Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
Add to Brave
Add to SafariWhen comparing Model M vs Leopold FC660C, the Slant community recommends Leopold FC660C for most people. In the question“What are the best keyboards for programming?” Leopold FC660C is ranked 9th while Model M is ranked 14th. The most important reason people chose Leopold FC660C is:
Topre switches are a high end switch which typically cost a hefty premium. They have mechanical components protected underneath a rubber dome which makes them more durable.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Tactile and "clicky" buckling-spring key switches
Buckling-spring switches are hardly used anymore, but they give some of the best tactile response when activated.
Pro Very sturdy
Although heavier than a modern keyboard, this keyboard is built like a tank. There is no flex, and the components were built to last.
Pro Solid construction
Quality construction, good materials.
Pro Clear separation of key groups
Pro Attitude
Clearly signals that I'm serious about what I do and how I do it.
Pro Removable / replaceable keycaps.
With a hook beneath the caps that you have to get to, you can detach those keycaps and replace them with others.
Pro Topre switches at a good price
Topre switches are a high end switch which typically cost a hefty premium. They have mechanical components protected underneath a rubber dome which makes them more durable.
Pro Solid construction
The Leopold FC660C is a solid and well-build mechanical keyboard. In fact, it's heavier than the HHKB (Happy Hacking Keyboard).
Pro Topre switches are plate mounted
This board's keys don't feel bouncy thanks to it's topre switch design. Since the torpe switches are mounted directly on the plate, the board feels much stiffer overall.
Pro Compact and portable footprint
If you love your keyboard enough to want to use it everywhere, it should be portable, especially if it's as expensive as this one is. The FC660C is very compact and easy to carry around.
Cons
Con Noisy to type on
Floss mod is available for the Type M to make the keyboard a little more quiet. However, since it's still a mechanical keyboard, it will be noisy. This keyboard will not be appreciated in the office.
Con Very hard to acquire
Out of stock for decades.
Con Ugly as hell
Con Some driver issues with USB-only computers
Using a PS/2 to USB adapter can kill rollover.
Con Very large
Measuring nearly 20'' x 8.5'' x 2" ( 50 x 21.5 x 5 cm), this is a very big keyboard. It will be hard to fit into a minimalistic styled desk setup, and might even be too big for some smaller desks.
Con Lacks some modifier keys
The Model M lacks both of the meta/super/cmd/Windows (depending on the OS in question) keys and a menu key.
Con Can suffer from squeeky "plastic on plastic" rubbing with the case
Con Very expensive
Con Non standard key sizes
Non standard key sizes means your aftermarket keycap options are limited to non-modifiers. This issue also exists with virtually every other keyboard that utilises the Topre switch.
