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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

KBDFans Agar Mini vs Athena 1800

Choose the Agar Mini for compact wireless use and broader firmware support, or the Athena 1800 for a full-size layout with ISO, RGB, and an LCD.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

KBDFans Agar Mini

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

If you want

  • Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity.
  • QMK, VIA, and VIAL support.
  • Gasket mount with aluminum, polycarbonate, and brass case material options.

Rules this board out

  • 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

Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 100% ANSI and ISO layout options.
  • RGB lighting and an LCD screen.
  • Hot-swappable, with VIAL support.

Bottom line

Pick the Agar Mini if you want a lighter compact board with Bluetooth or wireless connectivity and QMK and VIA support, and are comfortable without a function row, dedicated arrows, or numpad. Choose the Athena 1800 if full-size key coverage, ISO layout availability, RGB, and an LCD are more important than portability. Both are hot-swappable, so that feature alone does not decide between them.

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 Agar Mini

KBDFans Athena 1800

  • Layout size

    40%

    100%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Split Backspace

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Brass, Polycarbonate

    Aluminum

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount

    Top Mount

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KBDFans Agar Mini
  • KBDFans Athena 1800
Performance
63
68
Build quality
94
79
Productivity
94
69
Customizability
94
82
Portability
87
43

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Agar Mini stands out for travel and hands-on customization, especially if wireless connectivity or QMK and VIA support matter. The Athena 1800 is the more practical fit for buyers who want a full-size board, ISO availability, and an LCD. Gaming is a close call because the Agar Mini provides a stated polling rate, while the Athena 1800 adds RGB. For office work and numeric workflows, the Athena 1800's full-size layout is the clearest advantage.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both keyboards are hot-swappable and have a 9° typing angle.
  • The Agar Mini lists a 1000 Hz polling rate, while the Athena 1800 lists no polling-rate figure.
  • The Athena 1800 includes RGB; the Agar Mini has no RGB.

Full specs

KBDFans Agar Mini vs Athena 1800 specs

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

15 of 25 specs differ

KBDFans Agar Mini

KBDFans Athena 1800

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Top Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

40%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Split Backspace

Display

None
LED, LCD

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

1,000 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Brass, Polycarbonate
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate
Aluminum, Brass, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate, Steel

Keycaps

—
PBT

Weight

700 g
3,000 g

Dimensions

40 x 250 x 120 mm
—

Typing angle

9°
9°

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

VIAL

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2025
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

KBDFans Agar Mini

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

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 Agar Mini vs Athena 1800: your questions

Yes. Its listed connectivity includes Bluetooth, wired, and wireless options. It also has a 1000mAh battery listed.

No, the Athena 1800 is listed as wired only. Its listed connection is USB-C.

The Agar Mini's compatibility rules specify that its compact 40% layout has no dedicated arrow keys or numpad. It also lacks a function row.

Yes. The Athena 1800 is listed with both ANSI and ISO layout standards. The Agar Mini is ANSI only and does not offer ISO variants such as ISO-DE or UK.

The Agar Mini is listed at 700g and measures 40 x 250 x 120 mm. The Athena 1800 weighs 3000g, making the Agar Mini the more travel-oriented option by listed weight.

Yes. Both the Agar Mini and Athena 1800 are listed as hot-swappable. Each is also offered as a DIY kit or barebones option.

The Agar Mini lists QMK, VIA, and VIAL support. The Athena 1800 lists VIAL support, but not QMK or VIA.

Yes. The Athena 1800 is listed with an LCD screen. The Agar Mini is listed without a screen.

The Athena 1800 has RGB lighting, while the Agar Mini is listed without RGB. Choose the Athena if built-in RGB is a priority.

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

The Athena 1800 lists PBT as its keycap material. No keycap material is listed for the Agar Mini.

The Athena 1800 is the full-size choice, with a 100% layout and ANSI or ISO options. The Agar Mini is 40% and lacks a function row, dedicated arrow keys, and a numpad.

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