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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Weikav STARS80 Standard vs Stars80 V3

The Weikav Stars80 V3 is the better choice for nearly everyone due to its gasket mount, hot-swap PCB, sound dampening, RGB, and lower price.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Weikav STARS80 Standard

Build quality in the top 20% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Sleek aluminum chassis that exudes a premium aesthetic, per the vendor description.
  • Tri-mode connectivity with wired, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth options.
  • QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and customization.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Get the

Weikav Stars80 V3

Hot-swappable

Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Features gasket mount structure for a softer, more cushioned typing feel.
  • Hot-swappable PCB allows for changing switches without soldering.
  • Includes an 8000mAh battery for extended wireless usage, according to the vendor ktechs.

Bottom line

The Weikav Stars80 V3 is the recommendation for almost any buyer. It offers a modern gasket mount, hot-swap PCB, and excellent sound dampening at a lower price than the STARS80 Standard, which lacks these features. The only scenario to choose the Standard is if you specifically want a non-hot-swap board without RGB and prefer its likely lighter weight for travel, though the V3's advantages are substantial.

What actually differs

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.

Weikav STARS80 Standard

Weikav Stars80 V3

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Sound dampening

    No

    Yes

  • Backlight

    None

    RGB

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

  • N-key rollover

    No

    Yes

  • Mac & Windows

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Weikav STARS80 Standard
  • Weikav Stars80 V3
Performance
51
80
Build quality
74
84
Productivity
56
89
Customizability
69
92
Portability
63
88

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • QMK
  • VIA
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Weikav Stars80 V3 is the stronger overall performer, winning in gaming, office, programming, and content creation due to its gasket mount, foam dampening, and programmable features. For modding, the V3 is also the clear winner with its hot-swap PCB and versatile mounting system. The STARS80 Standard only wins in travel, where its likely lighter weight is a benefit for portability.

For gaming

Pick the Weikav Stars80 V3

  • The Stars80 V3 has a gasket mount structure and multi-layer PORON/IXPE/EPDM foam for a softer, quieter feel that can reduce fatigue.
  • The V3 uses an FR4 plate and a hot-swappable flex-cut PCB, which can provide a more responsive and customizable typing experience.
  • The V3 includes N-key rollover, a key feature for gaming accuracy.

Full specs

Weikav STARS80 Standard vs Stars80 V3 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

6 of 20 specs differ

Weikav STARS80 Standard

Weikav Stars80 V3

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

—
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

—
8,000 mAh

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

—
FR4

Weight

—
1,900 g

Dimensions

—
35 x 355 x 140 mm

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2026

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Weikav STARS80 Standard vs Stars80 V3: your questions

The Stars80 V3 is generally better for typing. Its gasket mount and multi-layer PORON, IXPE, and EPDM foam stack are designed to soften bottom-out and create a deeper sound. The STARS80 Standard lacks these dampening features, which may result in a hollower typing feel and sound.

No, the STARS80 Standard does not have a hot-swap PCB. The product metadata lists it as a DIY Kit or Barebones but does not list hot-swap capability. In contrast, the Stars80 V3 is explicitly stated to have a hot-swappable socket.

Yes, the Stars80 V3 supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing you to remap every key, create custom layers, and assign macros. The vendor ktechs specifically mentions this power-user capability in the product description.

The Stars80 V3 has a built-in 8000mAh battery, according to the product specifications from vendor ktechs. This battery is intended to provide long-lasting wireless usage. The battery capacity for the STARS80 Standard is not provided in the available data.

The Stars80 V3 is heavier, with a listed net weight of approximately 1900 grams. The weight of the STARS80 Standard is not explicitly stated in the provided information, but it is likely lighter as it does not include an 8000mAh battery or the multi-layer foam stack.

No, the STARS80 Standard does not have RGB lighting. The product metadata explicitly states 'RGB: No'. This might appeal to users who prefer a clean, minimalist desk setup without lighting.

The Stars80 V3 case is milled from a solid block of 6063 aluminum. The product description mentions high-end anodizing and coating processes for the finish. The plate material is FR4, and the internal weight is also aluminum.

The V3 uses a gasket mount structure, which typically provides a softer, more cushioned typing feel by isolating the plate and PCB from the case. The mounting style of the STARS80 Standard is not specified in the provided data, so it cannot be confirmed.

The Weikav Stars80 V3 is explicitly listed as supporting both Windows and Mac, among other operating systems. The Mac/Win compatibility of the STARS80 Standard is not mentioned in the provided vendor descriptions or metadata.

The STARS80 Standard is likely better for travel due to its probable lighter weight, as it lacks an 8000mAh battery and sound dampening layers. Both keyboards are 80% TKL size, but the V3's 1900g weight makes it more of a desk fixture than a portable device.

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