Compare Leopold FC900RBT vs FC900RBT V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Leopold's established FC900RBT and its updated V2 version. The choice is nuanced, as both are full-size, Bluetooth-enabled boards with double-shot PBT keycaps. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize the newer internal construction of the V2 or the broader OS compatibility and potentially lower cost of the original model.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
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Main differences	Released in 2023 Compatible with both Mac and Windows Features N-key rollover Weighs about 1000 g Made with a Plastic case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Utilizes Hall effect sensors Made with a ABS case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 57.8 Build Quality: 47.8 Productivity: 68.7 Customizability: 45.6 Portability: 50.1	Scores Performance: 62.2 Build Quality: 48.8 Productivity: 56.8 Customizability: 47 Portability: 48.7
Name	Name Leopold FC900RBT	Name Leopold FC900RBT V2
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 1000g	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Leopold FC900RBT V2 if your priority is the updated typing experience from the MX2A switches, aluminum plate, and enhanced internal foam. Opt for the original FC900RBT if you need guaranteed Mac or Linux support, a wider classic switch selection, or a slightly simpler two-battery wireless system. Both are solid, pre-built full-size boards with excellent PBT keycaps.

Leopold FC900RBT

+Explicit Mac, Windows, and Linux compatibility per vendor description.
+Connects to up to 4 Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
+Wider selection of classic Cherry MX switches, including Clear.
+Uses only two AAA batteries for wireless operation.
+Features dip switches for hardware-level layout customization.

−Plastic plate and case construction.
−Lacks the updated internal acoustics package of the V2.
−Keycap legends are top-printed, which may show more wear than front-printing.

Leopold FC900RBT V2

+Updated Cherry MX2A switches installed.
+Aluminum plate and FR4 dual-layer PCB for a more rigid feel.
+Includes sound absorbing pad and foam for enhanced acoustics.
+Features a flex cut PCB design.
+Keycap legends are front-printed, which can be more durable.

−Vendor description only confirms Windows compatibility.
−Requires three AAA batteries for wireless, one more than the original.
−ABS case material, compared to the original's unspecified plastic.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V2 takes a slight lead for gaming and modding due to its updated internal construction with an aluminum plate and FR4 PCB. The original FC900RBT is stronger for office and content creation use, primarily because of its confirmed multi-OS support. For programming and travel, the boards are evenly matched, sharing core layouts and similar wireless implementations.

GamingLeopold FC900RBT V2

•The V2 features an aluminum plate, which can provide a more consistent and stable typing feel.
•It includes a flex cut PCB design, which may affect the typing feel.
•The V2 is listed with Hall Effect as an extra feature, though its implementation is not detailed.

OfficeLeopold FC900RBT

•The original FC900RBT explicitly lists Mac and Linux compatibility in its vendor description, alongside Windows.
•Its vendor description confirms connectivity for up to 4 Bluetooth devices, aiding multi-device workflows.
•It uses standard Cherry MX switches, including Silent Red, which are known for quieter operation.

ProgrammingTie

•Both offer a full 104-key layout with dedicated navigation clusters.
•Both feature PBT double-shot keycaps for long-lasting legends.
•Both have dip switches for layout customization according to their manuals.

TravelTie

•Both are full-size keyboards with identical 1000g+ weights, making them equally bulky.
•Both offer Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity.
•Both rely on disposable AAA batteries (2 for original, 3 for V2) instead of an internal rechargeable cell.

ModdingLeopold FC900RBT V2

•The V2 has an aluminum plate and an FR4 dual-layer PCB, which are generally considered premium materials.
•It includes a sound absorbing pad and foam, according to its vendor listing.
•It features a flex cut PCB, which is a modding-related design choice.

Content CreationLeopold FC900RBT

•The original model's explicit Mac compatibility is advantageous for many creative workflows.
•Its ability to connect to 4 Bluetooth devices allows easy switching between a computer and tablet.
•It offers a wider variety of Cherry MX switch types, including Clear and Silver, for personalized feel.