PBTfans Athena 1800 vs Meletrix Zoom98 EEWired vs Wireless 1800
Choose the Meletrix Zoom98 EE for wireless flexibility and a modern gasket mount, or the PBTfans Athena 1800 for a wired-only, heavier build with more plate and internal weight material options.
![[In-Stock]Zoom98 EE Wild Green](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/2474/0287/files/Zoom98_Screen_EE_WildGreen_Ano_Black_e643a276-d06e-4aca-b381-da77d27d07ab.jpg?v=1708587782&width=3840&quality=75)
Which one should you get?
Get the
PBTfans Athena 1800
Wired
- Extensive plate material selection (Aluminum, FR4, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fiber, Brass, Steel).
- Multiple internal cover plate options (Stainless Steel, Brass, Carbon Fiber) for tuning acoustics and weight.
- Includes a full pre-built keycap and switch set, ready to use out of the box.
- Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless option.
- Exceptionally heavy, with a base weight of 2.5kg, limiting portability.
- Top mount design may offer a different typing feel compared to the more popular gasket mount.
Get the
Meletrix Zoom98 EE
Wireless 1800
- Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4 GHz, and wired).
- Includes a large 4500mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Gasket mount structure for a potentially more flexible and cushioned typing feel.
- Sold as a barebones kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
- Only one plate material option (Polycarbonate) is listed.
- Higher price point compared to the Athena 1800.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require wireless operation for a clean desk or multi-device workflow, the Meletrix Zoom98 EE is the necessary pick, offering excellent flexibility and a modern gasket mount. If you are a stationary user or an enthusiast who prioritizes deep, hardware-level customization with various plate and weight materials, the wired PBTfans Athena 1800 provides more tangible options for tuning sound and feel, and it comes complete with keycaps and switches.
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.
PBTfans Athena 1800
Meletrix Zoom98 EE
Layout size
95%
98%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Spacebar
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
Display
LCD
Yes
- PBTfans Athena 1800
- Meletrix Zoom98 EE
- Performance
- 6879
- Build quality
- 7588
- Productivity
- 6893
- Customizability
- 7495
- Portability
- 4455
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Meletrix Zoom98 EE wins in most mobile or multi-device scenarios, including Office, Travel, and Content Creation, due to its wireless tri-mode connectivity and included battery. It also takes the edge for Gaming with its high polling rate. The PBTfans Athena 1800 is the clear choice for dedicated modders who value a wide selection of plate and internal weight materials. For stationary use like Programming, both are excellent, with the decision boiling down to a preference for wireless freedom versus the Athena's specific typing feel and material options.
Pick the Meletrix Zoom98 EE
- The Zoom98 EE offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over its 2.4 GHz wireless connection, which is explicitly stated for gaming responsiveness.
- Its wireless connectivity provides cable-free desk management for greater mouse movement.
- N-key rollover is listed as a feature, ensuring all key presses are registered.
PBTfans Athena 1800 vs Meletrix Zoom98 EE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 26 specs differ
PBTfans Athena 1800
Meletrix Zoom98 EE
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
QMK
VIA
VIAL
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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PBTfans Athena 1800 vs Meletrix Zoom98 EE: your questions
No, the Meletrix Zoom98 EE is sold as a barebones kit. The vendor description explicitly states it does not include switches or keycaps. You must purchase these separately to build a complete keyboard.
No, the PBTfans Athena 1800 is a wired-only keyboard. Its connectivity is listed as wired only, and the specifications confirm it uses a USB-C interface without any mention of wireless capabilities or a battery.
The Meletrix Zoom98 EE offers more physical layout flexibility. Its vendor page states it supports split spacebar, stepped Caps Lock, and both ISO or ANSI enter keys. The Athena 1800 uses a standard 1800 layout without mentioned split spacebar support.
According to the manufacturer, the Meletrix Zoom98 EE has a 1000 Hz polling rate when using the 2.4 GHz wireless connection or the wired USB-C mode. Over Bluetooth, the polling rate is 125 Hz.
Yes, the PBTfans Athena 1800 is designed for plate customization. The specifications list six plate material options: Aluminum, FR4, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fiber, Brass, and Steel. The kit includes one plate, but others can be sourced separately.
Both have sound-dampening features. The Athena 1800 uses a PCB silicone gasket mount and includes a foam kit and force break tape, which its description says provides a more muted, thocky profile. The Zoom98 EE uses a gasket mount and includes a Poron sound dampener kit, which also targets a quieter typing experience.
The PBTfans Athena 1800 supports VIAL firmware, as stated in its specifications. The vendor page provides firmware files for VIAL. There is no mention of native QMK or VIA support for this model.
The kit includes the aluminum case, hotswap PCB, polycarbonate plate, Wuque Studios screw-in stabilizers, LCD screen, two 2250mAh batteries, a Poron dampener kit, an external weight, silicone feet, tools, a coiled USB-C cable, a 2.4GHz receiver, and a storage box.
For the Athena 1800, the vendor provides a guide for converting 128x128 pixel GIFs into a .uf2 format for the LCD. The Zoom98 EE's LCD is programmable via VIA software, as indicated by its 'programmable LCD display' feature.
The PBTfans Athena 1800 is significantly heavier. Its base weight is listed as 2.5kg (approx. 5.5 lbs), and it can weigh up to 3kg with a stainless steel internal cover plate. The weight of the Zoom98 EE is not specified, but it includes an external weight as part of its kit.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. The Athena 1800 offers a hotswap PCB option, and the Zoom98 EE's specifications and description confirm it has a tri-mode hotswap RGB PCB.
Not sold on either?
![[In-Stock]Zoom98 SE Ice Blue](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/2474/0287/files/4_20878784-8a91-4ca3-84f4-9e4011713fb4.jpg?v=1708586674&width=3840&quality=75)
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