WEIKAV STARS80 V2 Review – Three-Mode Aluminum Barebone Keyboard Kit
Do you want a TKL (80%) layout mechanical keyboard for the new year? Do you want it to be aluminum? How about a screwless ball-catch design? Don’t say that you also want QMK/VIA software support. Oh well, here is your solution without hurting your wallet. You can thank me later 
I want to thank mechkeys.com for providing me with a review sample of the Weikav Stars80 V2.
In the ever-growing and expanding world of PC Peripherals, we have seen enthusiasts who want to make their keyboard their way. For such enthusiasts, keyboard kits are available that serve as a good starting point for a high-performance, premium keyboard.
The WEIKAV STARS80 V2 keyboard kit is a premium-quality keyboard kit with a CNC-machined aluminum alloy chassis, metallic backplate, unique “Broken Cocoon” RGB design element, QMK/VIA programmable design, and many more features. It is available in several color options and is priced at just $89.99.
WEIKAV STARS80 V2 keyboard kit features a full-metallic CNC_machined aluminum alloy chassis. The chassis is crafted from a whole lump of 6063 series aluminum alloy material. It has a premium, delicate touch with a well-textured finish.
The chassis undergoes 180 mesh sandblasting technology to achieve its well-finished and textured design. WEIKAV STARS80 V2 keyboard kit features a unique irregular shape broken design on two diagonal corners.
These have crystal RGB elements that WEIKAV has named “Broken Cocoon”, they treat the keyboard kit with a unique and innovative design element.
The STARS80 V2 keyboard features a touch-bead style disassembly structure with four touch beads (ball-catch) available in the keyboard kit. Users can easily disassemble the keyboard kit in a mere 5 seconds by pressing these beads.
WEIKAV STARS80 V2 Keyboard Kit promises a super comfortable typing experience as the internal structure is carefully designed using top-quality hardware and functions.
The WEIKAV STARS80 2 keyboard kit features a soft-elastic gasket-mounted internal structure. It adopts a high-quality FR4 positioning plate and a 1.2mm single-key slotted PCB board.
The keyboard kit also has five-layered internal padding featuring PORON Sandwich cotton, bottom silicone padding, IXPE undershaft padding, etc. WEIKAV STARS80 V2 keyboard kit supports easy connectivity with different devices with its versatile three-mode connectivity.
The keyboard kit supports wireless Bluetooth, wireless 2.4GHz, and wired USB connection modes. It supports Windows, Linux, and macOS devices straight out of the box.
WEIKAV STARS80 V2 keyboard kit supports QMK and VIA open-source programmable functions. Users can remap the keys or adjust other functions such as RGB backlight using QMK and VIA programmable software.
This allows the users to have full control of the keyboard and remap the different keys with ease. WEIKAV STARS80 V2 keyboard kit also has a 16 million color RGB backlight with multiple built-in lighting effects.The WEIKAV STARS80 V2 houses an 8,000mAh battery that promises long-lasting battery durability.
The build of this amazing keyboard costs around $139-$149 for a budget build (around $25 for switches and around $25 for keycaps). A sound test coming soon on my YouTube channel.
Specs
- Brand: Weikav
- Model: Stars80
- Layout: TKL (80%)
- Number of Keys: 88
- Switch Stems: Cross
- Physical Layout: ANSI
- Hotswap Sockets: Yes
- N-key Rollover Support: Yes
- Switch Mount Type: Plate
- Plate Mount: Gasket Mount
- Firmware Compatibility: QMK/VIA
- Backlight Modes: Default 7 mode, fully customizable
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, IOS, Android
- Case: 6063 aluminum
- Craft: Spraying/ Anodizing/ Electrophoresis
- Plate: FR4
- Weight: Aluminum
- Layers: Poron+IXPE+PET+EPDM+IXPE
- Long: 370mm
- Width: 146mm
- Front Height: 22mm
- Rear Height: 37mm
- Net Weight: 1850 ± 20g (It’s heavy!)