FL Esports FL980 vs Keychron V5
The FL Esports FL980 and the Keychron V5 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron V5 is the cheaper of the two at $65 versus $95; the FL Esports FL980 runs wireless where the Keychron V5 is wired-only; stock, the FL Esports FL980 sounds thocky and the Keychron V5 creamy, muted.
- Lower priceKeychron V5$65 versus $95
- Easier to modKeychron V5hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectFL Esports FL9803 connection modes versus 1
Choose the FL Esports FL980 if
- you mainly want it for typing.
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you need wireless.
Choose the Keychron V5 if
- you mainly want it for budget.
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you want to spend less ($65).
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
FL Esports FL980 vs Keychron V5, spec by spec
| FL Esports FL980 | Keychron V5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 96% | 96% |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT | PBT double-shot, OSA profile |
| Case | ABS plastic with gasket mount | ABS plastic (frosted or solid) |
| Mount | Gasket | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $95 | $65 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | thocky | creamy, muted |
| Released | 2023 | 2022 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
29% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the FL Esports FL980; 9% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron V5.
Where to buy the FL Esports FL980
Where to buy the Keychron V5
KeebScout is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes specs or rankings.
Still torn? The keyboard finder ranks all 502 boards for your size, budget, and use case in five quick questions.