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Compare HEXCORE W800 vs Keychron K8 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich compact board and a highly moddable tenkeyless workhorse. The Hexcore W800 offers a smaller 75% footprint and triple-mode wireless, including 2.4GHz. The Keychron K8 Pro counters with extensive programmability, a sturdier build, and a larger battery. The decision hinges on prioritizing portability and a specific wireless mode versus advanced firmware support and long-term modding potential.

HEXCORE W800 Mechanical Keyboard
94
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
3.3 (56)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 800 g
  • Sized at 40 x 284 x 97 mm
  • Made with a PBT case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1146 g
  • Sized at 35 x 355 x 123 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 49.5
  • Build Quality: 40.9
  • Productivity: 68
  • Customizability: 63.8
  • Portability: 76.5
Scores
  • Performance: 81.3
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 94.7
  • Customizability: 97.3
  • Portability: 73.1
Name
HEXCORE W800
Name
Keychron K8 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-Nordic
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
PBT
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
40 x 284 x 97 mm
Dimensions
35 x 355 x 123 mm
Weight
800g
Weight
1146g
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

HEXCORE W800

  • +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.
  • +Uses PBT keycaps with an MDA height profile for durability.
  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz, wired).
  • −Smaller 2000mAh battery compared to the K8 Pro.
  • −Lacks advanced programmability features like QMK or VIA support.
  • −Build materials are listed as PBT for the case, which may feel less premium than metal options.

Keychron K8 Pro

  • +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.
  • +Wide compatibility with international ISO layouts (UK, DE, FR, ES, Nordic, etc.).
  • +Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers for a smoother typing experience.
  • −Larger and heavier 80% (TKL) form factor.
  • −Does not include a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, relying on Bluetooth and wired connections.
  • −The non-hot-swappable 'Fully Assembled' version lacks sound-absorbing foam and a silicone pad.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingHEXCORE 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.
OfficeKeychron K8 Pro
  • •The Keychron K8 Pro supports a wider range of international ISO layouts, including UK, German, French, Spanish, and Nordic.
  • •It has a larger 4000mAh battery, which may require less frequent charging.
  • •Its 80% layout retains the function row and navigation cluster for productivity shortcuts.
ProgrammingKeychron K8 Pro
  • •The Keychron K8 Pro features open-source QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • •It offers a dedicated software layer via the Keychron Launcher web app for easy customization.
  • •The inclusion of screw-in PCB stabilizers, as noted in its specs, can contribute to a more consistent typing feel on larger keys.
TravelHEXCORE W800
  • •The Hexcore W800 is significantly smaller (284mm wide) and lighter (800g) than the Keychron K8 Pro (355mm wide, 1146g).
  • •Its 75% layout is more space-efficient for tight packing.
  • •It offers Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless options for connecting to different devices on the go.
ModdingKeychron K8 Pro
  • •The Keychron K8 Pro explicitly supports QMK/VIA, allowing for deep firmware-level customization.
  • •It is available in a barebones kit version, according to its listed extra features.
  • •Its construction includes a steel plate, sound-absorbing foam, and a silicone dampening pad, providing a solid base for modifications.
  • •It features screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are preferred by modders for their stability.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards offer RGB backlighting for visual customization.
  • •Both are hot-swappable (in their standard versions), allowing switch changes to suit typing preferences for long sessions.
  • •The Hexcore W800's compact form can be beneficial for a cleaner desk setup on camera, while the K8 Pro's programmability is useful for assigning media and macro keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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