Leopold FC660C Keycaps

[rowdy]

Well, my FC660C is as heavy and "flexless" than my FC660M (MX Clear).


The keycaps of the FC660C do fade, and I guess the M will do the same. :/

Album here

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The FC660 has a pus key?

Eeewww.

[therecorder]

Bought two sets of Realforce keycaps to do "Candy Corn" - Thought some people would want to see the Candy Corn "Invert" that I did on my FC660C (with the remaining caps).  The right "Shift" is the left "Shift" from the Realforce 87UB.  Not much can be done with the 6 keys on the bottom row.

Wait...I read in multiple places that the FC660C had a nonstandard spacebar. The spacebar from a realforce topre set will fit on it? Are the 6 keys at the bottom the only ones that no existing replacements will fit on?

If you look at the images of the FC660C and RF 87U on the EK website, you can see that the spacebars on these two keyboards are of different lengths. So, keycaps from a RF 87U should fit the FC660C except for the bottom-row modifiers, spacebar, and right-shift.

This is quite frustrating, because keycaps for the 87U are also not currently available, and even if they were, they would only be a woefully incomplete match for the FC660C.

I hope that the keycap issue can be remedied soon, but I have not heard of anything being done.

I'm curious how therecorder fit the custom spacebar on his FC660C then? As for the keyset situation, I'm curious why nobody has tried to organize some type of group buy or something with a custom set specifically for an FC660C. In fact I have yet to see an active Topre Keycap groupbuy. Is there a reason for this?

The "Spacebar" is the same size...  Didn't have to do anything...  Only the six bottom row modifiers and a second "Shift" are problems.

[ohgodpleaseno]

I'm curious how therecorder fit the custom spacebar on his FC660C then? As for the keyset situation, I'm curious why nobody has tried to organize some type of group buy or something with a custom set specifically for an FC660C. In fact I have yet to see an active Topre Keycap groupbuy. Is there a reason for this?

The "Spacebar" is the same size...  Didn't have to do anything...  Only the six bottom row modifiers and a second "Shift" are problems.

Oh, that's perfect then. Based on what I had read it seemed that the spacebar on the FC660C was somehow one of a kind due to it's switch location or something. So the spacebar is the same on the FC660C as the 87U? Does this mean it works for all Realforce keyboards keysets?

[therecorder]

Yes... All sets made for the 87/104 Realforces.

The problem with the "Spacebar" is on the MX version; the FC660M.

[Hypersphere]

Ah! Good to know that a RF 87U spacebar will fit the FC660C. So, that just leaves the modifiers and getting an extra left shift to use as the 2.25x right shift.

Keysets are available for the HHKB Pro 2. Does anyone know if the HHKB Pro 2 spacebar will fit the FC660C?

[AuRinBei]

I'm pretty sure that the flex issue with the FC660C was a defect in the first run. Mine has pretty much no flex. It just doesn't compare at all to what I see in review videos.

[Hypersphere]

I'm pretty sure that the flex issue with the FC660C was a defect in the first run. Mine has pretty much no flex. It just doesn't compare at all to what I see in review videos.

I waited a long time for mine on backorder, and it has the case flex issue, elicited by squeezing the case on the top and bottom edges in the middle of the case, so perhaps this was not only a problem with the first batch. Otherwise, the board seems fairly solid. The main issue is the keycaps. A more minor issue is the color of the case. I would prefer black, like the FC660M, but the FC660C is more of a dark brown rather than black.

[therecorder]

I'm pretty sure that the flex issue with the FC660C was a defect in the first run. Mine has pretty much no flex. It just doesn't compare at all to what I see in review videos.

I waited a long time for mine on backorder, and it has the case flex issue, elicited by squeezing the case on the top and bottom edges in the middle of the case, so perhaps this was not only a problem with the first batch. Otherwise, the board seems fairly solid. The main issue is the keycaps. A more minor issue is the color of the case. I would prefer black, like the FC660M, but the FC660C is more of a dark brown rather than black.

I think that I was one of the first people to order an FC660C from Elite, and I have absolutely no flex.  From where did you guys get your boards?

[Hypersphere]

I'm pretty sure that the flex issue with the FC660C was a defect in the first run. Mine has pretty much no flex. It just doesn't compare at all to what I see in review videos.

I waited a long time for mine on backorder, and it has the case flex issue, elicited by squeezing the case on the top and bottom edges in the middle of the case, so perhaps this was not only a problem with the first batch. Otherwise, the board seems fairly solid. The main issue is the keycaps. A more minor issue is the color of the case. I would prefer black, like the FC660M, but the FC660C is more of a dark brown rather than black.

I think that I was one of the first people to order an FC660C from Elite, and I have absolutely no flex.  From where did you guys get your boards?

Got mine from Elite, also, but after a long wait on backorder.

[Hypersphere]

I found a link to a set of Topre keycaps for an RF board on the Leopold Korea site. The set includes Asian characters on the legends in addition to English characters, but this would be fine with me. Is someone on GH willing to serve as a proxy for the Korean Leopold site?

http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1364954361

Thanks.

[therecorder]

I found a link to a set of Topre keycaps for an RF board on the Leopold Korea site. The set includes Asian characters on the legends in addition to English characters, but this would be fine with me. Is someone on GH willing to serve as a proxy for the Korean Leopold site?

http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1364954361

Thanks.

That's about $125 + proxy costs + shipping.  For that price, you could almost buy a white realforce and have the keycaps you want.  If you can deal with all white, I would wait until Elite restocks its keycaps.

[Hypersphere]

I found a link to a set of Topre keycaps for an RF board on the Leopold Korea site. The set includes Asian characters on the legends in addition to English characters, but this would be fine with me. Is someone on GH willing to serve as a proxy for the Korean Leopold site?

http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1364954361

Thanks.

That's about $125 + proxy costs + shipping.  For that price, you could almost buy a white realforce and have the keycaps you want.  If you can deal with all white, I would wait until Elite restocks its keycaps.

Excellent point. However, depending on what the proxy and shipping costs are, it might still be cheaper to order direct from Leopold.

How long has Elite been out of stock? And how much longer will it be before restocking? Moreover, I wonder why Elite could not get a two-tone set, like on the RF board, rather than all white? For example, the keysets they carry for the HHKB Pro 2 include a white/gray two-tone set like on the keyboard itself.

Nevertheless, even if I could get the RF set, it still does not solve the problem of replacing ALL the keycaps (including modifiers) on the Leopold FC660C.

So, I hope that whomever has to be convinced (Leopold? Topre?) will make one or more high-quality dye-sub PBT sets specifically for the FC660C.

[therecorder]

I found a link to a set of Topre keycaps for an RF board on the Leopold Korea site. The set includes Asian characters on the legends in addition to English characters, but this would be fine with me. Is someone on GH willing to serve as a proxy for the Korean Leopold site?

http://www.leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1364954361

Thanks.

That's about $125 + proxy costs + shipping.  For that price, you could almost buy a white realforce and have the keycaps you want.  If you can deal with all white, I would wait until Elite restocks its keycaps.

Excellent point. However, depending on what the proxy and shipping costs are, it might still be cheaper to order direct from Leopold.

How long has Elite been out of stock? And how much longer will it be before restocking? Moreover, I wonder why Elite could not get a two-tone set, like on the RF board, rather than all white? For example, the keysets they carry for the HHKB Pro 2 include a white/gray two-tone set like on the keyboard itself.

Nevertheless, even if I could get the RF set, it still does not solve the problem of replacing ALL the keycaps (including modifiers) on the Leopold FC660C.

So, I hope that whomever has to be convinced (Leopold? Topre?) will make one or more high-quality dye-sub PBT sets specifically for the FC660C.

Many people are hoping for Realforce like FC660C keycap sets.  I think that the possibility of this happening all depends on how well the FC660C sells, and I thinks that this will, at the best, be a year away.

[ohgodpleaseno]

Ah! Good to know that a RF 87U spacebar will fit the FC660C. So, that just leaves the modifiers and getting an extra left shift to use as the 2.25x right shift.

Keysets are available for the HHKB Pro 2. Does anyone know if the HHKB Pro 2 spacebar will fit the FC660C?

Any chance you could elaborate on the situation with the shift key? Aren't they both the same size? Would this not come in a Topre set for a Realforce board?

[therecorder]

Ah! Good to know that a RF 87U spacebar will fit the FC660C. So, that just leaves the modifiers and getting an extra left shift to use as the 2.25x right shift.

Keysets are available for the HHKB Pro 2. Does anyone know if the HHKB Pro 2 spacebar will fit the FC660C?

Any chance you could elaborate on the situation with the shift key? Aren't they both the same size? Would this not come in a Topre set for a Realforce board?

On a Realforce 87/104 board, the right shift is larger than the left one.

[therecorder]

What would be cool is if Brian at Elite could order a dozen left Shift keycaps for each color keycap set that Realforce offers (Printed and Blank), and charge a few dollars to add this keycap to each Realforce keycap set that he sells.

[rowdy]

What would be cool is if Brian at Elite could order a dozen left Shift keycaps for each color keycap set that Realforce offers (Printed and Blank), and charge a few dollars to add this keycap to each Realforce keycap set that he sells.

I'm not sure that Leopold or RealForce or Topre or whoever sells just left Shift keys.

[ohgodpleaseno]

Ah! Good to know that a RF 87U spacebar will fit the FC660C. So, that just leaves the modifiers and getting an extra left shift to use as the 2.25x right shift.

Keysets are available for the HHKB Pro 2. Does anyone know if the HHKB Pro 2 spacebar will fit the FC660C?

Any chance you could elaborate on the situation with the shift key? Aren't they both the same size? Would this not come in a Topre set for a Realforce board?

On a Realforce 87/104 board, the right shift is larger than the left one.

oh. I guess when I order caps I'll just leave both shift keys default for the sake of symmetry and looks.

[therecorder]

Message sent to Brian.  If he is able to do this, perhaps he can also offer the keycap to those who have previously bought a keycap set.

[ohgodpleaseno]

I'm pretty interested in getting a keyset now but I think buying a full tenkey set for the 660 might be too expensive.

[Hypersphere]

I am definitely interested in getting a keycap set for the Leopold FC660C if it will closely resemble the white/gray set on a RF 87U. If the set were specifically designed for the FC660C, it would of course include the 2.25x right shift and the 1.25x modifiers.

If such a keycap set is not going to be produced, then I might go with a RF 87U board, possibly with all 55-gram Topre switches. However, I would prefer to have a 60+% form factor like the FC660C.

[ohgodpleaseno]

I am definitely interested in getting a keycap set for the Leopold FC660C if it will closely resemble the white/gray set on a RF 87U. If the set were specifically designed for the FC660C, it would of course include the 2.25x right shift and the 1.25x modifiers.

If such a keycap set is not going to be produced, then I might go with a RF 87U board, possibly with all 55-gram Topre switches. However, I would prefer to have a 60+% form factor like the FC660C.

Well, you could always go the "artistic" route and just use a set of realforce keycaps on the FC660C leaving the shifts as the stock keys along with the bottom row of 6. Personally I don't think it would look that bad and you could get the best of both worlds.

[Hypersphere]

I am definitely interested in getting a keycap set for the Leopold FC660C if it will closely resemble the white/gray set on a RF 87U. If the set were specifically designed for the FC660C, it would of course include the 2.25x right shift and the 1.25x modifiers.

If such a keycap set is not going to be produced, then I might go with a RF 87U board, possibly with all 55-gram Topre switches. However, I would prefer to have a 60+% form factor like the FC660C.

Well, you could always go the "artistic" route and just use a set of realforce keycaps on the FC660C leaving the shifts as the stock keys along with the bottom row of 6. Personally I don't think it would look that bad and you could get the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I have been thinking along those lines myself, although I am still waiting for EK to restock their RF keycaps. However, when they do, I expect they will have all-white sets instead of white with light gray modifiers, and I am not particularly interested in other colors. It would be far too expensive to buy an RF board just for the caps. Maybe all this is pointing me in the direction of trying out a 55-gram RF 87U. The EK site says the ETA for restocking these is sometime in October.

[elitekeyboards]

I just wanted to stop by this thread and clear some things up about the FC660 series and keycaps, as therecorder linked me and others in the thread have contacted me by email inquiring about this or that.

The FC660M case is produced in China, we'll call it China#1 factory, but the circuit board production and the final assembly happen in two factories, this factory, and also a Korean factory. The completed boards made in the China#1 factory are licensed by Leopold to a distributor there for sale only in China, so they have some freedom to produce products specifically for that market. Leopold has the molded cases for this board sent to Korea for the versions of the board that are made in Korea. The Korean factory makes the circuit board and performs final assembly. Leopold Korea and EliteKeyboards only sell the Korean-made version, which currently has fewer options color/switch-wise. Now, exactly why Leopold and EK do not sell these Chinese made boards is a long story that has to do with some production issues at China#1 factory, but Leopold does not want to walk away from the case tooling for this board, so we have a confusing situation at present...

The FC660C, on the other hand, is made entirely in a separate factory, China#2 factory we'll call it. This factory has nothing to do with the M version of the board and all parts of the C version are unique to this factory.

Keycap sets for both boards were of course something I inquired about from day one, but are not yet available. Leopold is still gauging interest for this board's unique layout.

BTW, the speculation in this thread (and others) of EK's incompetence and inability to get products in a timely manner is understandable, but I'd like customers to know that our international logistical operations are top notch. We've had plenty of opportunities to carry brands and products that some competitors now carry, but our interest in carrying new products must be balanced by our principles of maintaining quality and pursuing ethical business practices, and it's not easy, so the support of customers who can look beyond paper specs and the cool-of-the-new is *greatly* appreciated.

[Cafeine]

Keycap sets for both boards were of course something I inquired about from day one, but are not yet available. Leopold is still gauging interest for this board's unique layout.

Thanks for the clarification. For the keycaps, well, we need them because the original ones are CRAP and are fadding FAST.

[ohgodpleaseno]

I just wanted to stop by this thread and clear some things up about the FC660 series and keycaps...

Thanks a ton for clearing up the manufacturing confusion! Any chance, if you're still around, you could let us know about the state of RF keysets restocking? As FC660C owners those sets are pretty much our only remotely cheap option for key replacement.

[AuRinBei]

Hear that people? Buy more FC660Cs. I needs me a blank set. That's really the only weakness with this board. It's layout is great, build quality is great, the caps themselves are decent; the only thing holding it back is that damn laser etching.

[Hypersphere]

It was really helpful to get some clarification about the FC660C and FC660M from EK.

Now I just hope that they are doing enough sales volume of the FC660C to justify having Topre keycap sets made. It would be great to have a source of high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps specifically for the FC660C.

My preference would be an off-white and light-gray or light-blue two-tone set, like the caps on the white/gray models of the HHKB Pro 2 and RF 87U. However, perhaps they could offer complete sets in each color so that people could create monochrome or two-tone designs.

One of my goals is to make my FC660C more legible in the low-light environment of my office, so for me, although black on black might look cool, it would not work for my purpose.

Thanks again, EK, for chiming in and enlightening us about some of the international intricacies of keyboard manufacturing, economics, logistics, and business practices.

[rowdy]

Keycap sets for both boards were of course something I inquired about from day one, but are not yet available. Leopold is still gauging interest for this board's unique layout.

Thanks for the informative update!

Someone should point Leopold at the dozens of enthusiastic threads here if they want to gauge the level of interest in the boards

[Hypersphere]

Keycap sets for both boards were of course something I inquired about from day one, but are not yet available. Leopold is still gauging interest for this board's unique layout.

Thanks for the informative update!

Someone should point Leopold at the dozens of enthusiastic threads here if they want to gauge the level of interest in the boards

Not to be cynical, but I would suppose the main way companies gauge interest is by looking at their sales figures. On the other hand, forward-looking successful companies also engage in market research to assess interest in potential new products, so perhaps one way that Leopold could determine the likelihood of future sales of something like keycap sets is to take a look at the interest in such a product on forums like this.

[aggiejy]

Well, as I've said many times, I think they knocked it out of the park with this layout and design.  Hopefully sales back that up.  I'm sure EK ordered as many FC660C as they could for the next restocking... because they'll move.

[rowdy]

And white ones too, if they exen exist yet!

[ohgodpleaseno]

It seems as though it wouldn't be too much of an issue to produce a keycap set that fits the FC660C. In the event that sales don't quite reach what they expect, they could always make a keyboard with a different layout that utilizes the same keys as the FC660C.

[TimIsABat]

Thanks EK for clearing that up and putting in some useful information for us! With that I am now 52% towards HHKB and 48% FC660C. This is mostly because I am impatient lol. It mostly depends on if they come out with a new off white and gray version of the FC660C by the time I get my refund check money. I like trying new things though so we will see.

[ohgodpleaseno]

Thanks EK for clearing that up and putting in some useful information for us! With that I am now 52% towards HHKB and 48% FC660C. This is mostly because I am impatient lol. It mostly depends on if they come out with a new off white and gray version of the FC660C by the time I get my refund check money. I like trying new things though so we will see.

If your signature is correct you already have an FC660M? I would recommend an HHKB then Despite the quality of Topre switches, I definitely think that buying a new type of keyboard is more reasonable.

[TimIsABat]

Thanks EK for clearing that up and putting in some useful information for us! With that I am now 52% towards HHKB and 48% FC660C. This is mostly because I am impatient lol. It mostly depends on if they come out with a new off white and gray version of the FC660C by the time I get my refund check money. I like trying new things though so we will see.

If your signature is correct you already have an FC660M? I would recommend an HHKB then Despite the quality of Topre switches, I definitely think that buying a new type of keyboard is more reasonable.

Yeah I do have a FC660M which I like but hated the keycaps. I made a pros and cons list for both the FC660C and the HHKB Pro 2, and your exact reason was on my pros list for the HHKB, and a con for the FC660C. I will probably get a HHKB Pro 2.

[Hypersphere]

This is a tough call. I really like the elegant good looks of the HHKB Pro 2, but I think the layout and absence of dedicated arrow keys in the primary layer would render it less than useful for me. So far, the best layout I have found  is embodied in the Leopold FC660 series, and by far the best switches I have ever tried (next to my IBM buckling springs) are the Topre switches in the FC660C. The Topres are much better than the Cherry mx blues in my FC660M. All this notwithstanding, I do not like the look of the keycaps on the FC660C, although I like the way they feel (PBT). From a practical perspective, the FC660C might be the more useful product. However, you will probably always be curious about the HHKB Pro 2, and so at some point you are going to have to satisfy your curiosity and try it. If it turns out that the layout works for you, then the HHKB Pro 2 could be your answer. Please let us know how it turns out!

[TimIsABat]

This is a tough call. I really like the elegant good looks of the HHKB Pro 2, but I think the layout and absence of dedicated arrow keys in the primary layer would render it less than useful for me. So far, the best layout I have found  is embodied in the Leopold FC660 series, and by far the best switches I have ever tried (next to my IBM buckling springs) are the Topre switches in the FC660C. The Topres are much better than the Cherry mx blues in my FC660M. All this notwithstanding, I do not like the look of the keycaps on the FC660C, although I like the way they feel (PBT). From a practical perspective, the FC660C might be the more useful product. However, you will probably always be curious about the HHKB Pro 2, and so at some point you are going to have to satisfy your curiosity and try it. If it turns out that the layout works for you, then the HHKB Pro 2 could be your answer. Please let us know how it turns out!

I definitely will once I have the money to get it and actually receive it. I had no problem with getting used to the Poker X, so I don't think I would have too much trouble getting used to the HHKB layout. The only thing that might be a bit tricky is getting used to where the backspace is.

[ohgodpleaseno]

This is a tough call. I really like the elegant good looks of the HHKB Pro 2, but I think the layout and absence of dedicated arrow keys in the primary layer would render it less than useful for me. So far, the best layout I have found  is embodied in the Leopold FC660 series, and by far the best switches I have ever tried (next to my IBM buckling springs) are the Topre switches in the FC660C. The Topres are much better than the Cherry mx blues in my FC660M. All this notwithstanding, I do not like the look of the keycaps on the FC660C, although I like the way they feel (PBT). From a practical perspective, the FC660C might be the more useful product. However, you will probably always be curious about the HHKB Pro 2, and so at some point you are going to have to satisfy your curiosity and try it. If it turns out that the layout works for you, then the HHKB Pro 2 could be your answer. Please let us know how it turns out!

I definitely will once I have the money to get it and actually receive it. I had no problem with getting used to the Poker X, so I don't think I would have too much trouble getting used to the HHKB layout. The only thing that might be a bit tricky is getting used to where the backspace is.

See now the backspace issue was actually one of the more major reasons why I haven't gotten an HHKB. Arrow keys are one thing, but using a backspace for me seems to be too much of a quick muscle memory reaction for a position change to not cause problems. As for arrow keys, I do programming work and put them to good use when doing so. If you can manage without arrow keys and are more adaptable then I'm sure switching to the HHKB will be smooth and speedy.

[TimIsABat]

This is a tough call. I really like the elegant good looks of the HHKB Pro 2, but I think the layout and absence of dedicated arrow keys in the primary layer would render it less than useful for me. So far, the best layout I have found  is embodied in the Leopold FC660 series, and by far the best switches I have ever tried (next to my IBM buckling springs) are the Topre switches in the FC660C. The Topres are much better than the Cherry mx blues in my FC660M. All this notwithstanding, I do not like the look of the keycaps on the FC660C, although I like the way they feel (PBT). From a practical perspective, the FC660C might be the more useful product. However, you will probably always be curious about the HHKB Pro 2, and so at some point you are going to have to satisfy your curiosity and try it. If it turns out that the layout works for you, then the HHKB Pro 2 could be your answer. Please let us know how it turns out!

I definitely will once I have the money to get it and actually receive it. I had no problem with getting used to the Poker X, so I don't think I would have too much trouble getting used to the HHKB layout. The only thing that might be a bit tricky is getting used to where the backspace is.

See now the backspace issue was actually one of the more major reasons why I haven't gotten an HHKB. Arrow keys are one thing, but using a backspace for me seems to be too much of a quick muscle memory reaction for a position change to not cause problems. As for arrow keys, I do programming work and put them to good use when doing so. If you can manage without arrow keys and are more adaptable then I'm sure switching to the HHKB will be smooth and speedy.

I'll probably get used to it after a while. I don't see a problem too much but just getting used to using a different key for backspace. I am learning to use Vimium so arrow keys won't be too much of r problem in terms of web browsing. For word documents holding Fn wouldn't be too much work. I think I will probably be fine with the HHKB once I get used to it. I am a quick learner XD.

[Hypersphere]

Today I tried an experiment to see how well I might adapt to the HHKB Pro 2. I primarily use a Mac with an IBM SSK keyboard. Normally, the only remapping I do is to set the CapsLock as Command, and leave the Alt and Control keys as they are. However, I used the free program, KeyReMap4MacBook (KRM4MB) to remap my IBM keyboard like the HHKB Pro 2 keyboard. The only thing I could not do with the default settings was to set up the same cursor diamond as the HHKB Pro 2, but just to try out using a cursor diamond instead of the arrow keys on the IBM, I am using left-Option (Alt) + IJKL for a cursor diamond. I have mapped the CapsLock as Control, and mapped Alt as Meta (Command) and Control as Alt (Option).

I am adapting relatively well to the altered positions of Control, Alt, and Command, but having some problems with the cursor diamond. The hardest thing so far is the Backspace. I keep hitting the old Backspace, which is now Backslash, so I keep getting \\\\ when I try to correct mistakes.

This might work for me, but because I also need to switch from OS X to Linux and Windows fairly frequently throughout the day, and given my long history of using a conventional layout, I think it would most probably be best for me to use a keyboard with a standard layout.

I really like the form factor and elegant appearance of the HHKB Pro 2, and I know I like Topre switches. So for me, the best bet might be the Leopold FC660C, and swapping out the keycaps if/when Leopold or Topre make a replacement set available. An alternative would be to get a RF 87u, although I would prefer a 60+% form factor instead of a TKL design.

There is an interesting article about a search for keyboarding efficiency:

http://stevelosh.com/blog/2012/10/a-modern-space-cadet/

The author ended up with a RF 104U after trying various other boards, including a HHKB Pro 2.

[muad]

I received my fc660c today and I am very happy with the purchase. To me the layout is absolutely perfect, everything I need is there (discrete arrows and delete key) and the proximity of the fn key to the arrow keys makes for the most intuitive navigation in a 60% keyboard ever. One thing I want to stress as it is not labeled on the keycaps and I feel is the best thing about the layout is that fn+up/down is pgup/down and fn+left/right is home/end. In case anyone has been on the fence about getting a 60% keyboard, the layout of the fc660 series is the best balance of form and function while still staying similar to standard keyboards. This was important to me as I did not want to develop muscle memory for shortcuts that would not carry over to RL.

The quality is very similar to the korean made fc660m. The board feels very solid, it's nice and heavy and it doesn't have a creak when squeeze it. The key caps are quite decent, if only the legends were not going to wear away I would be completely satisfied. The only other caveat is that the texture on the keycaps is not consistent. Certain areas are a little smoother/rougher, but since I don't plan on intently staring at them close up it's not really an issue. I definitely prefer the keycap texture and profile as compared to the fc660m as it is overall smoother and the profile is not as flat on the top surface making for a more natural typing experience. I am definitely in agreement with everyone that we need a two tone white and grey pbt keycap set with dyesub legends!

The feel of topre is something else. Everything everyone says about feeling like the way mx browns should is imo incorrect. There isn't really a tactile point. It feels like if you had a cherry mx black that variably turns into a cherry mx red by the midpoint, the only thing is that they have a tendency to want to bottom out after that. Definitely enjoy your feeling! The sound when they bottom out feels like an angel is gently tapping my eardrum while cherubs giggle and unicorns prance through fields of poppies. My fingertips are happy and all is well with the world.

[therecorder]

Just remember to use protection...  Seriously, happy that you're so satisfied.

[ohgodpleaseno]

I received my fc660c today...

I think the the FN+arrow keys on the FC660C are actually more convenient than the dedicated keys on my fullsized keyboard. It's interesting because you'd think that dedicated keys would be better than function layer key combinations.

[Hypersphere]

Yes, along with its many other virtues, I certainly agree that the Fn layer in the Leopold FC660C is one of the best I have seen. It was a great move on Leopold's part to make Fn + UpArrow, DownArrow, LeftArrow, RightArrow = PgUp, PgDn, Home, and End, respectively.

Moreover, I also have a Leopold FC660M with Cherry mx blues, and the Topre switches in the FC660C are orders of magnitude better than the Cherry switches. After using the FC660C, I do not think I could ever return to a Cherry-switch keyboard. From now on, it is either the buckling springs in my IBM SSK or Topres in the FC660C or perhaps another Topre-switch keyboard.

I really hope that Leopold will come out with a second-generation version of the FC660C that will have, at the least, a high-quality set of dye-sub PBT keycaps like those on the white and gray version of the RF 87u or HHKB Pro 2. It would also be nice if they issued models with a choice of either 45-gram or 55-gram Topre switches. Othewise, I don't think they need to change a thing; it is already a praiseworthy keyboard.

[muad]

I really hope that Leopold will come out with a second-generation version of the FC660C that will have, at the least, a high-quality set of dye-sub PBT keycaps like those on the white and gray version of the RF 87u or HHKB Pro 2. It would also be nice if they issued models with a choice of either 45-gram or 55-gram Topre switches. Othewise, I don't think they need to change a thing; it is already a praiseworthy keyboard.

No! I can't afford to spend anymore money on keyboards! I agree as long they make the keycaps seperately available.

I think the the FN+arrow keys on the FC660C are actually more convenient than the dedicated keys on my fullsized keyboard. It's interesting because you'd think that dedicated keys would be better than function layer key combinations.

Yeah you would think so, I didn't mind it on my tkl because I could rest my hand next to the keyboard on the mouse pad while using the pg keys to scroll. On full size keyboards there is nowhere to rest your hand and so I feel it becomes a bit of a pita. I love how with the fc660 it is so easy to switch between fine and gross text/web navigation just by pressing one key and never taking your fingers off the arrow keys with your hand always resting on the desk. Brilliant!

[Hypersphere]

Yes, I agree. I could settle for a set of high-quality dye-sub PBT replacement keycaps for the FC660C rather than a second-generation keyboard. At least for now.

[rowdy]

I received my fc660c today and I am very happy with the purchase. To me the layout is absolutely perfect, everything I need is there (discrete arrows and delete key) and the proximity of the fn key to the arrow keys makes for the most intuitive navigation in a 60% keyboard ever. One thing I want to stress as it is not labeled on the keycaps and I feel is the best thing about the layout is that fn+up/down is pgup/down and fn+left/right is home/end. In case anyone has been on the fence about getting a 60% keyboard, the layout of the fc660 series is the best balance of form and function while still staying similar to standard keyboards. This was important to me as I did not want to develop muscle memory for shortcuts that would not carry over to RL.

The quality is very similar to the korean made fc660m. The board feels very solid, it's nice and heavy and it doesn't have a creak when squeeze it. The key caps are quite decent, if only the legends were not going to wear away I would be completely satisfied. The only other caveat is that the texture on the keycaps is not consistent. Certain areas are a little smoother/rougher, but since I don't plan on intently staring at them close up it's not really an issue. I definitely prefer the keycap texture and profile as compared to the fc660m as it is overall smoother and the profile is not as flat on the top surface making for a more natural typing experience. I am definitely in agreement with everyone that we need a two tone white and grey pbt keycap set with dyesub legends!

The feel of topre is something else. Everything everyone says about feeling like the way mx browns should is imo incorrect. There isn't really a tactile point. It feels like if you had a cherry mx black that variably turns into a cherry mx red by the midpoint, the only thing is that they have a tendency to want to bottom out after that. Definitely enjoy your feeling! The sound when they bottom out feels like an angel is gently tapping my eardrum while cherubs giggle and unicorns prance through fields of poppies. My fingertips are happy and all is well with the world.

Wow!  Yet another overwhelmingly positive review of the FC660C.

I'm almost regretting getting this HHKB now.  Almost.  I got this just before the FC660C was available, plus this is the white HHKB and white FC660C is not yet available.  So for now I am happy with my HHKB.

[TimIsABat]

I received my fc660c today and I am very happy with the purchase. To me the layout is absolutely perfect, everything I need is there (discrete arrows and delete key) and the proximity of the fn key to the arrow keys makes for the most intuitive navigation in a 60% keyboard ever. One thing I want to stress as it is not labeled on the keycaps and I feel is the best thing about the layout is that fn+up/down is pgup/down and fn+left/right is home/end. In case anyone has been on the fence about getting a 60% keyboard, the layout of the fc660 series is the best balance of form and function while still staying similar to standard keyboards. This was important to me as I did not want to develop muscle memory for shortcuts that would not carry over to RL.

The quality is very similar to the korean made fc660m. The board feels very solid, it's nice and heavy and it doesn't have a creak when squeeze it. The key caps are quite decent, if only the legends were not going to wear away I would be completely satisfied. The only other caveat is that the texture on the keycaps is not consistent. Certain areas are a little smoother/rougher, but since I don't plan on intently staring at them close up it's not really an issue. I definitely prefer the keycap texture and profile as compared to the fc660m as it is overall smoother and the profile is not as flat on the top surface making for a more natural typing experience. I am definitely in agreement with everyone that we need a two tone white and grey pbt keycap set with dyesub legends!

The feel of topre is something else. Everything everyone says about feeling like the way mx browns should is imo incorrect. There isn't really a tactile point. It feels like if you had a cherry mx black that variably turns into a cherry mx red by the midpoint, the only thing is that they have a tendency to want to bottom out after that. Definitely enjoy your feeling! The sound when they bottom out feels like an angel is gently tapping my eardrum while cherubs giggle and unicorns prance through fields of poppies. My fingertips are happy and all is well with the world.

Wow!  Yet another overwhelmingly positive review of the FC660C.

I'm almost regretting getting this HHKB now.  Almost.  I got this just before the FC660C was available, plus this is the white HHKB and white FC660C is not yet available.  So for now I am happy with my HHKB.

Almost convincing me to get a FC660C, but as I've said before...I am impatient XD. I'm gonna have money in the bank soon as my refund check finally came in. After some payments for my apartment, I'm going to have a good 700 bucks in the bank. I would wait for a white FC660C, but who knows when that is going to be released. By the time I have money I am hoping that I will be able to get the HHKB Pro 2 in white. Prolly get a white FC660C blank if it ever releases later on. Or even a RF.

[Hypersphere]

Typing on my Leopold FC660C now and thoroughly enjoying the experience. It is interesting to see my own keyboard Odyssey reflected by other converts to Topre switches. Although I like the FC660C very much, I feel obliged to test the HHKB Pro 2 and the 55-gram RF 87u. Of course, this would still leave me wondering about the 45-gram, or the variable....

My FC660C carton has checkboxes for black and white, but my FC660M carton has checkboxes for black, white, and gray. The white and gray versions of the FC660M were never available from EK, although I think the white version was available in China. So, I tend to doubt that a white version of the FC660C will be readily available in the US, but I suppose anything could happen. In any event, unless the white version has improved keycaps, I would prefer it if high quality dye-sub PBT keycap sets were made available; these would look good with the dark brown case.

When you finally get your HHKB Pro 2, I look forward to seeing your impressions of it.