Difference between XTR 9 speed and 10 speed front derailleurs

[Sweetness]

I know the new Shimano 10-speed shifters are not compatible with 9-speed derailleurs, but what about the front shifters and derailleurs?

I currently have a 9-speed XTR front shifter (M970) mated to an E-type SLX front derailleur (FD-M665) that works flawlessly.

I want to switch out the front shifter for one of the newer Shimano XTR front shifters (M980). Will this work? Or does the newer XTR front derailleur pull a different amount of cable?

[attosaibu]

Why do you intend to switch it?? For me, I just want my M970 still used for my 10sp groupset so that I don't have to change all the setup..