Realforce 87U 45g or Leopold FC980C

[moh18one]

Hi,
I don't know what to choose between the two

Actually I don't think if the numpad is a problem but I would like a small keyboard with the F1-F12 keys. Also, I dislike the stock keycaps of the Realforce.
 After, I don't know if the 1800 layout is more difficult to type on due to the positionning of some key (never type on a 1800 layout).

I have heard the Leopold FC660C is better for typing than the Realforce (smooth etc ...) and I think if many people think this the Leopold FC980C will have the same experience.... Really difficult to choose between the two

[Tactile]

Well, if you don't like the stock caps on the Realforce that's pretty much a deal breaker since replacement sets are very hard to find.

[1391406]

The problem may be finding a uniform 45g Realforce 87U.

[nrp]

Do you need media keys? That is another difference.

[Polymer]

You don't like the RF keycaps...That really leaves you with nothing left....Stock Leopold ones...Type Heaven...

The RF/HHKB stock keycaps are probably one of, if not the best stock set out there...and in general, a very good set of keycaps...

Maybe you need to look at getting alternate sliders...

[Puddsy]

Leopold is the manufacturer for all Topre keycaps. Realforce is a subsidiary of Leopold. IIRC Realforce keyboards even have Leopold on the label (or used to. I think mine does, I don't have it in front of me.)

However, I think they've improved the molds for their keycaps in recent years, which may or may not have something to do with the lack of custom keycaps on the market for topre.

Just my $0.02. I love my 45g realforce, but it's modded from a 55g. If you can find one, I definitely think it's worth going for. 55g seems to be a big favorite, though.

[Tactile]

Leopold is the manufacturer for all Topre keycaps. Realforce is a subsidiary of Leopold. IIRC Realforce keyboards even have Leopold on the label (or used to. I think mine does, I don't have it in front of me.)

However, I think they've improved the molds for their keycaps in recent years, which may or may not have something to do with the lack of custom keycaps on the market for topre.

Just my $0.02. I love my 45g realforce, but it's modded from a 55g. If you can find one, I definitely think it's worth going for. 55g seems to be a big favorite, though.

Realforce keyboards are manufactured by Topre Corp. Leopold is just a distributor, just as Elite Keyboards is the distributor for North America.

[Puddsy]

Leopold is the manufacturer for all Topre keycaps. Realforce is a subsidiary of Leopold. IIRC Realforce keyboards even have Leopold on the label (or used to. I think mine does, I don't have it in front of me.)

However, I think they've improved the molds for their keycaps in recent years, which may or may not have something to do with the lack of custom keycaps on the market for topre.

Just my $0.02. I love my 45g realforce, but it's modded from a 55g. If you can find one, I definitely think it's worth going for. 55g seems to be a big favorite, though.

Realforce keyboards are manufactured by Topre Corp. Leopold is just a distributor, just as Elite Keyboards is the distributor for North America.

True, but I remember something about them being the factory owners for the keycaps or something.

Things might've changed since I've been gone, though.

[vivalarevolución]

Both.  Always both.