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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

KBDFans Cat vs Agar Mini

Choose the Agar Mini for hot-swap sockets and wireless connectivity, while the Cat is a 60% kit for buyers who prefer that layout.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

KBDFans Cat

If you want

  • 60% ANSI layout.
  • DIY kit format.
  • Its 60% layout is larger than the Agar Mini's 40% layout.

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 Mini

Hot-swappable

Build quality in the top 5% of 40% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Hot-swappable switches, with QMK, VIA, and VIAL support listed.
  • Bluetooth and wired connectivity, plus a 1000mAh battery.
  • Case options include aluminum, polycarbonate, and brass; plate options include aluminum, carbon fiber, FR4, and polycarbonate.

Rules this board out

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

Bottom line

Choose the Agar Mini if you want hot-swap switches, wireless connectivity, or the listed QMK, VIA, and VIAL support. Choose the Cat if you specifically want a 60% layout rather than the Agar Mini's 40% format, and are comfortable with soldered switches. Check the layout limits on either board before buying if you rely on dedicated arrow keys, a function row, or a 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 Cat

KBDFans Agar Mini

  • Layout size

    60%

    40%

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • QMK

    No

    Yes

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

  • VIA

    No

    Yes

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

  • Sound dampening

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KBDFans Cat
  • KBDFans Agar Mini
Performance
43
63
Build quality
53
94
Productivity
41
94
Customizability
49
94
Portability
63
87
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Agar Mini has the clearer advantage for gaming, office connectivity, programming, travel, and modding based on its listed features. Its hot-swap sockets and firmware support are especially relevant for buyers who want to change switches or configure the board. The Cat's clearest distinction is its 60% layout compared with the Agar Mini's 40% layout. Both remain compact boards with layout omissions to consider.

For gaming

Pick the KBDFans Agar Mini

  • The Agar Mini lists a 1000 Hz polling rate, while the Cat has no polling-rate specification.
  • The Agar Mini supports N-key rollover and hot-swappable switches.

Full specs

KBDFans Cat vs Agar Mini specs

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

11 of 24 specs differ

KBDFans Cat

KBDFans Agar Mini

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

—
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

60%
40%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

—
Bluetooth, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

—
1,000 mAh

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

—
Aluminum, Brass, Polycarbonate

Plate material

—
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate

Weight

—
700 g

Dimensions

—
40 x 250 x 120 mm

Typing angle

—
9°

Backlight

None
None

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

VIAL

No
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

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.

KBDFans Cat2 stores

FAQ

KBDFans Cat vs Agar Mini: your questions

The Cat is a 60% ANSI DIY kit, while the Agar Mini is a 40% ANSI kit. The Agar Mini also lists hot-swappable switches and Bluetooth connectivity.

Yes, the Agar Mini is listed as hot-swappable. The Cat's switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering.

The Cat is listed with soldered switches, not hot-swap sockets. Swapping its switches requires soldering.

Yes, Bluetooth is listed alongside wired and wireless connectivity for the Agar Mini. Its listing also specifies a 1000mAh battery.

The Agar Mini lists QMK, VIA, and VIAL support. No corresponding firmware support is listed for the Cat.

The Cat has a 60% layout, compared with the Agar Mini's 40% layout. Both are ANSI keyboards.

Neither board's compact layout includes dedicated arrow keys, according to its compatibility details. Those details also specify that neither has a function row or numpad.

The Agar Mini lists Bluetooth connectivity, a 1000mAh battery, dimensions of 40 x 250 x 120 mm, and a weight of 700g. These specifications can help you assess its fit for your travel setup.

The Agar Mini lists aluminum, polycarbonate, and brass case materials. Its plate options are aluminum, carbon fiber, FR4, and polycarbonate.

The Agar Mini is listed with a 1000 Hz polling rate. No polling rate is specified for the Cat.

Mac/Win support is listed for the Agar Mini. The Cat's product details do not list an operating-system compatibility feature.

Both products are listed as DIY kits or barebones. The Agar Mini is also listed as pre-built, so check the seller's specific configuration when ordering.

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