Introduction:
Leopold is a fairly popular keyboard manufacturer that offer their mechanical keyboards in a variety of different keyswitches so the end-user is able to pick the keyboard with their favourite switches.
The Leopold FC700R is their range of mechanical tenkeyless keyboards that builds on the success of the FC500R, with new features including PBT plastic keycaps, a silicon keyboard cover and multimedia keys.
Today I'll be reviewing the Leopold FC700R in white with Cherry MX Reds.
Technical Specifications:
Colours: White, Graphite
Keyswitches: Cherry MX Red, Blue, Black and Brown
Number of Keys: 87
N-Key Rollover: USB 6KRO, PS/2 NKRO
Key Caps: PBT
Windows Key Disable: Yes
Dimensions: 360 x 136 x 28-45 mm
Cable Length: 1.8m (detachable)
Weight: 1KG
Up Close:
As perviously mentioned, I will be looking at the White version of this keyboard. The box comes with the technical information at the back, along with descriptions of its key features. However I found the front to remind me more of a motherboard than a keyboard with the little boxes showing off the features.
Inside the box with fine the keyboard with a silicon protector over it, detachable USB cable and a USB to PS/2 Adaptor. The cable those have gold plated connectors, however whether or not this will actually affect performance is arguable.
Covering the keyboard in the silicon cover provides an extra layer of protection from accidental spills, however it is noticeable. The layout is fairly standard, however there is a function key where the menu key normally is. As a result the menu keys is now the function of the right control. The media keys are ideally placed on the right function keys and the windows keys can also be locked with its use.
There are also little plastic windows that light up when caps, scroll or windows keys are locked.
On the bottom we have 4 extremely grippy rubber feet and two risers as well as a sticker containing some more product information. It also features cable routing holes depending on where you want the keyboard to come out, which can help reduce cable clutter on your desk.
Performance:
The PBT keys are the more durable material used in keycaps and provides a more assured and solid typing experience. When combined with Cherry MX switches it leads to an extremely typing experience. They are also less prone to developing keyboard 'shine' as a result. However during the production process not all keys were polished of properly with a little bump where the plastic was poured into the mould, however this doesn't affect the typing experience.
Now when I bought this keyboard it was labelled as having lasered lettering on the keycaps, however upon closer inspection, I noticed that the letters are actually printed on, this means they aren't as durable and will wear out.
When it comes with using the included keyboard cover, I personally wouldn't, as the it not only ruins the beautiful aesthetics of the keyboard, but also effect the typing experience, making the keys feel sticky and less responsive, however when the keyboard is covered it is noticeably quieter.
Conclusion
The typing experience is extremely enjoyable and with a variety of keyswitches to suit all different kinds of users. However when the silicon cover is placed over it, it feels like a public keyboard at your local library.
The main issue I have with this keyboard are the printed keyboards, laser keys would have been better for a high end keyboard especially if it uses PBT plastic.
Overall this is an excellent keyboard, the white colour scheme is unique in a world of black and gunmetal grey keyboards. With a price of $120 AUD, it's also one of the cheaper mechanical keyboards out there on the market, however it does lack some of the features of its competitors.
Performance: 9/10
Presentation: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Leopold is a fairly popular keyboard manufacturer that offer their mechanical keyboards in a variety of different keyswitches so the end-user is able to pick the keyboard with their favourite switches.
The Leopold FC700R is their range of mechanical tenkeyless keyboards that builds on the success of the FC500R, with new features including PBT plastic keycaps, a silicon keyboard cover and multimedia keys.
Today I'll be reviewing the Leopold FC700R in white with Cherry MX Reds.
Technical Specifications:
Colours: White, Graphite
Keyswitches: Cherry MX Red, Blue, Black and Brown
Number of Keys: 87
N-Key Rollover: USB 6KRO, PS/2 NKRO
Key Caps: PBT
Windows Key Disable: Yes
Dimensions: 360 x 136 x 28-45 mm
Cable Length: 1.8m (detachable)
Weight: 1KG
Up Close:
As perviously mentioned, I will be looking at the White version of this keyboard. The box comes with the technical information at the back, along with descriptions of its key features. However I found the front to remind me more of a motherboard than a keyboard with the little boxes showing off the features.
Inside the box with fine the keyboard with a silicon protector over it, detachable USB cable and a USB to PS/2 Adaptor. The cable those have gold plated connectors, however whether or not this will actually affect performance is arguable.
Covering the keyboard in the silicon cover provides an extra layer of protection from accidental spills, however it is noticeable. The layout is fairly standard, however there is a function key where the menu key normally is. As a result the menu keys is now the function of the right control. The media keys are ideally placed on the right function keys and the windows keys can also be locked with its use.
There are also little plastic windows that light up when caps, scroll or windows keys are locked.
On the bottom we have 4 extremely grippy rubber feet and two risers as well as a sticker containing some more product information. It also features cable routing holes depending on where you want the keyboard to come out, which can help reduce cable clutter on your desk.
Performance:
The PBT keys are the more durable material used in keycaps and provides a more assured and solid typing experience. When combined with Cherry MX switches it leads to an extremely typing experience. They are also less prone to developing keyboard 'shine' as a result. However during the production process not all keys were polished of properly with a little bump where the plastic was poured into the mould, however this doesn't affect the typing experience.
Now when I bought this keyboard it was labelled as having lasered lettering on the keycaps, however upon closer inspection, I noticed that the letters are actually printed on, this means they aren't as durable and will wear out.
When it comes with using the included keyboard cover, I personally wouldn't, as the it not only ruins the beautiful aesthetics of the keyboard, but also effect the typing experience, making the keys feel sticky and less responsive, however when the keyboard is covered it is noticeably quieter.
Conclusion
The typing experience is extremely enjoyable and with a variety of keyswitches to suit all different kinds of users. However when the silicon cover is placed over it, it feels like a public keyboard at your local library.
The main issue I have with this keyboard are the printed keyboards, laser keys would have been better for a high end keyboard especially if it uses PBT plastic.
Overall this is an excellent keyboard, the white colour scheme is unique in a world of black and gunmetal grey keyboards. With a price of $120 AUD, it's also one of the cheaper mechanical keyboards out there on the market, however it does lack some of the features of its competitors.
Performance: 9/10
Presentation: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Correct me if I'm wrong, just looks like that from the picture you posted
