Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Weikav STARS80 Standard vs STARS80 V2Which TKL Kit Wins?

Choose the STARS80 Standard if you must buy in stock today, otherwise the V2 offers significantly more features for a lower price.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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

  • Aluminum case provides a sturdy and premium foundation for a custom build.
  • Supports QMK and VIA firmware for powerful keymap customization and macros.
  • Tri-mode connectivity offers flexibility with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired options.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Get the

Weikav STARS80 V2

Hot-swappable

Build quality in the top 15% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • CNC-machined aluminum case with a 'Broken Cocoon' design and RGB corner modules for a unique look.
  • Gasket mount structure with FR4 plate and five-layered internal padding for soft typing and acoustics.
  • Full-key hot-swappable sockets allow for easy switch swapping without soldering.

Bottom line

The Weikav STARS80 V2 is the better choice for almost everyone. It offers a gasket mount, hot-swap capability, RGB, and a massive battery, all at a lower price point than the Standard version. Only choose the STARS80 Standard if you need a keyboard kit immediately and cannot wait for the V2 or are indifferent to its advanced features like gasket mounting and hot-swap sockets.

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 V2

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Sound dampening

    No

    Yes

  • Backlight

    None

    RGB

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

  • Released

    2026

    2024

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Weikav STARS80 Standard
  • Weikav STARS80 V2
Performance
51
54
Build quality
74
79
Productivity
56
74
Customizability
69
89
Portability
63
78

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 V2 is the recommended choice across all use cases due to its superior feature set. Its gasket mount, hot-swap sockets, extensive sound dampening, and large battery provide clear benefits for gaming, office work, programming, and travel. Modders and content creators will also appreciate the quick-release design and unique aesthetics of the V2, making the Standard model a niche pick only for those needing immediate availability.

For gaming

Pick the Weikav STARS80 V2

  • The V2 includes per-key RGB backlighting, which is often desired for gaming setups.
  • The V2 features a gasket mount structure, which can provide a more consistent and softer feel during rapid key presses.
  • The V2's hot-swappable sockets allow for easy installation of preferred linear switches for gaming.

Full specs

Weikav STARS80 Standard vs STARS80 V2 specs

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

4 of 17 specs differ

Weikav STARS80 Standard

Weikav STARS80 V2

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

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

—
FR4

Weight

—
1,850 g

Dimensions

—
37 x 146 x 370 mm

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2024

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.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Weikav STARS80 Standard vs STARS80 V2: your questions

The Weikav STARS80 V2 is better for typing due to its gasket mount structure and five-layered internal padding. These features are designed to provide a softer, more cushioned typing feel and a pleasant thocky sound profile, which the Standard version lacks.

No, the Weikav STARS80 V2 features full-key hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to install or change mechanical switches without any soldering, making it simple to try different switch types.

Yes, the vendor description for the Weikav STARS80 Standard confirms it supports both QMK and VIA firmware. This allows for deep customization of keymaps, layers, and macros on the Standard model.

No, the Weikav STARS80 V2 is sold as a DIY kit or barebones kit, as stated by the vendor. This means it includes the case, PCB, plate, and other hardware, but you must purchase switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.

The vendor description for the V2 highlights a unique 'Broken Cocoon' design with irregular corners housing RGB crystal elements. The Standard version appears to have a more traditional, flat design without this specific aesthetic feature.

The Weikav STARS80 V2 comes with a very large 8000mAh battery. This is a significant upgrade that promises long-lasting battery life in wireless modes before needing to be recharged.

The Weikav STARS80 V2 is the better choice for a quieter office. It features five-layered internal padding, including PORON Sandwich Cotton and IXPE Undershaft padding, which are specifically mentioned for sound dampening. The Standard version does not list sound dampening features.

No, the mount style is not listed for the Weikav STARS80 Standard. The V2 version explicitly includes a 'Soft-Elastic Gasket Mounted Internal Structure', while the Standard version does not mention any mount type, suggesting it uses a tray or integrated mount.

The Weikav STARS80 Standard does not list hot-swappable sockets in its extra features. This strongly suggests that changing switches would require desoldering and soldering, making it a more difficult process compared to the hot-swap V2.

Yes, the Weikav STARS80 V2 supports tri-mode connectivity. This includes Wireless 2.4GHz, Wireless Bluetooth, and a standard Wired USB connection, offering flexible options for different devices and setups.

The Weikav STARS80 V2 uses an FR4 positioning plate. FR4 is a popular material for its balance of rigidity and flex, contributing to the overall typing feel and sound of the keyboard.

Yes, the metadata and vendor description indicate that the Weikav STARS80 Standard is in stock and ready to ship. In contrast, the STARS80 V2 is currently listed as sold out from its vendor.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.