Leopold FC900RBT vs Vortex Multix 104: Hotswap vs Simplicity

Compare Leopold FC900RBT vs Vortex Multix 104 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two full-size wireless mechanical keyboards at a similar price. The choice is difficult because both offer multi-connectivity and PBT keycaps, but diverge sharply in philosophy. The Leopold is a straightforward pre-built with a focus on core functionality, while the Vortex is a feature-rich platform designed for tinkering and personalization. Your preference for simplicity versus customizability will be the deciding factor.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Built with the ANSI layout standard Offers Normal ergonomics Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 1000 g Made with a Plastic case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Supports hot-swappable switches Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Offers Split Backspace ergonomics Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Made with a ABS case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 57.8 Build Quality: 47.8 Productivity: 68.8 Customizability: 45.6 Portability: 50.2	Scores Performance: 73.5 Build Quality: 70.4 Productivity: 89.1 Customizability: 87.4 Portability: 53.6
Name	Name Leopold FC900RBT	Name Vortex Multix 104
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, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Split Backspace
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, 2.4 GHz, 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 -

Leopold FC900RBT Bluetooth Yellow/Blue PD Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard

Vortex Multix 104 VIA Summer Hotswap Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2023
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Offers Normal ergonomics
Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Weighs about 1000 g
Made with a Plastic case
Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Offers No RGB lighting

Released in 2024
Supports hot-swappable switches
Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
Offers Split Backspace ergonomics
Supports QMK firmware
Supports VIA configuration
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Made with a ABS case
Features PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 57.8
Build Quality: 47.8
Productivity: 68.8
Customizability: 45.6
Portability: 50.2

Scores

Performance: 73.5
Build Quality: 70.4
Productivity: 89.1
Customizability: 87.4
Portability: 53.6

Name

Leopold FC900RBT

Name

Vortex Multix 104

Release year

2023

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent

Switch Options

Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

100%

Layout Size

100%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Split Backspace

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

North-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic

Case Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

Weight

1000g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

For most buyers, the Vortex Multix 104 is the more compelling option, delivering superior value through its hotswap capability, extensive programmability, and layout flexibility at a potentially lower price. Only choose the Leopold FC900RBT if you specifically want a no-fuss, pre-built keyboard with Cherry MX switches and multimedia keys, and have no plans to modify your keyboard beyond switch selection at purchase.

Leopold FC900RBT

+Includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick media control.
+Features 1.5mm thick PBT double-shot keycaps for durability.
+Uses genuine Cherry MX switches in its pre-built configurations.
+Offers basic key function customization via DIP switches.
+Wireless connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.1.

−Lacks hot-swappable switches, requiring soldering to change.
−Does not support advanced programmability like VIA or QMK.
−Offers only ANSI layout support, with no ISO or split key options.
−Case and plate are both plastic, which may feel less premium.

Vortex Multix 104

+Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
+Fully programmable with VIA and QMK for deep customization.
+Supports multiple layouts: ANSI, ISO, split Backspace, and split right Shift.
+Features extensive sound dampening with latex foam, IXPE pads, PET, and silicone.
+Offers triple connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.

−Vendor listing states it does not include multimedia keys.
−Uses an ABS case material, which may be less resistant to wear than other plastics.
−North-facing RGB LEDs (as per metadata) may cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps, though the included keycaps are Cherry profile.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Vortex Multix 104 is the clear choice for users who value customization, whether for gaming with a 2.4 GHz dongle, programming with flexible layouts, or modding with its hotswap design and acoustic foams. The Leopold FC900RBT holds its own in straightforward office use with its included multimedia keys and sound dampening, but it cannot match the Vortex's adaptability. For travel, neither board has an advantage due to their identical full-size form factor.

GamingVortex Multix 104

•The Vortex Multix 104 offers a 2.4 GHz wireless connection for potentially lower latency gaming, a mode the Leopold lacks.
•It features a hotswap PCB, allowing quick switch changes for different gaming preferences.
•The listing mentions support for a wide variety of switch types, including speed-oriented options like Cherry MX Speed Silver.

OfficeTie

•Both keyboards offer Bluetooth and wired connectivity for flexible desk setup.
•Both include sound-dampening materials (Leopold's pad, Vortex's multiple foam layers) to reduce noise.
•The Leopold includes dedicated multimedia keys, while the Vortex's vendor page does not list them, giving Leopold a slight edge for media control.

ProgrammingVortex Multix 104

•The Vortex Multix 104 supports multiple physical layouts including ISO, split Backspace, and split right Shift, offering flexibility for different keymap preferences.
•It is programmable with VIA and QMK, allowing for deep key remapping and macro creation.
•The FR4 plate and Cherry profile keycaps may provide a typing feel preferred by many typists.

TravelTie

•Both are full-size 104-key keyboards, making them equally large and less portable than compact layouts.
•Both are powered by 2x AA batteries for wireless use, with no built-in rechargeable battery.
•They have similar weights and wireless capabilities, offering no distinct portability advantage.

ModdingVortex Multix 104

•The Vortex Multix 104 has a hot-swappable PCB supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•Its construction includes multiple modding-friendly materials: an FR4 plate, latex foam, IXPE switch pads, a PET pad, and a silicone absorbing pad.
•It features a stack-mounted structure and is fully compatible with VIA and QMK for firmware customization.

Content CreationVortex Multix 104

•The Vortex's VIA/QMK programmability allows for creating complex macros for editing software.
•Support for multiple layouts, including Tsangan, can cater to ergonomic preferences during long sessions.
•The three adjustable typing angles (6°, 7°, 11°) provide more ergonomic options than a standard fixed angle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)