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Compare Keychron V5 Max vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two high-end, wireless 96%/98% mechanical keyboards. The Keychron V5 Max and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro both offer gasket mounts, QMK/VIA support, and triple-mode connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize future-proof Hall Effect switch compatibility and a more affordable entry point, or a wider selection of ISO layouts and a more comprehensively dampened acoustic design out of the box.

97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
87
Minilo98 Pro

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4.8 (16)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Weighs about 925 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • 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
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 37 x 388 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Copper, Metal case
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 53.1
Scores
  • Performance: 75
  • Build Quality: 73.7
  • Productivity: 88.2
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 55.7
Name
Keychron V5 Max
Name
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
98%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, 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
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
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
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic, Copper, Metal
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 392 mm
Dimensions
37 x 388 x 140 mm
Weight
925g
Weight
1000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends on your core priority. The Keychron V5 Max is the more future-proof and modder-friendly option, offering Hall Effect compatibility and a barebones version at a more accessible price. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro justifies its higher cost with superior out-of-the-box sound dampening, an extensive selection of ISO layouts, and premium design touches like its metal inlay. For most users outside of Europe needing specific ISO keys, the V5 Max provides better value.

Keychron V5 Max

  • +Explicitly supports Hall Effect switches for future analog input modding.
  • +Available as a barebones kit, offering a lower-cost entry for custom builds.
  • +Includes both Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers with magnetic storage.
  • +Features a PC (Polycarbonate) plate and gasket mount for a softer typing feel.
  • +Lower front height may be more ergonomic for some users.
  • −Case is constructed from ABS plastic, lacking the metal inlay detail of the Minilo98 Pro.
  • −OSA profile keycaps may not be preferred by users accustomed to Cherry profile.
  • −Vendor descriptions do not list the same comprehensive set of internal foam layers as the competitor.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • +Offers an exceptionally wide range of ISO layouts, including specific keycap sets for European languages.
  • +Construction includes multiple sound-dampening layers: plate Poron foam, IXPE switch pad, PCB Poron foam, and bottom silicone.
  • +Features a CNC metal inlay frame for a premium aesthetic detail.
  • +Comes with a dust cover for protection.
  • +Uses Cherry profile PBT keycaps, a popular standard.
  • −Priced at a premium compared to the V5 Max.
  • −Switch options in the vendor description are currently limited to silent and 'voice' linear types from Kailh.
  • −Heavier weight may be a consideration for portability.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V5 Max takes the lead for gaming and modding due to its Hall Effect support and barebones availability, while the Minilo98 Pro is better suited for quiet office environments with its silent switch focus and included dust cover. For programming and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched with their strong programmability and layout utility. Travelers might prefer the slightly lighter and lower-profile V5 Max.

GamingKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max explicitly lists Hall Effect support, enabling analog input for certain games.
  • •Both share a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
OfficeVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro's listing emphasizes silent switch options and includes multiple sound-dampening foams.
  • •It includes a dust cover, which can help with maintenance in shared spaces.
  • •Both offer Mac and Windows compatibility with included keycaps.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support the QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • •Both offer compact 96%/98% layouts that retain a numpad, useful for data entry.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization based on typing preference.
TravelKeychron V5 Max
  • •The Keychron V5 Max is slightly lighter at 925g compared to the Minilo98 Pro's 1000g.
  • •The V5 Max has a lower front height (21.7mm without keycaps) which may fit better in some bags.
  • •Both have the same 4000mAh battery capacity.
ModdingKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max explicitly supports Hall Effect switches, offering a wider range of future modding options.
  • •Keychron's vendor page lists it as available in a barebones kit, reducing initial cost for a full custom build.
  • •Both support 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches and have screw-in stabilizers.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB lighting, which avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps often used in themed setups.
  • •Both have a knob for media control, a useful feature for editing workflows.
  • •Programmable layers via QMK/VIA can be used to create shortcuts for editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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