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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Ajazz AK35i V3 vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProBudget Screen vs Premium Features

Choose the Ajazz AK35i V3 for a budget-friendly full-size keyboard with a screen, or the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for premium firmware support and a more compact layout.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Ajazz AK35i V3

Budget Screen

Build quality in the top 35% of 100% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Includes a 1.14” customizable TFT screen for displaying time, battery status, or custom GIFs.
  • Larger 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
  • Full 104-key layout with a dedicated multimedia metallic knob.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Get the

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Premium Features

Build quality in the top 20% of 98% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Native support for QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • Offers a wide selection of ISO layouts supporting over a dozen European languages.
  • Confirms a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms ultra-low latency for responsive gaming.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.

Bottom line

Your budget and priorities define the choice here. If you need a full-sized keyboard with unique features like a TFT screen and a giant battery without spending much, the Ajazz AK35i V3 delivers exceptional value. If you are willing to invest more for top-tier firmware customization (QMK/VIA), guaranteed low-latency performance, a space-saving layout, and extensive language support, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the superior, albeit more expensive, tool.

What actually differs

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.

Ajazz AK35i V3

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • Layout size

    100%

    98%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Battery

    8,000 mAh

    4,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    Plastic

    Copper, Metal, Plastic

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Ajazz AK35i V3
  • Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Performance
50
74
Build quality
66
74
Productivity
79
88
Customizability
77
89
Portability
59
55

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the stronger choice for gaming, programming, travel, and modding, largely due to its confirmed low-latency performance, QMK/VIA support, and more portable form factor. The Ajazz AK35i V3 wins for content creation thanks to its multimedia knob and full layout, while office use is a tie, dependent on layout preference. The Varmilo's advantages are rooted in software and precision, whereas the Ajazz offers more hardware-centric features for the price.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms ultra-low latency for competitive play.
  • Its 98% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements while retaining the numpad.
  • The manufacturer states its powerful chip provides flexibility for developers, suggesting optimized performance.

Full specs

Ajazz AK35i V3 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

15 of 27 specs differ

Ajazz AK35i V3

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Silent

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

100%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

TFT
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

8,000 mAhBetter
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
Copper, Metal, Plastic

Plate material

FR4
Plastic, Polycarbonate

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

1,230 g
1,000 g

Dimensions

23 x 448 x 148 mm
37 x 388 x 140 mm

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Ajazz AK35i V3

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • Varmilo

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES

    In stockShips to you

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Ajazz AK35i V3 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions

The Ajazz AK35i V3 has a larger 8000mAh battery, which its vendor claims provides up to 140 hours with RGB off. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a 4000mAh battery, with the manufacturer stating over 20 days of use with lights off. The Ajazz has a clear capacity advantage.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has native support for QMK and VIA, allowing for deep, firmware-level key remapping and macro creation. The Ajazz AK35i V3's vendor description does not mention similar software support, so its customization may be limited to onboard functions or proprietary software not detailed.

Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is listed with a 1000 Hz polling rate. Its manufacturer specifically states it offers 1ms ultra-low latency, making it suitable for competitive gaming where fast response times are critical.

Yes, the Ajazz AK35i V3 features a dedicated multimedia metallic knob, which its vendor page confirms can be used to adjust volume.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is more portable. It is significantly narrower (388mm vs 448mm), lighter (1000g vs 1230g), and includes a dust cover for protection. Its 98% layout also takes up less space in a bag.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support for over a dozen European languages, including German, French, Spanish, and UK English, and comes with extra keycap sets. The Ajazz AK35i V3 is listed with an ANSI layout standard only.

Yes, both the Ajazz AK35i V3 and the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro are listed as hot-swappable. The Varmilo's page specifies support for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

According to the vendor, the 1.14” TFT screen on the Ajazz AK35i V3 can display keyboard functions like time, connection status, and battery level. It can also be customized with static images or animated GIFs.

The Ajazz AK35i V3 uses a five-layered structure with Sandwich PORON Cotton, IXPE undershaft padding, and silicone bottom padding. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount with Plate Poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, and bottom silicone, which the manufacturer calls a 'pet sound dampener'.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has explicit Mac/Win support. Its description states you can switch systems with a key combination and that it comes with two additional keys and four Mac OS keycaps. The Ajazz listing does not detail specific Mac compatibility.

Yes, both are listed as pre-built. The Ajazz AK35i V3 comes with customized Avocado mechanical switches. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers choices like Kailh Prestige Silent or Prestige Voice switches.

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