Leopold FC980C vs Qwertykeys Neo80CU
Choose the Leopold FC980C for its numpad and prebuilt convenience, or the Neo80CU for hot-swap flexibility and wireless options, depending on the selected PCB.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Leopold FC980C
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 100% boards under $300.
- Space-saving 1800 layout retains a numpad.
- Prebuilt with genuine 45g Topre EC switches and dye-sub PBT keycaps, per the vendor description.
- Dip switches allow layout customization.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Qwertykeys Neo80CU
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $300.
- Hot-swappable PCB and VIA support.
- ANSI and ISO layout options, plus wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connectivity depending on PCB selection.
- Aluminum top case with copper or brass bottom case and weight options.
- No numpad.
Choose the Leopold FC980C if you need a numpad and want a prebuilt board with switches and PBT keycaps already installed. Pick the Qwertykeys Neo80CU if hot-swap, VIA, ANSI or ISO choice, and optional wireless connectivity matter more, and you are prepared to source switches and keycaps separately. Confirm the Neo80CU PCB selection before buying, since wireless use depends on the selected PCB.
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
Qwertykeys Neo80CU
Layout size
100%
80%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Mount style
Plate Mount
Gasket Mount
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Leopold FC980C
- Qwertykeys Neo80CU
- Performance
- 5267
- Build quality
- 4589
- Productivity
- 5073
- Customizability
- 4067
- Portability
- 4175
What will you mostly use it for?
The Neo80CU has the clearer edge for gaming and modding, with listed N-key rollover, a 1000 Hz polling rate on wired and 2.4 GHz, hot-swap, and flexible mounting. The FC980C is the more straightforward choice when a numpad and a ready-to-use board matter. Office and content-creation needs depend on whether you prioritize a numpad and prebuilt setup or customization and wireless options. For travel, the FC980C is the comparatively smaller choice, but neither listing establishes a travel-focused design.
Pick the Qwertykeys Neo80CU
- Neo80CU lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4 GHz connections.
- Its hot-swap PCB supports switch changes without soldering.
- The FC980C vendor listing specifies 6-key USB rollover, while Neo80CU lists N-key rollover.
Leopold FC980C vs Qwertykeys Neo80CU specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 22 specs differ
Leopold FC980C
Qwertykeys Neo80CU
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Leopold FC980C
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Qwertykeys Neo80CU
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Leopold FC980C vs Qwertykeys Neo80CU: your questions
Yes. Its space-saving 1800 layout retains a numpad, making it the option here for buyers who want number-entry keys without a conventional full-size layout.
No. The Neo80CU is an 80% TKL keyboard and its compatibility rules specify that it has no numpad. Choose the FC980C if a numpad is essential.
No. Its switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering. The vendor listing identifies the FC980C as not hot-swappable.
Yes. The Neo80CU supports hot-swap switches, allowing switches to be inserted without soldering. Switches are not included with the barebone kit and must be purchased separately.
Wireless connectivity depends on the PCB selection. The Tri-Mode option supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, while another listed PCB option is wired USB-C only.
The FC980C is listed as wired-only with a USB interface. The vendor description also lists a 70-inch cord.
Yes. The Neo80CU is offered in ANSI and ISO versions, with the precise selection depending on the PCB. The FC980C is ANSI only and has no ISO variant.
The Leopold FC980C is prebuilt and comes with switches and PBT keycaps. The Neo80CU is a barebone kit, so switches and keycaps are sold separately.
No. Its vendor description says there is no per-key RGB; lighting is limited to the Star-Ring accent light. The FC980C is also listed as having no RGB.
It supports VIA, hot-swap switches, and Poron-gasket, silicone-gasket, and top-mount configurations. Its vendor description also lists PCB foam, a PE sheet, and case foam for adjusting the acoustic build.
The Neo80CU is listed at 4500 g, and its vendor description gives an assembled weight of about 4.5 kg. No FC980C weight is listed, so the available specifications do not support a direct weight comparison.
The vendor description lists 1000 Hz over wired and 2.4 GHz, and 125 Hz over Bluetooth. The FC980C listing does not provide a polling-rate figure.
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