: phillip;307970
You're the one who asked the ****ing question.  You didn't specify that amazon or other major business was exempt from being an answer.


Easy dude, there is no need to rage here, we are just buying some keyboards.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Tue, 08 March 2011, 16:38:46
Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;307923
What part of the Mastercard Merchant agreement prevents charging stuff before shipping? It is a more common practice to do an authorization hold which merely falls off after a period of time if it is not turned into a formal charge (guaranteeing the availability of funds forgiving the account getting suspended, etc.), but can go to a formal charge if it ships. That's more common, but I don't know if it is explicitly against the rules to charge people before an item ships.

Also, Paypal is the payment facilitator and holds the payment in escrow - they charge the card, then fund the money to EK. If there's a dispute PayPal gets involved. So as a payment facilitator PayPal operates under different rules.

(if you have a dispute with Paypal, you can dispute with your credit card company...but if you have a dispute with the seller, and you just go to the card company, they'll freeze your paypal account)


this.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: mjacob on Tue, 08 March 2011, 16:41:04
Quote from: manfaux;307975
Easy dude, there is no need to rage here, we are just buying some keyboards.


I think it's been established fairly well that no one is actually buying keyboards yet. We're paying for keyboards. We will have bought the keyboards when the vendor ships said keyboards.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: manfaux on Tue, 08 March 2011, 16:43:31
Quote from: mjacob;307987
I think it's been established fairly well that no one is actually buying keyboards yet. We're paying for keyboards. We will have bought the keyboards when the vendor ships said keyboards.

Think of it this way - EK is merely a proxy shipping agency who takes your order and handles the oversea shipping hassles. You keyboards are officially purchased, it's just going to takes 3 weeks for them to get here.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: celery on Tue, 08 March 2011, 19:50:38
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_true_Scotsman
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Satisfaktion on Tue, 08 March 2011, 21:36:52
Quote from: iMav;307437
I really couldn't care less whether the preorders are funding the initial order or not.  Whatever he has to do to get rolling with the new 'boards is fine with me.


I agree with this. While you guys are arguing over credit card payments I'm trying to figure out how I want to customize mine and what to do to my current RK-9000 as well. :D
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: NormaJean on Tue, 08 March 2011, 23:27:29
I sure am excited about receiving my new keyboard :D
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: majestouch on Wed, 09 March 2011, 02:43:46
Rumors of EK's intent to defraud customers and use their money to pay for yet-to-be-ordered product are greatly exaggerated;)

There is capital in EK to buy keyboards and these boards were actually ordered last year.

The main reason for the pre-order now, for products not being shipped for a couple weeks, is in order to get an idea of the demand via solid commitments so that we can set our orders for the coming months ASAP. This way we can keep supply consistent while introducing product variations people actually want to buy. The only other way to do it is to ****foot it into the market (like we did at the very beginning) and buy 20 units one month, 50 the next, 100, and so forth. Thanks to all the customers that pre-ordered over the last two days, as well as customer suggestions, we can now plan ahead with confidence and prevent ourselves from slipping into long periods without stock or the products people demand.

Unfortunately, at this time we use the PayPal shopping cart which will charge you immediately, but you do have the option to send your order by e-mail or fax wherein we won't charge you until your order is ready to ship (don't send your CC by e-mail...only your phone so we can call you).

As for the delay...some of it was imposed by EK in order to make sure the product was going to be what we want for this market; also, some delays were caused by Chinese NY as well...which wasn't so much of a surprise to me as was the fact that from what I've been hearing, Chinese/Taiwanese businesses tend to treat it as a surprise themselves so that they can use it as an excuse to delay deadlines they're behind on. In any case, our factory inspection is next week and the boards will be prepared for shipping soon thereafter.

Thanks for your support!
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: NormaJean on Wed, 09 March 2011, 06:30:07
^^^ Thank you, I personnaly wasn't scared at all and have complete trust in your company. One month isn't so long to be honest. I've easily waited over 4 months for stuff I've preordered before, it was from a company I trusted and I eventually received the item.

I had almost forgotten about it and it made it awesomer
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Armando Penblade on Wed, 09 March 2011, 10:01:49
One time I accidentally ordered a game 1 year in advance without realizing that they would charge right away (Elemental: War of Magic). It came out and was terrible, and all the while, the game developer was bragging about how his company had already broken even on preorders alone. That was last year and the game still sucks :(

That story has almost nothing to do with keyboards, however. Majestouch: I'll keep my eye on the site. If you guys put up a cheap, tenkeyless red, you're likely to pull a preorder out of me, despite my nasty experience, because you seem pretty rad :)
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: duckyduck on Wed, 09 March 2011, 10:09:40
Quote from: majestouch;308324
Rumors of EK's intent to defraud customers and use their money to pay for yet-to-be-ordered product are greatly exaggerated;)

There is capital in EK to buy keyboards and these boards were actually ordered last year.

The main reason for the pre-order now, for products not being shipped for a couple weeks, is in order to get an idea of the demand via solid commitments so that we can set our orders for the coming months ASAP. This way we can keep supply consistent while introducing product variations people actually want to buy. The only other way to do it is to ****foot it into the market (like we did at the very beginning) and buy 20 units one month, 50 the next, 100, and so forth. Thanks to all the customers that pre-ordered over the last two days, as well as customer suggestions, we can now plan ahead with confidence and prevent ourselves from slipping into long periods without stock or the products people demand.

Unfortunately, at this time we use the PayPal shopping cart which will charge you immediately, but you do have the option to send your order by e-mail or fax wherein we won't charge you until your order is ready to ship (don't send your CC by e-mail...only your phone so we can call you).

As for the delay...some of it was imposed by EK in order to make sure the product was going to be what we want for this market; also, some delays were caused by Chinese NY as well...which wasn't so much of a surprise to me as was the fact that from what I've been hearing, Chinese/Taiwanese businesses tend to treat it as a surprise themselves so that they can use it as an excuse to delay deadlines they're behind on. In any case, our factory inspection is next week and the boards will be prepared for shipping soon thereafter.

Thanks for your support!


Thanks for the clarification Majestouch, much appreciated. If would be great if you could include the information about paying up front due to Paypal and the option to order by phone/email to avoid this on the FAQ or on preorder pages.

EK is a well respected distributor and I don't think anyone had doubts about receiving their keyboard, but I hope you can understand where some of your customers are coming from. It's disconcerting having your CC charged and paying the monthly bill before even receiving the product.
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 09 March 2011, 10:25:44
Quote from: ripster;308475
Meanwhile at the Leopold Factory.
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15974&stc=1&d=1299687372)


whenever I am down in the dumps, ripster saves the day
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: obj-c on Wed, 09 March 2011, 22:27:18
are the leopold tenkeyless boards better to get than the filco tenkeyless ones? If i do get one next month should i get cherry browns or blues? My first mech board, a 1988 ibm model is coming in tomm
Title: Leopold at EK up for realz
Post by: Chobopants on Wed, 09 March 2011, 22:44:43
Quote from: obj-c;308874
are the leopold tenkeyless boards better to get than the filco tenkeyless ones? If i do get one next month should i get cherry browns or blues? My first mech board, a 1988 ibm model is coming in tomm


If the specs mean anything they should be close to identical in terms of overall feel/quality. Brown/blue is all preference and depends on what you need it for. I opted for both: brown for gaming/general use, blue for work hardcore coding.