Ducky Shiba Says One 2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProWireless vs Themed
Choose the Varmilo for its modern wireless features and customizability, or the Ducky for its unique themed design and full-size layout.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Ducky Shiba Says One 2
Wireless
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Themed
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Ducky Shiba Says One 2
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Layout size
100%
98%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Case material
Plastic
Copper, Metal, Plastic
- Ducky Shiba Says One 2
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Performance
- 6275
- Build quality
- 4774
- Productivity
- 6288
- Customizability
- 5989
- Portability
- 4556
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Varmilo 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.
Ducky Shiba Says One 2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 25 specs differ
Ducky Shiba Says One 2
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
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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Ducky Shiba Says One 2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions
Only the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers wireless connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle in addition to a wired USB-C connection. The Ducky Shiba Says One 2 is a wired-only keyboard.
No, the Ducky Shiba Says One 2 is not hot-swappable according to its vendor description. To change switches, you would need to desolder the existing ones and solder in new ones. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes.
Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is compatible with macOS, according to its specifications. The vendor page states it includes extra Mac OS keycaps and a function to switch between Windows and Mac layouts. The Ducky Shiba Says One 2 is also listed as Mac compatible.
The Ducky Shiba Says One 2 is a full-size (100%) keyboard with a full numpad and navigation cluster. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a more compact 98% layout that retains the numpad but squeezes it closer to the main alphanumeric keys to save desk space.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is likely better for a quiet office. Its listed switch options are silent linear types, and it features internal sound-dampening materials like plate foam and bottom silicone. The Ducky offers silent Cherry MX Red switches as an option but lacks the described internal foam layers.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro comes with Cherry profile, PBT keycaps. For ISO layout versions, it includes additional keycap sets to support various European languages like German, French, Spanish, and UK English, as detailed on the vendor page.
The vendor description for the Ducky Shiba Says One 2 does not mention support for QMK, VIA, or other key remapping software. Programmable macros or key remapping are not listed as features. The Varmilo explicitly supports QMK and VIA for deep customization.
A gasket mount is a design where the plate holding the switches is suspended on rubber or silicone gaskets, typically leading to a softer, more consistent typing feel. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount structure. The Ducky Shiba Says One 2 uses a traditional plate mount.
According to Varmilo's specifications, the Minilo98 Pro has a 4000mAh battery. The manufacturer states the working time is over 20 days with all lights off. Actual battery life will vary with usage and RGB lighting settings.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has an advantage for gaming due to its specified 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, which can provide lower latency. The Ducky's polling rate is not specified in the provided information.
Yes, the keycaps on the Ducky Shiba Says One 2 should be replaceable with standard MX-style keycaps. However, its north-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with some Cherry profile aftermarket keycaps. The Varmilo uses south-facing LEDs to avoid this issue.
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