Author Topic: Are you buying an EK Leo? Discussion... (Read 21084 times)

Engine · « **on:** Sat, 19 March 2011, 19:44:41 »

I am wondering if anyone else is going to buy a Leopold tenkeyless from EK and which switch if you are and why?
I just ordered both Blues and Browns. Don't know when they're coming but no hurry. I'm trialing these specimens for my first Cherry boards ever. I've done a lot of research here/Wiki and have concluded I like these two Cherry switches best for first try.
I'm leaning towards Blues as I like "clack" but am curious about Browns too because of hearing they're "ergo".
I'm also shopping for my Wife and Mom and want them to have an arrary of switches to trial/choose from.
I don't know if they'll want something quieter or what but I think that Blues/Browns are a good start, hence getting both.

jomiyo · « **Reply #1 on:** Sat, 19 March 2011, 21:42:12 »

I'm getting one with Browns. This will be my very first mech 'board and here's my story:

Started out simply wanting a high-quality and 'minimalist' board, as I wanted it to last and didn't care for extra 'media' keys, screens, or discoballs/lasers. Began my search having no idea there was anything besides rubber domes and scissor switches. The latter of which I didn't know the name for, just calling them 'thin ones' :lol:.

My first consideration was the Apple wireless alluminum. However, decided against it because I've always had a strong dislike for Apple, preferred wired for obvious reason, and I couldn't do without a proper tactile bump, a term I was unfamiliar with.

Next stop was Steelseries, hearing about them while browsing StarCraft 2 forums. For a while was set on the 6Gv2, but then I saw someone mention that they prefer 'Tenkeyless' (which I also hadn't heard before and thus didn't know what it meant) because they didn't need the numpad and enjoyed the space saved (Eureka! :biggrin:).

So I searched 'Tenkeyless' and up popped the Filco, which led me to finding this lovely forum and of course learning about the various switches and such :smile: Didn't take me long to figure I wanted Browns, as the click of Blues would get me in trouble (though I'll probably get one later on for home use) and linear wasn't appealling at all.

Then decided to order a Filco Tenkeyless from Armygroup, but not before I saw a thread on EliteKeyboards' upcoming Leopolds. "Great!" I thought, because should I have any problems it'd be much easier dealing with a company located here in the US. After some waiting...then a bit more waiting...and for good measure, another helping of waiting, I pre-ordered the aforementioned and am really looking forward to it. :hat:

reaper · « **Reply #2 on:** Sat, 19 March 2011, 21:51:45 »

I pre-ordered the first day Brian let us in. lol Needed something to go with this Leopold carrying case.. it's getting lonely sitting here all by itself. =D

tgthan · « **Reply #3 on:** Sat, 19 March 2011, 22:28:05 »

I'm not because I don't know where to buy a replacement spacebar if I should ever want one. Until keycap sets have a Leapold spacebar option, I guess I'll stick with Duckys.

Brummell · « **Reply #4 on:** Sat, 19 March 2011, 22:46:55 »

I ordered a blue, I'll probably eventually order a brown too if I like this one. I have a private office, so I don't worry too much about the click.

dirtyb · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 00:18:23 »

I ordered a brown.

I bought because...
It was a good price and seems like good build quality. Also it's from a reputable seller.

Engine · « **Reply #6 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 01:19:31 »

I too found geekhack.org and mechies by steps. Also, I chose the Leos for their rep and the seller's rep as well. I can't wait to see them in my home. By the way, I left this site linked in another thread but here it is again for those who want to see review of the Leopolds....Quite interesting and frankly sealed the deal for me.
http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/883735-elitekeyboards-replacement-filco-tenkeyless-leopold-fc200r.html

panda-R · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 01:19:53 »

NO cuz of the stupid non standard spacebar

zakazak · « **Reply #8 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 09:30:37 »

i wanted too.. but then i realized there is no german layout available :S

neo · « **Reply #9 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 10:09:51 »

Quote from: jomiyo;314592

I started out simply wanting a high-quality and 'minimalist' board

My story exactly. Only I did order Filco Brown from Armygroup. I like it very much, but mostly for high quality construction and perfect layout. The "mechanical" part is nice, but I still think I would be fine if I could find any decent quality rubber dome that looks like Filco. Why practically all keyboards nowadays need to have "disco-balls and lasers"?

Lophostrix · « **Reply #10 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 12:14:42 »

With everyone complaining about the non-standard spacebars on Leopolds: is there actually a standard, or is it just that most companies happen to use the same key molds and so they are all similar, and Leopold happens to use a different mold?

iMav · « **Reply #11 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 12:17:36 »

I ordered an Archiss quite a while ago...but did buy a Leo soft case for it. I'm sure I'll pick up a few from EK once they are readily avialable. I always try to funnel orders through vendors who cater to the GH community.

chel- · « **Reply #12 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 16:20:53 »

I'm still considering it since I want to try either browns or blue but I honestly don't know if I can look beyond the rounded edges =/

Saffa · « **Reply #13 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 17:24:23 »

Probably going to order one in the next few days. Will be my first mechanical keyboard (Typing on an unbearable, 4 year old rubber dome that's dying right now). Just have to decide between browns and blues. I'm leaning towards blues right now, but I don't know whether the sound will drive my future college roommate crazy next year :S

Only thing is, I kind of want the Otaku version which only comes in browns. S'pose I could get some Filco blank keycaps and swap them though...

BababooeyHTJ · « **Reply #14 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 17:44:11 »

Quote from: panda-R;314645

NO cuz of the stupid non standard spacebar

Same here, finding replacements for the windowed keys doesn't help either.

iMav · « **Reply #15 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 19:02:35 »

Quote from: tgthan;314597

I'm not because I don't know where to buy a replacement spacebar if I should ever want one. Until keycap sets have a Leapold spacebar option, I guess I'll stick with Duckys.

Here's my Leo/Archiss-compatible spacebar.

Engine · « **Reply #16 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 19:25:23 »

Nice! Did you make 'em? My Dad was in Prototype for years for 3M. He also made parts for our cars, like pumps/valves/gauges, etc.
I think I might shell out just once in my life for a truly "custom" keyboard made like that. It would be the answer to the mac metal chasis. All metal casing keyboard w/all metal keys. Choose a nice clacky switch, may as well be BS but Unicomp wouldn't go for that but maybe EK?
Let's think about that. A modder's dream! Could even be an official "geekhack.org" model.

RiGS · « **Reply #17 on:** Sun, 20 March 2011, 19:57:54 »

It was custom made by KBC.

Variable · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 00:28:23 »

I ordered a blue leo

I like the look, it was easy to order, and I figured there'd be a bunch of orders from here so I could jump on board with what would be a hot topic

panda-R · « **Reply #19 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 00:35:40 »

Quote from: BababooeyHTJ;314963

Same here, finding replacements for the windowed keys doesn't help either.

windowed keys don't bother me because i'm so awesome, i don't know if that helps for you though.

TickleMeElmo · « **Reply #20 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 02:34:57 »

I am conflicted whether to buy one of the Leopolds or if I should go for the limited edition Ducky.... choices.

CephalicCarnage · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 03:37:03 »

Quote from: iMav;315000

Here's my Leo/Archiss-compatible spacebar.

Show Image

WOW!:nod::nod::nod:

Surly73 · « **Reply #22 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 07:16:16 »

I've been waiting since the fall to order a Filco tenkeyless w/Browns. Ever since about the first time they went "out of stock" and never came back.

I ended up ordering from PCHome a couple of weeks ago as it was taking way too long to get Cherry products back up for sale at EK. It is nice to see pretty aggressive pricing now that they are finally almost here.

ThoughtThief · « **Reply #23 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 08:33:33 »

After hearing about mech keyboards from starcraft 2 forums, I also made my way here. I have been lurking mostly for months waiting for EK to get some tenkeyless cherries back up. I almost pulled the trigger on a choc mini, but ordering from overseas made me hesitant. Like others, I have been waiting for so long already, a little more waiting hasn't really phased me. I pre-ordered a blue and otaku brown for my first mech boards. I really wanted a blue otaku, so this way I can just switch the keycaps and have my blue otaku at home and use the browns for work. Win/Win!

Chobopants · « **Reply #24 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 10:06:27 »

I pre-ordered a Blue Leo, this is the first I've heard of any spacebar issue. Looking at the pictures, at least, I can't see it being any different than my Filco's. Is it the mounting underneath that's different? Doesn't really phase me but I'm curious as to the difference.

Saffa · « **Reply #25 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 11:21:53 »

Quote from: Chobopants;315218

I pre-ordered a Blue Leo, this is the first I've heard of any spacebar issue. Looking at the pictures, at least, I can't see it being any different than my Filco's. Is it the mounting underneath that's different? Doesn't really phase me but I'm curious as to the difference.

I think it's the fact that Leopold's stabilizers are closer together than the filco's, so the spacebars are non-compatible.

Don't quote me on that though

Just remember reading that somewhere....

vicariouscheese · « **Reply #26 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 15:01:08 »

Isn't it that filcos (and das) use the thin metal bar stabilizers on their large keys, while leopolds use the triple switch-thingy?

obviously those are the technical terms used...

panda-R · « **Reply #27 on:** Mon, 21 March 2011, 15:33:25 »

yes but the dam leopolds stabilizers aren't in the same dam position as the other cool peeps.

mooremanifestation · « **Reply #28 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 02:59:13 »

I pre-ordered a Leo w/browns from EK. I've been waiting quite a while to get a keyboard with browns from a US distributor at what I consider a reasonable price. EK's price is better than I was expecting. Also, I've read enough good things about the quality of Archiss/Leopold and the quality control at EK. Between the two, I feel fairly confident that I'll be happy with the result.

pm_ · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 03:18:31 »

But my god, it's taking forever...I hope End of March doesn't mean the 31st. It would be nice to have it in my hands by then.

pcunite · « **Reply #30 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 07:47:55 »

I choose keyboards over the tiniest of details it seems:

* The Das is too shiny and no Tenkeyless or Black MX switches
* The Leopold has windowed keys and rounded corners

I'm waiting for keyboardco to get Filco Tenkeyless Blacks in their Amazon store ... looks like they just got in some new boards, but not the one I'm waiting on ...

Brummell · « **Reply #31 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 08:31:35 »

Quote from: pcunite;316642

I'm waiting for keyboardco to get Filco Tenkeyless Blacks in their Amazon store ... looks like they just got in some new boards, but not the one I'm waiting on ...

They need some more tenkeyless in there. If they'd keep Amazon stocked they'd become a preferred vendor really quickly.

Surly73 · « **Reply #32 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 10:11:30 »

Quote from: pcunite;316642

I choose keyboards over the tiniest of details it seems:

* The Das is too shiny and no Tenkeyless or Black MX switches
* The Leopold has windowed keys and rounded corners

I'm waiting for keyboardco to get Filco Tenkeyless Blacks in their Amazon store ... looks like they just got in some new boards, but not the one I'm waiting on ...

Check the classifieds for Majestouch's EK clearout posts.

Chobopants · « **Reply #33 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 13:17:43 »

Quote from: pcunite;316642

I choose keyboards over the tiniest of details it seems:

* The Das is too shiny and no Tenkeyless or Black MX switches
* The Leopold has windowed keys and rounded corners

I'm waiting for keyboardco to get Filco Tenkeyless Blacks in their Amazon store ... looks like they just got in some new boards, but not the one I'm waiting on ...

Not that I really care which keyboard you buy but...

- replacing windowed keys is pretty much trivial and wouldn't cost you more than a couple dollars

- and..

don't know what kind of corners you think that Filco has but they look pretty round to me! (first one is Leopold)

pcunite · « **Reply #34 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 14:33:59 »

Quote from: Chobopants;316866

... replacing windowed keys is pretty much trivial and wouldn't cost you more than a couple dollars ...

But then I would not have the cool lights on the top right row. I like led's, just not scatter around the board.

Brummell · « **Reply #35 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:04:52 »

Quote from: pcunite;316642

I'm waiting for keyboardco to get Filco Tenkeyless Blacks in their Amazon store ... looks like they just got in some new boards, but not the one I'm waiting on ...

They're in there now, along with browns, blues and reds.

Saffa · « **Reply #36 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:12:38 »

Curious, is there any benefit to preordering it? Will the price go up once the Leopolds start shipping? Still trying to decide between blues or browns (or others....) and I haven't had a chance to visit a store with them to try, so I might miss the preorder date.

EZjiji · « **Reply #37 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:35:07 »

Not really other than the fact that you'll be one of the first to get it. I bet the chances of you getting one in April is pretty slim if you didn't pre-order.

Lophostrix · « **Reply #38 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:45:00 »

Quote from: Saffa;317275

Curious, is there any benefit to preordering it? Will the price go up once the Leopolds start shipping? Still trying to decide between blues or browns (or others....) and I haven't had a chance to visit a store with them to try, so I might miss the preorder date.

The first shipment will probably sell out fast. Preordering helps EK measure the demand and plan future shipments.

Saffa · « **Reply #39 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 21:43:43 »

Okay, thanks. Just trying to make sure I get what I want because I'm on a tight budget where $100 makes a difference (even though I'll probably end up getting blues and browns and others later when I have more to spend). Have to plan out and get my new computer parts too since mine is seriously outdated at the moment.

Engine · « **Reply #40 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 21:50:39 »

I think that the price could go up. I saw somewhere but can't find/prove now, that this was in fact a "pre-order" price. You know it won't get cheaper but it could always go up in price, especially if the Leos get popular. I went ahead and pre-ordered because I too am on a budget and am "trying" different switches on limited funds, also I really believe they'll go up in price someday. I think $99 is as good as it gets, so I grabbed it. I worked a little overtime this weekend and already paid for one of my two new Leos. I ordered Browns and Blues by the way. Hope that helps. =)

Chobopants · « **Reply #41 on:** Wed, 23 March 2011, 22:53:50 »

Quote from: Engine;317341

I think that the price could go up. I saw somewhere but can't find/prove now, that this was in fact a "pre-order" price. You know it won't get cheaper but it could always go up in price, especially if the Leos get popular. I went ahead and pre-ordered because I too am on a budget and am "trying" different switches on limited funds, also I really believe they'll go up in price someday. I think $99 is as good as it gets, so I grabbed it. I worked a little overtime this weekend and already paid for one of my two new Leos. I ordered Browns and Blues by the way. Hope that helps. =)

Good man! So excited for my blue Leo for work. Going to buy everyone earplugs.

Hak Foo · « **Reply #42 on:** Thu, 24 March 2011, 00:28:56 »

Probably not.

I like my numpad, and I can't justify the cost difference over a -3000, MKB-135, or Rosewill.

If I want something more novel, the PLU and Ducky boards offer me halfway to what I want with their media-control key layer.

I guess the main market for Leopolds are "people who wanted a specific Filco but didn't get in in time for it", and I never really lusted for a Filco (I considered a Zero briefly only, because I like those switches best, but the lack of numpad...)

oddfuture · « **Reply #43 on:** Thu, 24 March 2011, 00:36:00 »

I won't be until they stock full size boards patience is virtue D:

NimbleRabit · « **Reply #44 on:** Thu, 24 March 2011, 01:15:18 »

I bought an archiss a few months ago and couldn't be happier!

Reaif · « **Reply #45 on:** Thu, 24 March 2011, 11:01:39 »

This forum and I have a love hate relationship. Right now I kind of hate it. I am low on funds, but just purchased a leo with blues from EK. All the talk of a possible price increase made me scared lol. I don't know what to do with my self sometimes. Here's hoping they ship at the end of the month as planned

ColdStorm · « **Reply #46 on:** Thu, 24 March 2011, 14:57:58 »

Bought mine yesterday. Going to take 6-10 days to ship to Canada though X_X Very excited to get my first mechanical keyboard. Browns btw.

Engine · « **Reply #47 on:** Thu, 24 March 2011, 21:12:57 »

I actually wonder if some late pre-order folks will have to wait until a "next batch"? I ordered mine last weekend and I am prepared to have to wait longer. There's very little info except for a few key words/phrases, like "second batch" but not indicating if that means different switches, full version or the same tenkeyless for the "second batch" of "late" orderers. Hm.

muchadoaboutnothing · « **Reply #48 on:** Thu, 24 March 2011, 21:32:00 »

Quote from: Engine;318118

I actually wonder if some late pre-order folks will have to wait until a "next batch"? I ordered mine last weekend and I am prepared to have to wait longer. There's very little info except for a few key words/phrases, like "second batch" but not indicating if that means different switches, full version or the same tenkeyless for the "second batch" of "late" orderers. Hm.

We're getting this info from where exactly? I'm curious because I only preordered recently.

cerhem293 · « **Reply #49 on:** Thu, 24 March 2011, 21:43:11 »

I planned on getting a Leopold for work so that I could leave my precious filco red tenkeyless at home. Idk, but something about the Leopold just makes it seem really unattractive. So I just ended up spending that money I put aside on 150 keys from the group buy

News:

Author Topic: Are you buying an EK Leo? Discussion... (Read 21084 times)