What makes the Leopold FC980C keyboard unique?

The Leopold FC980C stands out with its classic space-saving 1800 layout, offering a compact design without sacrificing functionality. It features genuine Topre electro-capacitive switches, which are known for their smooth and tactile feel, making it a favorite among typing enthusiasts.

Can I customize the layout of the Leopold FC980C?

Yes, the Leopold FC980C comes equipped with DIP switches that allow you to customize the keyboard layout to suit your preferences. This feature provides flexibility in key mapping, enhancing your typing experience.

What type of keycaps does the FC980C use?

The FC980C uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine over time. The two-tone beige colorway adds a touch of classic elegance to the keyboard.

Is the Leopold FC980C compatible with Windows?

Yes, the Leopold FC980C is fully compatible with Windows. It connects via a USB interface, ensuring a stable and reliable connection for your PC.

Does the FC980C have a hotswap feature for switches?

No, the FC980C does not support hotswapping of switches. It features plate-mounted Topre switches, which are not designed to be replaced without desoldering.

How long is the cable that comes with the FC980C?

The Leopold FC980C includes a 70-inch long USB cable, providing ample length to connect to your computer setup with ease.

What is the key rollover capability of the FC980C?

The FC980C supports a 6-key rollover, which means it can accurately register up to six simultaneous key presses, a sufficient feature for most typing and gaming needs.

Leopold FC980C Starting at $258.99

Name: Leopold FC980C
Brand: Leopold

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Leopold FC980C
	Based in US	-	?	~ 259	Check price
Leopold FC980C Black Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard (AECX02)
	Based in US	-		$259 Out of stock	Visit Shop
Leopold FC980C White Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard
	Based in US	-		$259 Out of stock	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

Leopold FC980C

Based in US

~ 259

Check price

Leopold FC980C Black Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard (AECX02)

Based in US

$259

Out of stock

Visit Shop

Leopold FC980C White Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard

Based in US

$259

Out of stock

Visit Shop

Compare Leopold FC980C vs Keychron Q5 HE vs Keychron Q6 HE Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	Leopold FC980C	Keychron Q5 HE	Keychron Q6 HE
		96	97
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (3 reviews)	4.8 stars (28 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear, Clicky switch options Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Offers No RGB lighting	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options Available in a 96% layout Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ANSI layout standard Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 2301 g Sized at 32 x 408 x 145 mm Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2025 Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ANSI layout standard Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless connectivity Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 2268 g Sized at 31 x 446 x 137 mm Made with a Aluminum, Metal case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 52.6 Build Quality: 45.8 Productivity: 49.7 Customizability: 40.7 Portability: 40.8	Scores Performance: 100 Build Quality: 89 Productivity: 97.1 Customizability: 97.1 Portability: 56.2	Scores Performance: 99.7 Build Quality: 87.9 Productivity: 96.6 Customizability: 96.3 Portability: 55.6
Name	Name Leopold FC980C	Name Keychron Q5 HE	Name Keychron Q6 HE
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic	Switch Options Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz	Polling Rate 8000 Hz;1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum, Metal
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 32 x 408 x 145 mm	Dimensions 31 x 446 x 137 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 2301g	Weight 2268g

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Product Description

The Leopold FC980C is a full-size mechanical keyboard with a compact 1800 layout, suited for users who want a space-saving design without losing dedicated navigation and function keys. It fits typists and professionals who prefer a tactile, quiet typing experience provided by Topre electrostatic capacitive switches. Its fixed layout and durable keycaps make it suitable for those who prioritize reliability over extensive customization.

Key Features

Compact 1800 layout reduces desk footprint while retaining full-size functionality, aiding productivity in limited spaces.
Topre electrostatic capacitive switches offer a smooth, tactile feel with consistent actuation force, beneficial for long typing sessions.
Dye-sub PBT keycaps resist wear and maintain legends over time, supporting durability and legibility.
Dip switches allow basic layout customization, enabling users to adjust key functions without software.
USB wired connection ensures stable input with minimal latency, suitable for office and home use.

Build Quality

Plate-mounted switch design provides solid key stability and consistent typing feel.
Two-tone beige case offers a classic aesthetic with a sturdy plastic construction.
Keycaps are made from thick PBT material, which is more resistant to shine and deformation compared to ABS.

Typing Experience

Available with 30g or 45g Topre switches, allowing users to select preferred actuation force for comfort.
Topre switches produce a quieter sound profile compared to traditional mechanical switches, suitable for shared workspaces.
Non-hotswappable switches limit switch replacement or experimentation without soldering skills.

Compatibility

ANSI layout with US QWERTY key arrangement fits standard typing habits and keycap sets.
Compatible with Windows operating systems via USB; unknown support for other OS or custom firmware.

Trade-offs

Lack of hotswap support restricts switch customization or repair without technical expertise.
No built-in audio or microphone ports reduce peripheral integration options.
Limited USB rollover (6-key) may be insufficient for users requiring full NKRO in gaming or fast typing scenarios.
Wired-only connection reduces portability and convenience compared to wireless alternatives.

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