Leopold FC900R Keyboard Review

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Unboxing and First Impressions

There’s something special about the anticipation of unboxing a new keyboard, especially when it’s the Leopold FC900R. As I sliced through the tape and lifted the lid, I could feel my excitement growing. Inside, the Leopold FC900R lay snugly, a sleek piece of engineering that seemed to promise a lot. This keyboard isn’t trying to impress with flashy RGB lighting or over-the-top gimmicks; it’s all about performance, durability, and a premium typing experience.

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Build Quality: A Solid Performer

The first thing you notice about the Leopold FC900R is its build quality. This keyboard feels robust, thanks to its solid plastic frame that doesn’t flex or creak under pressure. It’s like shaking hands with a bodybuilder—firm and reassuring. The doubleshot PBT keycaps are another highlight. These keycaps are built to last, resisting the shine that plagues cheaper ABS plastic keycaps over time. They feel great under your fingers, offering a slightly textured surface that enhances grip and typing comfort.

Switch Choices: Finding Your Perfect Match

Leopold offers the FC900R with a variety of Cherry MX switches, catering to different preferences. The unit I tested came with Cherry MX Brown switches, which struck a perfect balance for both typing and gaming. These switches are known for their tactile bump without being too loud, making them ideal for office environments where you don’t want to drive your colleagues insane with the clatter of Cherry MX Blues. However, if you prefer a different feel, you can choose from a range of other Cherry MX switches like Reds, Blues, and Blacks. Each switch type offers a unique typing experience, so it’s worth considering what suits your needs best.

Typing Experience: Smooth Operator

Typing on the Leopold FC900R is akin to a delightful dance where every keypress is precise and satisfying. The Cherry MX Browns offer a tactile feedback that’s noticeable but not overwhelming, making it easy to maintain a rhythm whether you’re typing out a report or indulging in a late-night writing spree. The keycaps have a slight sculpt that conforms to your fingertips, ensuring each keypress feels natural and accurate. There’s a certain joy in typing on this keyboard, something that’s hard to quantify but easy to appreciate once you start using it.

Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Function

Let’s talk ergonomics. The Leopold FC900R features a single incline setting, which might seem a bit basic compared to keyboards with multiple adjustable feet, but it works well. The keyboard’s height and angle are comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. However, it doesn’t come with a wrist rest, which might be a downside for some users. If you find that you need extra wrist support, it’s worth investing in a separate wrist rest. Despite this, the overall typing posture with the Leopold FC900R is quite good, reducing strain even during extended use.

Missing Features: The Good and the Bad

Here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty. The Leopold FC900R is not without its limitations. For starters, there’s no backlighting. For some, this could be a dealbreaker, especially if you often find yourself typing in low-light conditions. Personally, I appreciate the minimalist aesthetic, but your mileage may vary. Another limitation is the lack of programmable macros. Gamers and power users might miss this feature, as it can significantly enhance productivity and gaming efficiency.

However, the Leopold FC900R does include DIP switches underneath, allowing you to remap a few keys. While this doesn’t offer the same level of customization as dedicated macro keys, it does provide some flexibility. It’s a small nod towards customization that may satisfy some users.

Gaming Performance: Not Quite There

If you’re a gamer, you might find the Leopold FC900R a bit lacking. The absence of backlighting and programmable macros means this keyboard isn’t optimized for gaming. The Cherry MX Brown switches, while great for typing, might not provide the ultra-quick actuation that competitive gamers seek. They have a low pre-travel distance and are light to press, but the lack of gaming-centric features might leave you wanting more if you’re a hardcore gamer.

Sound Profile: Quiet Efficiency

One of the most pleasant surprises with the Leopold FC900R is its quiet operation. The Cherry MX Brown switches produce minimal typing noise, making this keyboard ideal for shared workspaces or late-night work sessions when you don’t want to wake the whole house. There’s a sound-absorbing pad inside the keyboard that further dampens the noise, ensuring that your typing remains unobtrusive. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall user experience.

Aesthetics and Design: Understated Elegance

The Leopold FC900R doesn’t shout for attention with flashy lights or an aggressive design. Instead, it boasts an understated elegance that fits seamlessly into any environment, be it an office, a home workspace, or a gaming setup. The clean lines, muted colors, and quality materials all speak to a design philosophy that prioritizes function over form, yet manages to look effortlessly stylish.

Connectivity and Compatibility: Plug and Play

Setting up the Leopold FC900R is a breeze. It’s a simple plug-and-play device with no need for additional software. This keyboard is compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile choice regardless of your operating system. The USB cable is detachable, which is a nice touch for portability and cable management. However, it’s worth noting that this keyboard lacks any wireless connectivity options, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer a cable-free desk.

Durability: Built to Last

Durability is where the Leopold FC900R truly shines. Everything about this keyboard, from the sturdy plastic frame to the resilient PBT keycaps, screams longevity. The Cherry MX switches are rated for millions of keystrokes, ensuring that this keyboard can withstand heavy use for years without showing signs of wear. This is a keyboard that’s built to last, making it a worthy investment for anyone who spends a significant amount of time at their desk.

Price Point: You Get What You Pay For

The Leopold FC900R isn’t the cheapest keyboard on the market, but it offers excellent value for money. Given its build quality, typing experience, and durability, it’s a solid investment. This keyboard is positioned as a premium product, and it lives up to that label in many ways. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of more feature-packed keyboards, it excels in the fundamentals, which are often more important in the long run.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Leopold FC900R is a keyboard that knows its strengths and plays to them well. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable mechanical keyboard with an outstanding typing experience, the Leopold FC900R is a fantastic choice.

For office use and general typing, this keyboard is hard to beat. The Cherry MX Brown switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback without being too noisy, and the build quality ensures that this keyboard will stand the test of time. The lack of backlighting and programmable macros might be a dealbreaker for some, especially gamers, but if you can look past these omissions, you’ll find a lot to love about the Leopold FC900R.

So, who is this keyboard for? If you’re a typist, a writer, or someone who values a premium typing experience, the Leopold FC900R is definitely worth considering. It’s a keyboard that’s built to last, offering a no-frills, high-quality experience that’s hard to find in today’s market. While it might not be the best choice for gamers or those who need extensive customization, it excels in providing a reliable, enjoyable typing experience day in and day out.

In summary, the Leopold FC900R is a solid, dependable keyboard that delivers where it counts. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is more. By focusing on core strengths like build quality, typing experience, and durability, Leopold has created a keyboard that’s sure to please a wide range of users. If you’re in the market for a new mechanical keyboard, the Leopold FC900R deserves a spot on your shortlist.

There you have it—the Leopold FC900R Keyboard Review. It’s not flashy, it’s not full of gimmicks, but it’s one of the most reliable and enjoyable keyboards you’ll ever type on. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, then the Leopold FC900R might just be the keyboard for you.

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