KBDFans Athena vs Qwertykeys QK100 V2
Choose the KBDFans Athena for VIA/VIAL support and a compact 75% DIY platform, or the QK100 V2 for a numpad, wireless connectivity, and included switches and keycaps.
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5.0 (8)5.0 · 8 reviews
from$159at Divinikey
5.0 (2)5.0 · 2 reviews
from$219at Divinikey
Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Athena
VIA
Build quality in the top 15% of 75% boards under $200.
- 75% ANSI layout with a 9° typing angle.
- Aluminum case with top mount construction.
- Hot-swap support and VIA/VIAL support.
- No numpad.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK100 V2
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 98% boards under $300.
- 98% ANSI layout includes a numpad.
- Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, with an 8000mAh battery.
- Hot-swap PCB with per-key RGB, per the vendor description.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Pick the Athena if you want a compact wired keyboard with VIA/VIAL support and multiple plate options for a DIY build. Choose the QK100 V2 if a numpad, wireless connectivity, and included switches and keycaps matter more. Consider the QK100 V2's compact full-size layout carefully if you prefer the spacing of a traditional full-size keyboard.
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 Athena
Qwertykeys QK100 V2
Layout size
75%
98%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Display
LCD
Yes
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
2,200 g
1,600 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- KBDFans Athena
- Qwertykeys QK100 V2
- Performance
- 7067
- Build quality
- 8462
- Productivity
- 7567
- Customizability
- 8872
- Portability
- 6362
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The QK100 V2 is the more practical pick for office use and travel when a numpad or wireless connection matters. Athena takes programming and modding for buyers who value named VIA/VIAL support and broader plate choices. Gaming is a close call: each has RGB and hot-swap support, but the QK100 V2 includes switches and offers wireless modes while Athena is wired only. For screen-led desk customization and volume adjustment, the QK100 V2 has more explicitly described interactive features.
It's a tie
- Both keyboards have RGB and hot-swap support.
- The Athena offers several plate material options, while the QK100 V2 includes Neo Oat linear switches and has per-key RGB.
- The QK100 V2 supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connectivity; the Athena is wired only.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
KBDFans Athena
8 owner reviews
“What a piece of art. The cnc and attention to detail is immacualte. Gif screen and VIA software could use some love, but it's perfectly fine for what it is.”
Qwertykeys QK100 V2
2 owner reviews
“This was my first splurge on a keeb, and I worried whether it would be worth the price. It is worth EVERY penny! The craftsmanship, the detail, the quality, and the features all exceeded my expectations. I especially love that it seems to have been designed…”
KBDFans Athena vs Qwertykeys QK100 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 21 specs differ
KBDFans Athena
Qwertykeys QK100 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
VIAL
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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KBDFans Athena vs Qwertykeys QK100 V2: your questions
No. The Athena has a 75% ANSI layout, and its compatibility rule specifies that it has no numpad.
Yes. Its 98% layout includes a numpad, though the compatibility rule notes that it lacks the gaps of a traditional full-size board.
No. The Athena is wired only and has a USB-C connection.
Yes. The QK100 V2 supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, as well as wired USB-C use. Its battery capacity is listed as 8000mAh.
The KBDFans Athena explicitly lists VIA and VIAL support. The QK100 V2 product details here do not name either option.
Both list hot-swap support. The Athena vendor description also identifies wired hot-swap PCB options, while QK100 V2 is described with a tri-mode hotswap PCB.
The Athena's listed plate options are aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber. Its vendor description also discusses a plateless build configuration.
The vendor lists Neo Oat linear switches and doubleshot ABS keycaps with PBT mixed in. The QK100 V2 product description identifies these as included components.
Yes. The Athena has an LCD screen, and its vendor description says it supports up to five custom GIF uploads. The QK100 V2 has a screen with customizable loop animations and image or GIF backgrounds described by the vendor.
The QK100 V2 is listed at 1600g, compared with 2200g for the Athena. The QK100 V2 vendor also lists a dust cover among the included items.
Its vendor description lists a touch bar that adjusts volume when swiped. The same description says the keyboard has audio-reactive lighting.
The Athena vendor describes a plateless build option using the solderable PCB. Plate options are also listed as aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber.
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