KBDFans Agar vs RF 8X60% hot-swap vs 80%
Choose the Agar for a compact, hot-swappable VIA build, or the RF 8X for an 80% Realforce-compatible case and its custom-build options.
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5.0 · 8 reviews
from$110at KBDfans
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from$350at KBDfans
Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Agar
60% hot-swap
Build quality in the top 5% of 60% boards under $150.
- 60% layout with split backspace and a listed Dvorak/ANSI layout.
- Hot-swap support, VIA support, and VIAL support are listed.
- Vendor describes a silicone block mount system and a non-flex-cut hot-swap PCB.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Get the
KBDFans RF 8X
80%
Build quality in the top 45% of 80% boards at any price.
- 80% layout with WK and WKL options listed by the vendor.
- Vendor lists compatibility with Realforce R1 86/87/88/89u internals and Cipulot’s RF_R1_8-9Xu PCB.
- Optional custom PCB and stainless steel plate choices are described.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No numpad.
Pick the KBDFans Agar if you want a compact board with hot-swap, VIA support, RGB, and a vendor-described silicone mount system. Choose the RF 8X if an 80% layout and a case for Realforce-compatible internals matter more than hot-swap convenience. Before buying the RF 8X, confirm that its soldered-switch configuration and intended PCB or internals suit your build.
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.
KBDFans Agar
KBDFans RF 8X
Layout size
60%
80%
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Split Backspace
Standard
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Top Mount
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- KBDFans Agar
- KBDFans RF 8X
- Performance
- 6345
- Build quality
- 9061
- Productivity
- 8146
- Customizability
- 9054
- Portability
- 8453
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum, Polycarbonate
- Display: LED
What will you mostly use it for?
The Agar is the more practical pick for a compact gaming or programming setup, with hot-swap flexibility and configurable features. The RF 8X suits buyers who prefer a larger layout or are building around Realforce-compatible internals. Travel favors the Agar's smaller layout, although the RF 8X includes a carrying case. For modding, the choice depends on whether you want the Agar's included hot-swap parts or the RF 8X's specialized case and optional components.
Pick the KBDFans Agar
- Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate.
- The Agar has hot-swap support, while the RF 8X switches are soldered.
- The Agar lists RGB, which the RF 8X does not.
KBDFans Agar vs RF 8X specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 21 specs differ
KBDFans Agar
KBDFans RF 8X
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
VIAL
Released
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KBDFans Agar vs RF 8X: your questions
Yes. The Agar lists hot-swap support, and its vendor description identifies a 1.6mm non-flex-cut hot-swap PCB. The vendor says the barebones kit includes the hot-swap PCB and hot-swap foam kit.
No. The RF 8X compatibility rule says its switches are soldered. Changing them requires soldering.
The RF 8X is an 80% layout, while the Agar is 60%. The Agar's compatibility rule specifies no function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Yes. VIA support is listed for the Agar, and its vendor description also says it is programmable with VIA. VIAL support is listed in its product features as well.
The vendor describes an optional VIA-supported PCB designed by Cipulo. The RF 8X product features do not list standard VIA support, so check the selected PCB configuration before purchasing.
The vendor says both WK and WKL versions are compatible with Realforce R1 86/87/88/89u internals. It also names compatibility with Cipulot’s RF_R1_8-9Xu PCB.
The vendor lists a case, copper external weight, silicone gasket set, rubber feet, hot-swap PCB, daughterboard, hot-swap foam kit, aluminum plate, and barebone hook. Switches, keycaps, and stabilizers are not included, according to that vendor description.
The vendor lists the top and bottom housing, USB-C Unified daughterboard PCB, two custom JST cables, M3 and M2 hex screws, rubber feet, and a protective carrying case. Switches, keycaps, and stabilizers are not included.
Yes. RGB is listed for the Agar, and the vendor describes RGB underglow as most visible with polycarbonate cases. The RF 8X is listed without RGB.
The Agar lists gasket mount and plate mount, and its vendor describes a silicone block mount system. The RF 8X lists top mount.
The Agar's 60% layout is smaller than the RF 8X's 80% layout, and its listed weight is 1300g. The RF 8X vendor includes a protective carrying case, but no weight is listed.
Neither vendor description lists switches or keycaps as included. Both describe barebones or case-kit contents, so plan for those components separately.
Not sold on either?
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