Leopold FC900RBT V2 vs FC980MBTModern Features vs Compact Layout
Choose the FC900RBT V2 for a premium acoustic experience and modern switches, or the FC980MBT for a more compact layout and broader OS compatibility.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Leopold FC900RBT V2
Modern Features
- Includes a sound-absorbing pad and foam for enhanced acoustics.
- Features an aluminum plate and an FR4 dual-layer PCB design.
- Comes with the newer Cherry MX2A line of switches.
- Lacks explicit Mac or Linux compatibility in its vendor description.
- Requires three AAA batteries for wireless operation.
- Is a standard 104-key layout, taking up more desk space.
Get the
Leopold FC980MBT
Compact Layout
- Uses a space-saving 1800 layout with 98 keys, retaining the numpad.
- Vendor description explicitly states Windows, Mac, and Linux compatibility.
- Includes DIP switches for hardware-based key function customization.
- Lacks any form of backlighting or RGB.
- Uses a plastic plate instead of aluminum.
- Comes with standard Cherry MX switches, not the newer MX2A series.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a keyboard with a potentially better acoustic profile, modern switches, and RGB lighting for a gaming setup, the Leopold FC900RBT V2 is the clear pick. If your priority is saving desk space with a compact layout, ensuring seamless compatibility across multiple operating systems, and having basic hardware customization via DIP switches, the Leopold FC980MBT is the more practical and versatile option.
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 FC900RBT V2
Leopold FC980MBT
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Case material
ABS
ABS, Plastic
Sound dampening
Yes
No
Plate material
Aluminum, FR4
Plastic
Backlight
Yes, north-facing
None
- Leopold FC900RBT V2
- Leopold FC980MBT
- Performance
- 6247
- Build quality
- 4945
- Productivity
- 5760
- Customizability
- 4747
- Portability
- 4951
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The FC980MBT is the more versatile choice for general productivity, winning in Office, Programming, and Travel due to its space-saving layout and broad OS support. The FC900RBT V2 takes the lead for Gaming and Modding, thanks to its RGB lighting, updated internal components, and sound-dampening features. For Content Creation, both offer strong fundamentals, making it a tie based on whether you prefer lighting or a smaller footprint.
Pick the Leopold FC900RBT V2
- The FC900RBT V2 features north-facing RGB LEDs, which are listed in its specifications.
- Its listing includes an aluminum plate and FR4 PCB, which may contribute to a more consistent typing feel.
- It comes with the newer Cherry MX2A line of switches.
Leopold FC900RBT V2 vs FC980MBT specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 18 specs differ
Leopold FC900RBT V2
Leopold FC980MBT
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Leopold FC900RBT V2 vs FC980MBT: your questions
The main physical difference is the layout. The FC900RBT V2 is a standard 104-key full-size keyboard. The FC980MBT uses a 98-key '1800' layout, which compresses the numpad and navigation cluster to create a more compact board while keeping all standard keys.
The Leopold FC980MBT is the better choice for Mac users. Its vendor product description explicitly lists Mac compatibility. The description for the FC900RBT V2 only mentions Windows compatibility.
No, neither the Leopold FC900RBT V2 nor the FC980MBT have hot-swap sockets. Both are listed as pre-built keyboards with plate-mounted switches, meaning soldering is required to change the switches.
The Leopold FC900RBT V2 has more explicit sound-dampening features. According to its vendor description, it includes a sound-absorbing pad and foam for enhanced acoustics. The FC980MBT's description does not mention any internal sound-dampening materials.
Both keyboards use Cherry MX switches, but different generations. The FC900RBT V2 comes installed with the newer Cherry MX2A line of switches. The FC980MBT comes with genuine Cherry MX switches, which are the previous standard generation.
Both keyboards use AAA batteries for wireless Bluetooth mode and do not have internal lithium batteries. The FC900RBT V2 requires three AAA batteries, while the FC980MBT requires two AAA batteries. Both include the necessary batteries.
No, the Leopold FC980MBT does not have any backlighting or RGB lighting. The FC900RBT V2 features north-facing RGB LEDs for per-key illumination.
According to the vendor description, the DIP switches on the Leopold FC980MBT allow for customizing certain key functions. This is a hardware-based method to remap keys without needing software, which is useful for multi-OS use or specific workflow preferences.
The Leopold FC900RBT V2 has a more premium plate material. It uses an aluminum plate, while the FC980MBT uses a plastic plate. The FC900RBT V2 also mentions an FR4 dual-layer PCB design.
Both keyboards feature high-quality, double-shot PBT keycaps, but they differ in thickness and profile. The FC980MBT specifically mentions 1.5mm thick keycaps. The FC900RBT V2 uses an 'SS2' profile keycap, according to its characteristics list.
Yes, both the Leopold FC900RBT V2 and FC980MBT offer dual connectivity. You can use them wired via the included USB-C to USB-A cable, or wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1.
The Leopold FC980MBT is better for a minimalist desk setup due to its compact 1800 layout. It retains a full numpad and arrow keys in a significantly smaller footprint than the standard full-size FC900RBT V2, freeing up valuable desk space.
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