Weikav STARS80 vs Stars80: RGB vs QMK Showdown

Compare Weikav STARS80 Standard vs Stars80 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two 80% aluminum DIY keyboard kits from Weikav. The decision is challenging because both boards share the same form factor, aluminum case material, and tri-mode wireless connectivity. The STARS80 Standard stands out with its QMK and VIA support for advanced firmware customization, while the Stars80 offers built-in RGB lighting and a spring-leaf gasket mounting structure for a potentially softer typing feel.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2026 Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Supports hot-swappable switches Compatible with both Mac and Windows Connects via USB-C Features N-key rollover Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Weighs about 1850 g Sized at 37 x 146 x 370 mm Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 52.2 Build Quality: 74.1 Productivity: 56.7 Customizability: 70 Portability: 63	Scores Performance: 76.5 Build Quality: 65.7 Productivity: 66.9 Customizability: 77 Portability: 74.8
Name	Name Weikav STARS80 Standard	Name Weikav Stars80
Release year	Release year 2026	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 37 x 146 x 370 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1850g

[In Stock] Weikav STARS80 Standard Version Mechanical Keyboard, Aluminum , Tri-mode, Suitable for Office Use, Gaming, and Esports

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2026
Supports QMK firmware
Supports VIA configuration
Offers No RGB lighting

Released in 2024
Supports hot-swappable switches
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Connects via USB-C
Features N-key rollover
Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
Weighs about 1850 g
Sized at 37 x 146 x 370 mm
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 52.2
Build Quality: 74.1
Productivity: 56.7
Customizability: 70
Portability: 63

Scores

Performance: 76.5
Build Quality: 65.7
Productivity: 66.9
Customizability: 77
Portability: 74.8

Name

Weikav STARS80 Standard

Name

Weikav Stars80

Release year

2026

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

Dimensions

37 x 146 x 370 mm

Weight

1850g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize firmware customization or built-in features. The STARS80 Standard is the better option if you need deep programmability through QMK and VIA, making it ideal for power users and programmers. The Stars80 is the pick if you want a more complete out-of-box experience with RGB and a modern gasket structure, provided you can find it in stock.

Weikav STARS80 Standard

+QMK and VIA firmware support for fully programmable keymaps and layers
+Available in black, carmine, and silver color options
+Aluminum case material for a premium feel
+Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for versatile use

−No RGB lighting, limiting aesthetic customization
−Lacks specific mounting structure details, making sound profile less predictable before building

Weikav Stars80

+Built-in RGB lighting with customizable effects for visual customization
+Spring-leaf gasket mount structure for a potentially softer, more responsive typing feel
+Press magnetic 2.4 GHz receiver storage for easy dongle management
+Multiple sound-dampening layers (Poron, IXPE, PET, EPDM) for refined acoustics

−Noted as sold out from the listed vendor, making it harder to purchase
−Does not support QMK or VIA firmware, limiting programmability
−Heavier weight at 1850g compared to standard counterparts

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For programming and content creation, the STARS80 Standard's QMK and VIA firmware support provides essential shortcut customization, giving it a clear edge. In gaming, the Stars80 pulls ahead with better performance metrics, RGB, and N-key rollover. For office use, the STARS80 Standard's lack of RGB and stronger firmware make it a more focused tool. Travelers will appreciate the Stars80's thoughtful receiver storage and lighter build. Modding enthusiasts can go either way, as both boards offer substantial opportunities for customization.

GamingWeikav Stars80

•Higher relative performance score in gaming
•Includes N-key rollover for reliable key presses
•RGB lighting can enhance in-game immersion

OfficeWeikav STARS80 Standard

•QMK and VIA support allow for custom productivity macros
•No RGB lighting reduces distractions in a shared workspace

ProgrammingWeikav STARS80 Standard

•QMK/VIA support enables custom keymaps and complex layers
•Standard version is more focused on functionality than aesthetics

TravelWeikav Stars80

•Higher portability score relative to price
•Press magnetic 2.4 GHz receiver storage keeps dongle organized
•Slightly lighter weight at 1850g

ModdingTie

•Both are DIY kits/barebones with hot-swappable sockets
•STARS80 Standard offers QMK/VIA for firmware tinkering
•Stars80 includes spring-leaf gasket and multiple foam layers for sound tuning

Content CreationWeikav STARS80 Standard

•QMK/VIA firmware allows creation of custom shortcuts for editing software
•No RGB avoids color distortion when used near calibrated monitors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Compare Weikav STARS80 Standard vs Stars80 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Weikav STARS80 Standard

Weikav Stars80

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which keyboard is better for programming, Weikav STARS80 Standard or Stars80?

Does the Weikav Stars80 support QMK or VIA firmware?

Which keyboard has RGB lighting, the STARS80 Standard or the Stars80?

Are both Weikav keyboards hot-swappable?

What is the main difference in build between the STARS80 Standard and Stars80?

Which keyboard is more portable for travel?

Can I use the Weikav STARS80 Standard for gaming?

Does the Weikav Stars80 come with a 2.4 GHz receiver?

Which keyboard has better sound dampening features?

Are the Weikav STARS80 Standard and Stars80 compatible with Mac?

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