KBDFans Athena 1800 vs TOFU TKLFull-Size vs Wireless TKL
Choose the Athena 1800 for a full-size layout with a screen, or the TOFU TKL for wireless flexibility and a softer gasket-mounted typing feel.
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4.7 (7)4.7 · 7 reviews
from$136at KBDfans
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Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Athena 1800
Full-Size
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $150.
- Includes a customizable POGO pins LCD screen for graphics or system info.
- Full 1800/96% layout with a number pad and dedicated navigation keys.
- Comes with a comprehensive accessory kit including foam, force break tape, and a stainless steel weight bar.
Get the
KBDFans TOFU TKL
Wireless TKL
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- Offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity alongside wired mode.
- Gasket mount design is engineered for a softer, bouncier typing feel.
- Extensive online configurator allows deep customization of case materials, weights, and PCBs.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a number pad for data entry or prefer a feature-rich, stationary setup, the Athena 1800 is the compelling option. If wireless freedom, a softer typing feel, and a more compact form factor are higher priorities, the highly configurable TOFU TKL is the better path. Both represent the high end of the custom keyboard spectrum with different core strengths.
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 Athena 1800
KBDFans TOFU TKL
Layout size
100%
80%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Ergonomics
Split Backspace
Standard
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel
- KBDFans Athena 1800
- KBDFans TOFU TKL
- Performance
- 6874
- Build quality
- 7996
- Productivity
- 6995
- Customizability
- 8285
- Portability
- 4370
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: Aluminum, Brass, CarbonFiber, FR4, Polycarbonate, Steel
What will you mostly use it for?
The TOFU TKL wins for mobile and office use due to its wireless features and space-saving design. The Athena 1800 is the clear choice for programming and content creation where a number pad is non-negotiable. For gaming and modding, both are exceptionally capable, with the TOFU offering cutting-edge Hall Effect options and the Athena providing a unique visual feature set.
It's a tie
- Both support hot-swappable PCBs and VIAL firmware for key remapping.
- The TOFU TKL's listing mentions a 1000 Hz polling rate and a Hall Effect PCB option for ultra-low latency.
- The Athena 1800's full layout provides dedicated macro keys without layers.
KBDFans Athena 1800 vs TOFU TKL specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 26 specs differ
KBDFans Athena 1800
KBDFans TOFU TKL
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
VIAL
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
KBDFans Athena 1800
KBDfans
ISO
Out of stockShips to you
MonacoKeys
ISO
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
KBDFans TOFU TKL
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
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 Athena 1800 vs TOFU TKL: your questions
The TOFU TKL is better for small desks. Its 80% TKL layout is more compact than the Athena 1800's full-size 95% layout. The wireless connectivity also helps reduce cable clutter.
No, according to the provided specifications, the TOFU TKL does not have RGB lighting. The Athena 1800 does include RGB backlighting.
Yes, the vendor description states the Athena 1800's firmware supports custom GIFs on the LCD screen. It specifies guidelines for GIF dimensions and frame counts for different display modes.
The TOFU TKL can be configured for competitive gaming. Its product listing mentions a 1000 Hz polling rate and offers a dedicated Hall Effect PCB option with features like ultra-low latency and adjustable actuation points, which are favored by some gamers.
The TOFU TKL can be significantly heavier. The Athena 1800 weighs approximately 3kg with a steel cover plate, while the TOFU TKL listing states it can weigh up to 4.9kg after being built with optional heavy weight bars.
Yes, both keyboards support VIAL software for key remapping and customization according to their vendor pages. The TOFU TKL listing also mentions support for VIA.
No, the TOFU TKL is an 80% tenkeyless keyboard, which means it does not include a dedicated number pad. If you need a number pad, the Athena 1800 with its 1800 layout is the appropriate choice.
The main difference likely stems from the mounting style. The Athena 1800 uses a top mount, which can feel more direct and solid. The TOFU TKL uses a gasket mount, which the vendor describes as being engineered for a maximally soft, bouncy, and flexible typing experience.
Yes, both keyboards offer hot-swappable PCB options. This allows you to change switches without soldering. The TOFU TKL also offers solderable PCB options for builders who prefer that method.
Based on the vendor lists, the Athena 1800 includes a more comprehensive set of modding accessories by default, such as a foam kit, force break tape, and various internal components. The TOFU TKL lists many items, like the foam kit and specific plates, as optional.
The provided specifications and description for the Athena 1800 do not mention native support for magnetic switches. The TOFU TKL, however, explicitly offers a dedicated Hall Effect PCB designed for magnetic switches.
According to the FAQ in the TOFU TKL vendor description, it is a dual-mode keyboard supporting wired and Bluetooth connectivity. The listing clarifies there is no 2.4GHz dongle-based mode, citing an open-source firmware decision and high energy efficiency.
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