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75
Athena 1800 with PBTfans no signal blank

PBTfans Athena 1800

The PBTfans Athena 1800 Iron Dolch is a large-layout mechanical keyboard designed for enthusiasts who want a versatile typing experience with customizable acoustics and feel. It suits users who value solid build quality, multiple mounting options for typing comfort, and an integrated LCD screen for visual feedback. This keyboard is good if you want a heavy, stable board with advanced firmware features and support for both soldered and hot-swap switches.</p... Read more
Compare prices from $161.00 to $235
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Compare PBTfans Athena 1800 vs Leopold FC980M vs Sikakeyb SK8 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
PBTfans Athena 1800Leopold FC980MSikakeyb SK8
75
Athena 1800 with PBTfans no signal blank
Leopold FC980M Dual Mode Mechanical Keyboard
77
SIKAKEYB SK8 Gasket Keyboard Kit
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  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the , ANSI layout standard
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Supports VIAL configuration
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 2500 g
  • Sized at 9 x 1800 x 300 mm
  • Features PBT, keycaps
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Includes a No display
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1100 g
  • Sized at 20 x 145 x 366 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Offers Split Spacebar ergonomics
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Scores
  • Performance: 67.7
  • Build Quality: 75.2
  • Productivity: 68.5
  • Customizability: 74.7
  • Portability: 43.8
Scores
  • Performance: 46.2
  • Build Quality: 40.8
  • Productivity: 62.5
  • Customizability: 45.5
  • Portability: 50.2
Scores
  • Performance: 51.4
  • Build Quality: 70.1
  • Productivity: 84
  • Customizability: 85.4
  • Portability: 56.8
Name
PBTfans Athena 1800
Name
Leopold FC980M
Name
Sikakeyb SK8
Release year
2025
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
95%
Layout Size
95%
Layout Size
95%
Layout Standard
, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Split Spacebar
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only,
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Top Mount
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT,
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
9 x 1800 x 300 mm
Dimensions
20 x 145 x 366 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
2500g
Weight
1100g
Weight
-
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Product Description

The PBTfans Athena 1800 Iron Dolch is a large-layout mechanical keyboard designed for enthusiasts who want a versatile typing experience with customizable acoustics and feel. It suits users who value solid build quality, multiple mounting options for typing comfort, and an integrated LCD screen for visual feedback. This keyboard is good if you want a heavy, stable board with advanced firmware features and support for both soldered and hot-swap switches.

Key Features

  • Two mounting styles: Top Mount for a firm, direct typing feel with consistent feedback, and PCB Silicone Gasket for a softer, cushioned typing experience with reduced noise.
  • Multiple cover plate materials (Stainless Steel, Brass, Carbon Fiber) allow tuning of typing acoustics and weight.
  • Integrated RGB LCD indicator supports custom GIFs, with firmware that remembers last used animations and offers screen on/off control.
  • Hot-swap and solderable PCB with USB-C and VIAL support enables easy switch customization and remapping.

Build Quality

  • Aluminum case with anodized or e-coating finish provides durability and a premium feel.
  • Internal stainless steel weight bar adds substantial heft for stability and influences sound profile.
  • Choice of cover plate materials affects typing sound and weight, with stainless steel featuring detailed interior engravings.

Typing Experience

  • Top Mount offers a traditional, responsive typing feel preferred by users who like firm feedback and clear sound.
  • PCB Silicone Gasket mount isolates the PCB, softening bottom-out impact and producing a quieter, thocky sound.
  • Weight ranges from about 2.5kg to 3kg depending on cover plate, contributing to a stable typing platform.

Compatibility and Firmware

  • Supports 1800 layout with Caps Lock and Scroll Lock keys included.
  • Firmware updated to dual-core for improved responsiveness and higher GIF frame rates.
  • Key Debounce settings help reduce accidental multiple key presses.
  • VIAL support allows advanced key remapping and customization.

Trade-offs

  • Heavy weight may reduce portability and increase desk space requirements.
  • Limited to wired USB-C connection; no wireless option available.
  • Complex firmware and features may require some user learning to fully utilize.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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