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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

KBDFans Cat vs Agar Micro60% vs 40% Alice

Choose the Agar Micro for its Alice layout, hot-swap options, and flexible materials, or the Cat if you specifically want a 60% kit.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

KBDFans Cat

60%

If you want

  • 60% ANSI layout, larger than the Agar Micro's 40% layout.
  • DIY kit format for buyers assembling a barebones keyboard.
  • No RGB, for buyers who prefer a non-RGB board.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Get the

KBDFans Agar Micro

40% Alice

Build quality in the top 10% of 40% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 12U Alice layout with a stated 7° typing angle.
  • PCB choices include wired hotswap, dual-mode hotswap, and solder versions.
  • Case options include polycarbonate and aluminum, with PC, FR4, aluminum, and carbon-fiber plate options.

Rules this board out

  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Bottom line

Pick the Agar Micro if you want Alice ergonomics, hot-swap PCB choices, and more options for case and plate materials. Choose the KBDFans Cat if a 60% ANSI layout matters more than hot-swap flexibility or the Agar Micro's 40% format. Either way, account for the lack of a function row and dedicated arrow keys.

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 Cat

KBDFans Agar Micro

  • Layout size

    60%

    40%

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Alice

  • Display

    None

    LED

    A case display rather than a typing feature

  • VIA

    No

    Yes

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KBDFans Cat
  • KBDFans Agar Micro
Performance
43
46
Build quality
53
82
Productivity
41
65
Customizability
49
72
Portability
63
77
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Agar Micro leads in the listed use cases because its options include Alice ergonomics, hot-swap PCBs, and more plate and case materials. Its documented PC-case weight and included carrying case also make it the clearer travel pick on the listed details. The Cat's main distinction is its 60% ANSI format, which may appeal to buyers who want that layout rather than a 40% Alice board. Both require comfort with a compact layout and no dedicated arrow keys or function row.

For gaming

Pick the KBDFans Agar Micro

  • The Agar Micro offers a wired hotswap PCB option, as well as a dual-mode hotswap PCB option.
  • The Cat's switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering.

Full specs

KBDFans Cat vs Agar Micro specs

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

6 of 17 specs differ

KBDFans Cat

KBDFans Agar Micro

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

—
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

60%
40%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Alice

Display

None
LED

Connectivity & battery

Connection

—
Wired, Bluetooth

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Build & materials

Case material

—
Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Plate material

—
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate

Weight

—
280 g

Dimensions

—
31 x 270 x 111 mm

Typing angle

—
7°

Backlight

None
None

Firmware & software

VIA

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.

KBDFans Cat2 stores

FAQ

KBDFans Cat vs Agar Micro: your questions

The KBDFans Cat is a 60% ANSI kit, while the Agar Micro is a 40% ANSI Alice kit. The Agar Micro also lists hot-swappable PCB options and a gasket mount.

The Agar Micro is offered with an MX hotswap PCB and a dual-mode hotswap PCB. A solder PCB version is also listed, so check which PCB version you are selecting.

The Cat's switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering. The Agar Micro offers hotswap PCB versions for buyers who want to swap switches without desoldering.

VIA support is listed for the Agar Micro, and the vendor describes VIA PCB options. The product also has a dual-mode hotswap PCB option listed with ZMK.

The Agar Micro is described as a 12U Alice ergonomic layout. The KBDFans Cat is listed as a standard ANSI 60% layout.

No, the Cat is a 60% board and the Agar Micro is a 40% board. Both have compact layouts without a function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

The Agar Micro lists polycarbonate and aluminum case materials. Its plate options include polycarbonate, FR4, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

The Agar Micro vendor listing includes a carrying case among its listed items. Its PC case weight is listed as 280g.

Both keyboards are listed without RGB. The Agar Micro vendor description says its PCB options have no RGB underglow and use an LED indicator.

The Agar Micro has more documented choices, including hot-swap and solder PCBs, multiple plate materials, and VIA support. The Cat's switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering.

The Agar Micro specifications list wired connectivity as well as Bluetooth and wireless. The vendor describes a dual-mode hotswap PCB option, while another listed PCB option is wired hotswap.

Choose the Agar Micro if you want a 40% Alice layout, and choose the Cat if you prefer a 60% ANSI layout. Both omit a function row and dedicated arrow keys, so consider which compact layout suits your typing habits.

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