KBDFans Cat vs Athena 180060% or Full-Size
Choose the KBDFans Cat for a compact 60% layout, or the Athena 1800 for hot-swap support, a full-size layout, and more built-in features.
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4.7 (7)4.7 · 7 reviews
from$136at KBDfans
Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Cat
- 60% layout for a compact keyboard footprint.
- ANSI layout.
- DIY kit format for buyers seeking a barebones build.
- 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.
Get the
KBDFans Athena 1800
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $150.
- 100% layout available in ANSI and ISO.
- Hot-swappable switches and VIAL support.
- Aluminum case with a top-mount design.
Choose the Cat if a compact 60% DIY kit is your priority and you are comfortable with soldered switches. For a full-size layout, easier switch changes, or more stated customization options, choose the Athena 1800. Its 3000g weight makes the Cat the more compact option to consider for travel.
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 Athena 1800
Layout size
60%
100%
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Backspace
Display
None
LED, LCD
A case display rather than a typing feature
Sound dampening
No
Yes
- KBDFans Cat
- KBDFans Athena 1800
- Performance
- 4368
- Build quality
- 5379
- Productivity
- 4169
- Customizability
- 4982
- Portability
- 6343
What will you mostly use it for?
The Athena 1800 leads for office work, programming, modding, and content creation, largely because it combines a full-size layout with additional features. It also has the edge for gaming if RGB and a full-size key arrangement matter to your setup. The Cat is the more compact choice for travel, though only the Athena's weight is specified. Switch swapping is a key dividing line: the Athena is hot-swappable, while the Cat requires soldering.
Pick the KBDFans Athena 1800
- The Athena 1800 has RGB lighting, while the Cat is listed without RGB.
- The Athena 1800's 100% layout includes a function row, dedicated arrow keys, and a numpad, unlike the Cat's 60% layout.
KBDFans Cat vs Athena 1800 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 18 specs differ
KBDFans Cat
KBDFans Athena 1800
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Typing angle
Backlight
VIAL
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
KBDFans Cat
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
KBDFans Athena 1800
KBDfans
ISO
Out of stockShips to you
MonacoKeys
ISO
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
- Go to KBDfans
KBDfans
Out of stock - Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
KBDFans Cat vs Athena 1800: your questions
The KBDFans Cat has a 60% layout, while the Athena 1800 has a 100% layout. The Cat is the more compact choice based on layout size.
Yes, the Athena 1800 is listed as hot-swappable. The Cat's switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering.
The Cat has soldered switches, so switch changes require soldering. The Athena 1800 is hot-swappable, making it the more suitable option if you want to change switches without soldering.
The Cat's 60% layout does not include dedicated arrow keys. The Athena 1800's 100% layout does include them.
Yes, the Athena 1800 has a 100% layout with a numpad. The Cat's 60% layout does not include one.
No, the Cat is listed with an ANSI layout and no ISO variants. The Athena 1800 is listed as supporting both ANSI and ISO.
Yes, RGB is listed for the Athena 1800. The Cat is listed without RGB.
Yes, the Athena 1800 is listed with an LCD screen. The Cat is listed without a screen.
The Athena 1800 is hot-swappable, supports VIAL, and lists six plate material options: aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, brass, and steel. The Cat has soldered switches, which require soldering to replace.
The Athena 1800 has a 100% layout and weighs 3000g, so it is the less compact option in this comparison. The Cat has a 60% layout, though its weight is not listed.
The Athena 1800 is listed as wired only and includes USB-C. Wireless connectivity is not listed for it.
The Athena 1800 has an aluminum case and PBT keycaps. Its listed plate choices are aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, brass, and steel.
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