KBDFans Athena 1800 vs Keychron Q12Southpaw vs Screen

The Keychron Q12 is specifically designed with a southpaw layout, placing the numpad on the left side. This can be more intuitive and ergonomic for left-handed users who operate the numpad with their left hand. The KBDFans Athena 1800 uses a standard right-side numpad layout.

Only the KBDFans Athena 1800 has this capability. It includes an LCD screen that, according to the vendor, supports custom 128x128 pixel GIFs and can function as a Caps Lock/Scroll Lock indicator. The Keychron Q12 does not have a screen.

No. Both the KBDFans Athena 1800 and the Keychron Q12 are wired-only keyboards. They connect via a USB-C cable and do not have batteries or wireless functionality.

Both are highly programmable. The Keychron Q12 supports both QMK and VIA. The KBDFans Athena 1800 supports VIAL, which is a graphical fork of VIA. Both methods allow for extensive key remapping and macro creation without coding.

The mounting style is a key differentiator. The Keychron Q12 uses a double gasket mount, which the manufacturer states provides a softer, more cushioned feel. The KBDFans Athena 1800 uses a top mount with a PCB silicone gasket, which typically offers a more direct and firmer feedback.

The Keychron Q12's fully assembled version includes double-shot PBT OSA profile keycaps. The KBDFans Athena 1800 is sold primarily as a DIY kit or barebones unit, so keycaps and switches are not included unless purchased separately as part of a pre-built bundle.

The KBDFans Athena 1800 offers more hardware customization options. Its kit includes multiple plate material choices (Alu, FR4, PC, Carbon Fiber) and cover plate options (Stainless Steel, Brass, Carbon Fiber). It also comes with a foam kit and force break tape pre-included.

Yes. According to Keychron, the aluminum rotary encoder on the Q12 can be programmed through VIA software to control volume, zoom, brightness, brush size, or any other key or macro command.

Both are very substantial. The Keychron Q12 weighs approximately 2491 grams. The KBDFans Athena 1800 weighs approximately 2.5kg with a carbon fiber cover plate or 3kg with a stainless steel cover plate, making it the heavier of the two.

Yes, both are compatible. The Keychron Q12 explicitly includes a system toggle switch and an extra set of keycaps for both operating systems. The KBDFans Athena 1800's compatibility is implied through its standard USB HID functionality.

The Keychron Q12 uses screw-in PCB stabilizers. The KBDFans Athena 1800's listing does not specify the stabilizer type, but it is a common moddable component on hot-swap boards.

Both feature RGB lighting. A notable difference is that the Keychron Q12 uses south-facing RGB LEDs, which prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps and may provide better underglow from the typist's angle. The Athena 1800's RGB orientation is not specified.