I've owned a RealForce keyboard with Topre switches before and I can confirm: they're the real deal! The fact that there is an actuation modifier button on the board and just the overall feel of them makes them worth it. If you get one, you won't regret it. 👍 Thanks for the review!
Thanks for sharing your experience Stephen! I have been using the HHKB Hybrid Type S for the last 4 months. Just another Realforce board, can't live without it, I love Topre.
Hey Zach, the typing experience is pretty much the same. The layout of HHKB took me about 4 weeks to get used to, I haven't gone back to the full sized keyboard or the FC980C ever since. Once used to it, the layout is perfect for typical daily/work use. Gaming might be a bit challenging if you require F keys :)
@@thelongnguyens I appreciate your review and sharing your experience. When I'm flush I may decide on the HHKB. Right now I use the Magicforce 68 and for $38 it cannot be beat. I don't play games too much anymore and I have very little desire to play them since I developed a sincere meditation practice. I used to play so many! Much Love
@@thelongnguyens Funny you should say that...I'm typing this comment with the FC660C (Topre Silent) that arrived over the weekend. Love it even more than I thought I would! Your insights and overview helped me decide that the FC660C was best for my needs. Thanks again :)
@@benjitzu6786 oh man! Congrats! I would love to try the silent version of the Leopold. I wish they have one for FC980C as that's my favorite format and dedicated numpad. Good purchase!
@@thelongnguyens You'll LOVE the silent topres - hopefully you can try them soon. I agree with you about the FC980C - it's my favorite layout as well (I have a FC980M with mx brows). If/when Leopold releases a silent version of the FC980C it'll be oh so tempting haha Thanks again and enjoy your Topres too :)
Happy holidays and New Year! Thank you so much for your review. Couldn't decide b/w Leopold and Realforce, and decided to get the Realforce R2 PFU limited! Thx so much Long!
Thank you for this excellent review! I have been considering a Topre board and I am leaning toward the FC980C, because I love the layout the best. The Realforce sounds so amazing, though. I wish the FC980C came in a silenced version!
I'm so glad that the information helped you. Same as you, I wish there is a silent version on the fc980c! If you don't mind to modify it, you can get very similar experience.
@@thelongnguyens I just received my FC980C today. It's not too loud, and If I feel brave enough to open it in the future, maybe I will lube and add silencing rings. But for now, I like it the way it is! Thanks again for your advice!
@@thelongnguyens haha just came back to this video because I just ordered the FC980C and I also had ordered the FC660c when I typed this original comment! topre is great again thanks for the video!
Can't believe you bought both haha! If you could only have one, which one would you pick? Differences in Typing experiences? Don't forget to share your thoughts.
If you need a numpad on an FC660C you can get the Hasu controller (or BLE660C controller) to make it programmable, then add a numpad to the Fn layer. FC660C Low-Noise with Hasu is my favorite keyboard that I use everyday for my work programming, and adding the numpad and media controls has made it even better.
Thanks for sharing! I work with excel spreadsheet a lot so bets to have a dedicated numpad. I would love to try the low noise version of FC660C, still one of my favourite keyboards :)
I have a question. Right now, I am having trouble deciding between the Leopold FC660C and the Realforce R2 PFU Limited Edition (both are 45g silent). The main thing drawing me away from the Realforce is the non-removable cable. However, you described the Realforce as feeling amazing to type on. Which keyboard do you recommend that I buy? Is the feel of the Realforce worth it even though you can't remove the cable?
Hey James, are you considering the R2 PFU in TKL or full size? Do you bring keyboard around often? I haven't tried the silent version on the FC660C and I'm sure it's amazing. The build quality is a little better on the plastic surface, feel more solid. If you're planning to use keyboard for gaming too, then the R2 PFU definitely has big advantage due to adjustable actuation point. If you don't game on it, wants quality + portability then FC660C is the way to go! I wish it has USB C cable though.
@@thelongnguyens Thank you for your reply. If I buy the R2, I will get it in the TKL size. I don't travel as I am still a high school student, so I don't think portability should be too much of a problem. Do you think that the build quality on the Leopold is better than the build quality on the Realforce? Also, which feels better to type on overall?
@@JamesThomas-tu6ix the build quality isn't an issue at all with Realforce. I'm just being very picky in details to help you make the right purchase decision. The typing experience on the R2 is just so amazing I wouldn't care much about the plastic used on keyboard :)
@@thelongnguyens With the feel in mind, I might consider buying the Realforce R2 over the Leopold FC660C. Thank you for your responses, they have really helped me out! Thank you for the great review as well.
Thanks Brian, hope it was informative for you. I got this cable as a gift from friend, i think it's pretty easy to find one if you search for custom coiled USB cable. I don't use it much, prefer simple stock cable :)
Owned all of them. The advantage of the HHKB is the aesthetics and, for some, it’s unique layout. However, the Leopold topre boards are a step up in quality. The Leopolds feels more solid (most likely because of the steel plate and internal padding) than the hollow sounding HHKB.
Quality wise from the touch and feel, Leopold is better I personally feel. But from typing experience, I think Realforce is the way to go. For my daily use, it has been the HHKB Hybrid Type S, it's hard to find one that could replace it now from the form factor and multi connection types.
I haven't used a standard R2, however I don't expect it to be much different to Leopold. I believe the factory silent is worth it, amazing typing experience out of the box compare to standard version.
Hey Dave, I haven't used the silent version on Leopold, but I think they would feel very similar. After all, Realforce help Leopold to make Topre boards.
It's much better in every way, not just low noise but also typing feels better. I would never go back to standard version. It's perfect for work, zoom call while typing and gaming.
Yes. However at least for the fc980c, num lock doesn't work for me on mac, so the num pad can only be used for numbers (and not the home/end/etc keys). The other way to use home/end is to press the function key and press the buttons all the way at the top right, which I find way too awkward.
I have used similar layout with function layer for numpad such as TKL Realforce 55g, Anne pro 2. You could get use to it with time. However, it just wasn't efficient enough for my use case.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Great comparison, made me decide on the fc980c. Also, you have a really clear/good voice!
Thank you Bertus! I'm glad the video help you to decide, I rotate between FC980C and the Realforce fortnightly for work.
I've owned a RealForce keyboard with Topre switches before and I can confirm: they're the real deal! The fact that there is an actuation modifier button on the board and just the overall feel of them makes them worth it. If you get one, you won't regret it. 👍
Thanks for the review!
Thanks for sharing your experience Stephen! I have been using the HHKB Hybrid Type S for the last 4 months. Just another Realforce board, can't live without it, I love Topre.
What do you think of the HHKB hybrid s, vs the realforce? How was it getting used to the layout?
Hey Zach, the typing experience is pretty much the same. The layout of HHKB took me about 4 weeks to get used to, I haven't gone back to the full sized keyboard or the FC980C ever since. Once used to it, the layout is perfect for typical daily/work use. Gaming might be a bit challenging if you require F keys :)
@@thelongnguyens I appreciate your review and sharing your experience. When I'm flush I may decide on the HHKB. Right now I use the Magicforce 68 and for $38 it cannot be beat. I don't play games too much anymore and I have very little desire to play them since I developed a sincere meditation practice. I used to play so many! Much Love
Thanks for such an awesome review, mate! Loved the thorough and detailed overview of each model. So helpful! Cheers
Hey thanks Ben! if you don't have one yet, time to get onboard :)
@@thelongnguyens Funny you should say that...I'm typing this comment with the FC660C (Topre Silent) that arrived over the weekend. Love it even more than I thought I would! Your insights and overview helped me decide that the FC660C was best for my needs. Thanks again :)
@@benjitzu6786 oh man! Congrats! I would love to try the silent version of the Leopold. I wish they have one for FC980C as that's my favorite format and dedicated numpad. Good purchase!
@@thelongnguyens You'll LOVE the silent topres - hopefully you can try them soon. I agree with you about the FC980C - it's my favorite layout as well (I have a FC980M with mx brows). If/when Leopold releases a silent version of the FC980C it'll be oh so tempting haha Thanks again and enjoy your Topres too :)
Happy holidays and New Year! Thank you so much for your review. Couldn't decide b/w Leopold and Realforce, and decided to get the Realforce R2 PFU limited! Thx so much Long!
Thank you for this excellent review! I have been considering a Topre board and I am leaning toward the FC980C, because I love the layout the best. The Realforce sounds so amazing, though. I wish the FC980C came in a silenced version!
I'm so glad that the information helped you. Same as you, I wish there is a silent version on the fc980c! If you don't mind to modify it, you can get very similar experience.
@@thelongnguyens I just received my FC980C today. It's not too loud, and If I feel brave enough to open it in the future, maybe I will lube and add silencing rings. But for now, I like it the way it is! Thanks again for your advice!
Was looking for a video comparing leopolds to the r2 there's not too many so thanks
You're welcome, I faced the same challenge before so glad to hear the video helped you decide.
@@thelongnguyens haha just came back to this video because I just ordered the FC980C and I also had ordered the FC660c when I typed this original comment! topre is great again thanks for the video!
Can't believe you bought both haha! If you could only have one, which one would you pick? Differences in Typing experiences? Don't forget to share your thoughts.
Thx a lot. I am a big fan of leopold and I finally decided to buy fc980c!!!
This was very very helpful and easy to follow! Thank you so much!!!
Thank you, Sara.
If you need a numpad on an FC660C you can get the Hasu controller (or BLE660C controller) to make it programmable, then add a numpad to the Fn layer.
FC660C Low-Noise with Hasu is my favorite keyboard that I use everyday for my work programming, and adding the numpad and media controls has made it even better.
Thanks for sharing! I work with excel spreadsheet a lot so bets to have a dedicated numpad.
I would love to try the low noise version of FC660C, still one of my favourite keyboards :)
I have the same setup as you, but I’m frustrated that Leopold still hasn’t brought a 660c v2 with BT and some form of key remapping.
I have a question. Right now, I am having trouble deciding between the Leopold FC660C and the Realforce R2 PFU Limited Edition (both are 45g silent). The main thing drawing me away from the Realforce is the non-removable cable. However, you described the Realforce as feeling amazing to type on. Which keyboard do you recommend that I buy? Is the feel of the Realforce worth it even though you can't remove the cable?
Hey James, are you considering the R2 PFU in TKL or full size? Do you bring keyboard around often?
I haven't tried the silent version on the FC660C and I'm sure it's amazing. The build quality is a little better on the plastic surface, feel more solid.
If you're planning to use keyboard for gaming too, then the R2 PFU definitely has big advantage due to adjustable actuation point.
If you don't game on it, wants
quality + portability then FC660C is the way to go!
I wish it has USB C cable though.
@@thelongnguyens Thank you for your reply. If I buy the R2, I will get it in the TKL size. I don't travel as I am still a high school student, so I don't think portability should be too much of a problem. Do you think that the build quality on the Leopold is better than the build quality on the Realforce? Also, which feels better to type on overall?
@@JamesThomas-tu6ix the build quality isn't an issue at all with Realforce. I'm just being very picky in details to help you make the right purchase decision. The typing experience on the R2 is just so amazing I wouldn't care much about the plastic used on keyboard :)
@@thelongnguyens With the feel in mind, I might consider buying the Realforce R2 over the Leopold FC660C. Thank you for your responses, they have really helped me out! Thank you for the great review as well.
@@JamesThomas-tu6ix great choice! I'm confident that you will love it! Just need to find one with good price then pull trigger :)
I still dont get what PFU is, i cant find anything from google
Hi! Between the fc980c and the realforce R3?l would you know which one is best please? (R3 comes with wireless etc). Thanks!
Great job mate
I really like your mousepad! May I ask, where did you get it?
Hey thanks Kent! It's easy to find on amazon or eBay. Search for Desk Mat world map :)
thanks for the great review. where did you get the cable sir?
Thanks Brian, hope it was informative for you. I got this cable as a gift from friend, i think it's pretty easy to find one if you search for custom coiled USB cable.
I don't use it much, prefer simple stock cable :)
Have you tried the HHKB? It's my favorite topre board yet.
I haven't tried HHKB yet due to the layout. I'm sure it would give great typing experience like these Topres.
Owned all of them. The advantage of the HHKB is the aesthetics and, for some, it’s unique layout. However, the Leopold topre boards are a step up in quality. The Leopolds feels more solid (most likely because of the steel plate and internal padding) than the hollow sounding HHKB.
@@ryanvacation7319 thanks for sharing, would love to try the HHKB, even though it wouldn't be practical for my use case.
@Riu search. Not a rare or exclusive thought…
Which one is better in terms of quality, the Realforce r2 pfu or the Leopold fc980c(made in Japan)?
Quality wise from the touch and feel, Leopold is better I personally feel. But from typing experience, I think Realforce is the way to go. For my daily use, it has been the HHKB Hybrid Type S, it's hard to find one that could replace it now from the form factor and multi connection types.
@@thelongnguyensThank you for your advice!😊
how about the Realforce R2 vs PFU version tho? is it worth it to add more money for the silent version
I haven't used a standard R2, however I don't expect it to be much different to Leopold. I believe the factory silent is worth it, amazing typing experience out of the box compare to standard version.
@@thelongnguyens So fc660c silent version is the same as the pfu r2?
Hey Dave, I haven't used the silent version on Leopold, but I think they would feel very similar. After all, Realforce help Leopold to make Topre boards.
@@thelongnguyens i alread have the used rgb version that i bought. The PFU version is 2 times the price i spend on the used rgb 😭
@@slowtyper95 is that the R2 RGB? The first version didn't get great feedback from the topre lovers.
fc660c is good for gaming or typing?
It's good for typing, gaming is OK but not as good as the Realforce.
How is it silenced compared to non silenced version?
It's much better in every way, not just low noise but also typing feels better. I would never go back to standard version. It's perfect for work, zoom call while typing and gaming.
Can you use leopold's on a Mac?
Yes. However at least for the fc980c, num lock doesn't work for me on mac, so the num pad can only be used for numbers (and not the home/end/etc keys). The other way to use home/end is to press the function key and press the buttons all the way at the top right, which I find way too awkward.
Do you have any experience using a function layer numpad on something like the fc660c?
I have used similar layout with function layer for numpad such as TKL Realforce 55g, Anne pro 2. You could get use to it with time. However, it just wasn't efficient enough for my use case.
wao
660c ofc
2:30
4:35
They're so expensive ...
you like black, dont you
Professional color for office environment, before covid-19 of course :)