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Compare PBTfans Agar Mini vs Agar Differences Side by Side

This comparison pits the PBTfans Agar Mini against the PBTfans Agar, two sibling keyboards from KBDfans that share a curvy aesthetic and silicone block mount system. The decision between them is hard because they target very different needs: the Agar Mini is a 40% board designed for extreme portability and wireless freedom, while the Agar offers a more traditional 60% HHKB-style layout with robust wired connectivity and VIA support. Both share excellent build quality and gasket mount designs, but their layout and connectivity differences create a clear trade-off between compactness and everyday convenience.

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Ready to use Agar mini Dual-mode version with PBTfans Office Love
70
Ready to use Agar wired hotswap version with PBTfans Orbit

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  • Released in 2026
  • Available in a 40% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 300 mAh battery
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the , ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless connectivity
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 42.7
  • Build Quality: 69.9
  • Productivity: 60
  • Customizability: 52.5
  • Portability: 81.5
Scores
  • Performance: 61.3
  • Build Quality: 75.5
  • Productivity: 58.9
  • Customizability: 68.8
  • Portability: 80
Name
PBTfans Agar Mini
Name
PBTfans Agar
Release year
2026
Release year
2025
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
40%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
, ANSI, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
300 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Case Material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you prioritize extreme portability and wireless freedom, the PBTfans Agar Mini is the clear choice with its 40% layout, Bluetooth, and ZMK firmware. For most other purposes, including office work, programming, and gaming, the PBTfans Agar's 60% layout and VIA support make it a more practical and feature-rich pick. The Agar also offers a wider range of color options and includes RGB lighting, which the Mini lacks.

PBTfans Agar Mini

  • +Ultra-compact 40% layout is among the smallest keyboard formats available.
  • +Bluetooth wireless connectivity with ZMK firmware and a 300mAh battery provides up to three months of battery life, per the vendor.
  • +Includes a bespoke storage pouch for easy transport, as noted by the vendor.
  • +Comes with a magnetic Pogo-Pin daughterboard, dubbed the 'Serpentine Adaptive Connector', which eliminates ribbon cables.
  • −40% layout requires heavy reliance on layers for number keys and function rows, which may slow down new users.
  • −No RGB or per-key lighting is available on this model.
  • −The Agar Mini uses ZMK firmware, which lacks the mature VIA remapping ecosystem found on the Agar.

PBTfans Agar

  • +60% HHKB-style layout provides a good balance of compactness and usability, with dedicated number and punctuation keys.
  • +Supports both Linear and Clicky switch types, offering more typing feel options out of the box.
  • +VIA firmware support enables easy key remapping and macro creation without reflashing.
  • +Includes RGB underglow and a capslock LED for visual feedback and customization.
  • +Available in 15 case color options, including a copper weight bar for added weight and aesthetics.
  • −Wired-only connectivity (with Bluetooth mentioned in metadata but not confirmed in vendor description) limits cable-free use.
  • −The vendor recommends using case foam to prevent the PCB from touching the bottom, indicating a potential design quirk.
  • −Fewer plate material choices (Aluminum or PC) compared to the Agar Mini's four options.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Agar consistently wins for Gaming, Office, Programming, and Content Creation due to its more standard 60% layout and VIA firmware support. The Agar Mini takes the Travel category with its smaller size and wireless Bluetooth capability. For Modding, the two tie because the Agar Mini offers more plate options, while the Agar provides more robust firmware customization through VIA. The core trade-off is layout convenience versus ultra-portability.

GamingPBTfans Agar
  • •The Agar supports both linear and clicky switch types, offering flexibility for gaming preferences.
  • •The Agar includes RGB underglow and a capslock LED, which can enhance the gaming setup.
  • •The Agar runs on VIA firmware, which provides easier key remapping for game-specific controls.
OfficePBTfans Agar
  • •The Agar's 60% layout includes a row of number keys and essential punctuation, reducing the learning curve for daily office tasks.
  • •The Agar has VIA support, allowing for custom macros and shortcuts to streamline workflows.
  • •The Agar is available in 15 case color options, making it easier to match an office aesthetic.
  • •The Agar comes with a copper weight bar and a foam kit, contributing to a quieter typing experience.
ProgrammingPBTfans Agar
  • •The Agar's 60% layout retains dedicated number keys and arrow keys, which are essential for efficient coding.
  • •VIA support on the Agar enables full key remapping and macro creation, a significant advantage for programming workflows.
  • •The Agar's silicone block mount system provides a flexible typing feel that many programmers find comfortable for long sessions.
TravelPBTfans Agar Mini
  • •The Agar Mini has a 40% layout, making it smaller and lighter for packing into bags.
  • •It runs on Bluetooth with ZMK firmware and includes a 300mAh battery, supporting true wireless use.
  • •The Agar Mini ships with a bespoke storage pouch for easy carrying, according to the vendor description.
ModdingTie
  • •Both models use a proprietary silicone block mount system that allows for easy core assembly removal in seconds.
  • •Both support MX-style hotswap PCBs, enabling switch swaps without soldering.
  • •The Agar Mini offers more plate options (PC, FR4, Aluminum, Carbon Fiber) for tuning sound and feel.
  • •The Agar provides VIA compatibility for deeper firmware modding, while the Agar Mini relies on ZMK.
Content CreationPBTfans Agar
  • •The Agar's 60% layout includes a wider set of keys, reducing the need for layers during video editing or design work.
  • •RGB underglow on the Agar can add ambiance to a creator's desk setup.
  • •VIA support allows for custom shortcuts for creative software, improving workflow efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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