Leopold FC660M vs Keychron V1 Max: Which Keyboard Is Better?
Quick Verdict
If you want a premium typing experience with a solid, no-nonsense build, the Leopold FC660M is for you — it is the go-to choice for serious typists who do not need wireless or RGB.
If you want more features for the money — wireless, hot-swap switches, RGB, and full customization — the Keychron V1 Max wins easily, especially for beginners, gamers, and work-from-home users.
In simple terms: Leopold is for the typing purist. Keychron is for everyone else.
Overview of Keyboards
What is the Leopold FC660M?
The Leopold FC660M is a premium 65% mechanical keyboard focused on typing quality rather than extra features. It uses Cherry MX switches, thick PBT keycaps, sound dampening foam, and a solid steel plate to deliver an excellent stock typing experience. Unlike modern custom keyboards, it skips RGB, wireless, and software customization in favour of reliability and comfort.
What is the Keychron V1 Max?
The Keychron V1 Max is a customizable 75% mechanical keyboard designed for flexibility and modern features. It includes hot-swappable switches, QMK/VIA support, gasket mount design, RGB lighting, and wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz. It’s a strong option for users who want customization, gaming features, and multi-device support at a reasonable price.
Leopold FC660M: A 65% layout at roughly 30cm wide — drops the function row and navigation cluster entirely, keeping only the core alphas, modifiers, and arrow keys, which suits minimalist desks but demands Fn-layer reliance for missing keys.
Keychron V1 Max: A 75% layout at roughly 32cm wide — retains the function row and navigation keys in a compressed arrangement, striking a balance between compact footprint and full productivity access without heavy Fn-layer dependence.
Key Specs Comparison Table
| Feature | Keychron V1 Max | Leopold FC660M |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% | 65% |
| Connectivity | Wireless (2.4GHz + Bluetooth) + USB-C | Wired (USB Mini-B) |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz (Wired/2.4GHz) | 1000 Hz |
| Switch Type | Gateron / Keychron Switches | Cherry MX |
| Available Switches | Red, Brown, Banana, and more | Red, Brown, Blue, Silent Red |
| Hot-swappable | Yes | No |
| Actuation Force | ~45g (Varies by switch) | ~45g (Varies by switch) |
| Total Travel | 4.0 mm | 4.0 mm |
| Keycap Type | Double-shot PBT | Dye-sub PBT |
| Keycap Profile | OEM / KSA | Cherry |
| RGB Lighting | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 225 hours (RGB off) | N/A |
| Case Material | ABS Plastic | High-quality Plastic |
| Plate Material | Steel | Steel |
| Weight | ~970g | ~700g |
| Mac Support | Yes | Limited |
| Detachable Cable | Yes (USB-C) | Yes |
| Mount Type | Gasket Mount | Plate Mount |
| Sound Level | Thocky / Soft | Quiet / Solid |
| QMK / VIA Support | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Varies by Seller |
| Price | ~$94–$120 | ~$110–$140 |
Design & Build Quality
Leopold FC660M Design
The FC660M is built for people who want zero distractions. A plastic case in clean black, an FR4 plate that shapes a firm typing feel and controlled sound profile, adjustable feet for your preferred typing angle, and no RGB lighting or wrist rest — just pure, focused keyboard ergonomics and quiet keyboard aesthetics that work anywhere.
Keychron V1 Max Design
The V1 Max blends plastic and aluminum in black and gray finishes, sitting comfortably among premium PC peripherals on any desk. The full RGB backlit keyboard delivers millions of colors with vibrant and uniform lighting across every key — perfect for typing in dim lighting. The FR4 plate keeps keyboard sound consistent, backlight direction works well with most keycap and switch compatibility, and adjustable feet give you easy tilt adjustment for all-day keyboard comfort.
Typing Feel & Sound
Leopold FC660M Typing Experience
The Leopold FC660M delivers a precise and distraction-free typing experience. Its Cherry MX switches provide firm tactile feedback, ideal for writers and programmers who prefer consistent keystrokes. The FR4 plate and sound dampening reduce noise, creating a clean and controlled sound profile. Compared to softer gasket-mounted boards, the typing feel is more direct and stable, making it great for long typing sessions with minimal fatigue.
Keychron V1 Max Typing Experience
The Keychron V1 Max offers a softer, more modern typing feel. Its gasket mount design adds slight bounce and produces a deeper, thocky sound that many users enjoy. Gateron switches feel smooth out of the box, and the overall typing experience is more forgiving than the FC660M. With hot-swappable support, it’s a strong choice for users who want customization and a more comfortable typing experience.
Boost your typing skills with this quick speed test.
Switches
Leopold FC660M Switches
The Leopold FC660M uses Cherry MX switches with linear, tactile, and clicky switches, offering precise keystroke feedback, quiet typing, and a consistent 45g actuation force with 4mm travel distance.
However, no hot-swappable support means switch customization requires soldering, limiting long-term flexibility.
Keychron V1 Max Switches
The Keychron V1 Max features Gateron G Pro switches with hot-swappable support, enabling easy switch replacement, custom typing feel, and zero soldering hassle.
With linear, tactile, and clicky options, plus 45g operating force and 4mm key travel, it delivers smooth performance, gaming responsiveness, and full switch flexibility.
Find the perfect keyboard switch for gaming and typing.
Keycaps & Legends
Leopold FC660M Keycaps
Leopold FC660M Double-shot PBT keycaps with laser-etched legends — thick, durable, and resistant to shine, delivering clean consistent legends that hold up over years of heavy use.
Keychron V1 Max Keycaps
Keychron V1 Max Ships with double-shot PBT keycaps as well, but adds shine-through legends designed to work with RGB backlighting — slightly thinner than Leopold’s but still a solid stock option.
Wireless & Connectivity
Leopold FC660M Connectivity
The Leopold FC660M uses a wired USB connection, offering stable signal, low latency, and zero wireless interference for consistent performance.
It lacks Bluetooth, multi-device pairing, and wireless flexibility, making it a plug-and-play keyboard focused on reliability.
Keychron V1 Max Connectivity
The Keychron V1 Max supports Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4GHz wireless, delivering low-latency connectivity, stable signal, and seamless multi-device switching.
With Easy-Switch functionality, USB wired mode, and cross-platform compatibility, it offers full wireless freedom and versatile connectivity options.
Customization & Software
Leopold FC660M Customization
The Leopold FC660M offers no software, no firmware, and no drivers — everything is configured via onboard DIP switches and key combinations. This makes it fully plug-and-play but limits remapping flexibility, leaving users reliant on the default layout with minimal customization options.
Keychron V1 Max Customization
The Keychron V1 Max supports both VIA and QMK firmware out of the box, giving users full key remapping, macro programming, and layer customization through an intuitive browser-based interface. Combined with hot-swappable switches, it delivers one of the most complete customization setups available at this price point..
Gaming Performance
Leopold FC660M for Gaming
The Leopold FC660M delivers low latency, stable wired connection, and accurate keystroke registration, making it reliable for casual gaming and steady in-game performance.
However, the lack of rapid trigger, software tuning, and custom macros limits its edge in competitive gaming.
Keychron V1 Max for Gaming
The Keychron V1 Max offers 2.4GHz wireless, low latency mode, and smooth keystroke response, ideal for fast-paced gaming and dynamic gameplay.
With macro support, key remapping, and flexible switch options, it provides a stronger competitive gaming advantage and better overall gaming performance.
Price & Value Comparison
The Leopold FC660M sits in a mid-to-premium price range, typically around $100–$160, offering strong build quality, PBT keycaps, and reliable Cherry MX switches, but limited features for the price.
The Keychron V1 Max is priced around $90–$115, delivering higher value for money with wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and full QMK/VIA support at a competitive cost.
Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs
Between Keychron V1 Max and Leopold FC660M, it depends on how you work daily. The V1 Max is a versatile choice across many scenarios thanks to wireless connectivity, extensive customization features, and a flexible 75% layout.
Gaming
From my use, the Keychron V1 Max feels faster and more adaptable. Its 1000 Hz polling rate with 2.4 GHz and wired modes keeps latency low.
- The hot-swappable PCB lets you install gaming switches easily, while the gasket mount and foam keep typing consistent in long sessions. The FC660M is stable, but lacks this flexibility.
- Office
- For office work, the Keychron V1 Max is more convenient. It supports Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz, making multi-device switching smooth.
- It also includes Mac and Windows keycaps with a system toggle. The FC660M, being wired-only, is simpler but less flexible for modern setups.
- Programming
- For coding, I find the Keychron V1 Max more practical due to its 75% layout with arrow keys and function row.
- QMK and VIA support allow deep customization. The FC660M offers a consistent typing feel, but fewer customization options.
- Travel
- When traveling, the Keychron V1 Max clearly wins. The 4000mAh battery and wireless modes remove the need for cables.
- The FC660M is compact, but being wired limits portability.
- Modding
- If you like customization, the Keychron V1 Max is the better choice. It’s hot-swappable and supports multiple switch types without soldering.
- The FC660M is more of a fixed, pre-built experience with limited modding potential.
- Content Creation
- For creators, the Keychron V1 Max offers more features like RGB lighting, knob controls, and wireless setup for a cleaner desk.
- The FC660M focuses more on typing quality than extra features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keychron V1 Max a good keyboard?
Yes, Keychron V1 Max is a highly recommended 75% layout, wireless mechanical keyboard priced around $100. It offers strong value for money with ABS plastic build, gasket mounting, 2.4 GHz connection, 1000Hz polling rate, Bluetooth connectivity, and hot-swappable switches.
With QMK/VIA support, it is a feature-packed keyboard suitable for work and gaming use, delivering excellent performance, low latency wireless, and modern mechanical keyboard features for enthusiasts.
Is the Leopold FC660C worth the price?
The Leopold FC660C is widely considered worth the premium due to its strong typing experience, quiet keyboard output, and portable compact design.
It delivers a high-quality build, tactile typing feel, durability, and a non-flashy design, making it ideal for users who prefer a classic mechanical keyboard, comfort typing, and professional use with solid premium feel.
Is Keychron a Chinese brand?
Yes, Keychron is a Chinese company based in Hong Kong with operations in Shenzhen. Founded in 2017, it was created by keyboard enthusiasts and is known as a global mechanical keyboard manufacturer.
The brand focuses on international market design, especially Western aesthetic keyboards, and is recognized as a major China tech company in the keyboard production space.
Why are Keychron so popular?
Keychron popularity comes from its hot-swappable PCB, support for 3-pin switches, 5-pin switches, and strong customization options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Its keyboards are widely used for study setup, work environment upgrade, and improved typing experience, offering flexible switch compatibility and a highly user-controlled keyboard design.
Is the Leopold FC660M better than the Keychron V1 Max?
The choice depends on your needs between Leopold FC660M and Keychron V1 Max. The FC660M focuses on a wired-only setup, simple plug-and-play use, and a classic typing experience with Cherry MX switches and strong build quality.
On the other hand, the V1 Max offers wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches, QMK/VIA customization, and modern multi-device support, making it better for users who want flexibility, gaming performance, and future-proof features.