KBDFans RF 8X vs TOFU PADFull Board or Numpad
Choose the RF 8X for an 80% typing layout and the TOFU PAD for a separate, wireless-capable numpad with hot-swap support.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans RF 8X
Build quality in the top 45% of 80% boards at any price.
- 80% layout offers a main-keyboard format rather than a standalone numpad.
- Top-mount construction with aluminum and polycarbonate case materials.
- Steel plate and 7° typing angle are listed.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No numpad.
Get the
KBDFans TOFU PAD
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 5% of Numpad boards under $50.
- Hot-swappable DIY kit, unlike the RF 8X's soldered switches.
- Supports wired, wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a listed 1000mAh battery.
- Gasket mount and listed sound dampening.
- Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.
Choose the RF 8X if you need an 80% main board and want a vendor-described path to Realforce-compatible internals and optional custom parts. Choose the TOFU PAD if your priority is a dedicated numpad with hot-swap switches and wireless connectivity. Neither replaces the other’s layout, so decide first whether you need a full typing keyboard or numeric input.
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 RF 8X
KBDFans TOFU PAD
Layout size
80%
Numpad
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Aluminum, Copper, Steel
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
Display
LED
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
- KBDFans RF 8X
- KBDFans TOFU PAD
- Performance
- 4553
- Build quality
- 6191
- Productivity
- 4675
- Customizability
- 5483
- Portability
- 5381
What will you mostly use it for?
The RF 8X is the clearer choice when you need a primary keyboard, particularly for gaming, programming, or longer writing and editing sessions. The TOFU PAD fits numeric-entry workflows and offers connection flexibility in a compact keypad format. For travel, its wireless options favor mobile use, though the RF 8X vendor does list a carrying case. Modders should weigh the TOFU PAD's hot-swap and VIA/VIAL support against the RF 8X's optional Realforce-compatible PCB and plate path.
Pick the KBDFans RF 8X
- The RF 8X has an 80% layout, whereas the TOFU PAD is a numpad rather than a full typing keyboard.
- The RF 8X lists a 1000 Hz polling rate, a concrete gaming-related specification.
KBDFans RF 8X vs TOFU PAD specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 18 specs differ
KBDFans RF 8X
KBDFans TOFU PAD
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
VIAL
Released
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KBDFans RF 8X vs TOFU PAD: your questions
The RF 8X is listed as an 80% keyboard, so it has a main-keyboard layout rather than being a separate numpad. Its switches are soldered, meaning switch changes require soldering.
No, the TOFU PAD is listed as a numpad, and its compatibility note says it is not a full keyboard. It is suited to adding numeric keys alongside another keyboard.
The TOFU PAD is listed as hot-swappable. The RF 8X has soldered switches, so changing switches requires soldering.
The TOFU PAD is listed with wired, wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity, plus a 1000mAh battery. The RF 8X is listed with USB-C and does not list wireless connectivity.
The RF 8X is listed as an 80% layout, and its compatibility note explicitly says it has no numpad. Choose the TOFU PAD if you need a separate numeric keypad.
The RF 8X is an 80% keyboard kit, while the TOFU PAD is a numpad-only kit. The TOFU PAD adds hot-swap and wireless options, while the RF 8X vendor describes Realforce-compatible internals and optional custom-build parts.
The RF 8X is the more suitable primary board because its 80% layout is a main typing layout. The TOFU PAD is only a numpad and would need to be paired with a separate keyboard.
Its compatibility rules say the switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering. The TOFU PAD is listed as hot-swappable for buyers who want switch changes without that soldering requirement.
The RF 8X is listed as top mount, and the TOFU PAD is listed as gasket mount. The listings also name different plate options, steel for the RF 8X and aluminum, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, and FR4 for the TOFU PAD.
The RF 8X vendor describes an optional VIA-supported PCB designed by Cipulo, rather than presenting it as a universal included feature. The TOFU PAD listing explicitly names VIA and VIAL support.
The TOFU PAD offers wireless and Bluetooth connectivity and has a listed 1000mAh battery. The RF 8X vendor includes a protective carrying case, but its listed connection is USB-C and it is an 80% kit.
The RF 8X vendor lists top and bottom housing, a USB-C unified daughterboard PCB, two custom JST cables, screws, rubber feet, and a protective carrying case. The vendor also says keycaps, stabilizers, and switches are not included.
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