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Compare KBDFans Athena 1800 vs Dusk67 Differences Side by Side

This comparison highlights two very different builds from KBDFans: the Athena 1800 and the Dusk67. The Athena 1800 is a heavy, full-featured aluminum keyboard with a full 96% layout, an LCD screen, and a choice of mounting styles, making it a desktop anchor for productivity. The Dusk67 is a compact 65% barebones kit that stands out with its walnut wood and brass frame, designed for modders and those who prioritize a unique aesthetic and desk space. The decision comes down to whether you need a full numpad and a built-in screen, or prefer a more portable, artisanal keyboard for focused typing.

84
Athena 1800
81
KBDFans Dusk 67 Wood Barebones Keyboard DIY Kit

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4.7 (17)
4.0 (6)
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 95% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Supports VIAL configuration
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 3000 g
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Includes a No display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Made with a Wood, Brass case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 77.7
  • Build Quality: 78.3
  • Productivity: 83.5
  • Customizability: 82.6
  • Portability: 43.6
Scores
  • Performance: 54.4
  • Build Quality: 82
  • Productivity: 73
  • Customizability: 86.6
  • Portability: 72.9
Name
KBDFans Athena 1800
Name
KBDFans Dusk67
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
95%, 100%, 96%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Top Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Wood, Brass
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
3000g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Athena 1800 and Dusk67 hinges on layout priorities and material preference. If you need a numpad and want features like an LCD screen and RGB out of the box, the Athena 1800 is the better value. If you prefer a smaller, artisanal keyboard for focused typing and are willing to source your own components, the Dusk67 offers a unique wood build that is hard to match. Both keyboards are solid options from KBDFans, but they serve very different needs.

KBDFans Athena 1800

  • +Full-size 96% layout with a built-in numpad and LCD screen.
  • +RGB lighting and a VIAL-supported PCB for extensive customization.
  • +Choice of two mounting styles: top mount and PCB silicone gasket.
  • +Includes a comprehensive foam kit and a stainless steel weight bar for sound and stability.
  • +Available with multiple case colors and plate materials for personalized builds.
  • −Very heavy at around 3kg, making it unsuitable for travel.
  • −Wired only connection limits placement options.
  • −The 'Raw' case finish is sold with inherent cosmetic imperfections.

KBDFans Dusk67

  • +Unique and attractive walnut wood and brass frame with a laser engraved design.
  • +Compact 65% layout saves significant desk space and is more portable.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support with a flex-cut PCB for a softer typing feel.
  • +Supports NKRO and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
  • +Matching wood wrist rest available separately for a complete aesthetic setup.
  • −No backlighting or RGB, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
  • −Available as a barebones kit only, requiring the purchase of switches, keycaps, and stabilizers.
  • −No integrated screen for system monitoring or custom animations.
  • −Wood grain and color are unique to each board, so consistency cannot be guaranteed.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Athena 1800 wins hands-down for gaming, office work, and content creation due to its full layout, RGB, and screen. The Dusk67 is the clear choice for travel because of its compact size. Both keyboards tie for programming and modding, as the decision comes down to a preference for a full key set versus a compact, customizable wood design. In summary, the Athena 1800 is a feature-rich desktop workhorse, while the Dusk67 is an artisan-focused, space-saving project.

GamingKBDFans Athena 1800
  • •The Athena 1800 has RGB lighting and an LCD screen, which the Dusk67 lacks.
  • •It offers a top mount for a stiffer typing feel, preferred by some gamers.
  • •The high performance score of 77.7 indicates better suitability than the Dusk67.
OfficeKBDFans Athena 1800
  • •Full-size layout with a numpad is better for data entry and spreadsheet work.
  • •Includes sound dampening foam and a silicone gasket option for quieter typing.
  • •Higher productivity score of 83.5 suggests it is better suited for office tasks.
ProgrammingTie
  • •The Athena 1800 provides a full set of keys including a numpad and F-row, beneficial for some workflows.
  • •The Dusk67 is compact, allowing the mouse to sit closer to the home row.
  • •Both support hotswapping and customizable firmware (VIAL for Athena, QMK/VIA for Dusk).
TravelKBDFans Dusk67
  • •The Dusk67 is significantly smaller and lighter in its 65% form factor.
  • •Its portability score of 72.9 is much higher than the Athena's 43.6.
  • •The Athena 1800 is a heavy desk piece at around 3kg, not for travel.
ModdingTie
  • •The Athena 1800 allows swapping between top mount and PCB silicone gasket, and offers many plate material choices.
  • •The Dusk67 features a gasket mount, a flex-cut PCB, and a unique wood case material that modders may enjoy.
  • •Both are available as DIY kits, giving complete control over switches and keycaps.
Content CreationKBDFans Athena 1800
  • •The built-in LCD screen can be customized with GIFs, adding a creative element to the setup.
  • •The full-size layout with a numpad is useful for video editing timelines and asset management.
  • •Offers both RGB lighting and sound dampening for a controlled environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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