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Compare Ducky Shiba Says One 2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a unique, themed full-size keyboard and a modern, compact wireless board. The decision is difficult because the Ducky offers a specific aesthetic and full layout, while the Varmilo provides superior connectivity, a premium typing feel, and extensive modding support. Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a collectible design or a versatile, high-performance daily driver.

Shiba Says x Ducky One 2 RGB Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard
87
Minilo98 Pro

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Silent switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • 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
  • 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
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62.9
  • Build Quality: 46.8
  • Productivity: 61.1
  • Customizability: 58.8
  • Portability: 45
Scores
  • Performance: 74.8
  • Build Quality: 73.7
  • Productivity: 88.2
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 55.6
Name
Ducky Shiba Says One 2
Name
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
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
Wired, Wired only
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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
Plastic, Copper, Metal
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
37 x 388 x 140 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the recommended choice. Its modern feature set, including wireless connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and premium gasket-mount construction, offers significantly more value and flexibility for daily use and future customization. Only choose the Ducky Shiba Says One 2 if you are specifically drawn to its full-size layout and unique Shiba Says collaboration theme and can accept its wired-only, non-hot-swappable design.

Ducky Shiba Says One 2

  • +Unique themed design with 12 Shiba Says keycaps and collectible stickers.
  • +Full-size 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad.
  • +Features MDA profile PBT dye-sublimated keycaps.
  • +Includes a two-step kickstand for angle adjustment.
  • +Offers a choice of Cherry MX clicky, tactile, linear, and silent switches.

  • Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
  • Not hot-swappable, limiting switch customization.
  • Uses a standard plate mount instead of a more premium gasket mount.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • +Gasket mount structure with polycarbonate plate, plate foam, and bottom silicone for sound and feel.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA for advanced key remapping and macros.
  • +Available in a wide range of ISO language layouts with included keycap sets.

  • At 1 kg, it is a relatively heavy keyboard.
  • The vendor description indicates it may be priced higher than the Ducky.
  • Switch options in the listing appear limited to silent and 'voice' linear types from Kailh.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the more versatile choice, winning in most categories. Its wireless connectivity, compact 98% layout, and extensive customizability through hot-swap, QMK/VIA, and a gasket-mount design make it superior for office work, programming, travel, and modding. For gaming, its confirmed 1000 Hz polling rate gives it an edge. The Ducky Shiba Says One 2 is primarily for users who specifically want its full-size layout and unique Shiba Says themed aesthetic, tying only in content creation where its media keys are a factor.

GamingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • Its gasket mount structure with foam layers may provide a more consistent typing feel during extended sessions.
  • The Ducky Shiba Says One 2 is wired-only, limiting placement flexibility.
OfficeVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • The Varmilo offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for a cleaner desk and device switching.
  • It includes a 4000mAh battery for long cord-free use.
  • Its silent switch options and sound-dampening foams make it suitable for shared workspaces.
  • The Ducky is wired-only and may have clicky switch options that are louder.
ProgrammingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • The Varmilo supports QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • Its 98% layout includes a numpad while saving desk space compared to a full-size board.
  • The Ducky's full-size layout provides a dedicated numpad but lacks advanced programmability software support.
TravelVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • The Varmilo's wireless capabilities eliminate the need to carry a cable for use with laptops or tablets.
  • Its 98% layout is more compact than the Ducky's full-size form factor.
  • The Ducky is wired-only and larger, making it less portable.
ModdingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • The Varmilo is hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy switch changes.
  • It features a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate, plate foam, and bottom silicone for sound tuning.
  • It has south-facing RGB LEDs for compatibility with more aftermarket keycap sets.
  • The Ducky is not hot-swappable and uses a standard plate mount.
Content CreationTie
  • The Ducky's full-size layout includes dedicated media keys, which can be convenient for timeline scrubbing.
  • The Varmilo's wireless connectivity allows for a cleaner setup for filming or streaming.
  • Both keyboards feature RGB backlighting for visual customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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