Compare KBDFans Athena 1800 vs HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two distinct KBDFans philosophies. The Athena 1800 is a heavy, full-size aluminum kit focused on sound and customization, while the HE is a lightweight 60% gaming kit built around a high-performance Hall effect PCB. The choice is difficult because it pits material quality and layout utility against cutting-edge gaming features and portability, with a significant price difference.

Model
	84	75	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.7 stars (17 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 95% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Includes a Yes, LCD display Connects via USB-C Supports VIAL configuration Uses a Top Mount mounting style Weighs about 3000 g Made with a Aluminum case	Has Magnetic switch options Available in a 60% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Includes a No display Compatible with both Mac and Windows Utilizes Hall effect sensors Features N-key rollover Enables rapid trigger functionality Includes screw-in stabilizers Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Made with a Plastic case
Score	Scores Performance: 77.6 Build Quality: 78.3 Productivity: 83.5 Customizability: 82.6 Portability: 43.6	Scores Performance: 95.9 Build Quality: 66.8 Productivity: 70 Customizability: 78.8 Portability: 67.1
Name	Name KBDFans Athena 1800	Name KBDFans HE
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Magnetic
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 95%, 100%, 96%	Layout Size 60%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LCD	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Top Mount	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 3000g	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. For a luxurious, full-featured typing centerpiece with unmatched build quality and customization depth, the Athena 1800 is worth the investment. If your focus is competitive gaming performance, desk space savings, or frequent travel, the KBDFans HE delivers specialized features at a more accessible price, albeit with a more utilitarian build.

KBDFans Athena 1800

+Premium aluminum case construction with multiple anodized and e-coating color options.
+Includes a customizable LCD screen with support for animated GIFs.
+Offers extensive customization with multiple plate material options (Aluminum, FR4, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fiber) and cover plate materials (Stainless Steel, Brass, Carbon Fiber).
+Comes with a comprehensive kit including a silicone gasket, foam kit, force break tape, and stainless steel weight bar.
+Supports both VIA and VIAL firmware for easy key remapping and macro programming.

−Extremely heavy at approximately 3kg, making it difficult to move.
−Large 96% footprint requires significant desk space.
−Higher price point compared to the HE kit.

KBDFans HE

+Features a high-performance Hall effect PCB with a specified 8000 Hz polling rate.
+Includes gaming-centric features like rapid trigger, adjustable actuation, and multiple performance modes.
+Very compact 60% layout, described as lightweight and ideal for saving desk space and travel.
+Comes with pre-lubed Gateron Magnetic Jade linear switches and screw-in stabilizers.
+More affordable price point for a feature-rich gaming kit.

−Plastic case construction, which may feel less premium than aluminum.
−The driver software does not support macOS for configuration, requiring initial setup on a PC.
−The vendor notes potential compatibility issues between the PCB and certain case support structures, requiring careful installation.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Athena 1800 dominates in office, programming, and content creation due to its full-size layout and premium materials. The HE is the clear choice for gaming and travel, leveraging its high-polling-rate PCB and compact form factor. For modding, both offer compelling but different platforms for customization.

GamingKBDFans HE

•The HE has a specified 8000 Hz polling rate for stable performance.
•It features Hall effect switches with adjustable actuation and rapid trigger support.
•Its 60% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements.

OfficeKBDFans Athena 1800

•The Athena 1800's 96% layout includes a dedicated numpad and navigation cluster.
•Its aluminum construction and substantial weight provide a premium, stable desk presence.
•The included LCD screen can display system information or custom graphics.

ProgrammingKBDFans Athena 1800

•The Athena 1800's 96% layout offers dedicated arrow keys and a full set of function keys without layers.
•It supports both ANSI and ISO layouts for broader keycap compatibility.
•VIAL firmware support allows for deep keymap customization directly on the device.

TravelKBDFans HE

•The HE is a 60% layout, making it significantly more compact and portable.
•Its plastic case and FR4 plate contribute to a lighter overall weight.
•The product listing describes it as lightweight and ideal for travel.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards are hot-swappable DIY kits.
•The Athena 1800 offers extensive material choices for plates and cover plates, and includes a full foam kit.
•The HE includes PE foam, screw-in stabilizers, and its Hall effect PCB offers unique software-tunable parameters.

Content CreationKBDFans Athena 1800

•The full-size layout with numpad is advantageous for video editing shortcuts and data entry.
•The aluminum build and customizable LCD screen offer a more aesthetic desk setup for streaming.
•The top mount with silicone gasket is designed for a refined, thocky acoustic profile preferred in audio-sensitive environments.