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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Nuphy Gem80 vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProCompact Build vs Full Layout

Choose the Nuphy Gem80 for deep customization and a premium aluminum build, or the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for a full numpad layout and extensive language support in a more portable plastic case.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Nuphy Gem80

Compact Build

Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • Missing ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR. The other board is sold in those layouts.
  • No numpad.

Get the

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Full Layout

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

If you want

  • 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.

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

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.

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.

Nuphy Gem80

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • Layout size

    80%

    98%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Polycarbonate

    Copper, Metal, Plastic

  • Switch options

    Mechanical

    Silent

  • Weight

    1,120 g

    1,000 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Nuphy Gem80
  • Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Performance
79
74
Build quality
84
74
Productivity
88
88
Customizability
94
89
Portability
76
55

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • QMK
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

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.

For gaming

Pick the Nuphy 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.

Full specs

Nuphy Gem80 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs

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

9 of 26 specs differ

Nuphy Gem80

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Typing & switches

Switch options

Mechanical
Silent

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE
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

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

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

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

4,000 mAh
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Copper, Metal, Plastic

Plate material

Aluminum, FR4, Polycarbonate, POM
Plastic, Polycarbonate

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Weight

1,120 g
1,000 g

Dimensions

37 x 358 x 141 mm
37 x 388 x 140 mm

Typing angle

6°
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
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.

Nuphy Gem80

  • Input Gear

    ISO-DE

    Out of stockShips to you

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.

Nuphy Gem804 stores

FAQ

Nuphy Gem80 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions

The Nuphy Gem80 is primarily sold as a barebones kit. According to the vendor, it comes with the PCB, sound mods, and pre-lubed stabilizers assembled, but you must add your own switches and keycaps. It does not include these components by default.

Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a 98% layout, which includes a full numpad while omitting some rarely used keys to reduce its size compared to a standard 100% keyboard. This makes it ideal for data entry in a compact form.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is listed with silent switch options like the Kailh Prestige Silent, making it a strong candidate for quiet environments. The Nuphy Gem80 can be built with silent switches, but you must purchase them separately.

Yes, both the Nuphy Gem80 and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro support QMK and VIA firmware. This allows for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer customization directly through software on both keyboards.

According to Nuphy's description, the 'omni-mount' is a system that allows you to change the keyboard's mounting style. Using a complementary kit, you can configure the Gem80 for gasket mount, top mount, or bottom mount to alter the typing feel and sound.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support. It ships with a Swedish default set but includes optional keycap sets for 12 additional European languages, such as German, French, Spanish, UK English, and Hungarian.

Yes, both keyboards list Mac support. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro includes Mac OS keycaps and uses a function key combination to switch modes. The Nuphy Gem80 vendor description mentions a system switch and special function key implementation for Mac in VIA.

The Nuphy Gem80 is explicitly designed for sound customization. Its vendor description details six internal sound mod layers, including poron hollow sound absorbers, an IXPE dampener, and a silicone sheet. It also offers multiple plate material choices.

Yes, both keyboards feature PBT keycaps. The Varmilo uses Cherry profile PBT keycaps, and the Nuphy Gem80's optional keycap sets are also made from PBT material according to the specifications.

Both keyboards feature tri-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth) with a 1000Hz polling rate in their 2.4GHz and wired modes. The Nuphy vendor specifically highlights its wireless optimization using a Nordic chip and a PC bottom case designed for good signal reception.

Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro features a two-stage kickstand, according to its product description. This allows you to adjust the typing angle to 4°, 7.5°, or 11° based on your preference.

The primary difference is the case construction. The Nuphy Gem80 uses an aluminum top case with a polycarbonate bottom. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a plastic case with a soft skin-like texture and a CNC metal inlay frame for aesthetics.

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