BASIC BK98 vs Varmilo VA104C: Wireless Hot-Swap vs Wired Full-Size

Compare BASIC BK98 vs Varmilo VA104C Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a modern, feature-packed compact keyboard and a classic, well-built full-size board. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize wireless connectivity and customization or a dedicated numpad and a more traditional typing experience. Both offer unique screens and distinct build philosophies, making the choice non-trivial for users with specific layout or connectivity requirements.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Supports hot-swappable switches Available in a 98% layout Connects via USB-C Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 1083 g Sized at 39 x 133 x 390 mm Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options Available in a 100% layout Compatible with both Mac and Windows Provides dedicated media keys Features N-key rollover Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a ABS, Plastic case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 49.1 Build Quality: 53.4 Productivity: 74.3 Customizability: 69.9 Portability: 49.6	Scores Performance: 67 Build Quality: 52.3 Productivity: 52.2 Customizability: 58.7 Portability: 42.5
Name	Name BASIC BK98	Name Varmilo VA104C
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 98%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	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	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
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	Mount Style -	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight White
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 39 x 133 x 390 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 1083g	Weight -

BASIC BK98 Explore The Stars Mechanical Keyboard

Varmilo VA104C Calculator White LED Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2023
Supports hot-swappable switches
Available in a 98% layout
Connects via USB-C
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Has built-in sound dampening
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Weighs about 1083 g
Sized at 39 x 133 x 390 mm
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Released in 2024
Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
Available in a 100% layout
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Provides dedicated media keys
Features N-key rollover
Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Made with a ABS, Plastic case
Features PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, White RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 49.1
Build Quality: 53.4
Productivity: 74.3
Customizability: 69.9
Portability: 49.6

Scores

Performance: 67
Build Quality: 52.3
Productivity: 52.2
Customizability: 58.7
Portability: 42.5

Name

BASIC BK98

Name

Varmilo VA104C

Release year

2023

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

98%

Layout Size

100%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

White

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS, Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

39 x 133 x 390 mm

Dimensions

Weight

1083g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If wireless operation, future switch customization, and a space-saving form factor are critical, the BASIC BK98 is the more flexible and modern option. If your workflow is anchored to a desk, requires a full numpad, and you prefer the proven feel of Cherry MX switches from the outset, the Varmilo VA104C is the reliable, traditional pick. Consider the BK98 for a dynamic setup and the VA104C for a stationary, specialized workstation.

BASIC BK98

+Versatile three-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired USB-C).
+Full-key hot-swappable sockets for easy switch customization.
+Includes a customizable interactive smart color display screen.
+Features a multi-layered sound-absorbing internal structure and screw-in stabilizers.
+Compact 98% layout saves space while keeping navigation keys.

−Uses a proprietary Stellar switch system, limiting immediate third-party switch options.
−The themed design may not appeal to users preferring a minimalist aesthetic.
−Heavier weight (1083g) may reduce portability despite its wireless features.

Varmilo VA104C

+Traditional full-size layout with a dedicated numpad.
+Available with a wide selection of Cherry MX and Varmilo EC switch types.
+Built with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps for durability.
+Includes dedicated multimedia keys and explicit Mac/Windows/Linux support.
+Features a wood-grained ABS frame for a distinct aesthetic.

−Wired-only connectivity with a USB-Mini connector, a less common standard.
−Not hot-swappable, requiring soldering to change switches.
−Larger full-size footprint consumes more desk space.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The BASIC BK98 is the clear choice for users who value portability, wireless freedom, and the ability to easily modify their keyboard's switches and sound profile. The Varmilo VA104C wins for traditional office and data-entry tasks where a full numpad and dedicated media keys are non-negotiable. For programming and general multi-device use, the BK98's compact layout and connectivity options give it an edge, while content creators will find pros in both the BK98's aesthetics and the VA104C's expansive layout.

GamingBASIC BK98

•Offers versatile wireless connectivity via 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, reducing cable clutter.
•Features full-key hot-swappable sockets, allowing for easy switch changes to gaming-focused options.
•Includes a sound-dampening structure to reduce sharp resonance during keystrokes.

OfficeVarmilo VA104C

•Provides a dedicated full-size layout with a numpad, essential for data entry.
•Includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick media control.
•Offers explicit Mac and Windows compatibility support.

ProgrammingBASIC BK98

•The 98% layout saves desk space while retaining essential navigation keys.
•Hot-swappable design allows programmers to customize switch feel for long typing sessions.
•Three-mode connectivity offers flexibility for a multi-device setup.

TravelBASIC BK98

•Supports wireless Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connections, eliminating the need for a cable.
•The 98% layout is more compact than a full-size board, saving bag space.
•Includes a USB-C port for a single cable standard when wired charging or connection is needed.

ModdingBASIC BK98

•Features full-key hot-swappable sockets for tool-free switch replacement.
•Has screw-in stabilizers, which are generally preferred for modding over plate-mount.
•Includes a multi-layered sound-absorbing internal structure for acoustic customization.

Content CreationTie

•The BASIC BK98 offers RGB backlighting for visual customization in streaming setups.
•The Varmilo VA104C provides a full-size layout with a numpad for shortcut macros and numerical input.
•Both keyboards feature a screen for displaying system information or custom graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)