KBDFans Agar EC vs PBTfans AgarMagnetic or Wireless
Choose the KBDFans Agar EC for magnetic switches and VIAL, or the PBTfans Agar if wireless connectivity and broader switch options matter more.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Agar EC
Hall effect
Build quality in the top 15% of 60% boards under $200.
- Designed for magnetic switches, with VIAL support.
- 60% ANSI layout with a gasket mount.
- Polycarbonate and aluminum case options with an aluminum plate.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
Get the
PBTfans Agar
VIA
Build quality in the top 30% of 60% boards under $200.
- Lists wired, Bluetooth, and wireless connectivity.
- Linear and clicky switch types are listed.
- Hot-swappable with VIA support.
Pick the KBDFans Agar EC if magnetic switches and VIAL support are the deciding factors, and make sure your switches are magnetic rather than standard MX. Choose the PBTfans Agar if you want listed wireless connectivity, linear or clicky switch options, or PBT keycaps. Both share a 60% layout, gasket mount, hot-swapping, and RGB.
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 Agar EC
PBTfans Agar
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Wired
Wired, Bluetooth
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, JIS
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Plate material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
- KBDFans Agar EC
- PBTfans Agar
- Performance
- 7161
- Build quality
- 8275
- Productivity
- 7359
- Customizability
- 7569
- Portability
- 7080
- Layout size: 60%
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum, Polycarbonate
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Agar EC has the clearer fit for buyers specifically seeking a magnetic-switch board or VIAL support. The PBTfans Agar is more convenient when wireless use or a choice between linear and clicky switches is a priority. For modding, both provide hot-swapping and gasket mounts, but each supports a different set of switch and programming options. Content creation is a close call, with both offering compact layouts and RGB.
Pick the KBDFans Agar EC
- The KBDFans Agar EC is specifically designed for magnetic switches, and its compatibility rules limit it to magnetic switches.
- The PBTfans Agar lists linear and clicky switch types, but the metadata does not identify magnetic-switch support.
KBDFans Agar EC vs PBTfans Agar specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 19 specs differ
KBDFans Agar EC
PBTfans Agar
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
VIA
VIAL
Released
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KBDFans Agar EC vs PBTfans Agar: your questions
The KBDFans Agar EC is designed for magnetic switches and lists VIAL support. The PBTfans Agar lists Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, linear and clicky switch types, and VIA support.
No. Its compatibility rule specifies magnetic switches only, and standard MX switches will not fit.
Yes, its connectivity listing includes Bluetooth and wireless as well as wired operation. The KBDFans Agar EC is listed as wired only.
The KBDFans Agar EC is a strong fit if VIAL support matters, and its vendor description identifies the HHKB layout as suited to programmers. Both keyboards have a 60% layout.
Yes, both product listings identify hot-swappable switches. The Agar EC is limited to magnetic switches, while the PBTfans Agar lists linear and clicky switch types.
Both listings include RGB lighting. The KBDFans Agar EC vendor description specifically calls its lighting RGB underglow.
Its listing gives polycarbonate and aluminum case materials and an aluminum plate. The vendor description also names a copper external weight and an EC foam kit.
The listing includes aluminum and polycarbonate case materials, an aluminum or polycarbonate plate, and PBT keycaps. Its vendor description also lists a copper weight bar and silicone gasket.
Yes, both listings specify a gasket mount. The vendor descriptions for both also describe a silicone block mount system and a flexible typing feel.
Yes, the PBTfans Agar listing includes VIA support. The KBDFans Agar EC instead lists VIAL support.
The PBTfans Agar is the more practical choice if you want wireless operation, since its listing includes Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. Both use a 60% layout, and the KBDFans Agar EC is listed as wired only.
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