I have two Leopold 87s w/ Cherry Browns, at work and home. I love them. They also have a solid build quality and with the Cherry Browns, they still have a slight 'clack' but not to loud. Never once had a complaint from a coworker. Never experienced the Cherry Clear switches.
I don't see backlighting as a necessary feature. I almost never have to look at my keyboard. If I do there's generally enough ambient light, even if the lights are off, my monitor throws enough around.
I run Windows so media key's are more than easily compensated for by AutoHotKey. Instead of Fn+Key you can make whatever shortcut you want. Obvously a different equation for other OSs.
I don't see backlighting as a necessary feature. I almost never have to look at my keyboard. If I do there's generally enough ambient light, even if the lights are off, my monitor throws enough around.
I run Windows so media key's are more than easily compensated for by AutoHotKey. Instead of Fn+Key you can make whatever shortcut you want. Obvously a different equation for other OSs.