Leopold FC980M Mechanical Keyboard User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Leopold FC980M Mechanical Keyboard. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your new keyboard. The FC980M is a full-size mechanical keyboard featuring a 98-key layout, durable PBT keycaps, and Cherry MX switches, designed for a reliable and comfortable typing experience.

Figure 1: Front view of the Leopold FC980M Mechanical Keyboard in Grey/Blue.

Setup

The Leopold FC980M keyboard offers versatile connectivity options. Follow these steps to connect your keyboard to your computer.

Connecting the Keyboard

1. Locate the USB cable included with your keyboard.
2. Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port on the back of the FC980M keyboard.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB port on your computer. The keyboard supports both PS/2 (via adapter, if included) and USB interfaces.
4. Your operating system (Windows compatible) should automatically detect and install the necessary drivers. No additional software installation is typically required.

Figure 2: Angled view of the keyboard, illustrating its form factor.

Operating Instructions

The FC980M features a standard US QWERTY ANSI layout with 98 keys, including a dedicated number pad and navigation cluster.

Key Features and Functions

• Cherry MX Switches: The keyboard is equipped with genuine Cherry MX mechanical switches, providing a consistent and tactile typing experience.
• PBT Keycaps: The keycaps are made from durable Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) plastic, known for its resistance to shine and wear over time. The legends are pad printed on the side of the keycaps.
• Full USB N-Key Rollover: This feature ensures that every key press is registered accurately, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for fast typists and gamers.

Figure 3: Close-up view of the keyboard's QWERTY section, highlighting the PBT keycaps.

Function (FN) Key Combinations

The FC980M includes a Function (FN) key that, when combined with other keys, activates additional features and shortcuts. Refer to the table below for common FN key combinations.

Figure 4: FN Key Combinations and their corresponding functions.

• FN + I: Print Screen/Sys Rq
• FN + O: Scroll Lock
• FN + P: Pause
• FN + Page Up: Home
• FN + Page Down: End
• FN + Ctrl (Right): Application Key
• FN + Insert: USB N-Key Rollover On
• FN + Delete: USB N-Key Rollover Off
• FN + ↑: Page Up
• FN + ↓: Page Down
• FN + ←: Home (alternative)
• FN + →: End (alternative)

Maintenance

Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan and preserve the performance of your Leopold FC980M keyboard.

Cleaning the Keyboard

• Dust Removal: Regularly use compressed air to blow away dust and debris from between the keycaps.
• Keycap Cleaning: For general cleaning, wipe the PBT keycaps with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the keycap surface or legends.
• Deep Cleaning (Optional): For a more thorough clean, keycaps can be carefully removed using a keycap puller (not included) and washed with mild soap and water. Ensure keycaps are completely dry before reattaching them.
• Switch Care: Avoid spilling liquids on the keyboard. If a spill occurs, immediately disconnect the keyboard and allow it to dry completely before reconnecting.

Figure 5: View of Cherry MX switches, illustrating the mechanical components.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Leopold FC980M keyboard, try the following troubleshooting steps.

• Keyboard Not Responding:
  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the keyboard and the computer.
  • Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port on your computer.
  • Restart your computer.
  • If using a USB hub, try connecting the keyboard directly to the computer.
• Keys Not Registering / Ghosting:
  • Verify that the N-Key Rollover is enabled (FN + Insert). If it was accidentally disabled (FN + Delete), re-enable it.
  • Clean the affected keys as described in the Maintenance section.
• Keyboard Layout Issues:
  • Ensure your operating system's keyboard language and layout settings are correctly configured for US QWERTY.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage and technical support for your Leopold FC980M keyboard, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Leopold website.

If you require further assistance or have questions not covered in this manual, please contact Leopold customer support.