Leopold FC/NP900R vs FC980MFull-Size vs Compact 1800 Layout
Choose the FC980M for its space-saving layout and modern features, or the FC/NP900R only if you require a dedicated numpad and full-size form factor.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Leopold FC/NP900R
Full-Size
- Standard 100% layout with a dedicated numpad and navigation cluster.
- Available with clicky, tactile, or linear switch types.
- Features durable PBT keycaps.
- Lacks wireless or Bluetooth connectivity.
- Not hot-swappable, limiting switch customization.
- No listed sound dampening or N-Key Rollover feature.
Get the
Leopold FC980M
Compact 1800 Layout
- Compact 95% (1800) layout retains the numpad in a smaller footprint.
- Offers Bluetooth, wireless, and wired connectivity.
- Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch changes.
- The non-standard compact layout may require an adjustment period.
- Priced at a higher range than the FC/NP900R's base price.
For most users, the Leopold FC980M is the clear recommendation. It trades the traditional full-size form factor for a more practical compact layout and adds significant modern features like wireless connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and sound dampening. Only choose the Leopold FC/NP900R if you are certain you need a full-size keyboard and do not value wireless functionality or the ability to easily change switches.
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.
Leopold FC/NP900R
Leopold FC980M
Layout size
100%
95%
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Sound dampening
No
Yes
N-key rollover
No
Yes
- Leopold FC/NP900R
- Leopold FC980M
- Performance
- 3946
- Build quality
- 3841
- Productivity
- 4363
- Customizability
- 4045
- Portability
- 4050
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Leopold FC980M is the more versatile choice, winning in most categories due to its modern features and space-efficient design. Its hot-swappable switches, wireless connectivity, and compact layout with a numpad make it superior for office work, programming, travel, and modding. For gaming, its feature set and desk space savings are advantageous. The primary scenario for the FC/NP900R is if a user's workflow is strictly dependent on a traditional, full-size keyboard layout for content creation or data entry, and wireless capability is not a requirement.
Pick the Leopold FC980M
- The FC980M lists N-Key Rollover, which is beneficial for gaming.
- Its compact 95% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
- The vendor description lists it as a dual-mode keyboard, offering wireless connectivity for reduced cable clutter.
Leopold FC/NP900R vs FC980M specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 16 specs differ
Leopold FC/NP900R
Leopold FC980M
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Released
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Leopold FC/NP900R vs FC980M: your questions
The primary difference is the layout and connectivity. The FC/NP900R is a standard 100% full-size keyboard, while the FC980M uses a compact 95% layout that squeezes a numpad into a smaller form factor. Furthermore, the FC980M adds Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, which the FC/NP900R lacks.
Yes. According to its listed extra features, the Leopold FC980M has a hot-swappable PCB. This means you can change the mechanical switches without needing to solder.
No. The metadata for the Leopold FC/NP900R does not list any wireless or Bluetooth connectivity options. It is a wired-only keyboard.
The Leopold FC980M is better for a small desk. Its 95% layout measures 20 x 145 x 366 mm, providing a full numpad and arrow keys in a significantly more compact footprint than a standard 100% keyboard like the FC/NP900R.
Yes. Both the Leopold FC/NP900R and the FC980M are listed with PBT keycaps in their specifications. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time.
Silent switches are an option only for the Leopold FC980M. Its listed switch types include 'Silent' alongside tactile and linear. The FC/NP900R offers clicky, tactile, and linear switches, but silent is not listed.
This is a tie for content creation. Both keyboards include a numpad, which is essential for efficient data entry. Choose the FC/NP900R for a traditional, spaced-out numpad, or the FC980M to gain a numpad while conserving desk space.
Yes. N-Key Rollover is listed as an extra feature for the Leopold FC980M. This ensures that every keypress is registered correctly even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously, which is useful for gaming and fast typing.
The Leopold FC980M weighs 1100 grams (approximately 2.4 lbs). A specific weight is not provided for the FC/NP900R in the given information.
Only the Leopold FC980M lists 'Sound Dampening' as an extra feature. This suggests it includes factory-installed foam or other material to reduce case reverberation and create a quieter, more muted typing sound. The FC/NP900R has no such listed feature.
Both keyboards list three switch categories. The FC/NP900R offers Clicky, Tactile, and Linear. The FC980M offers Tactile, Linear, and Silent. Therefore, if you want a clicky switch, the FC/NP900R is the only option. If you want a silent switch, the FC980M is the only option.
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