Topre lovers, brace yourselves...

[blakespot]

Ok --- GMARKET WARNING:

On April 29 I ordered an FC660C from GMarket.

I paid with my US Wells Fargo Visa credit card. On May 3rd I see the charge posted to my account on the Wells Fargo website.

I noticed, after this, that the order status still said "pre-request" and so I emailed to ask why. I received a response indicating that I had been sent an email asking for a photo of my ccard (with some #'s blocked out) for verification. I had not received any such email, but I went ahead and sent in the requested photo. I included my Visa card and my driver's license.

In the middle of the night I got an email saying thanks, the info will be sent on to the person in charge. 15 minutes later an email came indicating that my CANCELLATION is complete. The order has been cancelled.

That's the order that they successfully charged me for days ago. So they have my money, and I have no keyboard coming.

There is nothing strange about my credit, I am not on some list of people who has worked a scam at any point, etc. That card was charged days ago.

So -- BEWARE OF GMARKET, folks.

I am going to get on the group order list here -- I want a damned FC600C! -- and in the event that GMarket does deliver what I paid for already, I will sell it here or on eBay to someone in need of that model.

I thought folks here would appreciate my story. I will post an update if I see my charge credited (it's not happened yet).




bp
http://blakespot.com

[aggiejy]

Ok --- GMARKET WARNING:

On April 29 I ordered an FC660C from GMarket.

I paid with my US Wells Fargo Visa credit card. On May 3rd I see the charge posted to my account on the Wells Fargo website.

I noticed, after this, that the order status still said "pre-request" and so I emailed to ask why. I received a response indicating that I had been sent an email asking for a photo of my ccard (with some #'s blocked out) for verification. I had not received any such email, but I went ahead and sent in the requested photo. I included my Visa card and my driver's license.

In the middle of the night I got an email saying thanks, the info will be sent on to the person in charge. 15 minutes later an email came indicating that my CANCELLATION is complete. The order has been cancelled.

That's the order that they successfully charged me for days ago. So they have my money, and I have no keyboard coming.

There is nothing strange about my credit, I am not on some list of people who has worked a scam at any point, etc. That card was charged days ago.

So -- BEWARE OF GMARKET, folks.

I am going to get on the group order list here -- I want a damned FC600C! -- and in the event that GMarket does deliver what I paid for already, I will sell it here or on eBay to someone in need of that model.

I thought folks here would appreciate my story. I will post an update if I see my charge credited (it's not happened yet).




bp
http://blakespot.com

Thanks for sharing. I was considering ordering from there until Boost came through. You going to WWDC?

[Macsmasher]

Sounds like Gmarket is like when I buy my Viagra from India. It's cheap and eventually gets here.

I put in with the group buy, so I'm on board.

[geminimech]

Even if anyone misses out on the GB, just hang tight for a month or two.  EliteKeyboards popped into a Reddit thread and said that they would indeed have this board sooner rather than later.  They mentioned how this was a pretty closely guarded secret and that most vendors weren't even aware of it until about 2 weeks before it was available.

[brainT]

Even if anyone misses out on the GB, just hang tight for a month or two.  EliteKeyboards popped into a Reddit thread and said that they would indeed have this board sooner rather than later.  They mentioned how this was a pretty closely guarded secret and that most vendors weren't even aware of it until about 2 weeks before it was available.

This makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Very good news indeed.

[Sniping]

Ok --- GMARKET WARNING:

On April 29 I ordered an FC660C from GMarket.

I paid with my US Wells Fargo Visa credit card. On May 3rd I see the charge posted to my account on the Wells Fargo website.

I noticed, after this, that the order status still said "pre-request" and so I emailed to ask why. I received a response indicating that I had been sent an email asking for a photo of my ccard (with some #'s blocked out) for verification. I had not received any such email, but I went ahead and sent in the requested photo. I included my Visa card and my driver's license.

In the middle of the night I got an email saying thanks, the info will be sent on to the person in charge. 15 minutes later an email came indicating that my CANCELLATION is complete. The order has been cancelled.

That's the order that they successfully charged me for days ago. So they have my money, and I have no keyboard coming.

There is nothing strange about my credit, I am not on some list of people who has worked a scam at any point, etc. That card was charged days ago.

So -- BEWARE OF GMARKET, folks.

I am going to get on the group order list here -- I want a damned FC600C! -- and in the event that GMarket does deliver what I paid for already, I will sell it here or on eBay to someone in need of that model.

I thought folks here would appreciate my story. I will post an update if I see my charge credited (it's not happened yet).




bp
http://blakespot.com

My condolences. I would flip out if this happened to me.

[mauri]

Totally irrelevant, but what size is realforces spacebar? 6.25?

[KuhnTang]

Dude, why don't you just call your credit card company for a refund.  Go into dispute and you get your money back right away.

[ktownhero]

Dude, why don't you just call your credit card company for a refund.  Go into dispute and you get your money back right away.

Amen.

[kelske]

Sorry to hear about gMarket dude.. Personally I don't think I'd ever feel comfortable sending a photo of my CC or ID to a company in another country. That GB is almost at 30!

Great news about Elite Keyboards too!

[therecorder]

Interesting that no one has mentioned that this Leopold is made in China...

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&ie=UTF-8&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leopold.co.kr%2F%3Fdoc%3Dcart%2Flist.php%26ca_id%3D104009

Click on "Black English Leopold FC660C" - "Place of Origin" is on right.

[therecorder]

Personally, I don't find this a negative, but I thought it worth mentioning.

[sth]

Ok --- GMARKET WARNING:

On April 29 I ordered an FC660C from GMarket.

I paid with my US Wells Fargo Visa credit card. On May 3rd I see the charge posted to my account on the Wells Fargo website.

I noticed, after this, that the order status still said "pre-request" and so I emailed to ask why. I received a response indicating that I had been sent an email asking for a photo of my ccard (with some #'s blocked out) for verification. I had not received any such email, but I went ahead and sent in the requested photo. I included my Visa card and my driver's license.

In the middle of the night I got an email saying thanks, the info will be sent on to the person in charge. 15 minutes later an email came indicating that my CANCELLATION is complete. The order has been cancelled.

That's the order that they successfully charged me for days ago. So they have my money, and I have no keyboard coming.

There is nothing strange about my credit, I am not on some list of people who has worked a scam at any point, etc. That card was charged days ago.

So -- BEWARE OF GMARKET, folks.

I am going to get on the group order list here -- I want a damned FC600C! -- and in the event that GMarket does deliver what I paid for already, I will sell it here or on eBay to someone in need of that model.

I thought folks here would appreciate my story. I will post an update if I see my charge credited (it's not happened yet).




bp
http://blakespot.com

hahahaha you sent a picture of a credit card to someone?

rest assured no legit vendor will EVER require that

[daerid]

Don't mind one bit. I find the build quality superb, so it could be built in Abu Dhabi for all I care. But thanks for the tip

[therecorder]

A little lower down, above the model's head, there is this:

"Designed by Leopold (Korea).  Inspected in Japan

[therecorder]

Don't mind one bit. I find the build quality superb, so it could be built in Abu Dhabi for all I care. But thanks for the tip

Agree with you 100%

[calavera]

Interesting that no one has mentioned that this Leopold is made in China...

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&ie=UTF-8&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leopold.co.kr%2F%3Fdoc%3Dcart%2Flist.php%26ca_id%3D104009

Click on "Black English Leopold FC660C" - "Place of Origin" is on right.

Actually I did. But nobody likes to read through 12 pages so I understand.


Page 3:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42300.msg851031#msg851031

[BB__]

After quite bit hassle from GMarket, at least got it.
Not sure I'm liking it or not lol. Definitely feels different from MX boards. 

[geminimech]

Not sure I'm liking it or not lol. Definitely feels different from MX boards.

That was my initial feeling of Topre switches.  They felt slow and muddy.  Give it a few days. You almost have to learn how to glide on the keys, instead of hammering them like you might Browns/Blues.

[flacman]

To people who've actually received their boards, is the key texture anything like what's found on the HHKB? or is it rougher?

[Shuki]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=42300.0;attach=21564;image

In the second picture how come the leo looks the same size as the tkl board? Some sort of optical illusion?

[iMav]

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Good.  AFAIC, the HHKB layout is one of (if not THE) best layouts available.  There is nothing I don't like about it.  The switch is of secondary importance to me (topre capacitives aren't my favorite, but I do like them)...Combined with that layout, the keyboard is tough to beat.

[SmallFry]

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Good.  AFAIC, the HHKB layout is one of (if not THE) best layouts available.  There is nothing I don't like about it.  The switch is of secondary importance to me (topre capacitives aren't my favorite, but I do like them)...Combined with that layout, the keyboard is tough to beat.

GHHKB FTW!

[BB__]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=42300.0;attach=21564;image

In the second picture how come the leo looks the same size as the tkl board? Some sort of optical illusion?

Because of angle. Quite smaller than Filco TKL.

To people who've actually received their boards, is the key texture anything like what's found on the HHKB? or is it rougher?

No idea. First topre first board.

[Shuki]

Looks amazing tbh, I wonder if I could adapt to having to use a modifier for escape and the f-row. You can have the fn key on the left I assume?

[BB__]

Looks amazing tbh, I wonder if I could adapt to having to use a modifier for escape and the f-row. You can have the fn key on the left I assume?

Using DIP switch, you can have left fn key.
But it was uncomfortable for me to use like win+alt+4 to alt+f4.
Using AHK changed capslock+alt+4 to alt+f4. Much better 

[vivalarevolución]

After quite bit hassle from GMarket, at least got it.
Not sure I'm liking it or not lol. Definitely feels different from MX boards. 

Forget pictures of the board.  I want pictures of Mongolia.

[TreeSc2]

thats awesomeee haha

[MJ45]

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Good.  AFAIC, the HHKB layout is one of (if not THE) best layouts available.  There is nothing I don't like about it.  The switch is of secondary importance to me (topre capacitives aren't my favorite, but I do like them)...Combined with that layout, the keyboard is tough to beat.

The HHKB sets the 60% standard that others will be judged against. I believe it will remain one of the best of the 60% form factor, and retain its popularity. With all the new sixty some key models lately it will remain my personal favorite.

[ValerieV]

I would love to get the Leopold topre but i am not selling my HHKB. I love it and the size is perfect.

[caiges]

Different.

[sth]

I foresee many HHKBs appearing in the classifieds forum over the next several months

Good.  AFAIC, the HHKB layout is one of (if not THE) best layouts available.  There is nothing I don't like about it.  The switch is of secondary importance to me (topre capacitives aren't my favorite, but I do like them)...Combined with that layout, the keyboard is tough to beat.

yeah, i hope this is the case so I can snag another hhkb at some point, but i have a feeling at this price point, the 660C might be a jumping off point for people new to topre who may go on to try more expensive boards.

[zoolzoo]

Interesting that no one has mentioned that this Leopold is made in China...

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&ie=UTF-8&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leopold.co.kr%2F%3Fdoc%3Dcart%2Flist.php%26ca_id%3D104009

Click on "Black English Leopold FC660C" - "Place of Origin" is on right.

Using mine right now, build quality is excellent.

[daerid]

Been using mine since 4/29. This thing is rock solid.

[blakespot]

I'm in the states and have had my Leopold FC660C for a few days, now. I made a little typing video and tried to get the audio as clear as possible. I think it turned out pretty well. FYI.

bp

[daerid]

That's hella clear. What mic you use?

[ktownhero]

Got mine from EK yesterday, great little board.  I wish it came with a red esc key at least, but whatever I'll just use the one from my 87U which is going to be coming home now.  I think this layout is pretty much the perfect balance between wanting a Unix-power user layout without getting too far off course of being standard.  At the end of the day, it is nice to have arrow keys on the rare occasion that I'm using something that doesn't accept Vi commands. 

It's also nice that it comes with actual ctrl/caps lock replacement keys for when you swap.  That way I won't have to tell somebody EVERY time they use my keyboard that the keys are swapped, they can just look themselves .  The typing is crisp and clear, and I look forward to taking it to work and giving it the real test.  I'll tell you that for sure the keystrokes are much more crisp than my 87U silent variable, but that isn't to say that it's necessarily better.  The 87U's silence is golden when you need it.  I think I like them in their own ways, but equally overall. 

The build quality is very nice, the only odd thing I've noticed is that the the enter and backspace keys have a different high-pitched pinging sound than the rest of the keys on the board.  The other keys have the infamous "thock" of Topre switches.  I assume the different sound on the enter/backspace is intentional though.

[ktownhero]

dp

[daerid]

The build quality is very nice, the only odd thing I've noticed is that the the enter and backspace keys have a different high-pitched pinging sound than the rest of the keys on the board.  I assume this is intentional though.

I wouldn't say intentional, but it's probably due to the stabilizers.

[ValerieV]

Yeah i noticed that sound on those keys as well. It doesn't bother me but the HHKB does sound better to me. It's a little louder and their bigger keys don't make a high pitched sound. With that being said, i really love the Leopold and am definitely using it more than my HHKB.

[ktownhero]

oops, quoted myself instead of editing.

[zoolzoo]

My 660C is in my bag for travel this morning. Got my MX Blue board hooked up atm, and I gotta say these switches feel trashy in comparison now. Its like, Topre is my trophy wife and I just met these MX Blues in the back of a strip club........little rough around the edges but they will do. New Topre dude here...daedrid you can ring the bell or whatever type of ceremony you do upon a successful conversion. hahah

[Jocelyn]

My 660C is in my bag for travel this morning. Got my MX Blue board hooked up atm, and I gotta say these switches feel trashy in comparison now. Its like, Topre is my trophy wife and I just met these MX Blues in the back of a strip club........little rough around the edges but they will do. New Topre dude here...daedrid you can ring the bell or whatever type of ceremony you do upon a successful conversion. hahah

ROFL!!! daedrid and I are doing a little trade, in which I get to borrow his FC660C for a few days. Can anyone give me a good comparison between properly lubed ergo clears (Springs & Stems) and 45g Topre? I already think unlubed MX switches feel like trash, so I'm kinda with you zoolzoo, but lubed ergo clears feel amazing! I was going to start a thread about this asking for comparisons from people who have owned both, but I'll have his board in a few days and will find out for sure then. In the meantime, anyone willing to share opinions?

[WhiteFireDragon]

Can anyone give me a good comparison between properly lubed ergo clears (Springs & Stems) and 45g Topre?

The tactile bump from ergo-clears is more towards the middle, and at one smaller point. Once you press through this point, you can stop without bottoming out and allow the switch to reset. There is a more clear separation where the bump is, and where it's linear.

Topre has the tactile "bump" at the very top, and you feel it as soon as you press the switch. This bump is over a larger interval of the key press. Actuation is still in the middle, but because of the longer interval of this tactile region, it forces you to bottom out after this bump. It's near impossible to "float type" and stop right after the actuation point. The switch is tactile, yet linear because there is no clear separation where the linear region vs tactile region is (let's see a topre virgin get your mind around that  ). Unlubed Topre feel as slick as carefully lubed MX.

[dndlmx]

Unlubed Topre feel as slick as carefully lubed MX.

What's lubed Topre feel like, ecstasy? 

[Jocelyn]

The tactile bump from ergo-clears is more towards the middle, and at one smaller point. Once you press through this point, you can stop without bottoming out and allow the switch to reset. There is a more clear separation where the bump is, and where it's linear.

Topre has the tactile "bump" at the very top, and you feel it as soon as you press the switch. This bump is over a larger interval of the key press. Actuation is still in the middle, but because of the longer interval of this tactile region, it forces you to bottom out after this bump. It's near impossible to "float type" and stop right after the actuation point. The switch is tactile, yet linear because there is no clear separation where the linear region vs tactile region is (let's see a topre virgin get your mind around that  ). Unlubed Topre feel as slick as carefully lubed MX.

Thanks so much for the well thought out reply! I already had a general idea of what to expect from reading/searching, but your explanation really put everything into perspective. The only thing I'm disliking is the inability to "float type", so I'll have to practice (lol). I'm fairly confident I can type on a Topre without bottoming out very much, although it sounds like I might fail to actuate while trying to learn how to do so.

Anyway, Thanks again. I'm going to go search all posts by you that have "Topre" in them lol.

Edit - Never mind, only 16 posts from you with that combo

What's lubed Topre feel like, ecstasy? 

Please tell us! I didn't even know this was possible, but it makes sense with them having springs

[Polymer]

Thanks so much for the well thought out reply! I already had a general idea of what to expect from reading/searching, but your explanation really put everything into perspective. The only thing I'm disliking is the inability to "float type", so I'll have to practice (lol). I'm fairly confident I can type on a Topre without bottoming out very much, although it sounds like I might fail to actuate while trying to learn how to do so.

It is not worth trying to float type on Topre...unless you have all 30g Topre, you'll basically find it impossible to do...There are no advantages to it and your speed will take a huge hit.  Bottoming out on Topre is actually quite enjoyable....

[Jocelyn]

It is not worth trying to float type on Topre...unless you have all 30g Topre, you'll basically find it impossible to do...There are no advantages to it and your speed will take a huge hit.  Bottoming out on Topre is actually quite enjoyable....

You may very well be right, but I'm a very light, almost self conscious typist. I'll take your advice and try to enjoy bottoming out

[laffindude]

So.... ABS Spacebar?

[Jocelyn]

So.... ABS Spacebar?

Yes - http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43661.msg897035#msg897035