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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs MK Typist

Choose the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for modern wireless features and customizability, or the MK Typist for a simpler, wired full-size layout.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Hall effect

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

If you want

  • Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
  • Hot-swappable PCB with support for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • Advanced gasket mount construction with PC plate, Poron foams, and silicone dampening.

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.

Get the

MK Typist

Build quality in the bottom 15% of 100% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Standard full-size 108-key layout with dedicated navigation cluster.
  • PBT double-shot keycaps, as described by the vendor.
  • Includes a long 60-inch detachable USB-C cable.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Bottom line

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the recommended choice for users who value wireless freedom, deep customization, and a modern compact layout. Its superior connectivity, modding platform, and typing construction justify its higher cost. Only choose the MK Typist if you strictly require a traditional, full-size wired keyboard and have no plans to modify it, prioritizing a straightforward setup over advanced features.

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.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

MK Typist

  • Layout size

    98%

    100%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Hot-swappable

    Yes

    No

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Case material

    Copper, Metal, Plastic

    Plastic

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • MK Typist
Performance
74
73
Build quality
74
44
Productivity
88
59
Customizability
89
56
Portability
55
44

What they share

  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, office, programming, and modding due to its performance specs, wireless options, and customizability. It ties for content creation, where its programmable keys compete with the MK Typist's dedicated key cluster. The MK Typist only takes the lead for travel, where its simpler wired nature is an advantage. For most modern, feature-focused users, the Varmilo is the clear front-runner.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms latency in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, as stated by the manufacturer.
  • Its gasket mount with foam layers like plate Poron foam and bottom silicone may provide a more consistent typing feel.
  • South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry profile keycaps.

Full specs

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs MK Typist specs

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

13 of 25 specs differ

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

MK Typist

Typing & switches

Switch options

Silent
Clicky

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

98%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

4,000 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Copper, Metal, Plastic
Plastic

Plate material

Plastic, Polycarbonate
—

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

1,000 g
—

Dimensions

37 x 388 x 140 mm
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2023

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • Varmilo

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES

    In stockShips to you

MK Typist

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

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.

MK Typist2 stores

FAQ

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs MK Typist: your questions

Only the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers wireless connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and a 2.4 GHz wireless connection in addition to a wired USB-C mode. The MK Typist is a wired-only keyboard.

No, the MK Typist is not hot-swappable according to its vendor specifications. Its switches are soldered to the PCB. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes.

Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is compatible with macOS and Windows. The manufacturer states it includes two additional keys and four Mac OS keycaps, with a function key combination to switch between operating systems.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a 98% layout, which includes a number pad but trims some space compared to a full-size board. The MK Typist is a full-size 100% layout with 108 keys, including a full navigation cluster and number pad.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is likely better for quiet offices. It is listed with silent switch types and its vendor description mentions silent switch options like the Kailh Prestige Silent. The MK Typist is listed with a clicky switch type, which is typically louder.

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports full key remapping and macro creation through QMK and VIA firmware. For the MK Typist, the vendor description mentions support for "Ducky Macro 2.0," but the extent of this programmability is not detailed.

Yes, both the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro and the MK Typist feature RGB backlighting. The Varmilo specifically uses south-facing RGB LEDs, which are compatible with Cherry profile keycaps.

Both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The Varmilo uses Cherry profile, 1.5mm thickened PBT keycaps. The MK Typist uses PBT double-shot keycaps, according to its vendor page.

The Varmilo's manufacturer claims it has a 1ms ultra-low latency and a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, making it suitable for gaming. Its gasket mount may also provide a consistent feel during rapid key presses.

Based on the vendor description, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro includes a key puller/switch puller, a 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps, a dust cover, and a cable. The listed contents for the MK Typist are not specified beyond the keyboard and its detachable cable.

The Varmilo uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended on soft gaskets for a more flexible, cushioned typing feel. It also includes multiple foam layers. The MK Typist uses a traditional plate mount, where the plate is fixed directly to the case for a firmer, more direct feedback.

Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports numerous ISO layouts. The manufacturer states that ISO versions ship with a Swedish default but include extra keycap sets for languages like German, French, Spanish, Italian, and UK English, among others.

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