Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Dygma Defy vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProErgonomic Split vs 98% Layout

Choose the Dygma Defy for ergonomic split design and tenting, or the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for a compact, feature-rich layout at a lower price.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Dygma Defy

Ergonomic Split

If you want

  • Unique split ergonomic design promotes a neutral wrist and shoulder posture.
  • Offers optional built-in tenting kit that adjusts from 0 to 60 degrees.
  • Includes a comprehensive accessory kit with palm pads, multiple cables, and a keycap puller.

Rules this board out

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

Get the

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

98% Layout

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

If you want

  • More affordable price point for a feature-rich wireless mechanical keyboard.
  • Includes a gasket mount structure with plate poron foam, IXPE switch pad, and bottom silicone for a tuned typing feel.
  • Native support for QMK and VIA firmware for deep customization.

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.
  • Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If ergonomic health and a fully customizable typing posture are paramount, and budget is secondary, the Dygma Defy is the dedicated tool. If you want a highly capable, compact layout keyboard with excellent modding foundations, strong software support, and a much lower cost, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro delivers exceptional value.

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.

Dygma Defy

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Battery

    4,740 mAh

    4,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Plastic

    Copper, Metal, Plastic

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

    Silent

  • QMK

    No

    Yes

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Dygma Defy
  • Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Performance
82
74
Build quality
50
74
Productivity
75
88
Customizability
66
89
Portability
57
55

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Weight: 1,000 g
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the stronger choice for office work, programming, and modding due to its practical layout, extensive software support, and pre-installed sound-dampening foams. The Dygma Defy wins for gaming and travel, leveraging its ergonomic split design and optional portability accessories. For content creation, both offer similar core customization and aesthetic features, making it a tie.

For gaming

Pick the Dygma Defy

  • The Dygma Defy's listing mentions low-latency RF wireless connectivity.
  • Its split design allows for a more natural shoulder and wrist posture during long sessions.
  • It features N-key rollover to ensure all keypresses are registered.

Full specs

Dygma Defy vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs

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

13 of 25 specs differ

Dygma Defy

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Silent

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

—
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

—
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

Display

None
None

Media keys

No
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

4,740 mAhBetter
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Plastic
Copper, Metal, Plastic

Plate material

Aluminum
Plastic, Polycarbonate

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Weight

1,000 g
1,000 g

Dimensions

35 x 210 x 164 mm
37 x 388 x 140 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

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

Dygma Defy

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.

Dygma Defy2 stores

FAQ

Dygma Defy vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions

The Dygma Defy is specifically designed to address ergonomics. Its split design allows you to position each half to shoulder width, and the optional tenting kit can angle each side up to 60 degrees to promote a neutral wrist posture, which can help reduce strain.

Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is compatible with macOS. According to the vendor page, it includes two additional keys and four Mac OS keycaps, and you can switch between Windows and Mac layouts by holding a key combination for five seconds.

Yes, both the Dygma Defy and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro are hot-swappable. This means you can physically remove and replace the mechanical switches without soldering, allowing you to easily customize the typing feel and sound.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has native support for QMK and VIA, which are powerful, open-source firmware tools that allow for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer programming directly through a graphical interface or code.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is designed for a dampened sound profile. It features a gasket mount, a PC plate, and multiple foam layers including plate poron foam and bottom silicone, which the manufacturer states helps create a desired sound like 'thock' or 'creamy' depending on the switches used.

According to Dygma's listing, the box includes the keyboard, a keycap and switch puller, 70 thin O-rings, 8 test switches, a microfiber cloth, a set of palm pads, multiple USB-C cables, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and for certain configurations, a travel case.

The Dygma Defy comes as a split keyboard with two separate halves. You will need to connect both halves to the included 'Neuron' controller unit via the provided cables to set it up on your desk, but no technical assembly is required.

Both keyboards support Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity via a USB dongle, as well as a wired USB-C connection. The Varmilo listing specifies Bluetooth 5.0, while Dygma mentions low-latency RF for its 2.4GHz mode.

The Dygma Defy could be considered more portable for packing, as its two separate halves might fit into a bag more easily than a single unit. Dygma also sells an optional travel case. However, the Varmilo is a single, compact 98% unit that is also travel-friendly.

Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses PBT keycaps, which are generally more resistant to wear and shine. The Dygma Defy, according to its tech specs, uses laser-etched ABS keycaps, though PBT keycaps are available as a separate purchase from Dygma.

Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is suitable for gaming. Its product page highlights a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes for low latency, and it features N-key rollover to ensure all simultaneous keypresses are registered during gameplay.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.