Chilkey ND104 vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProFull-Size vs Compact
Choose the Chilkey ND104 for its extensive features and full-size layout, or the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for a more compact, ISO-friendly design at a lower cost.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Chilkey ND104
Full-Size
- CNC machined 6063 aluminum case for a premium build.
- Built-in LCD screen with calculator, clock, and dynamic background modes.
- Modular top-right section can be configured as a screen, keys, or storage tray.
- Full-size layout is large and less portable.
- A user review cited software limitations, including limited RGB control.
- Higher price range compared to the Minilo98 Pro.
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Compact
- Compact 98% layout saves desk space compared to a full-size board.
- Extensive ISO layout support for over a dozen European languages.
- Includes a dust cover and extra keycaps in the box.
- Smaller 4000mAh battery capacity.
- Case is primarily plastic, though it includes metal inlays.
- No built-in screen or similar display feature.
Select the Chilkey ND104 if you require a full-size layout, extensive modding features like a modular top plate and multiple foam layers, and unique extras like a programmable screen. Opt for the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro if you prefer a more compact keyboard to save space, need specific ISO key layouts, or are looking for a capable wireless board at a more accessible price point. Your need for a numpad is the primary deciding factor.
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.
Chilkey ND104
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Layout size
100%
98%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Battery
8,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
Case material
Aluminum
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent
Silent
- Chilkey ND104
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Performance
- 8074
- Build quality
- 8974
- Productivity
- 9488
- Customizability
- 9089
- Portability
- 6556
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- VIA
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Chilkey ND104 is the more versatile choice for users who need a full suite of features, including a numpad, screen, and deep modding potential. It wins for programming, content creation, and modding. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is better for travel due to its smaller size and is a capable office keyboard. For gaming, the Chilkey's full layout gives it an edge, though both share core performance specs.
Pick the Chilkey ND104
- Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
- The Chilkey ND104's full layout includes dedicated macro and media keys.
- Its aluminum case may offer a more stable typing platform.
Chilkey ND104 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
16 of 27 specs differ
Chilkey ND104
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Chilkey ND104 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions
The Chilkey ND104 has a larger combined battery capacity at 8000mAh (2x 4000mAh). The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a 4000mAh battery. Manufacturer estimates for the Minilo98 Pro suggest over 20 days of use with lights off.
Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is compatible with macOS and Windows. According to its product page, it includes Mac OS keycaps and you can switch between systems by pressing Fn+Tab for 5 seconds.
Yes. The Chilkey ND104's PCB supports both ANSI and ISO layouts. However, the vendor notes that an additional ISO plate is required to use an ISO layout on this keyboard.
Both keyboards offer silent switch options and sound-dampening features. The Chilkey ND104 includes five layers of foam. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount with plate poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, PCB poron foam, and bottom silicone for sound absorption.
Yes. Both the Chilkey ND104 and the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro feature hot-swappable sockets. The Varmilo's page specifies support for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate. For the Chilkey ND104, this applies to wired and 2.4 GHz modes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro product page states a 1000 Hz polling rate out of the box for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
According to its tech specs, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro comes with a box, manual, USB-C cable, key/switch puller, 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps, and a dust cover.
The Chilkey ND104 has a reconfigurable module above the numpad. It can be set up as the LCD screen plus a knob, as two keys plus a knob, or as three keys. Keycaps for the key configurations are not included.
Both keyboards support VIA and QMK for key remapping and macro creation. The Chilkey ND104 also mentions a proprietary Chilkey web driver for programming.
Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has strong support for European ISO layouts. It is default Swedish but comes with replacement keycap sets for 12 additional languages, including German, French, Spanish, UK English, and Italian.
Yes. The vendor description for the Chilkey ND104 lists 'glare-free RGB backlighting with underglow lighting' as a feature.
The Chilkey ND104 has a hidden storage slot for its 2.4 GHz receiver on the underside of the case. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro does not specify built-in dongle storage in the provided information.
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