KBDFans RF 8X vs Vella HE80% or Hall Effect
Choose the RF 8X for its 80% layout and Realforce R1 compatibility, or the Vella HE for a compact magnetic-switch kit with a Venom 60 HE PCB.
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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, compared with the Vella HE's 60% format.
- Top-mount construction with aluminum and polycarbonate case materials.
- Vendor lists compatibility with Realforce R1 86/87/88/89u internals.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No numpad.
Get the
KBDFans Vella HE
Hall effect
Build quality in the top 25% of 60% boards under $150.
- Magnetic switch design and a Geonworks Venom 60 HE PCB are included in the vendor description.
- Aluminum case with carbon fiber backplate, plus carbon fiber and aluminum plate options.
- Rubber O-ring mount, with removable blockers for multiple layout options.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Choose the RF 8X if you want an 80% layout and a route to Realforce R1 internals or the named custom PCB options. Choose the Vella HE if a compact gaming kit built around magnetic switches and the Venom 60 HE PCB matches your needs. Before buying the Vella HE, confirm that its compact layout and magnetic-switch restriction suit your setup.
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 Vella HE
Layout size
80%
60%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Case material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Aluminum, Carbon Fiber
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
Plate material
Steel
Aluminum, CarbonFiber
- KBDFans RF 8X
- KBDFans Vella HE
- Performance
- 4544
- Build quality
- 6176
- Productivity
- 4658
- Customizability
- 5450
- Portability
- 5363
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Display: LED
What will you mostly use it for?
The Vella HE is the more targeted pick for gaming, with its magnetic-switch design and included Venom 60 HE PCB. The RF 8X takes the productivity-oriented categories here because its 80% layout avoids the Vella HE's compact-layout restrictions. For travel, the Vella HE's smaller layout is an advantage, though its listed weight includes packaging and the RF 8X comes with a protective carrying case. Modding favors the RF 8X for its Realforce and custom-PCB paths, while the Vella HE is built around magnetic switches.
Pick the KBDFans Vella HE
- The Vella HE is explicitly described as a magnetic-switch gaming keyboard kit.
- Its included Geonworks Venom 60 HE PCB is designed for the Vella HE.
- Both keyboards list a 1000 Hz polling rate, so that spec does not distinguish them.
KBDFans RF 8X vs Vella HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 15 specs differ
KBDFans RF 8X
KBDFans Vella HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Typing angle
Backlight
Released
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KBDFans RF 8X vs Vella HE: your questions
The RF 8X is an 80% top-mount kit compatible with specified Realforce R1 internals. The Vella HE is a compact magnetic-switch kit with a Geonworks Venom 60 HE PCB.
Yes, the Vella HE is listed with Hall Effect and magnetic switches. Its vendor description identifies it as a magnetic-switch gaming keyboard kit.
No, the Vella HE compatibility rule says it accepts magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
The RF 8X compatibility rule says its switches are soldered. Swapping them requires soldering.
The RF 8X has an 80% layout, while the Vella HE has a 60% layout. The Vella HE's compatibility rules specify that it lacks a dedicated function row, dedicated arrow keys, and a numpad.
The RF 8X vendor description lists compatibility with Realforce R1 86/87/88/89u internals. It also names compatibility with Cipulot’s RF_R1_8-9Xu PCB.
The Vella HE vendor description lists a Geonworks Venom 60 HE PCB as included. It specifies ANSI and WKL layout options for that PCB.
The Vella HE is the smaller layout at 60%, compared with the RF 8X at 80%. The Vella HE is listed at approximately 1.1 kg including packaging, and the RF 8X vendor description lists a protective carrying case.
The RF 8X is listed with a top mount. The Vella HE vendor description identifies a rubber O-ring mount.
Both product listings identify a screen as LED. Both also list no RGB.
The RF 8X is the relevant option because its vendor description lists Realforce R1 internal compatibility and a compatible Cipulot PCB. The Vella HE is built around the Geonworks Venom 60 HE PCB and magnetic switches.
The Vella HE vendor description lists carbon fiber and aluminum plate options. It also specifies a choice of 6.25U or 7U plate option.
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