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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

KBDFans Athena vs Tofu65 V3

Choose the Athena for its function row and integrated LCD, or the TOFU65 V3 for its 65% footprint and Hall Effect features.

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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 with a function row.
  • Integrated LCD supports up to five custom GIF uploads.
  • RGB lighting and an integrated button above the arrow cluster.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.

Get the

KBDFans Tofu65 V3

Hall effect

Build quality in the top 5% of 65% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Compact 65% ANSI layout.
  • Hall Effect support and a listed 8000 Hz polling rate.
  • The listing includes Bluetooth and wireless connectivity alongside wired use.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Bottom line

Pick the Athena if you want the 75% layout's function row or expect to use its integrated LCD and RGB. Choose the TOFU65 V3 if a smaller 65% layout, Hall Effect support, and listed wireless connectivity matter more, but confirm that your switches are magnetic. Both are suitable starting points for a customizable build, with similar listed plate choices and firmware support.

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 Tofu65 V3

  • Layout size

    75%

    65%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Aluminum, Copper, Steel

  • Mount style

    Top Mount

    Gasket Mount, Top Mount

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KBDFans Athena
  • KBDFans Tofu65 V3
Performance
70
81
Build quality
84
91
Productivity
76
82
Customizability
88
81
Portability
63
85

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 TOFU65 V3 has the edge for gaming-oriented features and travel, while its compact layout comes with fewer dedicated keys. The Athena is a stronger fit if you want a function row, an LCD, or a 75% layout. Modding is closely matched, with both offering hot-swap support, firmware tools, plate choices, and multiple mounting approaches. For content creation, the Athena's display and integrated button are the more distinctive features.

For gaming

Pick the KBDFans Tofu65 V3

  • The TOFU65 V3 lists Hall Effect support.
  • Its listed polling rate is 8000 Hz.

Full specs

KBDFans Athena vs Tofu65 V3 specs

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

8 of 21 specs differ

KBDFans Athena

KBDFans Tofu65 V3

Typing & switches

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
65%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

LCD
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Max polling rate

—
8,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
1,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

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

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2026

Where to buy

Compare prices

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

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

KBDFans Athena vs Tofu65 V3: your questions

The Athena is a 75% keyboard with RGB and an integrated LCD, while the TOFU65 V3 is a 65% keyboard with Hall Effect support and a listed 8000 Hz polling rate. The TOFU65 V3 layout has no function row, while the Athena's 75% layout retains one.

No. Its compatibility rule specifies magnetic switches only, and standard MX switches will not fit. Check the switch type before buying or assembling the TOFU65 V3.

Yes. The Athena is listed as a 75% layout, and the TOFU65 V3 compatibility rule specifically identifies the 65% layout as having no function row. The Athena also has no numpad.

The TOFU65 V3 listing includes Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, and the vendor describes a dual-mode wired and Bluetooth option. The Athena is listed as wired only.

The KBDFans Athena has an integrated LCD, while the TOFU65 V3 is listed without a screen. The Athena vendor description says the display supports up to five custom GIF uploads.

Both listings include hot-swap support. The TOFU65 V3 has an important restriction: it accepts magnetic switches only, not standard MX switches.

The TOFU65 V3 is the smaller layout at 65%, compared with the Athena's 75% layout. The TOFU65 V3 also omits the function row and numpad.

Both list aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber plate options. The TOFU65 V3 vendor description also lists PEI as a plate option.

Both product listings specify VIA and VIAL support. The vendor descriptions also identify those tools among the supported options for the respective keyboards.

The TOFU65 V3 lists Hall Effect support and an 8000 Hz polling rate, features not listed for the Athena. The Athena instead offers a larger 75% layout and an integrated LCD.

Both vendor descriptions discuss a plateless build using a solderable PCB. The Athena description identifies this option for its solderable PCB, and the TOFU65 V3 description also links plateless builds to its solder version.

The KBDFans Athena is listed as wired only. The TOFU65 V3 listing includes Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, and its vendor description discusses a dual-mode wired and Bluetooth option.

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