Weikav Star Awaken 16 80 Sound: What Shapes How It Sounds

The star awaken 16 80 delivers a deeper, more refined acoustic profile than typical TKL boards, thanks to its gasket-mounted design and aluminum construction.

Updated 6 Aug 2026 3 min read 6 sections

The star awaken 16 80 is a gasket-mounted aluminum board, and both of those shape how it sounds.

What Shapes the Star Awaken 16 80 Sound

Weikav star awaken 16 80 mechanical keyboard — Star awaken 16 80$99.00Image from the merchant

The star awaken 16 80 pairs an aluminum case with gasket mounting, a design generally used to soften harsher frequencies. Listen to recordings of the stock board before you buy, since the sound changes with switches and keycaps.

If you are also looking at the star80, compare recordings of both boards with the same switches.

How Switch Choice Changes the Acoustic Profile

Switch selection dramatically alters what you hear.

Weikav baby kangaroo switches for mechanical keyboards — Baby kangaroo switches$43.00Image from the merchant

Linear switches like the baby kangaroo switches produce a smooth, consistent sound with minimal variation between keystrokes.
Tactile switches introduce a mid-stroke bump that creates a two-stage sound.
Clicky switches are louder and brighter.

Keycap Material and Profile Impact on Sound

Keycap choice matters as much as switches. Thicker PBT keycaps deepen the sound and reduce high-frequency clatter, while thinner ABS caps produce a sharper, higher-pitched clack.

Weikav wob keycaps on white keyboard — Wob keycaps on white keyboard$32.00Image from the merchant

The wob keycaps on white keyboard setup is popular for a reason: the classic colorway pairs with a balanced sound profile that works across switch types.

Profile height also plays a role. Lower-profile keycaps like Cherry or XDA create a tighter, more muted sound, while taller SA or MT3 profiles add air and resonance.

Keycap Type	Material	Sound Character
Cherry PBT	PBT	Deep, controlled thock
OEM ABS	ABS	Bright, higher-pitched clack
SA PBT	PBT	Open, resonant pop

Comparing Sound to Other Weikav Boards

Weikav nut65 mechanical keyboard — Weikav nut65$99.00Image from the merchant

Weikav’s lineup shares design DNA across models. The weikav nut65 is a 65% board with a lighter case.

The nut65 is easier to carry, while the 16 80 is a larger board for home setups. If you are deciding between the two, listen to recordings with your preferred switches to hear the tonal difference.

The iskar65 keyboard is another option, with a hybrid mounting system.

Mods That Change the Sound Signature

Several mods refine the star awaken 16 80 sound further.

Case foam between the PCB and bottom case reduces hollowness and tightens the sound. It cuts some of the low-end resonance, so use it if you want a quieter, more controlled tone.
PE foam mod under the PCB adds a marble-like clack that some typists love. It raises the pitch slightly and sharpens the attack.
Tape mod on the back of the PCB boosts the poppy, satisfying sound without dampening too much. This is the easiest mod to reverse if you do not like the result.
Stabilizer tuning with dielectric grease or films eliminates rattle on the spacebar, shift, and enter keys. Clean stabs make the biggest audible improvement for the least effort.

If you want the deepest thock, skip the PE foam and add only case foam with well-lubed switches. For a brighter typing experience, combine tape mod with thinner keycaps.

Who Should Care About the Star Awaken 16 80 Sound

This board suits typists who value acoustics as much as feel. If you record typing videos, stream, or simply enjoy the sound of a well-built keyboard, the star awaken 16 80 offers flexibility to tune the profile. Check the latest price to see if it fits your budget, especially with the current discount code.

Weikav keygeek mechanical keyboard — Keygeek$29.00Image from the merchant

It is overkill if you primarily use your keyboard in a quiet office or already own a keygeek board that meets your needs.

Grab the code if you want a gasket-mounted aluminum board without the custom keyboard wait times or pricing.

The star awaken 16 80 rewards experimentation. Swap switches, try different keycaps, and test a few simple mods to dial in your ideal sound. The platform is forgiving enough for beginners but responsive enough that experienced builders will hear the changes they make.

Questions

Does the star awaken 16 80 sound hollow with stock switches?

Sound depends on the switches, keycaps and your own ear, so listen to recordings of the stock board first. Adding case foam tightens the sound if you prefer less resonance.

Which switches sound best on the star awaken 16 80?

It depends on your taste. Linear switches give a smooth, consistent sound, tactile switches add a mid-stroke bump, and clicky switches are louder and brighter.

Can I make the board quieter for office use?

Yes, combine silent switches with thick PBT keycaps and case foam. This setup cuts noise significantly while keeping a pleasant typing feel.

How does the sound compare to the nut65?

The two boards differ in size and case weight, so listen to recordings of each with your preferred switches to hear the difference.

Do I need to mod the board to get good sound?

No. Mods like foam, tape, or stabilizer tuning let you fine-tune the profile but are not required for a satisfying typing experience.

What keycap material sounds better on this keyboard?

Thicker PBT keycaps deliver a deeper, more controlled thock. Thinner ABS caps produce a brighter clack with more high-frequency content.