Leopold FC660C Topre Keyboard - Part 1

Review of a Topre switch keyboard, the Leopold FC660C compact keyboard:
INDEX
purchase info -- 00:21
accessories -- 00:50
general feel -- 01:18
layout -- 02:05
DIP switch -- 04:03
Bottom -- 04:44
key caps -- 06:24
topre switch -- 09:55
stems and stabilizers -- 11:06
switch feel -- 13:41
typing sound -- 17:24

[@DrAkyla1123]

Dude, from now I'm going to squeeze my keyboard like this everyday before using it.

[@jacobsladder56]

Very nice and thorough review! I've always been a Cherry MX fan, but I'd like to spend some time on a Topre switch keyboard, especially after your review.

[@Rosaslav]

You described the switch workings very nicely, thanks to you I have pretty clear idea of how the switch behaves and I am desperate to get some keyboard with Topre in Europe.

[@AbXpB]

Sound at 17:42

[@DannyJP29]

Not all heroes wear capes

[@Oroshimisu]

I was screaming at me screen : JUST TYPE ON IT PLEASE, thank you

[@WhiteFireDragon]

My phantom is a cherry MX keyboard, this FC660C is a topre switch keyboard. The keys itself are standard size, but the types of caps they use are not compatible. Topre switches do not have those colored RGB modifiers available. 11:08 shows the differences, and why you can't use topre and cherry MX keycaps interchangeably.

[@Drew-tm5pe]

Such a lovely sound

[@dillon3129]

where is part 2

[@tobylaroned]

Really great review, thanks so much ! I finally get it about these switches and what makes the sound of them

[@PiggyMcCult]

1. The BWU has a plastic and glossy frame, which allows it to flex and bend much more easily than keyboards by Filco, Rosewill, CM, etc. 2. Those aforementioned keyboards would be $30-$50 cheaper. 3. The FC660C is a topre switch, which is completely different from MX switches. 4. Some people don't want the number pad because it allows the mouse to be closer to your left hand, which is more comfortable in most people's opinions. I'll just assume this is a troll post.

[@reviewforthetube6485]

For pre builts these are absolutely great

[@KhanhangZeiss]

the lack of leppold is use ABS keycaps, which very easy get damaged, and topre switch is hard to buy a nice keycaps and not have many keycaps for change like Cherry Switch

[@SirCommoner]

Wow, this is a soundgasm

[@samdeur]

I would love for you to do a vid of the Kul keyboard with clear switches. Sounds like a good us company. I got the fc660m so the model with clears. I 100% agree about the insert key. A dip switch for enter and something else. I got mine from the well known store in China with an extra set of keycaps. Paid 31% on top of the price. A real wallet killer so now no more overseas buying.

[@WhiteFireDragon]

With that same thought, why get a Razer blackwidow for $130 when you can get a Dell keyboard for $10?

[@WhiteFireDragon]

Hmm... interesting indeed. Did you get it from EliteKeyboards or straight from Korea? If you got it from EK, there shouldn't be differences in accessories. I know ones from EK also does not include the extra lavender WASD cluster and red ESC key, but people that got early batches in Korean received extra WASD and ESC keys.

[@buffaloSoldier519]

That sounds almost exactly like some keyboards at my library. Only difference is theirs is a bit dampened. Is there a bit of resistance before it clicks or snaps all the way down?

[@donalone]

Recently get interested in this keyboard and watched some review. I am surprised to find that this same keyboard has 6-7 years old review and the hasn't updated any design or spec. I do like the timeless design but not sure I want to support the old format like the mini USB is not future-proof.

[@cbenson76]

Good video. Thorough, but you get right on to the next item with no delay. I learned a lot. Cheers.

[@dho]

I bought from Elite Keyboards as well. I'm surprised that my cable is different from yours; the lavender cluster and ESC was from a promotion they were doing I believe, and EK got a normal batch without the extra keycaps. Very odd.

[@WhiteFireDragon]

Well you get a glimpse of it when I do the size comparison. Not sure what else to say about it. If you want to know more about custom Phantom builds, there are several long threads about this on Geekhack forums. I'll upload another video on building a phantom, but it won't be my personal one.

[@GabrielArt71]

Have you ever considered doing a review of Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2?

[@archiethedog4515]

This is a Korean manufacturer, correct?

[@samueltremblay275]

Nice review. Mannnn, I must where you bought this heavy duty keycap remover. Thanks

[@BobiIvanov]

In this video: a dude who has never used shift+insert and ctrl+r

[@yull1234]

Hi, WhiteFireDragon, would you mind telling me the brand name of the keyboard with red, blue and green keys? is it the Cherry MX keyboard? I went through the comments below, but still in the sea. if possible, could you share me a link for how to buy that keyboard, I really like it. Thanks~

[@tocotaku4787]

I wrote you a series of questions on leopolds quality for the 660 keyboard that if 660m is the same quality as the 660c, I know they are different type of mechanical keyboards. I recently found a leopold 660m with cherry mx green and white switches. I have been wanting to get a keyboard with greens for a while now and I like the size of the leopold I am up in the air with which switch to get, but are more resistant and clicky. Anyways please give me you feedback you make a ton of great and informative videos on keyboards and switch types.

[@MrOri68]

No numpad is ultimate for gaming..... Shorter distance between your left hand and right hand creates less fatigue, and gives you more space to move your mouse....

[@SangryoolKim79]

wow! It's a nice review!

[@yibozhu]

Those long keys probably have stablizers as well on the other side if this keyboard employs the same design like a realforce or hhkb.

[@lvk96]

Besides the spacebar being non standard size, are the keys on the bottom, such as the ctrl, windows, alt, arrow keys, standard size. If they are, can you mod them with the same coloured keys as your phantom?

[@vincetang7548]

Is there an easier way to get the Hangul version in the US rather than buying it on the Korean Leopold store?

[@SumeragiMinami]

Well the thing is I think Razer purchase second-rate switches from Cherry. It keeps getting stuck after half a year or so (no dust whatsoever) And the keycap design is also contribute to that stickiness. After all that hassles I had to disassembled, de-soldered and lube all the switches for it to be smooth. But still I can't love the Macro row on the left so I gave it away. But I swear Razer is cutting corner on material nowadays. . . . too much with chasing profit.

[@timetomakethesoup]

nam tran i

[@Muldoonite]

Would you feel comfortable using this keyboard in public like at a library or do you think it's too loud for that?

[@leavealone5538]

i love my leopold fc660m

[@Knalltüte6969]

I know this is a long shot, but I'm just asking anywhere I can right now. Would you happen to know where I can buy a wrist rest that is the same length as a Leopold fc660m?

[@leavealone5538]

www.ebay.com/itm/222477441905 help this can help u :D

[@Knalltüte6969]

You're a saint, thanks a lot!

[@rokuplex4800]

Insert key stays there for a reason, it is unix layout.

[@trubadyr99]

Where did you buy/borrow it from? You kind of swallowed the name of a store.

[@peterdark5900]

this is a must have question is where do i buy a completed keyboard from im registered blind so cant do the soldering necessary for this of work

[@Lycosa]

OMG You are a pro keyboard guy.... My favourite keyboard is Ducky... Best brand IMO. Going to buy Shine 3 aluminum when it comes out after that..... someday

[@DeadGlassEyes]

Your Phantom is awesome.

[@ulconmadelo]

When is part two coming out?

[@TonyAllen1988]

I'm using mine right now and it's lasted me oh I dunno.. since 2002-ish.

[@aadesh_kale]

Hey bro when you will be back?

[@Starcraft2Union]

wow... for a $190 - 200 keyboard... those key-caps and the printings need to be better! Other than that, Topre keyboards always feel awesome to type on and the overall build quality of the Leopold FC660C is supreme.

[@opmike343]

The key legends look like something off a 8 dollar computer lab keyboard.

[@johnsihn4520]

theres a dye sub pbt version nowadays i'm typing on it right now... i don't know when they were released.

[@pngo2017]

You're saying the later version has improved keycaps? Can you confirm if your keycaps have that glossy seam as shown at 07:00 and aren't easily bent? Thanks!

[@johnsihn4520]

Yep! The ones Leopold and most other vendors sell nowadays has better PBT caps. The colors are different tho... There's one option with white and gray mixed keycaps, and one with gray keycaps. The keycaps feel quite good, and I never felt wear except for the spacebar because most topre boards come with ABS spacebars for some reason. But one thing you should also know about the newer FC660C models is that they have 50g domes intstead of 45 grams on the alphas. I personally really like it because it feels snappier and more tactile but not as heavy as 55g domes, but it may not be for you... Anyways 10/10 would recommend this board.

[@plutooZEL]

Can you make a video showing us your phantom??

[@rationalityfirst]

I'm curious, is your layout qwerty or dvorak?

[@hauk5429]

Look at where the keys are placed in the video and you'll find out! :)

[@rationalityfirst]

Hauk Sortilden you should know that not the placement of the keycaps determines the layout

[@hauk5429]

But why would he have a layout that doesn't fit the placement of the keycaps?

[@rationalityfirst]

because if you learn to touch type you can memorize the keys and you can switch to any layout you want

[@hauk5429]

I guess he'd get blank keycaps if that was the case.

[@PiggyMcCult]

You use FN and the number keys.

[@dho]

My cable isn't gold plated/colored, interesting....

[@trubadyr99]

You kind of have "swallowed" the name of the store you've got the keyboard from. Can you post its name?

[@iNViSiBiLiTi]

elitekeyboards

[@tocotaku4787]

Arer you never on to answer questions, or is it more of the face that you don't have an answer? Just wondering because you seem to have a lot of information, and I am lacking with certain information that you cannot obtain from just reading descriptions of the said keyboard online. Still wanted to hear your preference on a 60% to 75% mechanical keyboard of what has the best quality and overall comfort and feel to you. Maybe, you'll check these posts sooner or later and help save me wasted money. I am in between a pro pure(limited cherry switches, wanted to try green or clear) or a leopold 660m (some limitability with modding key hats) a poker 2 if I could find on that doesn't have reads, or save even more money and see how a topre switch feels with the leopold 660c.

[@markdagpin1981]

fck. this keyboard costs a fortune today

[@worldhello1234]

An absurd fortune, probably because these are NOS. This topre version is about 240 bucks on Ebay.

[@TRH982]

I know its not the same but the way he describes pressing the keys is exactly how my $10 logitech is lol

[@snowprogamer]

what is ur favorite keyboard

[@BrainSeepsOut]

Since these are crazy expensive keyboards I'd expect them to have two-stage height adjustment...

[@RationallySkeptical]

BrainSeepsOut There's not much logic in that statement. A two-stage height adjustment only requires a couple of pieces of plastic (the feet) that probably cost no more than a dollar each. Some very inexpensive keyboards have that feature. This is expensive primarily because of the Topre switches, and rightly so. Electrostatic capacitives will not only out-last Cherry MX because actuation occurs without any moving parts touching, but they are significantly smoother as well. They do make this exact same model with Cherry MX switches, and they are MUCH less expensive.

[@BrainSeepsOut]

dude, that was exactly my point. It's not expensive to implement so why NOT do it?

[@jacobematt6222]

BrainSeepsOut Because then it would be more expensive.

[@0M9H4X_Neckbeard]

+BrainSeepsOut the Keyboard isn't that expensive, the topre Switches are

[@searching4quoleth102]

but i dont want a num pad... Who is this guy?

[@WhiteFireDragon]

I thought you were just trolling for fun at first, but it seems like you're blinded from being a razer fanboi. You didn't compare $10 Dell keyboard to Razer, so why compare Razer to topre keyboards? These two have very different form factor/size, switch type, typing experience, and price. If you opened up the Black Widow, you'll see some poor electronics. But if all you care about are the flashy lights and pretty boxes it comes with, good for you. But no need to bring fanboyism in here.

[@randomcow505]

nice keyboard n all but i still dont see the point in getting rid of all the f# switches fair point with the num pad but why the f# switches and why dont they just put the num pad on the other side oh and plastic on a 200£ + keyboard wouldn't dare

[@archiethedog4515]

I'd just get the Coolermaster Novatouch and then you would have the ability to get any keycaps you wanted.

[@armsox]

+Jon Doe (Mr White Foxy) this video was uploaded before the Novatouch came out

[@mikee7946]

+Jon Doe (Mr White Foxy) Novatouch is known for not feeling and being as good as other topre.

[@ErnestsKrafts14]

yes

[@hendeeze]

You know you take your keyboarding seriously when you got a metal handle keycap puller lol.

[@winabpc1564]

Named after AGK.

[@davidporterrealestate]

are you sure?

[@theterricsTV]

Make product black. Put LEDs in it. Name it after a greek god. SLICKKK

[@ErnestsKrafts14]

where is f1-f12

[@bgra487]

Its in the numbers from 1 to -_ =+ hold fn key and press any number 1 is fn 2 is f2 and so on but for these: - = they are f11 and 12

[@BerserkerX86]

I thought topre was a japanese company why do i see korean writing...

[@larrybrin4937]

insert is only useless for gamers :) paste on unix for example is shift+insert

[@matthiasss4872]

Lmao did you just said that a black widow is better than anything with topre switches? You cant be serious?

[@WARGORELORD]

Why get a Razer when you can get a Filco or Ducky... :/

[@shoopdawooplazars]

Oh god dude....

[@EdwardAhKee]

obviously somebody has never seen the HHKB

[@SumeragiMinami]

Razor BW is the worst mechanical keyboard I've ever bought. Switched to a filco and never look back.

[@theterricsTV]

"Buy a Razer" lol

[@tmp51]

This dude has no idea about keycaps.

[@CorginShep]

Get that Razer™ shit out of here.

[@FunOrange42]

Half the keyboard for twice the price!! What a deal!

[@iLiokardo]

The Topre switch is pretty expensive.

[@aNotoriousPhD]

not everybody is an accountant and needs a numpad

[@philipbanks632]

@@aNotoriousPhD Still doesn't excuse why ten key-less keyboards offer no discount when they're literally a lesser product.

[@CC-fi3pp]

It's trash, just get a hhkb.

[@AlEx-ro7kd]

leopold gang got shooters

[@yougottabemadasllmao]

its pretty much superior to the hhkb in every way except the stabs and the layout

[@scd6969]

sounds aweful

[@TAVIII]

not even close to as solid as a ducky

[@vincetang7548]

No, but it is a topre keyboard. It does have thicker PBT keycaps than the Ducky one.

[@TAVIII]

Vince Tang yeah but you can go buy replacements very easily

[@vincetang7548]

but these are also TOPRE, meaning they use premium rubber for the domes, an electro-capacitive PCB (which takes more to manufacture), and etc. The ducky may have a better build quality but these have higher quality switches (which IMO) feel better.

[@TAVIII]

Vince Tang debatable, a lot of talk about "high quality rubber" in topre but they dont even use individual domes, just a mat, and I doubt it's any "higher quality" than any other rubber. They're also ridiculously priced. Yes, Cherry MX is scratchy shit, at least the linear and tactile ones are, but regardless, Topre's "quality" is really overplayed.

[@jfarriola]

OK Have you even tried Topre switches?