Leobog Hi8SE vs Monsgeek M1W
Choose the Monsgeek M1W for extensive firmware modding and a DIY kit option, or the Leobog Hi8 SE for longer battery life and a lighter build.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Leobog Hi8SE
Battery
- Larger 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- Lighter weight of 1600g for easier portability.
- Vendor description highlights an improved knob with a damping sensation and a redesigned top-covering-ground structure.
- Only available with linear switch options according to its metadata.
- Lacks open-source firmware support like QMK or VIA.
- Modding accessories are not mentioned in the provided descriptions.
Get the
Monsgeek M1W
QMK
- Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive programmability.
- Available as a DIY kit/barebones for building from scratch.
- Includes a comprehensive modding kit with extra foam, Teflon pads, and tape.
- Smaller 6000mAh battery compared to the Hi8 SE.
- Heavier at 2200g, making it less portable.
- The vendor page does not mention specific gaming-oriented features like delay customization.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a keyboard ready for deep software and hardware tinkering, the Monsgeek M1W is the clear winner with its QMK/VIA support and included modding kit. If you prefer a lighter, longer-lasting wireless keyboard focused on a polished out-of-box experience, the Leobog Hi8 SE is the better option. Both represent strong values in the wireless aluminum 75% category.
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.
Leobog Hi8SE
Monsgeek M1W
Battery
8,000 mAh
6,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Weight
1,600 g
2,200 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Leobog Hi8SE
- Monsgeek M1W
- Performance
- 7770
- Build quality
- 7085
- Productivity
- 8497
- Customizability
- 6896
- Portability
- 9292
- Layout size: 75%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Monsgeek M1W wins in categories demanding high customizability, such as Programming, Modding, and Content Creation, thanks to its open-source firmware and kit option. The Leobog Hi8 SE takes the lead for Gaming and Travel, where its lighter weight, larger battery, and vendor-touted gaming optimizations are advantageous. For general Office use, both keyboards are equally capable with their shared feature set.
Pick the Leobog Hi8SE
- The Leobog Hi8 SE vendor description mentions a 'top-tier gaming chip' with customizable delay settings.
- It is notably lighter at 1600g, which may be preferable for quick desk movements.
- Its 8000mAh battery offers longer wireless gaming sessions between charges.
Leobog Hi8SE vs Monsgeek M1W specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 24 specs differ
Leobog Hi8SE
Monsgeek M1W
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Leobog Hi8SE vs Monsgeek M1W: your questions
The Leobog Hi8 SE has a larger 8000mAh battery, while the Monsgeek M1W has a 6000mAh battery. Based on capacity alone, the Hi8 SE should offer longer usage between charges.
Yes, but the methods differ. The Monsgeek M1W supports QMK and VIA firmware, which allow for deep, open-source key remapping and macro creation. The Leobog Hi8 SE uses a proprietary driver for customization, as mentioned in its vendor description.
Yes, both the Leobog Hi8 SE and Monsgeek M1W feature hot-swap sockets that support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
The Monsgeek M1W is more suited for first-time builders as it is available in a DIY kit/barebones version. Its listing also mentions it includes extra modding materials like Poron foam and Teflon pads to experiment with.
Both are listed as pre-built, which typically includes keycaps. The Monsgeek M1W vendor page specifies it includes PBT keycaps, with Cherry profile for the Sky Blue version and OEM profile for the Purple version. The specific keycaps on the Hi8 SE are not detailed.
The Monsgeek M1W offers linear, tactile, and clicky switch types. The Leobog Hi8 SE, according to its metadata and vendor page, is only listed with linear switch options like Rambo, Greywood V4, and Barbie.
The Leobog Hi8 SE is more portable. It weighs 1600g compared to the Monsgeek M1W's 2200g, and it has slightly smaller dimensions (322mm long vs. 333mm).
Both have sound dampening features. The Leobog Hi8 SE uses a gasket structure with PORON gaskets. The Monsgeek M1W includes Poron case foam, plate foams, an IXPE switch pad, and a VHB insulation layer.
Yes, both keyboards list Mac support in their metadata. The Monsgeek M1W vendor page also specifically mentions Linux compatibility.
Both use a gasket mount design. However, the Monsgeek M1W's metadata also lists 'Plate Mount' as an option, which may refer to its stabilizer type. The Leobog Hi8 SE vendor description emphasizes its 'innovative GASKET design' with PORON gaskets.
Yes, both keyboards list knob support. The Leobog Hi8 SE vendor description specifically mentions an 'improved knob with damping sensation' that controls volume, lighting, and mode switching.
Both are well-suited due to their sound-dampening foams and gasket mounts. The choice may come down to switch type; the Monsgeek M1W offers tactile or linear switches (which can be quiet), while the Hi8 SE comes with linear switches. Adding silent switches to either hot-swap board would further reduce noise.
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