8BitDo Retro 108 vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProFull-Size vs Compact 98%

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is likely better for typing due to its gasket mount design, which includes plate poron foam and bottom silicone for a more cushioned and consistent feel. It also offers silent switch options and PBT Cherry profile keycaps, which are preferred by many typists.

Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is compatible with macOS. According to the vendor, it includes two additional keys and four Mac OS keycaps, and you can switch between Windows and Mac layouts by holding a key combination for five seconds.

Yes, the 8BitDo Retro 108 has a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to change mechanical switches without soldering. The vendor description confirms this feature for customizing your typing feel.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a larger 4000mAh battery, with the vendor claiming over 20 days of use with lights off. The 8BitDo Retro 108 has a 2000mAh battery, with a claimed life of 200 hours, making the Varmilo's battery potentially last significantly longer.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is far more customizable, offering native support for QMK and VIA firmware. This allows for deep key remapping, macro creation, and layer programming. The 8BitDo offers programmability through its own software, but QMK/VIA is an open standard with greater community support.

Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is suitable for gaming. It features a 1000 Hz polling rate for a 1ms response time in its 2.4GHz and wired modes, which is standard for gaming keyboards. Its gasket mount may also provide a consistent feel during rapid key presses.

Yes, the 8BitDo Retro 108 is a full-size 108-key keyboard, which includes a dedicated number pad. This is its primary advantage over compact layouts like the 98% Varmilo, which has a condensed numpad.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses Cherry profile PBT keycaps. The 8BitDo Retro 108 uses dye-sublimation PBT keycaps with an MDA-like height profile, according to its vendor description, which is a different sculpted shape.

Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support. It ships with a default Swedish ISO set but includes additional keycap sets for languages like German, French, Spanish, UK English, and more, depending on the option you select.

Based on vendor listings, the Varmilo includes a key/switch puller, extra keycaps, a dust cover, and a 2.4G dongle. The 8BitDo includes dual Super Buttons, stickers, and a 2.4G adapter. The Varmilo's inclusion of a switch puller and dust cover is notable for modders.

Yes, both the 8BitDo Retro 108 and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro are tri-mode keyboards. They support connectivity via Bluetooth, a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, and a wired USB-C connection.