Leopold FC980C vs FC980MBTTopre vs Cherry MX
Choose the FC980C for its unique typing experience via genuine 45g Topre EC switches, or the FC980MBT if you need wireless connectivity with a USB-C connection and a wider choice of Cherry MX switch options.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Leopold FC980C
Topre
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 100% boards under $300.
- Features genuine 45g Topre electrostatic capacitive switches for a unique typing feel.
- Uses dye-sub PBT keycaps with black legends, known for their durability and resistance to wear.
- Offers a classic 1800 layout that saves desk space while retaining a full number pad.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
Leopold FC980MBT
Cherry MX
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 100% boards under $150.
- Connects both wired via USB-C and wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1, offering flexible setup options.
- Available in four Cherry MX switch varieties: Blue, Brown, Red, and Silent Red.
- Includes 1.5mm thick PBT double-shot keycaps, which are durable and the legends will not fade.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Your final decision comes down to whether you value a unique, high-quality typing experience or flexible connectivity. If you prioritize the distinct feel of Topre switches and prefer a dedicated wired connection, the Leopold FC980C is the keyboard for you. However, if Bluetooth wireless, a USB-C port, and the ability to choose among a wider range of standard Cherry MX switches are more important, the Leopold FC980MBT is the practical and versatile choice.
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 FC980C
Leopold FC980MBT
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Switch options
Clicky, Linear
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Media keys
No
Yes
Mac & Windows
No
Yes
Released
2024
2023
- Leopold FC980C
- Leopold FC980MBT
- Performance
- 5247
- Build quality
- 4545
- Productivity
- 4960
- Customizability
- 4047
- Portability
- 4150
- Layout size: 100%
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Plate material: Plastic
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
For office and travel users, the FC980MBT is the clear winner due to its Bluetooth wireless connection, USB-C port, and wider selection of Cherry MX switch types, including quiet silent reds. In gaming, both are tied as they can be used wired, but the FC980MBT offers more switch variety for personal preference. For programming, modding, and content creation, the choice is a tie, as the differentiator is the unique typing feel of the FC980C's Topre switches versus the standard, mod-friendly platform and wireless options of the FC980MBT.
It's a tie
- Both are wired-capable, which is ideal for low-latency gaming.
- Neither keyboard offers hot-swap switches, limiting switch customization for gaming preferences.
- The FC980C's 6-key rollover is adequate for many games, but the FC980MBT's specific rollover is not stated.
- The FC980MBT offers linear (Cherry MX Red) and silent linear (Cherry MX Silent Red) switch options, which are often preferred for gaming.
Leopold FC980C vs FC980MBT specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 16 specs differ
Leopold FC980C
Leopold FC980MBT
Switch options
Mount style
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 FC980C vs FC980MBT: your questions
Yes, both keyboards use a space-saving 1800 layout. This design provides a full-size keyboard experience with a number pad in a more compact footprint than a traditional full-size board. Both are also ANSI layout standard.
The Leopold FC980C uses genuine Topre electrostatic capacitive switches. The vendor description lists options for 45g and 30g Topre switches. These are not the standard Cherry MX switches found in the FC980MBT.
Yes, the FC980MBT supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1. It can also be used as a wired keyboard through a USB-C connection. Its wireless mode is powered by 2 AAA batteries, which are included.
Both the Leopold FC980C and FC980MBT feature keycaps made from PBT plastic. The FC980C uses dye-sublimated legends, while the FC980MBT uses double-shot molding for its legends, which are both durable methods.
No, neither the FC980C nor the FC980MBT is hot-swappable. The switches are soldered to the PCB, so changing the switch type would require desoldering. The FC980C's Topre switches are also a non-standard mount.
The FC980MBT offers a Cherry MX Silent Red switch option which is specifically designed for quiet operation. The FC980C's Topre switches are known for a soft thock sound, but they are not as silent as the dedicated silent MX Reds. The FC980MBT's wireless connectivity also reduces cable clutter.
Only the Leopold FC980MBT features a USB-C port for its wired connection. The FC980C uses a standard, non-removable USB cable, according to the vendor description. This makes the FC980MBT more convenient for modern setups.
Only the Leopold FC980MBT is explicitly stated to have multimedia controls integrated into its F-row. The vendor description for the FC980C does not mention dedicated multimedia keys.
Yes, both the FC980C and FC980MBT feature DIP switches on the underside of the keyboard. These switches allow you to customize certain key functions and layout options as described in the user manuals.
The core difference is the switch type and connectivity. The FC980C uses unique Topre switches and is wired-only. The FC980MBT uses standard Cherry MX switches and offers both USB-C wired and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for greater versatility.
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