What switch compatibility does the KBDFans Agar EC support?

The KBDFans Agar EC is specifically designed for electrocapacitive (EC) switches from Tecsee and Aeboards. It features a 1.6mm non flex-cut PCB tailored for magnetic switches, making it incompatible with Topre switches or traditional mechanical switches.

Can I hot-swap switches on this keyboard?

Yes, the Agar EC supports hot-swappable switches, allowing you to easily install or replace compatible EC switches without soldering, which is ideal for customizing your typing experience.

What mounting style does this keyboard use?

This keyboard employs a silicone block mount system that provides a flexible typing feel and simplifies barebones installation. This mounting style helps absorb vibrations and enhances typing comfort.

Is the keyboard programmable and what layouts does it support?

Yes, the Agar EC is fully programmable via VIAL software and comes with a default HHKB layout, which is highly favored by programmers for its efficiency and logical key placement.

What materials are used for the case and plate options?

You can choose between polycarbonate and aluminum cases, both paired with a silver aluminum plate. These materials offer a solid build quality with distinct aesthetics and typing resonance.

Does the keyboard include stabilizers and what type are they?

The kit includes screw-in PCB mount stabilizers, which provide stable and consistent keypresses on larger keys, improving the overall typing feel and reducing rattle.

What kind of lighting does the Agar EC feature?

It comes with RGB underglow lighting that adds a subtle and customizable glow beneath the keyboard, enhancing its visual appeal without overwhelming the typing surface.

What is the purpose of the copper external weight?

The copper external weight not only adds heft and stability to the keyboard but also features an engraved 'Starry Sea' design, giving the keyboard a unique aesthetic touch.

Is this keyboard compatible with Windows operating systems?

Yes, the Agar EC is fully compatible with Windows, ensuring seamless plug-and-play functionality via its USB-C interface.

Are switches and keycaps included with the kit?

No, the Agar EC is sold as a barebones kit and does not include switches or keycaps, allowing you to customize the keyboard fully according to your preferences.

KBDFans Agar EC Starting at $173.99

Name: KBDFans Agar EC
Brand: KBDFans
SKU: kbdfans-agar-ec-barebones-diy-keyboard-kit-10074821656876

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
KBDFans Agar EC
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
KBDFans Agar EC Barebones DIY Keyboard Kit
	Based in US	-		$174	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

KBDFans Agar EC

Global

Check vendor

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KBDFans Agar EC Barebones DIY Keyboard Kit

Based in US

$174

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Compare KBDFans Agar EC vs Chilkey SF60 HE vs PBTfans Agar Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	KBDFans Agar EC	Chilkey SF60 HE	PBTfans Agar
	78	61	70
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Built with the ANSI layout standard Supports VIAL configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Made with a Polycarbonate, Aluminum case	Released in 2026 Has Magnetic switch options Built with the ANSI, layout standard Enables rapid trigger functionality Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Made with a Aluminum, case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Has Linear, Clicky switch options Built with the , ANSI, JIS layout standard Supports VIA configuration Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless connectivity Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case Features PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 70.8 Build Quality: 81.6 Productivity: 73.3 Customizability: 76.2 Portability: 70.3	Scores Performance: 91.1 Build Quality: 66.9 Productivity: 50.6 Customizability: 45.5 Portability: 65.8	Scores Performance: 61 Build Quality: 75.8 Productivity: 58.8 Customizability: 68.9 Portability: 79.9
Name	Name KBDFans Agar EC	Name Chilkey SF60 HE	Name PBTfans Agar
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2026	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Magnetic	Switch Options Linear, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 60%	Layout Size 60%	Layout Size 60%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI,	Layout Standard , ANSI, JIS
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 8000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Polycarbonate, Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum,	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -	Weight -

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Product Description

The KBDFans Agar EC is a compact, barebones mechanical keyboard kit designed for users interested in electrocapacitive (EC) switches from Tecsee and Aeboards. It suits programmers and enthusiasts who want a customizable, programmable keyboard with a unique typing feel and are comfortable sourcing their own switches and keycaps. Its layout and features cater to those who prefer a compact ANSI layout with HHKB-style programming.

Key Features

Supports EC switches, which offer a distinct electrocapacitive typing experience different from traditional mechanical switches.
Programmable via VIAL firmware, enabling flexible key remapping and macros, especially useful for programmers.
Includes RGB underglow for customizable lighting effects.
Hotswap capability allows easy switch replacement without soldering, but only for compatible EC switches.
Compact ANSI layout with HHKB logical layout, balancing space-saving design with familiar key positioning.

Build Quality

Available in polycarbonate or anodized aluminum cases, offering different weight and feel options.
Silicone block mount system provides a flexible typing feel and simplifies barebones assembly.
Includes a copper external weight engraved with "Starry Sea," adding stability and aesthetic detail.
Screw-in PCB mount stabilizers improve key stability and reduce rattle.
Non-flex cut 1.6mm PCB designed specifically for magnetic EC switches, ensuring durability and consistent performance.

Compatibility

Supports US QWERTY ANSI layout only, which may limit users needing other layouts.
Compatible with Windows via USB-C wired connection; no wireless option available.
Not compatible with Topre switches or other non-EC switch types.
Requires separate purchase of switches and keycaps, as it is sold as a barebones kit.

Trade-offs

Limited to EC switches, restricting switch choice compared to more common MX-compatible boards.
Non-flex cut PCB means less flexibility in switch placement or customization beyond the designed layout.
Compact layout may not suit users who prefer full-size or tenkeyless keyboards.
No wireless connectivity, which may be a drawback for users seeking a cable-free setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)