Keychron Q12 vs Leopold FC900R OECustomizable Southpaw vs Classic Full-Size
Choose the Keychron Q12 for deep customization and a unique southpaw layout, or the Leopold FC900R for a straightforward, classic full-size experience.
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4.5 (12)4.5 · 12 reviews
from$129at MK
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from$124at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q12
Customizable Southpaw
Build quality in the top 5% of 96% boards under $150.
- Extensive customization via QMK and VIA firmware support.
- Unique southpaw 96% layout with left-side numpad for ergonomics and desk space.
- Premium build with a full CNC aluminum case and steel plate.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Leopold FC900R OE
Classic Full-Size
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 100% boards under $150.
- Classic, familiar full-size 104-key layout.
- Pre-built with genuine Cherry MX switches in multiple variants, including silent options.
- Includes dedicated multimedia keys and internal sound dampening.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want to customize every aspect of your typing experience, from switches and keymaps to acoustics and layout, the Keychron Q12 is the superior tool. If you prefer a reliable, traditional keyboard that works perfectly out of the box with a standard layout, the Leopold FC900R is a straightforward option. Consider the Q12 an investment in a customizable platform, and the FC900R as a finished product.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron Q12
Leopold FC900R OE
Layout size
96%
100%
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Southpaw
Standard
Case material
Aluminum
Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Keychron Q12
- Leopold FC900R OE
- Performance
- 7347
- Build quality
- 9049
- Productivity
- 9861
- Customizability
- 9947
- Portability
- 4642
- Connection: Wired
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron Q12 is the clear choice for users focused on gaming, programming, modding, or content creation, thanks to its high-performance specs and deep customization. The Leopold FC900R suits those who prioritize a traditional, ready-to-use full-size keyboard for general office or travel use, where its plug-and-play nature is an advantage. For standard office tasks, both are competent, offering cross-platform compatibility and quiet operation.
Pick the Keychron Q12
- The Keychron Q12 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
- Its southpaw layout with left-side numpad frees up desk space for mouse movement.
- The aluminum case and gasket mount may provide a more stable, premium feel.
Keychron Q12 vs Leopold FC900R OE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 25 specs differ
Keychron Q12
Leopold FC900R OE
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron Q12
Keychron
ISO
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Leopold FC900R OE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Keychron Q12 vs Leopold FC900R OE: your questions
A southpaw layout places the numpad on the left side of the keyboard. The Keychron Q12 uses this design, which can free up desk space on the right for your mouse and may improve ergonomics when using the mouse and numpad simultaneously.
No, the Leopold FC900R OE is not hot-swappable. Its genuine Cherry MX switches are soldered onto the PCB. Changing them would require desoldering the old switches and soldering in new ones.
Yes. The Keychron Q12 listing specifies Mac support. According to the vendor description, it includes a system toggle and an additional set of keycaps for switching between macOS and Windows layouts.
Both keyboards feature sound-dampening materials. The Leopold offers silent Cherry MX switch options. The Keychron Q12 uses a double-gasket design and silicone pads, which the manufacturer states reduces acoustic resonance. The final sound depends heavily on the switch type installed.
QMK is open-source firmware that allows deep keyboard programming. VIA is a graphical interface that works with QMK-enabled boards like the Keychron Q12. Together, they let you remap any key, create complex macros, and adjust lighting layers without flashing firmware.
The southpaw layout with a left-side numpad is often preferred by left-handed users, as it places the numpad in a more accessible position. The manufacturer notes the design is beneficial for both left and right-handed users by creating more mouse space.
Yes, the vendor specifications for the Leopold FC900R OE list the keyboard-side connection as USB-C. It also comes with a 70-inch cable.
Yes. Keychron offers the Q12 in a barebones kit version, which includes the aluminum case, PCB, and steel plate, but does not include switches or keycaps.
The Keychron Q12 (fully assembled) uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The Leopold FC900R OE uses OEM profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
For dedicated data entry, the Leopold's standard full-size layout with a right-side numpad may be more familiar. However, the Keychron Q12's left-side numpad can be more ergonomic, allowing you to use the mouse with your right hand while entering numbers with your left.
The specifications for the Keychron Q12 list a typing angle of 5.3 degrees.
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