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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

KBDFans Athena vs TOFU PAD75% or Numpad Layout?

Choose the Athena for a full 75% keyboard with an LCD, or the TOFU PAD for a separate numpad with wireless connectivity.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

KBDFans Athena

Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $200.

If you want

  • 75% ANSI layout provides a full keyboard rather than a standalone number pad.
  • LCD supports up to five custom GIF uploads, according to the vendor.
  • Hot-swap, VIA, and VIAL support are listed.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.

Get the

KBDFans TOFU PAD

Build quality in the top 5% of Numpad boards under $50.

If you want

  • Numpad layout suits buyers seeking a separate number pad.
  • Supports wired and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Hot-swap, VIA, and VIAL support are listed.

Rules this board out

  • Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.

Bottom line

Pick the KBDFans Athena if you need a full 75% keyboard, an LCD, or its range of plate options. Choose the TOFU PAD if you already have a keyboard and want a numpad with Bluetooth connectivity. The layout distinction matters more than their shared hot-swap and VIA/VIAL features.

What actually differs

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

KBDFans TOFU PAD

  • Layout size

    75%

    Numpad

  • Connection

    Wired

    Wired, Bluetooth

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Aluminum, Copper, Steel

  • Mount style

    Top Mount

    Gasket Mount

  • Display

    LCD

    None

    A case display rather than a typing feature

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KBDFans Athena
  • KBDFans TOFU PAD
Performance
70
52
Build quality
84
91
Productivity
76
75
Customizability
88
82
Portability
63
81

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
  • Plate material: Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Athena is the more suitable pick when the goal is a complete keyboard, especially for gaming, programming, or screen-based customization. The TOFU PAD stands out for buyers who need a wireless numpad rather than a full typing layout. Both offer hot-swap and VIA/VIAL support, though the Athena has more documented plate choices and build details. For travel, the TOFU PAD's Bluetooth option is useful, but its numpad-only format limits it to a supplementary role.

For gaming

Pick the KBDFans Athena

  • The Athena is a 75% keyboard, while the TOFU PAD is only a numpad.
  • The Athena has RGB lighting; the TOFU PAD has no RGB.
  • The Athena connects by wire only, which suits buyers who prefer a wired setup.

Full specs

KBDFans Athena vs TOFU PAD specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

7 of 18 specs differ

KBDFans Athena

KBDFans TOFU PAD

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
Numpad

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

LCD
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired, Bluetooth

Battery

Wired only
1,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum, Copper, Steel

Plate material

Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate

Weight

2,200 g
—

Typing angle

9°
9°

Backlight

RGB
None

Firmware & software

VIA

Yes
Yes

VIAL

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2026

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

KBDFans Athena vs TOFU PAD: your questions

Yes. The Athena has a 75% ANSI layout, while the TOFU PAD is a numpad and is not a full keyboard.

No. Its layout is a numpad, so it is intended as a separate number pad rather than a full typing keyboard.

The Athena is listed as wired only. The TOFU PAD is listed with wired and Bluetooth connectivity.

Yes. The TOFU PAD lists Bluetooth as a connectivity option alongside wired use.

The Athena has an LCD, and its vendor description says it supports up to five custom GIF uploads. The TOFU PAD has no screen listed.

Both product listings identify them as hot-swappable DIY kits. Both also list VIA and VIAL support.

The Athena is the more practical choice if you need a full 75% keyboard for programming. The TOFU PAD is only a numpad, although it shares hot-swap, VIA, and VIAL support.

The Athena vendor description says its solderable PCB can be used for a plateless build. Its listed plate options are aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber.

The Athena lists aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber plate options. The TOFU PAD lists the same four plate materials.

No RGB is listed for the TOFU PAD. The Athena listing identifies RGB lighting.

The TOFU PAD has Bluetooth connectivity, and its numpad-only format may suit someone carrying a separate number pad. The Athena is wired only and has a listed weight of 2200g; no TOFU PAD weight is listed for a direct weight comparison.

The TOFU PAD is a numpad. The Athena is a 75% keyboard, and its compatibility rules specify that it has no numpad.

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