This is my first ever mechanical keyboard. Some might say that I took a pretty big risk by jumping straight into topre keyboards, considering the fact that I had never tried one before. Nevertheless, the glowing reviews all over the internet about this keyboard pushed me over the edge and I decided to fork over 270 euros plus shipping for the 'privilege' of owing one.

The switches do feel amazing. I don't have much experience here, I have tried out 5-6 boards in the past, all belonging to friends, all with either cherry or gateron switches. Some of them were pretty good. This one feels better. I can't describe why and how, but the feeling and sound out of the box is really satisfying. THOCK indeed. The color is not black, more like charcoal or graphite, it looks really nice. The keycaps have a subtle texture that provides a pleasant feeling on the fingertips as I type.

On the other hand, in terms of build quality, I was somehow disappointed. All reviews mention the excellent build quality of this particular board, mine however came with 3 keys visibly misaligned. I can't tell if it's the key that is crooked or the stem of the switch, but all my efforts to align them failed. It's more or less a matter of aesthetics, since it doesn't seem to affect the board's function, yet one would expect top notch quality check for this price tag, and in this respect Leopold has not delivered. The board also came a bit warped and would not sit flat on a table, but I fixed that by twisting it in the right direction. Some small degree of warp remains, but I can live with that. Again, I did not expect that for that kind of money.

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with the FC980C. The typing experience has lived up to my expectations. Had it been matched by the build quality, I would be ecstatic. But for its price, it leaves something to be desired.

Incredible keyboard for typing all day. For many, a potential endgame keyboard out of the box. I use this as a graphic designer/marketer and I can get to 100 WPM and above quite easily and accurately with these switches which not only feel amazing but sound amazing as well. I like the 1800 layout for graphic design because the mouse fits comfortably to the right of the keyboard.

The 45g switches are exactly what the doctor ordered for day-in, day day-out typing. I have found that it is quiet enough for office work as well, and can be further enhanced by installing silencing rings that are available on the market which will dampen the sound of the upstroke. Lubed and silenced, this keyboard is absolutely heavenly.

The tactility of Topre switches is debated - I think the switches would be improved by a little tactility and there are aftermarket domes available for that if you wish to take the plunge. However, disassembly and reassembly of this keyboard is not for the feint of heart - avoid if you can help it. Topre keyboards are VERY intolerant of misalignment due to their switch design and it is tricky to get right the first time.

Black on black is nice and subtle but the legends are nearly impossible to read in a dark room, so be ready to shine a lamp on your keyboard if you can't touch type.

Coming from ergo-clears I was honestly disappointed when I first got the keyboard. Almost sent it back right away because I thought it was mushy. Kept riding with it for the day and started to fall in love with the switch. After a week of owning the keyboard I've fallen head over heals for it. The board feels amazing to type on.

I'm happy every-time I come to the keyboard. It's expensive, but when you start modding MX keyboard and custom builds which I've done over the past, it comes in under, or the same price. The keycap quality is amazing and switching it with any other caps will be a downgrade. At the end of the day aesthetics of fancy caps are nice but functionality > asthetics is always my mantra.

The 1800 format is icing on the cake, use the numpad regularly as a network administrator and is truly endgame worthy. Though I will be buying a QMK controller in the future for some more advance functionality. With the build quality of the board you could use it as a blunt weapon and I doubt you would hurt the board one built.

It's built like a rock but rides like a Cadillac.

My favorite Topre keyboard. Solid build and high quality. Also love the layout which is very functional for my work PC.

Looks and feels great. Keycaps are very nice PBT, and you come to appreciate the FC980 layout quickly.

A note for any other buyers - if you find your keyboard sits unevenly on a flat surface, give the board a twist in the right direction and it should flatten out.