PBTfans Agar Mini vs Agar40% vs 60% Layouts Compared

The main difference is layout size and connectivity. The Agar Mini is a 40% keyboard with a Bluetooth wireless connection and ZMK firmware, making it ultra-portable. The Agar is a 60% HHKB-style board that is primarily wired (with Bluetooth noted in metadata but not emphasized in the vendor description) and uses VIA firmware for key remapping.

The Agar Mini's 40% layout lacks dedicated number and arrow keys, requiring heavy use of layers to access them. For most programmers, the Agar's 60% layout with VIA support for macros is a more efficient choice.

Yes, the PBTfans Agar supports VIA firmware, as stated in the vendor description. It includes a VIA JSON file for easy key remapping and macro creation without needing to reflash the PCB.

The Agar Mini uses a 300mAh battery, according to the specifications. The vendor claims this provides up to three months of battery life, thanks to ZMK firmware's low power consumption.

Yes, the PBTfans Agar includes RGB underglow and a capslock LED, as mentioned in the vendor's PCB specs. The Agar Mini has no RGB or per-key lighting at all.

The Agar Mini is better for travel due to its compact 40% size, Bluetooth wireless capability, and the included bespoke storage pouch. The Agar is larger and wired-only.

Yes, both the PBTfans Agar Mini and PBTfans Agar come with hotswap PCBs that support MX-style mechanical switches, making it easy to change switches without soldering.

The Agar Mini offers four plate material options: Polycarbonate (PC), FR4, Aluminum, and Carbon Fiber. The Agar only offers Aluminum and Polycarbonate plates.

The vendor description for the Agar does not explicitly list stabilizers in the included items, but the Agar Mini includes a set of Cherry screw-in stabilizers with 3U wires. For the Agar, the hotswap foam kit is included, but stabilizer availability is unclear from the provided data.

The PBTfans Agar Mini has a 9 degree typing angle, as stated in the metadata and supported by the vendor description's mention of an ergonomic angle.

The PBTfans Agar has 15 case color options available, including anodized black, E-white, and stone wash finishes. The Agar Mini has 10 options, including anodized purple and PC transparent variants.

The metadata lists Bluetooth as a connectivity option for the Agar, but the vendor description only details wired operation with VIA firmware. For reliable wireless use, the Agar Mini is the better choice as it is explicitly sold as a dual-mode wireless kit.