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Compare Epomaker TH40 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between an ultra-compact and a nearly full-size wireless mechanical keyboard. Both the Epomaker TH40 and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offer gasket mounts, hot-swappable PCBs, and tri-mode connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a tiny, 44-key layout for travel or a 99-key layout with a number pad and extensive international keycap options for productivity.

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82
Epomaker TH40
87
Minilo98 Pro

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3.9 (56)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 40% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Split Spacebar ergonomics
  • Equipped with a 3000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 500 g
  • Sized at 35 x 258 x 97 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • 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
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • 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
Scores
  • Performance: 74.1
  • Build Quality: 75.7
  • Productivity: 62.5
  • Customizability: 86.4
  • Portability: 84
Scores
  • Performance: 74.6
  • Build Quality: 73.9
  • Productivity: 88.1
  • Customizability: 89.7
  • Portability: 55.7
Name
Epomaker TH40
Name
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
40%
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
Split Spacebar
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
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
3000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Plastic, Copper, Metal
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
35 x 258 x 97 mm
Dimensions
37 x 388 x 140 mm
Weight
500g
Weight
1000g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your need for keys versus portability decides this. If you work with numbers, need specific language layouts, or prefer a traditional typing experience, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the superior tool despite its higher cost. If saving desk and bag space is your ultimate goal and you're willing to learn layers, the Epomaker TH40 delivers premium features in a remarkably tiny package. Both are excellent, capable keyboards that excel in opposite domains.

Epomaker TH40

  • +Extremely compact 40% layout with split spacebar, measuring 258x97x35mm.
  • +Lightweight at 500g, enhancing portability.
  • +Features a gasket mount with Poron plate foam, IXPE switch pad, and bottom Poron foam for sound dampening.
  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C) and is programmable via VIA.
  • +More affordable price point based on listed vendor prices.
  • −The 40% layout requires heavy use of function layers for numbers, arrows, and punctuation, which has a steep learning curve.
  • −Limited to a linear switch type in the provided specifications.
  • −Smaller 3000mAh battery compared to the Minilo98 Pro, though still sizable for its class.
  • −Some user reviews mention challenges with VIA software recognition on certain operating systems.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • +Nearly full-size 98% layout with a number pad and dedicated arrow keys, ideal for productivity.
  • +Extensive support for ISO layouts, including keycap sets for over a dozen European languages.
  • +Includes a larger 4000mAh battery and features like a pet sound dampener and two-stage kickstands.
  • +Comes with additional accessories like a dust cover, extra keycaps, and Mac OS keycaps.
  • +Offers a choice between silent and tactile/clicky switch options from the manufacturer.
  • −Much larger and heavier (388x140x37mm, 1000g), making it less portable.
  • −Significantly more expensive based on the listed vendor price range.
  • −The case is primarily plastic, with a metal inlay for the frame rather than a full metal case.
  • −No user reviews are aggregated in the provided metadata, making real-world feedback harder to assess.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the clear choice for office work, programming, and content creation due to its comprehensive layout and international support. The Epomaker TH40 dominates for travel thanks to its minimal size and weight. For gaming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable, offering high-performance wireless and a high degree of customization. Your primary task will dictate the winner.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes for low latency.
  • •Both support N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • •The TH40's compact size saves desk space, while the Minilo98 Pro's larger layout provides dedicated arrow and function keys.
OfficeVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro's 98% layout includes a number pad and dedicated arrow keys, which are essential for data entry.
  • •It offers extensive ISO layout support for over a dozen European languages.
  • •Its silent switch type and listed sound dampening features are better suited for shared workspaces.
  • •It includes dedicated multimedia keys.
ProgrammingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro's larger layout provides direct access to symbols, brackets, and arrow keys without relying heavily on layers.
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •The included two-stage kickstand on the Minilo98 Pro allows for ergonomic angle adjustment.
TravelEpomaker TH40
  • •The TH40 is significantly smaller (258x97x35mm) and lighter (500g) than the Minilo98 Pro (388x140x37mm, 1000g).
  • •Its 40% layout with a split spacebar is designed for portability.
  • •It has a 3000mAh battery, which is substantial for its size and power draw.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • •Both feature gasket mount designs with Poron foam and IXPE switch pads for acoustic tuning.
  • •Both are programmable via QMK and VIA software for firmware customization.
Content CreationVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro's full layout with a number pad is useful for video editing timelines and numerical inputs.
  • •Dedicated multimedia keys provide quick access to playback controls.
  • •The larger form factor provides more stability and room for macro pads or other peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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