Leopold is one of the few keyboard builders that features
Topre switch based keyboards. Like Ducky
Channel, the product line is mostly built by Topre rather than in its own
factory. However, it gets a little murky
with Leopold since the keyboard may be built in China, South Korea or
Japan. Rumor has it that Varmilo
manufactures many of Leopold’s products.
In any case, Leopold acts as the quality assurance agent. So, honestly it really doesn’t matter who the
OEM really is, as long as the product is as good as it can be.
Now, the FC660C is a 60% keyboard that is not quite
standard. It has those extra arrow keys
and two additional INS and DEL keys on the right side. Therefore, it does not have a conventional
60% keyboard layout like KBParadise’s V60 or Vortex’s Pok3r. These keyboards use fancy Fn remap functions
to completely change the key stroke meanings and macro capability. I am not smart enough to manage something
that complex. So, I tend to stick with
something simpler like the FC660C where Fn+1 simply mean F1 key. It also has DIP switches to change the
default behaviors of various keys in case someone wants to swap key positions
such as control or shift. Due to a
non-standard layout, it might not be as transparent moving from a FC660C to
another TKL and vice versa. However, its
layout is fairly close to a typical laptop keyboard layout. So, it’s not bad per se, but more as
something to be aware of. Again, I tend
to leave these things alone since I deal with many different keyboards, workstations
and laptops. Thus, I try to keep things
as standard as possible. In this case,
the FC660C fits right in. I wish it
would have PgDn and PgUp as well, but then that would pretty much be like an 87 keys TKL. So kind of defeats the purpose. Once in a while, I have to stop and think
when I need to press a function key or need to use Page Down or Page Up. However, these instances are more or less infrequent. So, it’s not that much different from using a
laptop keyboard.
With Topre switches anchoring the keyboard technology, one
can expect a great typing experience. I
can attest to that, since I like the uniform weighting rather than the variable
type. For some reason, the keys are
rated 45g, but I feel like keys takes a bit more force to press than my
104UG. It’s more like a 55g or more. Also, it’s the brightest sounding and
chattiest Topre keyboard that I have around.
Not that it’s a bad thing, tho, it is louder than I have expected. Now, it’s nowhere near buckling spring or
Cherry MX blue for that matter, but still a bit unexpected. The sound has a more squeaky pitch, perhaps
an octaves or so higher than one from a regular Realforce. Topre switch is something to be experienced
as I said earlier. However, it can be a
bit odd if someone who is not familiar with its behavior and can be mistaken
for a really good rubber dome keyboard.
Nothing wrong with rubber dome keyboards per se, as they are sold in the
millions and there are many great rubber dome keyboards made every day. However, someone can easily overlook the
subtle Topre switch Zen-like beauty if one is not paying attention. So, it’s what the buyer values. I struggled with Topre switches for a while
and finally come to really enjoy using it.
Leopold’s FC660C is an excellent ambassador for Topre switches.
Since this keyboard features PBT key caps, obviously it
doesn’t have any LED lighting or stuff like that. It’s a retro/old school keyboard that the
keys cap feels assured, carries some weight.
So, it’s less likely that someone would accidentally tap on
something. The key cap surface are
comfortable and fingers glide gracefully from one key to another. No wonder it’s a favorite among some
professional Starcraft gamers. The only
thing that I am not a fan of is the mini-USB interface location. I fully understand why Leopold chose to put
it there. However, for my typical setup,
it gets in the way and bends downward slightly generating unwanted torque on
the connector. If the keyboard would
hide the connector interface somewhere out of the way and use some cable
routers and channels to manage the cable travel, I think I will sleep just a
little easier. Since the keyboard is
designed for folks on the go, I can see the design choices made to better serve them.
Now, remember, it’s a Topre switch based keyboard. So one can expect the full Topre experience,
along with a price tag to match. Even
though it is a 60% keyboard, it costs just about as much as a regular 87 keys TKL from Topre itself if not more. So,
one must be prepared to pay the price of admission to the Topre kingdom. It’s just how it is…
In conclusion, FC660C is a joy to use, easily portable
around and Topre switches make a great keyboard typing experience. It makes me want to bring this keyboard
around where ever I go so I get a chance to use it rather than what’s already out
there. Minor, but pesky USB connector
annoyance and pricing issue aside, there is much to like about the keyboard in
general.
Grade: A-
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