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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Cidoo ABM098 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Choose the Cidoo ABM098 for its lower price and included media knob, or the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for its broader ISO layout support, lighter weight, and Hall Effect switches.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Cidoo ABM098

Knob

Build quality in the bottom 40% of 98% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Includes a dedicated rotary knob for media control.
  • Uses a steel plate, which may provide a firmer typing feel.
  • Offers a lower price point for a fully-featured 98% keyboard.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Get the

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Hall effect

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

If you want

  • Explicitly lists a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms ultra-low latency for gaming.
  • Offers extensive ISO layout support for numerous European languages.
  • Features Hall Effect switches and a polycarbonate plate.

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.

Bottom line

Select the Cidoo ABM098 if your priority is value, you want a media knob, and you use a standard ANSI layout. Opt for the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro if you need specific ISO keycaps, value the confirmed low latency and Hall Effect switches for gaming, or prefer a significantly lighter keyboard. Both are competent wireless boards, but they target different segments of the 98% market.

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.

Cidoo ABM098

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Battery

    3,000 mAh

    4,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear

    Silent

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

  • QMK

    No

    Yes

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Cidoo ABM098
  • Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Performance
54
74
Build quality
61
74
Productivity
75
88
Customizability
78
89
Portability
52
55

What they share

  • Layout size: 98%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro holds advantages for gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its specified low latency, firmware support, lighter build, and detailed construction. The Cidoo ABM098 is the pick for content creation thanks to its integrated media knob and is a strong value contender for office use. For general productivity, both keyboards are closely matched, making the choice more about specific layout or budget preferences.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms latency for its 2.4GHz and wired modes.
  • It includes Hall Effect switches, which are noted for their consistency and durability.
  • Its lighter weight (1000g) may allow for easier repositioning during gameplay.

Full specs

Cidoo ABM098 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs

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

10 of 26 specs differ

Cidoo ABM098

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear
Silent

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
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

None
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

3,000 mAh
4,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

—
Copper, Metal, Plastic

Plate material

—
Plastic, Polycarbonate

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

—
1,000 g

Dimensions

—
37 x 388 x 140 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

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

Cidoo ABM098

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.

Cidoo ABM0982 stores

FAQ

Cidoo ABM098 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the stronger candidate for competitive gaming. Its product listing specifically mentions a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms ultra-low latency on its 2.4GHz and wired connections. It also includes Hall Effect switches, which are known for their consistency.

Yes, the Cidoo ABM098 features a 1800-compact layout. This design includes a number pad while saving space compared to a traditional full-size keyboard, as confirmed by the vendor's description.

Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lists Mac/Win support and includes specific Mac OS keycaps in the box. The manufacturer states you can switch between Windows and Mac layouts by holding a key combination.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is more portable. It weighs 1000g, which is half the weight of the 2000g Cidoo ABM098. The Varmilo also has a slightly slimmer profile according to its dimensions.

Yes, both support extensive key remapping. The Cidoo ABM098 supports VIA programming. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports both QMK and VIA, which may offer deeper customization options for advanced users.

Both are hot-swappable and support 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. The Cidoo offers linear and clicky switch types, while the Varmilo is listed with silent switch types, specifically Kailh Prestige Silent and Prestige Voice switches.

Yes, it is particularly well-suited for European users. It offers a wide range of ISO layouts, including options for German, French, Spanish, UK, Nordic, and several other languages, with replacement keycap sets included.

Both keyboards feature sound-dampening materials. The Cidoo ABM098 uses Poron PCB foam, an IXPE switch sheet, and silicone bottom foam. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket structure with Plate Poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, PCB Poron foam, and bottom silicone.

Both keyboards are equipped with a 4000mAh battery. The Varmilo manufacturer claims over 20 days of working time with all lights off, but a direct runtime comparison for the Cidoo under the same conditions is not provided in the specifications.

A key construction difference is the plate material. The Cidoo ABM098 uses a steel plate, while the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a polycarbonate (PC) plate. This will create different typing sounds and feels, with polycarbonate often producing a softer, more muted sound.

Yes, according to the 'Inside the Box' section of its vendor description, the Cidoo ABM098 includes a 2.4G receiver along with the keyboard, manual, puller, and a Type-C cable.

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