HEXCORE W800 vs Keychron K8 ProCompact vs Customizable
Choose the Keychron K8 Pro for deep customization and build quality, or the Hexcore W800 for a more compact layout with 2.4GHz wireless.
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No reviews
from$99at Mechkeys
4.9 (52)4.9 · 52 reviews
from$74at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
HEXCORE W800
Compact
Build quality in the bottom 5% of 75% boards under $100.
- More compact 75% layout saves desk space.
- Includes 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for a low-latency option.
- Features dynamic RGB backlighting with side light bars.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron K8 Pro
Customizable
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- Fully programmable with open-source QMK and VIA firmware.
- Superior build with an aluminum frame option, steel plate, and sound-dampening foam.
- Larger 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value a smaller footprint and the convenience of a 2.4GHz dongle for gaming or travel, the Hexcore W800 is a capable option. For users who prioritize firmware customization, a sturdier build, and long-term modding potential, the Keychron K8 Pro is the significantly more versatile and future-proof keyboard.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
HEXCORE W800
Keychron K8 Pro
Layout size
75%
80%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
2,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
PBT
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Switch options
Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- HEXCORE W800
- Keychron K8 Pro
- Performance
- 4981
- Build quality
- 4189
- Productivity
- 6895
- Customizability
- 6396
- Portability
- 7673
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K8 Pro is the clear choice for programming and modding due to its QMK/VIA support and robust construction. It also wins for office use with its international layout support. The Hexcore W800 is better suited for gaming, thanks to its 2.4GHz wireless, and is the superior travel keyboard due to its smaller size and lower weight. For content creation, both offer relevant features, making it a tie.
Pick the HEXCORE W800
- The Hexcore W800 includes a 2.4GHz wireless mode, which the vendor description states provides a stable, lag-free connection.
- Its 75% layout is more compact, freeing up desk space for mouse movement.
- The vendor page lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for the Keychron K8 Pro, but does not specify a polling rate for the W800, leaving its wired performance unclear.
HEXCORE W800 vs Keychron K8 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
17 of 25 specs differ
HEXCORE W800
Keychron K8 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
HEXCORE W800
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K8 Pro
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
HEXCORE W800 vs Keychron K8 Pro: your questions
The Keychron K8 Pro has a larger 4000mAh battery, which should theoretically provide longer usage between charges compared to the Hexcore W800's 2000mAh battery. The vendor for the W800 claims up to 1200 hours with lighting off, but direct runtime comparisons depend on usage patterns like backlight brightness and connection mode.
The Hexcore W800 vendor description mentions macro definition and RGB adjustment through its proprietary HEXCORE Link driver software. It does not mention support for open-source, layer-based remapping tools like QMK or VIA, which are fully supported on the Keychron K8 Pro.
No. According to the provided specifications, the Keychron K8 Pro offers Bluetooth and wired connectivity, but does not list a 2.4GHz wireless mode. The Hexcore W800 specifically includes a 2.4GHz RF connection option.
Yes, both keyboards use standard MX-style stems, allowing for aftermarket keycap compatibility. The Keychron K8 Pro features south-facing RGB LEDs, which the manufacturer states prevents interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common issue on some north-facing LED boards.
The Keychron K8 Pro is more beginner-friendly for modding due to its hot-swappable sockets (on the relevant version), which allow switch changes without soldering. Its detailed construction with foam and silicone pads also provides a good out-of-the-box typing experience that can be easily modified later.
Yes. Both the Hexcore W800 and Keychron K8 Pro list Mac support in their extra features. The Keychron vendor description explicitly states full compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems.
The Hexcore W800 uses PCB satellite stabilizers, as per its vendor description. The Keychron K8 Pro uses screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are generally considered more stable and less prone to rattle, though the non-hot-swappable version uses plate-mounted stabilizers.
Yes. The Keychron K8 Pro is available in a 'Barebone' kit version, according to its listed extra features. This allows you to install your own choice of switches and keycaps from the start.
The Keychron K8 Pro is designed to be quieter, incorporating sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening pad, as stated in its description. The Hexcore W800 mentions a silicone padded structure but does not detail specific sound-dampening materials to the same extent.
The Keychron K8 Pro explicitly lists N-key rollover as an extra feature. The Hexcore W800 specifications do not mention N-key rollover, so its anti-ghosting capabilities are not specified in the provided data.
Warranty information is not provided in the core specifications for either model. The Hexcore W800 vendor page from Mechkeys details a specific return policy and warranty terms, but this is retailer-specific. For the Keychron K8 Pro, you would need to check Keychron's official warranty policy.
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