Keychron Lemokey P1 vs Varmilo Minilo98 ProAluminum vs 98% Layout
Choose the Keychron P1 for a premium aluminum build and compact form, or the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for a full numpad and extensive ISO language support.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Lemokey P1
Aluminum
- CNC machined aluminum case for premium durability and feel.
- Available as a barebones kit for custom builds.
- Includes an aluminum rotary knob for media control.
- No dedicated numpad or navigation cluster.
- Heavier weight (1650g) may reduce portability despite smaller size.
- Limited to linear, tactile, and clicky switch types; no silent option is listed in its metadata.
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
98% Layout
- 98% layout includes a numpad while maintaining a relatively compact form.
- Offers extensive ISO layout support with multiple European language keycap sets.
- Includes silent switch options (Kailh Prestige Silent) according to its vendor page.
- Primary case material is plastic, with metal accents.
- Larger footprint (388mm wide) requires more desk space.
- No barebones kit option is mentioned; it is listed as a pre-built keyboard.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value a premium metal build, a space-saving form factor, and plan to heavily modify your keyboard, the Keychron P1 is the clear selection. If your daily workflow relies on a numpad, you need specific European language keycaps, or you prefer a lighter, pre-configured keyboard with silent switches, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the more practical option. Both deliver on core modern features like gasket mounts and programmability.
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.
Keychron Lemokey P1
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Layout size
75%
98%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Case material
Aluminum
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Silent
Knob
Yes
No
- Keychron Lemokey P1
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Performance
- 8274
- Build quality
- 8874
- Productivity
- 9788
- Customizability
- 9689
- Portability
- 8156
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron P1 wins for gaming, travel, and modding due to its aluminum build, compact size, and barebones availability. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is better suited for office work and content creation, leveraging its numpad and broad language support. For programming, both are equally capable, leaving the decision to layout preference. The P1's material and form factor make it the more specialized tool, while the Minilo98 Pro is the more versatile daily driver for number-heavy or multilingual tasks.
Pick the Keychron Lemokey P1
- The CNC aluminum frame offers a more stable base during intense use.
- The 75% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
- Both share a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron Lemokey P1
10 owner reviews
“Love the keyboard, i got the red switches, i also got a silicon palm rest, feels super nice, super high quality, super heavy. No complaints It looks great with any setup, my friends were shocked when they found out the price.”
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron Lemokey P1 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 28 specs differ
Keychron Lemokey P1
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Keychron Lemokey P1 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro: your questions
The Keychron P1 features a full CNC machined aluminum case. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a plastic case with a CNC metal inlay frame as an accent, according to its product description.
Yes. The Minilo98 Pro uses a 98% layout, which includes a full numpad while omitting some rarely used keys to reduce its size compared to a full-size keyboard.
Yes. The Keychron P1 is offered as a barebones kit, which includes the PCB, aluminum case, and polycarbonate plate, but not switches or keycaps.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lists 'Silent' as a switch type in its metadata and its vendor page specifically mentions Kailh Prestige Silent switches. The Keychron P1's metadata does not list a silent switch option.
Yes. Both the Keychron P1 and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro list Mac and Windows support in their specifications. The Varmilo's description notes it includes extra Mac OS keycaps.
Yes, both are highly programmable. They support QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer configuration.
Both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate, which provides a 1ms report rate for low-latency input in wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports a wider array of ISO layouts, including specific options for German, French, Spanish, Nordic, and many others, often with included replacement keycap sets.
Yes, both the Keychron P1 and Varmilo Minilo98 Pro feature hot-swappable sockets, compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The Keychron P1 uses double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile, while the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro also uses Cherry profile PBT keycaps, described as dye-sublimated and 1.5mm thick.
The Keychron P1 uses a combination of IXPE, PET, and absorbing foam. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a layered structure including plate Poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, PCB Poron foam, and bottom silicone, according to its vendor description.
The Keychron P1 is more compact (322mm wide) but heavier (1650g). The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is wider (388mm) but lighter (1000g). Portability depends on whether you prioritize bag footprint or overall weight.
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