[First Mechanical Keyboard] - WASD Code TKL (Clears) vs Leopold FC750R (Blues)

[arix]

So after a long wait, I finally decided to treat myself and purchase my first mechanical keyboard. I will be using this keyboard for data entry/analysis, programming and some light gaming (CS:GO). I have always used full sized rubber dome keyboards from HP or Dell but have been unpleased with the experience (Unstable keys and rubber dome action).

I have done a lot of research and both the WASD Code TKL and Leopold FC750R TKL tick the right boxes. I am looking for a minimal and clean design, robustness, durability, build quality, Mac and PC compatibility, customizable (aftermarket keycaps).

I am looking for the ultimate typing experience and would like to choose the keyboard/switch combination that offers the best feedback/satisfaction. I like the MX Cherry Clears because they are silent and are harder to bottom out, their action has a nice tactile bump which users claim to be pleasant but I fear that to achieve this they sacrifice feedback/feel. MX Cherry Blues are what got me interested in mechanical keyboards because of their sound, they seem to offer the most satisfaction with their clicky action, my concern with these switches is that they would bottom out with very light force as well as the clicky sound being annoying to me.

WASD Code TKL (MX Clears) / Typing Sample: link

Pros:
Backlit
DIP Switches (Extended customization)
Media Keys

Cons:
6-Key Rollover over USB
ABS Keycaps
Limited aftermarket PBT keycaps with translucent characters

Leopold FC750 TKL / Typing Sample: link

Pros:
PBT Keycaps
Cherry profile keycaps (Stock)
Full NKRO over USB
Media Keys

Cons:
No DIP Switches
No Backlight

Since I am not currently living in the US, I do not have the opportunity to test different switches in person which is what makes the decision so much difficult. For the time being I have access to purchase the WASD CODE in (MX Clears) and the Leopold FC750R in (MX Browns, Blues, Reds and Blacks). I would really appreciate your opinions on what keyboard would suit me better.

[katushkin]

For those of us who stick with tactile Cherry switches, clears in some shape or form are end game. So unless you really like clicky switches, you might as well go straight for clears.

I am not sure about the 6KRO on the WASD. I have a V2 and I have never had a problem with the rollover. Admittedly I never game on it, but I really don't think it's as low as 6 key. I dunno. I've also had it for two years of constant unplugging, re-plugging, transporting etc, and while I only carry it in a Chiton Grifiti sleeve, it's held up pretty well. It looks clean and simple, and of course you can get customised caps if you want.

[Tactile]

Keep in mind that, if you are really excited about swapping keycap sets, most aftermarket keycaps will wipe out your backlighting. I have two backlit keyboards & I want the backlighting to work, so I'm resigned to using only the stock keycaps.

I also, however, have an WASD tkl without backlighting & have several keycap sets which I like & enjoy swapping between.

[fuzzybaffy]

I'm an owner of a Leopold FC750R with MX Blues. Haven't tried Clears, nor the WASD Code, so I can't comment definitively, unfortunately.

I will say, though, that the MX Blues are my favorite switch of any that I've tried (Topre, MX Brown, MX Nature White), and the Leopold FC750R is my favorite board of all that I have (Topre Realforce, Filco, and Ducky Shine 5). Again, I haven't tried the MX Clears, but I just love the unambiguous, crisp, and clean tactility of the MX Blues - I just got annoyed with the MX Brown after a while with its pseudo-tactility. The tactility of the MX Blues I think helps a lot with typing.

I also game with the MX Blues (but I'm not a pro-gamer or anything like that), and I think they're fine. But, everyone's experiences may vary.

The sound of the MX Blues is not a problem at all on the Leopold FC750R - the sound dampening on the board might have something to do with it. I think the MX Blues sound amazing on this board, in fact.

I felt that the actuation force of the MX Nature White was too much for me, so do have actuation force in mind when choosing a switch.

[rowdy]

Most USB keyboards are 6kro.  nkro under USB is usually handled by the driver (or keyboard?) registering multiple devices through the one connection.  So 6kro is not such a debilitating issue, if you even need it.

ABS keycaps aren't that bad.  My CODE with clears keycaps are fine - I use it every day at work and no shine yet that I've noticed.  OTOH other users have reported that the surface wears down really quickly.  YMMV.

There are PBT sets with transparent legends to suit backlighting.  Often they have transparent POM legends.  So sets are available, but yes, they are not common.

I'd say go for the CODE - the lack of DIP switches and backlighting is something that you cannot correct on the Leopold.

[fuzzybaffy]

True, the Leopold doesn't have DIP switches/backlighting, but what makes it my favorite is the feel of the board. Again, I've never had the CODE, but it's the best feeling board among my Filco and Ducky Shine 5. I think the sound dampening has a lot to do with it.

[xtrafrood]

If like Leopold but want backlighting you may want to check out the Varmilo VA87MR. Same factory. Massdrop Link

Aliexpress might be another place to purchase if the VA87MR interests you.