KBDFans Athena 1800 vs Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2Full-Size vs Wireless TKL
Choose the Athena 1800 for a full-size layout and wired-only setup, or the QK80 Mk2 for a wireless TKL form factor.
Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Athena 1800
Full-Size
- Comprehensive 96% layout includes a numpad and supports both ANSI and ISO standards.
- Extensive customization with multiple plate materials (Alu, FR4, PC, Carbon Fiber) and internal cover plates (Stainless Steel, Brass, Carbon Fiber).
- Includes a detailed foam kit, force break tape, and silicone gaskets for sound tuning.
- Wired-only connectivity limits placement and cable management options.
- Very heavy at approximately 3kg, making it difficult to move.
- The large 96% footprint requires significant desk space.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
Wireless TKL
- Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, Wired) offers flexible usage.
- Compact 80% (TKL) form factor saves considerable desk space.
- Includes two 4400mAh batteries for extended wireless use.
- Lacks a numpad and dedicated function row, which may hinder productivity for some users.
- Only supports the ANSI layout, limiting regional compatibility.
- Made-to-order nature results in a long estimated production and ship time of 12 weeks.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, extensive acoustic modding options, and a stationary, wired setup, the KBDFans Athena 1800 is the logical pick. If wireless freedom, a smaller desk footprint, and portability are higher priorities, the Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2 is the better option, despite its lack of a numpad and longer wait time.
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
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
Layout size
100%
80%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Copper, Steel
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Display
LCD
TFT
- KBDFans Athena 1800
- Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
- Performance
- 6868
- Build quality
- 7989
- Productivity
- 6884
- Customizability
- 8285
- Portability
- 4487
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Athena 1800 is the clear choice for office work, content creation, and serious modding due to its full-size layout and extensive customization options. The QK80 Mk2 wins for travel and any scenario where wireless connectivity or a smaller desk footprint is paramount. For gaming and programming, the decision is closer and depends on the user's preference for a wired numpad board versus a wireless TKL.
Pick the KBDFans Athena 1800
- The Athena 1800 is a wired-only keyboard, which can offer a more stable connection for competitive gaming.
- Its 96% layout includes a numpad, which can be useful for macros or certain game genres.
- The manufacturer's firmware update notes mention improved button response speed.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
KBDFans Athena 1800
7 owner reviews
“This is one built keyboard. Heavy duty and beautiful. Not a scratch on her and worth every penny. I put the Onyx set on her cuz Ima cat person. Love the lil gif window too. 10/10!”
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
4 owner reviews
“I ordered a keyboard set and keycaps from divinikey the 2 sets go out of stock almost everytime so I decided to go with Divinikey and they game me a time frame of up to12 weeks which was perfectly fine and the package came in after 6-7 weeks I was super happy…”
“I'm not sure why the QK80 is getting the reviews it's getting. Let's go down the list of the brand new QK80 I have and what I'm regretting getting it: 1) The screen worked for all of five seconds before going blank. Nothing I do brings it back 2) You can't…”
KBDFans Athena 1800 vs Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 21 specs differ
KBDFans Athena 1800
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
VIAL
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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.
KBDFans Athena 1800 vs Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2: your questions
The Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2 is better for a small desk. Its 80% TKL layout is significantly more compact than the Athena 1800's 96% form factor, freeing up valuable desk space.
Yes, the Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2 supports tri-mode connectivity. You can connect it via the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable for a wired connection.
No, the KBDFans Athena 1800 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via a USB-C cable and does not support Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless modes.
The Athena 1800 includes a wide array of modding accessories like a foam kit, force break tape, silicone gaskets, and multiple internal weight and cover plate options. The QK80 Mk2 includes a protective case, stabilizers, and basic tools.
Yes, according to the vendor's firmware guide, the Athena 1800's LCD screen supports custom 128x128 pixel GIFs. The firmware update also added functionality for the keyboard to remember the last used GIF.
The vendor listing states the QK80 Mk2 includes two 4400mAh internal batteries. Specific battery life in hours is not provided, as it depends on usage patterns, RGB settings, and connectivity mode.
The KBDFans Athena 1800 is much heavier. With a stainless steel cover plate, it weighs approximately 3kg (3000g). The weight for the QK80 Mk2 is not specified in the provided information.
The Athena 1800 offers a hot-swap PCB option. The QK80 Mk2's product description does not explicitly state if its PCBs are hot-swappable, so it's best to check the specific PCB option at the time of purchase.
The Athena 1800 uses VIAL firmware for key remapping and customization. The QK80 Mk2 uses QK's customized version of VIA software for the same purpose.
The Athena 1800 lists more standard plate material options: Aluminum, FR4, Polycarbonate, and Carbon Fiber. The QK80 Mk2 offers FR4, Aluminum, POM, and Plastic plates.
The QK80 Mk2 is sold primarily as a DIY kit or barebones kit, meaning it typically does not come with switches or keycaps pre-installed. You will need to purchase those separately to complete the build.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.