Should I send my FC660C back?

[Sniping]

I have this issue with my Leopold FC660C that just arrived yesterday. There's some pretty audible noise that's made when I apply some pressure to the case. There's another video on YouTube about another FC660C making this weird noise. Do you guys think this is worth sending back?
Video of the issue with my keyboard here:

The other video of this happening (not my keyboard):

[Jocelyn]

I was going to tell you to sell it to me lol, but I don't know what to think after seeing both videos. I'm interested in seeing what others have to say about this.

[kelske]

Does it make any creaking noises while just using it normally? Or is it only apparent when you squeeze it front to back like that?

[Sniping]

Only when I try to make that sound, I never hear it when I'm just typing. I didn't even know that my FC660C did that until I remembered the video and tried to see if mine did that too, which it did unfortunately =/

[tp4tissue]

Ah... that's an extra feature..

not a manufacturing mistake..

i'm surprised this issue wasn't fleshed out before all you guys bought one? was it released everywhere at once? or did it come out in corea already before the EK orders.

[Halverson]

Interesting. I tried that on mine after I saw the video, nothing.
Must be only on some.

If it bothers you, get a replacement. But seeing as its fine for typing, I don't think it's a big deal.

[Shuki]

Don't squeeze your keyboard imo.

[kelske]

I'm not sure I'd be too worried.. Yea it's an expensive board and it shouldn't have such issues - but just the headache of trying to get it RMA'd is a bit much D:

[tp4tissue]

Interesting. I tried that on mine after I saw the video, nothing.
Must be only on some.

If it bothers you, get a replacement. But seeing as its fine for typing, I don't think it's a big deal.

did you squeeze hard enough?

[zoolzoo]

Mine doesnt do that but, I wouldnt worry about it at all.

[tp4tissue]

maybe the case isn't tightened down enough.

Push down on it.

[Grim Fandango]

In the video it looks like you need to squeeze/push it with quite a lot of force, and the force needs to be applied in a way that would never happen when using the board normally. I would personally not worry about it at all, if the case looks good otherwise (not bent out of shape or anything). It seems that there would be no practical issues you would run into if you keep it. 

[fatmav]

Seems like there was some mistake in the assembling. Most likely the top cover was not sit properly on the housing before screwing.

If that is the case, then you will have a lot less trouble if you fix it yourself by unscrewing, re-sit, and re-screw.

[kelske]

Seems like there was some mistake in the assembling. Most likely the top cover was not sit properly on the housing before screwing.

If that is the case, then you will have a lot less trouble if you fix it yourself by unscrewing, re-sit, and re-screw.

This probably void's the warranty though doesn't it??

[fatmav]

This probably void's the warranty though doesn't it??

Most likely yes.

[Grim Fandango]

Seems like there was some mistake in the assembling. Most likely the top cover was not sit properly on the housing before screwing.

If that is the case, then you will have a lot less trouble if you fix it yourself by unscrewing, re-sit, and re-screw.

This probably void's the warranty though doesn't it??

Not sure about Leopold since I do not own one, but for most brands it will. Since it is something that bothers the OP and you are not 100% certain this will work, I would not void warranty like this. You also have to take into account that this is a new keyboard and you want to make sure no other issues come up before you go and void warranty for whatever reason . I found that in consumer electronics, either issues show up in the first weeks of use or not at all.

[Sniping]

In the video it looks like you need to squeeze/push it with quite a lot of force, and the force needs to be applied in a way that would never happen when using the board normally. I would personally not worry about it at all, if the case looks good otherwise (not bent out of shape or anything). It seems that there would be no practical issues you would run into if you keep it.

I agree that I shouldn't be too worried because I can't apply the same force while just typing, but I can make that sound in the video by just picking up the keyboard from that position, not much force at all.

I think I'm probably just going to keep it, but I might use this as an excuse later on to get a replacement with blanks/white.

[Jocelyn]

I think I'm probably just going to keep it, but I might use this as an excuse later on to get a replacement with blanks/white.

This is exactly what I'd do

[Grim Fandango]

In the video it looks like you need to squeeze/push it with quite a lot of force, and the force needs to be applied in a way that would never happen when using the board normally. I would personally not worry about it at all, if the case looks good otherwise (not bent out of shape or anything). It seems that there would be no practical issues you would run into if you keep it.

I agree that I shouldn't be too worried because I can't apply the same force while just typing, but I can make that sound in the video by just picking up the keyboard from that position, not much force at all.

I think I'm probably just going to keep it, but I might use this as an excuse later on to get a replacement with blanks/white.

My experience has been that you will find an excuse not matter what 
If you are the type who is really bothered by these type of things and can not let it go, then you may just be better off returning/exchanging it.

[WhiteFireDragon]

If you routinely squeeze your keyboards like that before you start typing, then yeah that warrants an exchange. Otherwise, just keep it. Also this may not matter to you much, but if you exchange it, EK (assuming that's where you got it?) won't be able to sell it off as new anymore, so they might take a loss on it.

Mine doesn't do that, but if it did, I would keep it but would fix it myself. It looks like the notches from both outer and inner surfaces are not flush. If you're ok with "fixing" it yourself, take off the cover to heat it with a hair dryer, while applying pressure inwards. Pretty much similar procedure to straightening a bent PBT spacebar.

[jabar]

If you routinely squeeze your keyboards like that before you start typing, then yeah that warrants an exchange. Otherwise, just keep it. Also this may not matter to you much, but if you exchange it, EK (assuming that's where you got it?) won't be able to sell it off as new anymore, so they might take a loss on it.

Mine doesn't do that, but if it did, I would keep it but would fix it myself. It looks like the notches from both outer and inner surfaces are not flush. If you're ok with "fixing" it yourself, take off the cover to heat it with a hair dryer, while applying pressure inwards. Pretty much similar procedure to straightening a bent PBT spacebar.

There's been a number of posting here of Realforce keyboards whose cases don't quite exactly fit. This seems to be an extreme case where flexing the case produces noise. Either way, for keyboards in the $200 range it wouldn't be acceptable for me. Yes, EK would be hurt from lots of RMA returns but if the product isn't up to snuff they shouldn't be stocking it.

[Inept]

I got 2 and don't have this issue.

[elitekeyboards]

I have this issue with my Leopold FC660C that just arrived yesterday. There's some pretty audible noise that's made when I apply some pressure to the case. There's another video on YouTube about another FC660C making this weird noise. Do you guys think this is worth sending back?
Video of the issue with my keyboard here:

The other video of this happening (not my keyboard):

Hi Sniping; et al.,

I've discovered this same issue on a couple of units and I've notified Leopold. I'm just waiting to hear back from them as to how they'd like to proceed.

Also, I've investigated the problem a bit and I've found a very simple, non-destructive fix, but it requires opening the case. So, I'm requesting and recommending that anyone who has this issue to please resist the temptation to improvise a fix and give me a few days to hear back from Leopold

In the meantime, if you purchased the keyboard from EK and would like to RMA it; now is the time. Eyebrows will be raised if you wait 6 months to inform us that it's a bother! Please contact support@elitekeyboards.com with your order number.

Brian

[jooks1184]

Hey Brian,

   I'm planning on ordering a Leopold 660c within the next day. If I do, would it be possible to send one without that bezel problem?

[calavera]

FYI Mine doesn't do that at all. It doesn't sound like a defect, more like improper assembly may be.

[PointyFox]

You're typing wrong.

Also, you're just flexing it, causing the two shells to flex at different rates and slide on each other, which makes that sound. 

[daerid]

If I apply pressure in the same place as shown on those two videos, my FC660C's case flexes noticeably (and lets out a little squeak, actually), but there's no popping like in the vids.

Most people's RF cases slide around a little bit (one of mine used to), so as far as I'm concerned there's nothing wrong with my 660C, but I'd definitely suggest those with this issue RMA the board. What is shown in the video definitely sounds wrong.

Oh, and

FYI Mine doesn't do that at all. It doesn't sound like a defect, more like improper assembly may be.

I'd qualify improper assembly as defective.

[therecorder]

Just checked my FC660C from Elite, and my FC660M from Qtang.  Both are absolutely fine...  Solid...  Not possible for me to flex in demonstrated way...  Fit is tight.  If yours is defective, and especially if you tend to be OCD, I'd follow Brian's instructions...  Otherwise, you'll never be satisfied.

[baller1308]

If it's not normal and you are not happy I would return it or exchange it.  I don't know how much you'll have to pay for shipping but for a board at that price and not being completely satisfied, makes sense to return/exchange it.

[AJCarrington]

Too bad...my FC660 from EK seems to be working perfectly. Comments from others are pretty sound...if you're happy now, get it exchanged.

[Hypersphere]

My FC660M (Cherry blue version) is as solid as a stainless steel brick. If your FC660C (Topre version) seems not to be assembled correctly, I recommend returning it. Ultimately, you will be happier with a properly assembled keyboard, and the company will realize that they need to tighten up their assembly procedures and their quality control.

[velvetdon25]

The top of the FC660C seems to be protruding?

[Hypersphere]

Just got my Leopold FC660C with Topre switches. Overall, I like it very much, but I found the same issue that you did with the top of the case. If I squeeze the case in the middle, it flexes and makes a popping noise. This does not happen with my Leopold FC660M, the Cherry mx switch model of this keyboard.

[Hyde]

Yeah my g/f's Leopold FC660C has the same issue.  I guess I'll wait a bit to see what Brian/Leopold says before opening it up.

[Sniping]

When he emailed me he told me that Leopold will accept RMA's for this, but ultimately I've decided to just keep the board. It really doesn't bother me as much as it did when I first bought the FC660C months ago. I would be out of a Topre board for several weeks and I've just decided that it's not really worth it.

[Michael]

You can probably just do a little DIY and locate the squeak, and maybe add some foam in between the problem areas.

[Hypersphere]

You can probably just do a little DIY and locate the squeak, and maybe add some foam in between the problem areas.

You should do this for a board that costs 189 USD?

[Michael]

You can probably just do a little DIY and locate the squeak, and maybe add some foam in between the problem areas.

You should do this for a board that costs 189 USD?

mistakes happen in production, it might be a little warped possibly. It is ABS material.


Do you live in a perfect world where everything is perfect and nothing ever goes wrong? As the OP explained, he didn't want to be without a keyboard while they replace it. So I offered him a solution.


PS - if you think 189 is an expensive keyboard, you must be new here

[Hypersphere]

Just sayin', as they say.

No, I've spent far more than 189 USD on a keyboard. Nevertheless, money is money, and in this particular instance, given that, for example, the case on the FC660M does not flex at all, even though nothing is perfect, we should expect the more expensive FC660C to be at least as good.

Nevertheless, it was good of you to offer an alternative solution to the problem so that the customer would not be without a keyboard. It all depends on the relative values of expediency versus being temporarily inconvenienced to help the company correct a problem and perhaps help not just one, but many customers in the long run.

[s0ckpupp3t]

Awww man, the FC660C I got yesterday flexes when I squeeze the top and the bottom too.  Initially it also made the clicking/popping sound when squeezed but it stopped clicking after a bit.  At this point I just hear the plastic case bumping against the metal plate when I squeeze it, which I suppose is an improvement but still disappointing. 

I purchased this through EK's Amazon.com storefront.  Not sure if I should return it or just grit my teeth and bear it.  I would hate to go through the return and replacement process only to get a board that's worse.   

[Hypersphere]

If you prefer a DIY fix rather than returning the board, you can contact EK customer support and they will send pics and material. The repair involves popping open the case and installing a piece of adhesive foam. I am still debating if I will do a return, try the fix, or just forget about it. I'm leaning toward just forgetting about it, because there is no problem during normal use. It's like the old joke about the guy who visits his physician and complains, "Doc, when I move my arm like this, it hurts." To which the doc replies, "Then don't move your arm like that and you'll feel fine."

[s0ckpupp3t]

If you prefer a DIY fix rather than returning the board, you can contact EK customer support and they will send pics and material. The repair involves popping open the case and installing a piece of adhesive foam. I am still debating if I will do a return, try the fix, or just forget about it. I'm leaning toward just forgetting about it, because there is no problem during normal use. It's like the old joke about the guy who visits his physician and complains, "Doc, when I move my arm like this, it hurts." To which the doc replies, "Then don't move your arm like that and you'll feel fine."

Human psychology being what it is, tell someone they can't do something and they'll only want to do it more.  Right now, I find myself squeezing the board like it was a pack Charmins tissues (yes, I'm that old).   

[Hypersphere]

If you prefer a DIY fix rather than returning the board, you can contact EK customer support and they will send pics and material. The repair involves popping open the case and installing a piece of adhesive foam. I am still debating if I will do a return, try the fix, or just forget about it. I'm leaning toward just forgetting about it, because there is no problem during normal use. It's like the old joke about the guy who visits his physician and complains, "Doc, when I move my arm like this, it hurts." To which the doc replies, "Then don't move your arm like that and you'll feel fine."

Human psychology being what it is, tell someone they can't do something and they'll only want to do it more.  Right now, I find myself squeezing the board like it was a pack Charmins tissues (yes, I'm that old).   

Yes, it is like telling someone, "Don't think about elephants!" And of course, then they can think of nothing but elephants. So it is with my FC660C. Even if I can resist squeezing the case, I know that the defect is there, lurking beneath the surface like a disease unseen yet diagnosed, taunting me to do the surgery.

[insilica]

If I apply pressure in the same place as shown on those two videos, my FC660C's case flexes noticeably (and lets out a little squeak, actually), but there's no popping like in the vids.

Most people's RF cases slide around a little bit (one of mine used to), so as far as I'm concerned there's nothing wrong with my 660C, but I'd definitely suggest those with this issue RMA the board. What is shown in the video definitely sounds wrong.

Oh, and

FYI Mine doesn't do that at all. It doesn't sound like a defect, more like improper assembly may be.

I'd qualify improper assembly as defective.

My FC660C is exactly as described (flex but no pop).

Personally it doesn't bother me but if it bothers you I suggest you don't disassemble it as you will void your warrently. RMA it if it's not too much hassle.

[rowdy]

I'm just wondering how often people squeeze their keyboard case (FC660x or otherwise).

I tend to put it on the desk and type on it.  The only time I might squeeze it is when I feel lonely swap keyboards around, which happens only once every few weeks.

[baotung]

I've tried my friend's 660C and I must say that his doesn't have this issue I would definitely send it back for a new one... even if I never squeeze my keyboard, knowing it does it would bug the hell out of me.

[rowdy]

I've tried my friend's 660C and I must say that his doesn't have this issue I would definitely send it back for a new one... even if I never squeeze my keyboard, knowing it does it would bug the hell out of me.

But if you never squeeze your keyboard, how would you know if it creaks or not?