KBDFans Athena 1800 vs TOFUFull-Size LCD vs Wireless TKL
Choose the Athena 1800 for a full-size layout with a customizable LCD screen, or the TOFU for wireless freedom in a more compact TKL form factor.
Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Athena 1800
Full-Size LCD
- Includes a customizable RGB LCD screen with GIF support.
- 96% layout provides a numpad while saving some space over a full-size.
- Comes with a comprehensive kit including foam, force break tape, and a stainless steel weight bar.
- Wired-only connectivity limits placement options.
- Very heavy at approximately 3kg, making it difficult to move.
- The large 96% footprint requires significant desk space.
Get the
KBDFans TOFU
Wireless TKL
- Offers versatile Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity alongside wired.
- More portable TKL (80%) layout saves desk space.
- Includes an integrated force break system with silicone pads to dampen vibrations.
- Lacks any form of RGB lighting or a screen.
- Wireless models may have limited availability, as the listing shows a pre-order status.
- The Hall Effect PCB option is noted to be only for WK (Windows Key) layout cases.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, desire a unique LCD display, and will use the keyboard at a single wired workstation, the Athena 1800 is the more feature-complete tool. If your priority is a cleaner, cable-free desk with a compact form factor you can easily move, the wireless TOFU TKL is the pragmatic option. Both represent high-quality, customizable foundations from the same manufacturer.
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
Layout size
100%
80%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Display
LCD
Yes
Weight
3,000 g
4,900 g
- KBDFans Athena 1800
- KBDFans TOFU
- Performance
- 6884
- Build quality
- 7975
- Productivity
- 6866
- Customizability
- 8279
- Portability
- 4468
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Mount style: Top Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Athena 1800 is the clear choice for stationary setups requiring a numpad and visual flair from its LCD, winning for office work, gaming, and content creation. The TOFU TKL excels in portability and cable-free use, making it ideal for travel and flexible desk setups. For programming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable, offering deep firmware support and a wide array of build components.
Pick the KBDFans Athena 1800
- The Athena 1800's wired-only connection ensures consistent, lag-free input.
- Its 96% layout retains a numpad for gaming macros or MMO keybinds.
- The vendor description mentions a firmware update for 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!”
KBDFans TOFU
4 owner reviews
“This is the first custom mechanical keyboard I've bought, and I could not be happier!”
KBDFans Athena 1800 vs TOFU specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 23 specs differ
KBDFans Athena 1800
KBDFans TOFU
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIAL
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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KBDFans Athena 1800 vs TOFU: your questions
The KBDFans TOFU is better for a small desk due to its more compact 80% TKL layout. The Athena 1800 uses a larger 96% layout that includes a numpad, requiring significantly more desk space.
Only the TOFU offers wireless connectivity, with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz options listed. The Athena 1800 is a wired-only keyboard according to its specifications.
The TOFU product listing explicitly mentions Mac/Win support. The Athena 1800 listing does not specify operating system compatibility, though its VIAL firmware is typically cross-platform.
According to the vendor description, the Athena 1800's LCD screen is an RGB indicator that can display custom GIFs. The firmware includes a guide for uploading 128x128 pixel GIFs for typing indicators and other animations.
Yes, both the Athena 1800 and the TOFU are available with hot-swappable PCB options. The TOFU also offers a solderable PCB and a specific Hall Effect magnetic PCB.
The TOFU can be heavier, with a listed maximum weight of up to 4.9kg after being built with optional weight bars. The Athena 1800 weighs approximately 3kg with a stainless steel cover plate.
The TOFU's vendor description states that its solderable PCB allows for a plateless build when using the PCB gasket mount. The Athena 1800 listing does not mention a plateless build option.
The Athena 1800 uses VIAL, as stated in its specs and firmware files. The TOFU's wired PCBs support VIA, VIAL, and AVA, while its wireless PCB uses ZMK, according to the product description.
Yes, both include sound-dampening elements. The Athena 1800 comes with a foam kit and force break tape. The TOFU features an integrated force break system with custom silicone pads and offers silicone PCB gaskets.
Both the KBDFans Athena 1800 and the TOFU have a 9-degree typing angle, as listed in their specifications.
The product description lists an 'Integrated Wrist Rest' as a feature, but the 'Includes' section does not list it. It is likely an optional accessory, as the description mentions choosing an anodized wrist rest with wood accents.
The TOFU offers a wider array of anodized and coated color options for its top and bottom cases, including numerous custom colors shown in the vendor images. The Athena 1800 also has multiple anodized and e-coating finishes available.
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