Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Monsgeek M2Wireless vs Aluminum Build
Choose the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for wireless flexibility and a complete package, or the Monsgeek M2 for a premium aluminum DIY build.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Wireless
- Tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, and wired operation.
- Comes fully built with PBT keycaps, switches, and extensive sound dampening (PC plate, plate Poron foam, IXPE switch pad, PCB Poron foam, bottom silicone).
- Extensive ISO layout support with included keycap sets for European languages.
- Primary case construction is plastic, with copper/metal accents, not full aluminum.
- Requires battery management and charging due to its wireless features.
- Lacks the pure DIY starting point of a barebones kit.
Get the
Monsgeek M2
Aluminum Build
- CNC aluminum case construction for a premium, heavy (1960g) feel.
- Sold as a DIY kit, ideal for users who want to choose their own switches and keycaps.
- Includes modding accessories like extra Teflon pads and tape, as per the vendor description.
- Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless or battery option.
- Is a barebones kit, requiring the separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
- The vendor description for this specific listing states it does not support QMK/VIA.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a versatile, ready-to-use keyboard with excellent wireless performance and broad compatibility, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the practical option. If your goal is to build a custom keyboard on a premium aluminum foundation and you prefer a wired, stationary setup, the Monsgeek M2 DIY kit is the better canvas, though you must supply your own switches and keycaps.
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
Monsgeek M2
Layout size
98%
96%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Aluminum
Switch options
Silent
Linear
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Monsgeek M2
- Performance
- 7581
- Build quality
- 7487
- Productivity
- 8895
- Customizability
- 8994
- Portability
- 5646
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro wins in scenarios demanding mobility, quiet operation, or a plug-and-play experience, thanks to its wireless features and complete build. The Monsgeek M2 is the clear choice for enthusiasts who want to start a custom build with a premium aluminum foundation. For stationary, wired use like programming, both are capable, with the choice boiling down to material preference versus wireless utility.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Varmilo offers a 1ms ultra-low latency wireless mode and a 1000 Hz polling rate, as stated by the manufacturer.
- It provides tri-mode connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, wired) for flexible setup.
- Its lighter weight (1000g) may be easier to reposition compared to the heavier M2.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Monsgeek M2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 26 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Monsgeek M2
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Monsgeek M2: your questions
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is designed for wireless use. It supports 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, includes a 4000mAh battery, and the manufacturer cites a 1ms ultra-low latency in its 2.4 GHz mode. The Monsgeek M2 is a wired-only keyboard.
No, the Monsgeek M2 is sold as a DIY kit or barebones unit. According to its package contents listing, it includes the aluminum case, PCB, mounting plate, and stabilizers, but you must purchase switches and keycaps separately.
Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lists Mac/Win support, includes Mac OS keycaps, and has a function key combination to switch between Windows and Mac system layouts, as detailed on its product page.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro explicitly supports both QMK and VIA for key remapping and macros. The vendor description for the listed Monsgeek M2 kit states "This version doesn't support QMK/VIA."
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses a plastic case with copper and metal inlays. The Monsgeek M2 features a full CNC aluminum case, which contributes to its significantly higher weight of 1960 grams.
Both keyboards feature south-facing RGB LEDs on their PCBs. A south-facing design avoids interference with Cherry profile keycaps, so both should be compatible. The Varmilo's included keycaps are also listed as Cherry profile.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is listed with a silent switch type and includes multiple sound-dampening foam layers (Poron and silicone). The Monsgeek M2 kit includes foam but comes without switches, so its sound depends entirely on the user's choice of switches and mods.
According to its tech specs, the Varmilo comes with the keyboard, manual, USB-C cable, key/switch puller, a 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps (for ISO layouts), and a dust cover.
Yes, the Monsgeek M2 features hot-swappable sockets, compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, as confirmed in its vendor description.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers extensive support for ISO layouts, including specific keycap sets for over a dozen European languages. The Monsgeek M2 is listed with an ANSI layout standard only.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount design for a softer typing feel. The Varmilo uses a PC (polycarbonate) plate with Poron gaskets, while the Monsgeek M2 uses a silicone gasket material and includes a PC plate.
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