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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 2, 2026

Hexgears Nova vs Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Hexgears Nova

Build quality in the top 50% of 80% boards under $100.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Get the

Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

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.

Hexgears Nova

Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Tactile

    Clicky

  • Plate material

    Aluminum

    Plastic

  • Keycaps

    ABS

    PBT

  • Backlight

    RGB

    White

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Hexgears Nova
  • Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad
Performance
62
56
Build quality
62
50
Productivity
58
47
Customizability
60
51
Portability
55
44

What they share

  • Mount style: Plate Mount
See every spec side by side

Full specs

Hexgears Nova vs Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad specs

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

8 of 15 specs differ

Hexgears Nova

Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Tactile
Clicky

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Layout

Layout size

80%
—

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
—

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Plastic

Plate material

Aluminum
Plastic

Keycaps

ABS
PBT

Backlight

RGB
White

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2024

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.

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