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Compare Double shell F96 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two similarly priced, compact wireless mechanical keyboards. The Double Shell F96 offers a distinctive transparent look with PC keycaps, while the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro provides a more feature-rich package with advanced typing feel and software. The decision is difficult because both offer hot-swap sockets and triple-mode connectivity, but they diverge sharply in build philosophy, materials, and user customization.

Double Shell F96 RGB Mechanical Keyboard
87
Minilo98 Pro

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  • Released in 2022
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Made with a Carbon Fiber, Plastic case
  • Features PC keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Silent switch options
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • 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
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 37 x 388 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Copper, Metal case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 49.9
  • Build Quality: 43.1
  • Productivity: 65.7
  • Customizability: 61.7
  • Portability: 53
Scores
  • Performance: 74.8
  • Build Quality: 73.7
  • Productivity: 88.2
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 55.6
Name
Double shell F96
Name
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Release year
2022
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
98%
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
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Carbon Fiber, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic, Copper, Metal
Keycaps Material
PC
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
37 x 388 x 140 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the clear recommendation for users who value typing experience, software customization, and performance specs. Its gasket mount, foam kits, QMK/VIA support, and low latency make it a far more capable and future-proof board. Only choose the Double Shell F96 if its specific transparent aesthetic is your absolute top priority and you are willing to forgo the advanced features and build quality of the Varmilo.

Double shell F96

  • +Unique transparent PC keycaps and carbon fiber pattern top cover for a distinctive look.
  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired USB-C).
  • +Includes a DIY custom figurine for personalization.
  • +Uses Gateron Pro switches in linear or tactile variants.
  • −Lacks specified performance metrics like polling rate or latency.
  • −Build materials are limited to plastic and carbon fiber pattern, with no mention of internal dampening.
  • −Software is a proprietary DS Controller, not open-source like QMK/VIA.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • +Features a gasket mount design with multiple foam layers (plate poron, IXPE, PCB poron, bottom silicone) for sound and feel.
  • +Fully supports QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • +Offers broad ISO layout support with extra keycap sets for over a dozen European languages.
  • +Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms ultra-low latency for responsive gaming.
  • −At 1000g, it is a relatively heavy keyboard.
  • −The plastic case has a soft skin-like texture, which may not appeal to all users.
  • −The price can vary into a higher bracket depending on the vendor.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the more capable keyboard across most professional and enthusiast use cases. It wins for gaming due to its specified low latency, for office work with its quiet operation and international layouts, and for programming and content creation with its robust software support. For modding, its well-documented internal foams and gasket mount offer a superior starting point. The Double Shell F96's primary advantage is its unique transparent aesthetic, making the choice largely about prioritizing visual style over a comprehensive feature set.

GamingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms latency for competitive play.
  • •It features N-key rollover for accurate simultaneous key presses.
  • •The Double Shell F96 does not list a specific polling rate or latency figure.
OfficeVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support for European languages.
  • •It includes silent switch options and sound-dampening foams for a quieter environment.
  • •The manufacturer claims a 4000mAh battery provides over 20 days of use with lights off.
ProgrammingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Its 98% layout retains the numpad while saving space.
  • •The gasket mount and foam layers may provide a more comfortable typing experience for long sessions.
TravelTie
  • •Both keyboards offer Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired connectivity for flexibility.
  • •Both are compact layouts (96% and 98%) that save desk space.
  • •The Varmilo is heavier at 1000g, while the Double Shell's weight is not specified, making portability a toss-up.
ModdingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a documented gasket mount structure with plate foam, IXPE switch pad, PCB foam, and bottom silicone.
  • •It supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches and features south-facing RGB.
  • •While both are hot-swappable, the Varmilo's open firmware (QMK/VIA) offers deeper customization.
Content CreationVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro includes dedicated multimedia keys.
  • •QMK/VIA support allows for creating complex shortcuts and macros for editing software.
  • •The included Mac OS keycaps and system toggle facilitate switching between operating systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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