Qwertykeys QK101 vs PBTfans Athena 1800Wireless or Clicky Keys?
Choose the Qwertykeys QK101 for Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and ISO layout options; choose the PBTfans Athena 1800 for its clicky switches and included PBT keycaps.
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5.0 (2)5.0 · 2 reviews
from$188at Divinikey
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from$161at KBDfans
Which one should you get?
Get the
Qwertykeys QK101
Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $200.
- Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, alongside USB-C wired mode.
- ANSI and ISO layout support.
- Customizable screen with GIFs that can sync with typing speed, according to the vendor.
Get the
PBTfans Athena 1800
- Clicky switches are specified for the board.
- PBT keycaps are listed among the included items by the vendor.
- Plate options include PC and carbon fiber, alongside aluminum and FR4.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Choose the QK101 for wireless flexibility, ISO support and a customizable screen with typing-speed-synced GIFs. Choose the Athena 1800 for its clicky switches, included PBT keycaps and additional PC or carbon-fiber plate options. If you need an ISO layout, the Athena 1800 is not the suitable choice.
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.
Qwertykeys QK101
PBTfans Athena 1800
Layout size
100%
95%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Aluminum, Copper
Aluminum
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
Top Mount
Display
TFT, OLED
LCD
A case display rather than a typing feature
- Qwertykeys QK101
- PBTfans Athena 1800
- Performance
- 7868
- Build quality
- 9175
- Productivity
- 8269
- Customizability
- 8574
- Portability
- 6344
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The QK101 takes the lead for gaming, office use, programming and travel on the strength of its wireless options, ISO support and stated polling rate. Modding is a closer call: each board offers distinct mounting, PCB and plate choices. For content creation, the QK101 pairs a configurable screen with wireless connectivity, though the Athena 1800 also has an LCD screen. Buyers who specifically want clicky switches and included PBT keycaps should also weigh the Athena's distinct package.
Pick the Qwertykeys QK101
- The QK101 supports wired USB-C, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity; the Athena 1800 is wired-only.
- The QK101 lists a 4000 Hz polling rate, while no polling rate is specified for the Athena 1800.
Qwertykeys QK101 vs PBTfans Athena 1800 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 23 specs differ
Qwertykeys QK101
PBTfans Athena 1800
Switch options
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
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Qwertykeys QK101
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
PBTfans Athena 1800
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Qwertykeys QK101 vs PBTfans Athena 1800: your questions
The QK101 supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and wired USB-C connections. The Athena 1800 is listed as wired-only.
No. The Athena 1800 is ANSI-only, and ISO variants such as ISO-DE and UK are not offered. The QK101 supports both ANSI and ISO layouts.
The Athena 1800 is listed with clicky switches. The QK101 vendor description identifies it as a barebones DIY kit and says switches are not included.
Yes, the KBDfans listing includes a keycap set and specifies PBT keycap material in the product metadata. The QK101 vendor listing describes a barebones kit that does not include keycaps.
Both keyboards list hot-swap support. The Athena 1800 vendor also describes a PCB choice between solder and hot-swap versions.
Both have a screen: the QK101 is listed with a TFT/OLED screen, and the Athena 1800 with an LCD. Qwertykeys describes customizable screen themes and GIFs that sync with typing speed.
Yes. Its vendor describes programming through QK's custom VIA web configurator. The Athena 1800 lists VIAL support instead.
The QK101 is the relevant option because it supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz and lists an 8000 mAh battery. The Athena 1800 is wired-only.
The QK101 supports top-mount and gasket-mount assembly. Its vendor says the dual-mount design allows assembly in either way.
The Athena 1800 lists aluminum, FR4, polycarbonate and carbon-fiber plate options. Its vendor also describes cover plate choices in stainless steel, brass or carbon fiber.
The QK101 lists a 4000 Hz polling rate. No polling rate is specified for the Athena 1800.
Not sold on either?
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