What keyboards is the KBDFans RF 8X designed to fit?

The RF 8X is designed around Realforce R1 internals, including those from the 86u, 87u, 88u, and 89u. Check your keyboard’s layout and internals before choosing a case configuration to make sure they match.

Can I use Realforce R2 or R3S internals in the RF 8X?

Yes, but with a limitation: R2 and R3S internals require the WK version of the case and an additional custom plate. The WKL version is compatible with the listed R1 internals, not R2/R3S internals.

What do WK and WKL mean, and which should I choose?

WK and WKL refer to the case layout around the bottom row: WK has a winkey layout, while WKL is winkeyless. Both versions support the specified R1 internals, but only WK supports the R2/R3S conversion with the required custom plate.

Does the RF 8X use a standard USB-C connection?

The case includes a Unified daughterboard with a USB-C port, so the connection is located on the case rather than directly on the main PCB. You’ll need a compatible USB-C cable to connect the keyboard.

Can I build the RF 8X with a custom PCB?

The RF 8X is compatible with Cipulot’s RF_R1_8-9Xu PCB, which supports VIA. Optional custom PCB and plate components can also make builds with compatible aftermarket electrocapacitive parts possible. Check the requirements for each component before assembling your build.

What is the mounting style and typing angle?

The RF 8X uses a top-mount construction and has a 7.45° typing angle. Its listed front height is 17 mm.

What comes with the case?

The listed contents are the top and bottom housings, a USB-C Unified daughterboard, two custom JST cables, M3 and M2 hex screws, four rubber feet, and a protective carrying case.

Are keycaps, switches, and stabilizers included?

No. Keycaps, switches, and stabilizers are not included, so you’ll need to supply compatible components separately for a complete keyboard.

What materials are used in the RF 8X?

The design combines polycarbonate and aluminum, with an aluminum top. The case is offered in WK and WKL layouts.

KeebFinder

Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

New

KBDFans RF 8X

Name: KBDFans RF 8X
Brand: KBDFans
SKU: rf-8x

KBDFans RF 8X is a replacement case for Realforce R1 keyboards and related electrocapacitive custom builds. It suits owners who want to reuse compatible internals or assemble a custom EC keyboard, rather than anyone seeking a complete, ready-to-use board.</p... Read more

Compare prices from $350.00 to $360 · Popularity rank 2002 in Keyboards

Compare prices and purchase options

Click the coupon code for a discount. Features and specs may vary by model version.

KBDFans RF 8X

RF-8X

Out of stock

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
KBDFans RF 8X
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
RF-8X
	Shipping to US	-		$350 Out of stock	Visit Shop

*I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Thanks for your support!

Similar 80% keyboards

Same price range, layout, and form factor, from different brands.

$349

[In Stock] Virtual 87 80% Mechanical Barebone Keyboard Kit

Velocifire Virtual 87

80%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

$320

Varmilo Sword 2-87 Sakura R2 White LED TKL Dye Sub PBT Aluminum EC Mechanical Keyboard

Varmilo Sword V2 87 Sakura R2

80%,

White LEDs,

Alu case,

Plate Mount

Compare specs

$325

hololive x Realforce GX1 La+ Darknesss Keyboard

Realforce hololive GX1 La Darknesss

80%,

Wired,

RGB,

Plate Mount

Compare specs

New

$399

[In Stock] Space80: Apollo’s Cyber Armor keyboard kit By Gray Studio

Gray Studio Space80 Apollo’s Cyber Armor

80%,

Hotswap,

VIAL,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

$385

[In-stock] Lotus80 Mechanical Keyboard Kit Extras

Fox Lab Lotus

80%,

Hotswap,

Top Mount

Compare specs

$278

Createkeebs LuminKey80 MK II Tri-mode Keyboard

Createkeebs LuminKey80 II

80%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Screen,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

$285

Heavy shell Barix87 Pro

80%,

Hotswap,

Wired,

RGB,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

$259

Filco Majestouch Convertible 2

80%,

Wireless,

Wired,

Plate Mount

Compare specs

Compare KBDFans RF 8X vs Velocifire Virtual 87 vs Varmilo Sword V2 87 Sakura R2 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	KBDFans RF 8X	Velocifire Virtual 87	Varmilo Sword V2 87 Sakura R2
		83
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2026 Includes a Yes, LED display Connects via USB-C Uses a Top Mount mounting style Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2025 Supports hot-swappable switches Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery Weighs about 1700 g Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Clicky switch options Built with the ANSI layout standard Compatible with both Mac and Windows Provides dedicated media keys Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 45.4 Build Quality: 60.7 Productivity: 46.2 Customizability: 53.9 Portability: 52.7	Scores Performance: 72.2 Build Quality: 82 Productivity: 77.1 Customizability: 90.8 Portability: 70.4	Scores Performance: 51.2 Build Quality: 51.6 Productivity: 48.3 Customizability: 53.1 Portability: 51.5
Name	Name KBDFans RF 8X	Name Velocifire Virtual 87	Name Varmilo Sword V2 87 Sakura R2
Release year	Release year 2026	Release year 2025	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -	Switch Options Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard -	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LED	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless	Connection
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 5000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Top Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight White
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1700g	Weight -

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

Product Description

Compatibility and customization

The case supports Realforce R1 86u, 87u, 88u, and 89u internals in either WK or WKL layout. R2 and R3S internals require a WK case and an additional custom plate. An optional PCB supports VIA, so key assignments can be changed in software. Optional parts also allow builds with aftermarket EC components.

Construction and connection

The polycarbonate case has an aluminum top and a top-mount design, where the plate attaches at the case’s upper edge. A USB-C daughterboard provides a modern cable connection, while included JST cables connect compatible internals. The plate and internals influence typing feel and sound, so these cannot be judged from the case alone.

Trade-offs

It is a case and parts platform, not a complete keyboard. Keycaps, stabilizers, and switches are not included, and compatible internals or optional upgrades may be needed.
Layout and PCB compatibility are specific. Check the required case version and plate before planning an R2 or R3S build.
It is less suitable if you want a ready-to-type board or wireless connectivity. Wireless support is unknown.