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Compare Nuphy Gem80 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a highly customizable 80% board and a feature-complete 98% layout. The Nuphy Gem80 offers an aluminum chassis and extensive modding options as a barebones kit, while the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro provides a full numpad, more keys, and broad ISO language support in a pre-built package. The decision hinges on prioritizing layout size versus material quality and the desire to build from scratch.

96
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
87
Minilo98 Pro

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  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO layout standard
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1120 g
  • Sized at 37 x 358 x 141 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • 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
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 37 x 388 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Copper, Metal case
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 79.9
  • Build Quality: 87
  • Productivity: 93.7
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 75.9
Scores
  • Performance: 75
  • Build Quality: 73.7
  • Productivity: 88.2
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 55.7
Name
Nuphy Gem80
Name
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Mechanical
Switch Options
Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
98%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO
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, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 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
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Case Material
Plastic, Copper, Metal
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
37 x 358 x 141 mm
Dimensions
37 x 388 x 140 mm
Weight
1120g
Weight
1000g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Nuphy Gem80 if you value a premium aluminum build, enjoy the process of building and modding your keyboard from a barebones state, and can work without a numpad. Opt for the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro if you need a numpad and broad language support in a ready-to-use, pre-built package with a plastic case. Your choice fundamentally comes down to build philosophy and layout necessity.

Nuphy Gem80

  • +Aluminum top case combined with a polycarbonate bottom case for a premium feel.
  • +Sold as a barebones kit with extensive included mods (poron foam, IXPE switch pad, silicone) for deep customization.
  • +'Omni-mount' system allows switching between gasket, top, and bottom mount styles.
  • +Offers a wide selection of optional plates (FR4 default, plus Aluminum, PC, POM).
  • +Vendor emphasizes a tuned 'thocky' sound signature out of the box.
  • −Does not include keycaps or switches by default, requiring a separate purchase.
  • −80% TKL layout lacks a numpad and some navigation keys.
  • −Assembly is required, which may be challenging for beginners.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • +98% layout provides a full numpad in a compact form factor, saving space versus a full-size.
  • +Includes extensive ISO language support with optional keycap sets for over 12 European languages.
  • +Comes pre-built with PBT keycaps and silent switches, ready to use.
  • +Features a two-stage kickstand for adjustable typing angles (4°, 7.5°, 11°).
  • +Includes dedicated multimedia keys and Mac OS keycaps in the box.
  • −Primary case material is plastic with a metal inlay, not a full aluminum chassis.
  • −Larger 98% layout is less portable than a TKL.
  • −Switch options appear limited to silent variants (Kailh Prestige Silent/Voice) based on the listing.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro wins for office use and content creation due to its integrated numpad and multimedia keys. The Nuphy Gem80 is superior for gaming, travel, and especially modding, thanks to its barebones nature and extensive hardware customization. For programming, both are equally capable due to shared QMK/VIA support, leaving the choice to layout preference.

GamingNuphy Gem80
  • •The Gem80's vendor description emphasizes a 1000Hz wireless polling rate for competitive use.
  • •Its aluminum chassis may provide a more stable typing platform.
  • •It offers a choice of linear and tactile switches, while the Minilo98 Pro is listed with silent switches only.
OfficeVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro's 98% layout includes a numpad, crucial for data entry.
  • •It includes dedicated multimedia keys, according to its listed features.
  • •Its silent switch options, as listed, are better suited for shared workspaces.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for extensive key remapping and layers.
  • •Both have gasket mounts for a comfortable typing feel.
  • •Choice depends on personal preference for the Gem80's TKL arrow cluster or the Minilo98 Pro's more condensed nav cluster.
TravelNuphy Gem80
  • •The Gem80 is a more compact 80% (TKL) layout, saving desk space.
  • •It is slightly lighter at 1120g versus the Minilo98 Pro's 1000g, but its smaller footprint is more packable.
  • •Both have tri-mode wireless and similar 4000mAh batteries.
ModdingNuphy Gem80
  • •The Gem80 is sold primarily as a barebones kit, designed for user assembly.
  • •Its vendor description details an 'omni-mount' system for changing mount styles and includes multiple optional plates (Aluminum, PC, POM).
  • •It features a six-layer sound modding system with poron and IXPE foams explicitly described.
Content CreationVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro's numpad allows for efficient shortcut mapping and numerical input in creative software.
  • •Its included multimedia keys provide quick media control.
  • •The vendor lists a two-stage kickstand for adjustable typing angles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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