Leopold FC900RBT V2 vs FC980MBT: Modern Features vs Compact Layout

Compare Leopold FC900RBT V2 vs FC980MBT Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two high-quality, wireless Leopold keyboards. The choice is difficult because both offer double-shot PBT keycaps, Bluetooth 5.1, and USB-C connectivity. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize the FC900RBT V2's enhanced internal construction and newer switches, or the FC980MBT's unique space-saving layout and out-of-the-box Mac/Linux support.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Utilizes Hall effect sensors Has built-in sound dampening Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Compatible with both Mac and Windows Equipped with a 2 mAh battery Made with a ABS, Plastic case Offers No RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 62.2 Build Quality: 48.8 Productivity: 56.8 Customizability: 47 Portability: 48.7	Scores Performance: 47.6 Build Quality: 45.4 Productivity: 60.4 Customizability: 47.3 Portability: 50.8
Name	Name Leopold FC900RBT V2	Name Leopold FC980MBT
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2023
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 2 mAh
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 North-face	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

Leopold FC900RBT V2 Blue / Grey Wireless Keyboard

Leopold FC980MBT Two Tone White Bluetooth PD Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2024
Utilizes Hall effect sensors
Has built-in sound dampening
Made with a ABS case
Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting

Released in 2023
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Equipped with a 2 mAh battery
Made with a ABS, Plastic case
Offers No RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 62.2
Build Quality: 48.8
Productivity: 56.8
Customizability: 47
Portability: 48.7

Scores

Performance: 47.6
Build Quality: 45.4
Productivity: 60.4
Customizability: 47.3
Portability: 50.8

Name

Leopold FC900RBT V2

Name

Leopold FC980MBT

Release year

2024

Release year

2023

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

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

2 mAh

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

Backlight

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

ABS, Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Leopold FC900RBT V2

+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.
+Has north-facing RGB LEDs for per-key lighting.
+Uses a flex cut PCB, which can alter the typing feel.

−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.
−Does not have hot-swap sockets for easy switch changes.

Leopold FC980MBT

+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.
+Has a 3-way cord channel for cable management.
+Powered by only two AAA batteries for wireless use.

−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.
−Does not have hot-swap sockets for easy switch changes.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingLeopold 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.

OfficeLeopold FC980MBT

•The FC980MBT's 1800 layout saves desk space while retaining a numpad.
•Its vendor description explicitly states compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
•It includes DIP switches for customizing certain key functions, which can be useful for office workflows.

ProgrammingLeopold FC980MBT

•The compact 1800 layout of the FC980MBT keeps essential keys like the arrow keys and numpad accessible in a smaller footprint.
•Its explicit Mac and Linux compatibility is advantageous for developers using those operating systems.
•The DIP switches allow for basic key remapping without software.

TravelLeopold FC980MBT

•The FC980MBT has a smaller physical footprint due to its 98-key, 1800 layout compared to the 104-key full-size FC900RBT V2.
•It is powered by 2 AAA batteries for wireless use, while the FC900RBT V2 requires 3 AAA batteries, potentially making it slightly lighter.

ModdingLeopold FC900RBT V2

•The FC900RBT V2 includes a sound-absorbing pad and foam, as stated by the vendor, providing a better acoustic base.
•It features a flex cut PCB and an FR4 dual-layer PCB design, which may offer a different typing feel.
•It uses an aluminum plate compared to the FC980MBT's plastic plate.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards offer multimedia keys for controlling media playback.
•Both have high-quality, double-shot PBT keycaps for durability.
•The FC900RBT V2's north-facing RGB may aid visibility in dim settings, while the FC980MBT's compact layout frees up desk space for tablets or other gear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)