Compare Dareu A98 Master vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich 98% wireless mechanical keyboards. The decision is difficult because both offer gasket mounts, PBT keycaps, and triple-mode connectivity. The Dareu A98 Master focuses on a novel adjustable gasket system for personalized typing feel, while the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro emphasizes high-performance firmware, low latency, and broad international layout support.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Linear switch options Built with the ANSI layout standard Includes screw-in stabilizers Weighs about 980 g Sized at 31 x 151 x 393 mm Made with a PBT case	Released in 2024 Has Silent switch options Built with the ANSI, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK, ISO layout standard Compatible with both Mac and Windows Provides dedicated media keys Connects via USB-C Utilizes Hall effect sensors Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 1000 g Sized at 37 x 388 x 140 mm Made with a Plastic, Copper, Metal case
Score	Scores Performance: 49.8 Build Quality: 59.9 Productivity: 69.3 Customizability: 62.2 Portability: 49.5	Scores Performance: 74.5 Build Quality: 73.8 Productivity: 88 Customizability: 89.6 Portability: 55.6
Name	Name Dareu A98 Master	Name Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 98%	Layout Size 98%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK, ISO
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material PBT	Case Material Plastic, Copper, Metal
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 31 x 151 x 393 mm	Dimensions 37 x 388 x 140 mm
Weight	Weight 980g	Weight 1000g

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Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the more versatile choice due to its proven low-latency performance, deep software customization, and excellent layout support. Consider the Dareu A98 Master primarily if you value the novel, hardware-based adjustable gasket system above firmware features and competitive gaming specs. Your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize customizable typing feel (Dareu) or customizable software and performance (Varmilo).

Dareu A98 Master

+Features a unique Gasket Adjustable System (GAS) to customize typing softness.
+Uses a six-layered sound and shock-absorbing internal structure per the vendor description.
+Includes a single-key slotted PCB design intended to improve keystroke elasticity.
+Comes with PBT OEM height keycaps and third-generation satellite stabilizers.

−Lacks specified polling rate or latency figures for performance evaluation.
−No mention of advanced firmware support like QMK or VIA.
−Only supports ANSI layout, with no ISO or international keycap options listed.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

+Officially supports QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
+Manufacturer specifies a 1ms ultra-low latency and 1000 Hz polling rate.
+Offers extensive ISO layout support for over a dozen European languages.
+Includes a detailed sound dampening package with poron foams and silicone.

−The case is primarily plastic, though it features a metal inlay frame for aesthetics.
−At 1000g, it is slightly heavier than the Dareu model.
−The vendor page indicates it can be subject to higher shipping costs and potential import taxes.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro wins most categories due to its verified low-latency performance, extensive software customization via QMK/VIA, and superior international layout support, making it a strong all-rounder. The Dareu A98 Master's unique selling point is its adjustable gasket system, which is a specific hardware feature for tuning typing feel. For travel, the keyboards are evenly matched on core wireless specs. Modders and programmers will find the Varmilo's firmware ecosystem significantly more capable.

GamingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro

•The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro's manufacturer specifies a 1ms ultra-low latency and 1000 Hz polling rate.
•It includes N-key rollover support for accurate simultaneous key presses.
•The Dareu A98 Master's listing does not specify a polling rate or latency figure.

OfficeVarmilo Minilo98 Pro

•The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support for over a dozen European languages.
•It includes dedicated Mac OS keycaps and a system toggle, according to its product page.
•Its silent switch type is better suited for shared workspaces.

ProgrammingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro

•The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro creation.
•Its 98% layout retains the numpad for data entry without sacrificing excessive desk space.
•The manufacturer states it has multi-media keys for workflow shortcuts.

TravelTie

•Both keyboards have identical 4000mAh batteries for long wireless use.
•Both support Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity.
•Their weights are nearly identical at 980g and 1000g, and both lack a carrying case.

ModdingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro

•The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports QMK/VIA for firmware customization.
•Its product description details a multi-layer sound dampening design with plate poron foam, IXPE switch pad, PCB poron foam, and bottom silicone.
•While both are hot-swappable, the Varmilo's firmware support offers deeper customization.

Content CreationVarmilo Minilo98 Pro

•QMK/VIA support on the Varmilo allows for complex macros for editing software.
•The inclusion of multi-media keys provides quick access to playback controls.
•The silent switch type prevents microphone pick-up of keystrokes during recording.