What kind of layout does the KBDFans Agar use?

The Agar uses an HHKB-style layout, giving it a compact, distinctive arrangement compared with a conventional full-size keyboard. If you are moving from a different layout, check the key positions carefully to make sure they suit your typing habits.

What makes the Agar’s case design distinctive?

Its case has gently curved edges, arced side cutouts, and a slanted detail at the front-right corner. Together, these give the board a flowing silhouette rather than the straight-edged look common to many keyboards.

What is the copper piece on the back of the keyboard?

It is a copper weight bar mounted at the rear of the case. The bar features a “Starry Sea” engraving and pairs with either an aluminum or polycarbonate case, depending on the configuration.

How does the Agar’s silicone block mount affect typing?

The silicone block mount is designed to give the keyboard a more flexible typing feel. Its custom-molded silicone parts also make barebone installation and removal more straightforward.

Which switches work with the Agar EC version?

The EC version is designed specifically for Tecsee and Aeboards EC switches. NIZ, Deskeys, and other Topre-compatible switches are not directly supported; using them would require a custom plate, and the keycaps may sit about 1 mm higher.

Can I use PBTfans dye-sub keycaps with the EC version?

No. The Agar EC version is not compatible with PBTfans dye-sub keycaps, so choose a different keycap set for that configuration.

Does the Agar EC PCB support VIAL?

Yes. The EC PCB supports VIAL and uses the Agar_ec_vial.uf2 firmware. The PCB is 1.6 mm thick and also supports underglow RGB and a Caps Lock LED.

What is the magnetic pin header for?

On the EC version, the magnetic pin header connects to the included daughterboard. Its magnetized, gold-plated contacts are designed to make the connection easier to attach without repeatedly adjusting a cable.

Will my USB cable fit through the case opening?

The opening accommodates a USB connector head up to 9 mm in diameter and 8 mm in length. Check the dimensions of the connector itself, since a bulky plug may not fit even if the cable does.

Should I install case foam when building the Agar?

Case foam is recommended. Without it, the PCB may touch the bottom of the case, so fitting the foam can help avoid that contact.

Is there anything to watch out for when tightening the copper weight?

Yes. Avoid overtightening the counterweight, as excessive force could crack the case.

Does the Agar come in both MX and EC versions?

Yes, the Agar is offered in MX and EC switch variants. The switch compatibility and PCB features described for the EC version apply specifically to that variant, so confirm which version you have before choosing switches or firmware.

KBDFans Agar Version Starting at $138.99

Name: KBDFans Agar Version
Brand: KBDFans
SKU: agar-ec-version

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
KBDFans Agar Version
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Agar EC Version
	Shipping to US	-		$139	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

KBDFans Agar Version

Global

Check vendor

Visit shop

Agar EC Version

KBDFans Agar Version - Anodized black / EC PCB / EC plate Alu silver

Shipping to US

$139

Visit Shop

Similar Numpad keyboards

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

$119

Keychron Q0 Max

Numpad,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

$149

Sikakeyb SK3 Mountain City

Numpad,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

$154

Fiio KB3

Numpad,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Metal case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

New

$129

LUMINKEY Nova Kine

Numpad,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

VIA,

Alu case,

Top Mount

Compare specs

-16% off

$130$109

O2 Tri-mode Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

MelGeek O2

Numpad,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

$169

grid 100 Ver.Flash

Numpad,

Hotswap,

Wired,

RGB,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

$100

Realforce Topre RT1 Numpad

Numpad,

Wired

Compare specs

$169

Wuque Studio Ikki68 Aurora

Numpad,

Hotswap,

Wired,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

Compare KBDFans Agar Version vs Keychron Q0 Max vs Sikakeyb SK3 Mountain City Specification

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

Model	KBDFans Agar Version	Keychron Q0 Max	Sikakeyb SK3 Mountain City
	69	92	62
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (4 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Includes a Yes, LED display Supports VIAL configuration Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case	Released in 2024 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Comes with a knob Connects via USB-C Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Equipped with a 1800 mAh battery Weighs about 684 g Sized at 22 x 118 x 137 mm Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Equipped with a 1900 mAh battery
Score	Scores Performance: 52.1 Build Quality: 79.1 Productivity: 49 Customizability: 75.8 Portability: 63.3	Scores Performance: 78.1 Build Quality: 88.5 Productivity: 94.6 Customizability: 96.2 Portability: 87.3	Scores Performance: 44.8 Build Quality: 61 Productivity: 51.3 Customizability: 75.6 Portability: 84.2
Name	Name KBDFans Agar Version	Name Keychron Q0 Max	Name Sikakeyb SK3 Mountain City
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size Numpad
Layout Standard	Layout Standard -	Layout Standard ANSI	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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 1800 mAh	Battery capacity 1900 mAh
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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
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 PBT	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 22 x 118 x 137 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight 684g	Weight -

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

Product Description

The KBDFans Agar is an HHKB-style keyboard for users who want a compact layout and a distinctive curved case. It comes in MX and EC switch variants, with the EC version offering VIAL support and a flexible mount. It suits keyboard hobbyists, but the EC option has specific switch and keycap compatibility limits.

Typing feel and build

A silicone block mount uses silicone pieces to support the plate and allow some movement while typing. This can give the board a more flexible feel, and the design is intended to make barebones assembly and removal easier. The case is offered in aluminum or polycarbonate, with a copper weight at the rear. Curved edges and an angled front-right corner give it a less conventional shape.

EC compatibility

The EC version supports VIAL, so users can remap keys. Its magnetic pin header connects the daughterboard to the PCB without repeatedly adjusting a cable connection. The EC kit is designed for Tecsee and Aeboards switches. Topre-compatible switches such as NIZ and Deskeys are not directly supported, and would need a custom plate. PBTfans dye-sub keycaps are also listed as incompatible with the EC version.

Trade-offs

Case foam is recommended, since the PCB may otherwise touch the bottom of the case.
Check that your USB plug fits the stated clearance, and avoid overtightening the copper weight to reduce the risk of case damage.
Choose this board if its layout and appearance suit your setup, not if you need broad EC switch compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)