KBDFans RF 8X vs TOFUSoldered or Hot-Swap
Choose the RF 8X for its Realforce R1 internals focus, or the TOFU for hot-swap capability and more connection options.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans RF 8X
Build quality in the top 45% of 80% boards at any price.
- The vendor lists compatibility with Realforce R1 86/87/88/89u internals.
- The vendor describes compatibility with Cipulot’s RF_R1_8-9Xu PCB.
- Includes a protective carrying case, USB-C daughterboard, and custom JST cables.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
KBDFans TOFU
Hall effect
Build quality in the top 25% of 80% boards under $100.
- Hot-swappable feature is listed, with the compatibility rule specifying magnetic switches.
- Lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity.
- The vendor describes aluminum, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, and FR4 plate options.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
Pick the RF 8X if your priority is a DIY build around Realforce R1 internals and you are comfortable with soldered switches. Choose the TOFU if you want hot-swap capability, multiple connection options, or Hall Effect support, but make sure magnetic switches suit your build. Both use an 80% layout and top mount, so those shared traits do not settle the choice.
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
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Aluminum
Display
LED
Yes
A case display rather than a typing feature
Sound dampening
No
Yes
- KBDFans RF 8X
- KBDFans TOFU
- Performance
- 4584
- Build quality
- 6175
- Productivity
- 4666
- Customizability
- 5479
- Portability
- 5368
- Layout size: 80%
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Top Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The TOFU takes the gaming, office, programming, and content creation picks on the strength of its listed features and connection options. The RF 8X is the more travel-oriented choice here because its vendor description includes a carrying case, while the TOFU is listed at 4900g. Modding is a trade-off: the RF 8X focuses on Realforce-compatible internals, and the TOFU offers more general build options with a magnetic-switch limitation.
Pick the KBDFans TOFU
- The TOFU lists Hall Effect support and N-Key Rollover.
- Its product description says the Hall Effect PCB is designed for low latency.
- The RF 8X lists a 1000 Hz polling rate but no Hall Effect feature.
KBDFans RF 8X vs TOFU specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 22 specs differ
KBDFans RF 8X
KBDFans TOFU
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
KBDFans RF 8X vs TOFU: your questions
The RF 8X is a DIY kit whose vendor description focuses on compatibility with Realforce R1 internals and a custom PCB. The TOFU lists hot-swap capability, Hall Effect support, RGB, and several connection options.
No, the TOFU compatibility rule says it accepts magnetic switches only. It specifically states that standard MX switches will not fit.
The RF 8X switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering. It is not listed as a hot-swap board.
The RF 8X vendor description 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 TOFU listing includes Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz alongside wired connectivity. Its vendor description also presents a dual-mode wireless PCB option.
The RF 8X metadata lists RGB as no. The TOFU, by contrast, lists RGB support.
The TOFU is the more gaming-oriented pick based on its listed Hall Effect feature and N-Key Rollover. Its vendor description says the Hall Effect PCB is designed for low latency, while the RF 8X lists a 1000 Hz polling rate.
The TOFU vendor description lists aluminum, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, and FR4 plate options. The product metadata also lists aluminum, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, steel, and brass.
Yes, its vendor description lists a protective carrying case among the included items. That description also lists a USB-C daughterboard, custom JST cables, screws, and rubber feet.
The TOFU is listed at 4900g. No weight is listed for the RF 8X, so a direct weight comparison is not available.
Both are listed as 80% keyboards. The TOFU is also identified as ANSI in its metadata, while the RF 8X vendor description offers WK or WKL versions.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.










![[In Stock] Virtual 87 80% Mechanical Barebone Keyboard Kit](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0549/0262/0278/files/10_14bb0130-90bb-4fcc-be2e-c4203e171f93.jpg?v=1756892707&width=3840&quality=75)


