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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 29, 2026

KBDFans Athena 75 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3DIY Plates or Wireless

Choose the Athena 75 for a customizable DIY build and more plate options, or the QK65 Mk3 for Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless use.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

KBDFans Athena 75

Build quality in the top 15% of 75% boards under $200.

If you want

  • 75% ANSI layout with split backspace.
  • Hot-swap and solder PCB options, with VIA and VIAL support.
  • Plate choices include aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.

Get the

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

Knob

Build quality in the top 45% of 65% boards under $300.

If you want

  • Three connection options: USB-C wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz.
  • Pre-built format with hot-swap support and Mac/Windows support listed.
  • Two 3100mAh batteries and a carrying case are listed by the vendor.

Rules this board out

  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Bottom line

Pick the KBDFans Athena 75 if you want a wired DIY kit with a 75% layout, multiple plate materials, and VIA/VIAL support. Choose the Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 if wireless connectivity, a pre-built setup, and its battery-powered compact layout matter more. Check the QK65 Mk3's 65% layout limits before buying if you rely on a function row or numpad.

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 75

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

  • Layout size

    75%

    65%

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Ergonomics

    Split Backspace

    Standard

  • Mount style

    Top Mount

    Gasket Mount

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KBDFans Athena 75
  • Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Performance
70
64
Build quality
84
69
Productivity
75
80
Customizability
88
71
Portability
63
89

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The QK65 Mk3 is a more convenient fit for wireless use and travel, while the Athena 75 is more accommodating for buyers who want a larger layout and more build choices. The QK65 Mk3 also has distinctive screen themes and two rear knobs. For programming and hands-on customization, the Athena 75's plate range, PCB options, and VIA/VIAL support give it the stronger case. Both include hot-swap support and RGB lighting.

For gaming

Pick the Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

  • The QK65 Mk3 supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connections, while the Athena 75 is wired only.
  • Both models have hot-swap support and RGB lighting.

Full specs

KBDFans Athena 75 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 specs

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

12 of 20 specs differ

KBDFans Athena 75

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
65%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Split Backspace
Standard

Knob

No
Yes

Display

LCD
LED

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

Wired only
3,100 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate
Plastic

Weight

2,300 g
—

Typing angle

9°
7°

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

VIA

Yes
No

VIAL

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2025

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 75 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3: your questions

No. Its listed connectivity is wired only, with a USB-C connection. The Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 adds Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless options.

Yes. The QK65 Mk3 supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C wired connections. The vendor also lists two 3100mAh batteries.

The KBDFans Athena 75 uses a 75% ANSI layout, while the Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 uses a 65% layout. The QK65 Mk3's compatibility notes specify that it has no function row or numpad.

No. Its compatibility notes say the layout has no numpad. It is listed as a 75% ANSI keyboard with split backspace.

Yes. The Athena 75's listed features include VIA and VIAL support, and the vendor also names AVA support. The QK65 Mk3 vendor describes programming with Qwertykeys' VIA web configurator.

The Athena 75 is explicitly sold as a DIY kit and offers hot-swap and solder PCB options. Its vendor description also lists multiple plate materials and a plateless build option with a solderable PCB.

The Athena 75 is listed with aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber plate options. The QK65 Mk3 is listed with a polypropylene plate.

Yes. Hot-swap support is listed for the QK65 Mk3, and the vendor identifies its included switches as Keygeek Neo Oat linear switches. The Athena 75 also has hot-swap support, with a solder PCB option available.

Yes. The Athena 75 is listed with an LCD screen, while the QK65 Mk3 has an LED screen. Qwertykeys describes customizable screen themes with typing animations and a mini-game for the QK65 Mk3.

Yes. Mac/Windows support is listed for the QK65 Mk3, and its vendor describes a rear knob for switching between Mac and Windows mode. The vendor also lists three Mac modifier keycaps among the included items.

The QK65 Mk3 is the more travel-oriented option based on its compact 65% layout, wireless connections, listed batteries, and included carrying case. The Athena 75 is wired only and listed at 2300g.

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