KBDFans Athena75 vs Cat75% vs 60% Layout
Choose the Athena 75 for hot-swap and a fuller 75% layout, or the Cat if you want a more compact 60% layout and accept soldered switches.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Athena75
75%
Build quality in the top 15% of 75% boards under $200.
- 75% ANSI layout with dedicated arrow keys and a function row.
- Hot-swap and solder PCB options, plus VIA and VIAL support.
- Aluminum case with top-mount and PCB silicone gasket options.
- No numpad.
Get the
KBDFans Cat
60% Layout
- Compact 60% ANSI layout.
- DIY kit/barebones format for a custom build.
- No RGB, which may suit buyers who prefer a board without lighting features.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Choose the KBDFans Athena 75 if you want hot-swappable switches, VIA/VIAL support, and a layout with dedicated arrow keys and a function row. Choose the KBDFans Cat if a compact 60% layout is the priority and you are comfortable with soldered switches and fewer dedicated keys. Check current availability before deciding, as the Cat listing has no vendors in stock.
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 Athena75
KBDFans Cat
Layout size
75%
60%
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Split Backspace
Standard
Display
LCD
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- KBDFans Athena75
- KBDFans Cat
- Performance
- 7043
- Build quality
- 8453
- Productivity
- 7541
- Customizability
- 8849
- Portability
- 6363
What will you mostly use it for?
The Athena 75 is the more versatile pick for office work, programming, and customization, based on its fuller layout, hot-swap options, and VIA/VIAL support. Its LCD screen and RGB also give it an edge for buyers who value those features. The Cat's strongest fit is travel when a compact 60% layout matters more than dedicated keys. Gaming preferences are less clear from the listed features, but the Athena offers more layout keys and switch replacement flexibility.
Pick the KBDFans Athena75
- The Athena 75 has hot-swappable PCB options, while the Cat's switches are soldered.
- Its 75% ANSI layout includes a function row and dedicated arrow keys, unlike the Cat's 60% layout.
KBDFans Athena75 vs Cat specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 19 specs differ
KBDFans Athena75
KBDFans Cat
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
VIAL
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
KBDFans Athena75
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
KBDFans Cat
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
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.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
- Go to KBDfans
KBDfans
Out of stock - Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
KBDFans Athena75 vs Cat: your questions
The Athena 75 is a 75% ANSI keyboard kit with hot-swap options, VIA/VIAL support, RGB, and an LCD screen. The Cat is a 60% ANSI kit with soldered switches and no dedicated function row or arrow keys.
The Athena 75 is listed with hot-swappable features, and KBDfans describes hot-swap and solder PCB options. The Cat's switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering.
No. The Cat's compact 60% layout has no dedicated arrow keys, function row, or numpad.
The Athena 75 is a 75% layout, unlike the Cat's 60% layout, which specifically omits dedicated arrow keys and a function row. Its 75% format is the better fit if those dedicated keys matter to you.
Yes. The Athena 75 is listed with VIA and VIAL support, and KBDfans also names VIA, VIAL, and AVA support for its PCB.
The Athena 75 lists aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber plate materials. KBDfans describes these as plate choices for the kit.
No RGB is listed for the KBDFans Cat. The Athena 75 is listed with RGB and has RGB hotswap PCB options described by KBDfans.
The KBDFans Cat is the more compact option because it uses a 60% layout, compared with the Athena 75's 75% layout. The Cat's smaller layout omits a function row and dedicated arrow keys.
The Athena 75 is listed as wired only, with a USB-C interface. No wireless connection is listed for it.
The Athena 75 metadata lists a top mount, and KBDfans also describes a PCB silicone gasket option. KBDfans says the gasket setup is intended to provide a softer, more flexible typing experience.
KBDfans lists items including the case, PCB, plate, LCD screen, foam kit, stabilizers, USB cable, carrying case, and keyboard cover. The listing describes the PCB as solder or hot-swap, so check the selected kit configuration when ordering.
The Cat listing shows no vendors in stock. Confirm availability with the seller before planning a purchase.
Not sold on either?
![[In-Stock] Flux60 HE(Babao 60 HE)Module](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/2474/0287/files/WechatIMG4298.png?v=1768195930&width=3840&quality=75)
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.