Need Opinion on FC980C/FC980M Layout

[Hyde]

Like mos people are, I started with full size keyboard then curiosity took the best of me so I bought a Poker 2 (60%) then later on Race (75%), and I've also tried my wife's Filco Tenkeyless (80%), but while I like the smaller form factor I always miss the number pad and the number pad enter (I hit it with my mouse thumb).

Since then I've gone back to full size keyboards, and between the top 3 I like tenkeyless the best because it retain the most functionality also share the same spacing (don't need to re-learn muscle memory).

And recently I start using Home, End key a bit more to get to the start/end of the line faster instead of waiting on the cursor travelling there.

That being said, do you guys think the FC980C/FC980M layout would benefit me?  It seems like the best compromise between everything.  Only thing I'm uncertain is the muscle memory part, ideally I like using standard spacing / layout but I might be able to get used to it.  The Home/End part can be accessed by FN + Left/Right arrow so it's still fairly easily accessible.

What do you guys think?

[SpAmRaY]

I really like the FC980.  I have both M and C models.

For work I did find some software to switch home and end to be the default function as I use those a lot more than pg up and pg down at work for the keys above the number pad.

I've always leaned towards a full size layout for production type work.

Size wise it isn't much smaller than a full size board.

Of course I'm really liking the silent reds so that may be another big reason I like it.

And the Leopold caps are one of my favorites as well.

[Puddsy]

leopold boards are good, and it seems like a good layout once you get used to it

frankly i think it should be the standard, even if it's not for me

[Hyde]

I really like the FC980.  I have both M and C models.

For work I did find some software to switch home and end to be the default function as I use those a lot more than pg up and pg down at work for the keys above the number pad.

I've always leaned towards a full size layout for production type work.

Size wise it isn't much smaller than a full size board.

Of course I'm really liking the silent reds so that may be another big reason I like it.

And the Leopold caps are one of my favorites as well.

Yeah I think that was the biggest issue for me, at work I do 3D FX so I have to type in numbers a lot for simulation, so I've always leaned towards full size keyboard for productivity.

At home I guess not so much but sometimes it still feels nice to have a number pad because I'm used to it.  Also since I can almost type everything without looking at the keyboard so it helps to have standard spacing for my muscle memory (This including feeling for the arrow, 6 pack, and number pad cluster).

But yeah I've always wanted to try a Leopold board so maybe now I'm trying to find myself a reason to spend more money (even though it might not be needed LOL). 

Maybe down the road I'll pick up a FC980C since it's a little bit more different than everything else I've owned (currently own about 10 different keyboards). 

[Entropia]

I already own two FC980M with black switches and I love them. Impressive build quality, looks, finish and functioning. The layout is fantastic, with all the functionality of a 100% keyboard but saving some centimeters of width, which benefits the centering of the board and your mouse. I could not live without a numpad, because I always use it for moving and placing my text cursor on documents. I also use it for gaming (much better than wasd). I have remaped some keys by software:

numlock: del
del: numlock
insert: printscreen
pgup: foobar2000
pgdown: pause (music)

I have my boards already customized with the official Leopold red ESC key. Since they don't sell other individual keycaps, I will order a full set from the 900R keyboard, for some of those remaped keys: Ps/Sr, F2, Pa/Br.

[ceflame]

Agreed with everyone else. I also own multiple FC980 boards (2 FC980C (1 silenced) and 1 FC980M), and I love everything about them.

The layout is a perfect alternative to full-size if you actually want the numpad's functionality while also being compact length-wise.

[Hyde]

LOL damn I think I was on the fence before but now I'm pretty much sold.

My wallet hates you guys. 

[Entropia]

Also remember that the M models with Cherry switches come with the new stems, at least blacks, so they are very smooth. Also, the clipped stabilizers on the long keys are a plus, because these keys feel better than with standard Cherry stabilizers.

[Hyde]

lol yeah I know, it really puzzles me why the other companies aren't getting clipped Cherry stabilizers.  The regular Cherry stabilizers really bugs me.

I made a post about it a while back:  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=87563.0