Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Monsgeek M5Wireless vs Aluminum Build
Choose the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro for wireless flexibility and a pre-built experience, or the Monsgeek M5 for a heavier, all-aluminum DIY project.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Wireless
- Offers tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
- Supports a wide array of ISO layouts and includes extra keycap sets for European languages.
- Comes pre-built with sound dampening foam layers (Plate Poron Foam, PCB Poron Foam, Bottom Silicone).
- Primarily uses a plastic case construction, with only a copper or metal inlay frame.
- At 1000g, it is lighter but may feel less substantial than metal alternatives.
- The silent switch type, as per metadata, may not appeal to users who prefer tactile or clicky feedback.
Get the
Monsgeek M5
Aluminum Build
- Constructed with a high-quality, CNC-machined aluminum alloy case.
- Sold as a DIY kit, ideal for users who want to choose their own switches and keycaps.
- Includes premium screw-in stabilizers for a more stable typing experience.
- Wired-only connectivity, lacking Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless options.
- Requires the user to source and install their own switches and keycaps, adding to the total cost.
- Very heavy at 2600g, making it impractical to move frequently.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a complete, versatile keyboard with wireless connectivity for a multi-device setup, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the practical option. If your goal is to build a custom, high-end keyboard with a premium metal chassis and you don't mind a wired connection, the Monsgeek M5 DIY kit is the better foundation. Consider the additional cost and effort required to complete the Monsgeek build.
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 M5
Layout size
98%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Aluminum
Weight
1,000 g
2,600 g
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Monsgeek M5
- Performance
- 7475
- Build quality
- 7479
- Productivity
- 8887
- Customizability
- 8979
- Portability
- 5646
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro wins in scenarios demanding mobility, quiet operation, or wireless freedom, such as office work, travel, and content creation. Its pre-built nature and inclusive accessories make it ready to use. The Monsgeek M5 is the clear choice for modding enthusiasts who want to build a keyboard from a premium aluminum foundation. For programming and gaming, the choice is less clear-cut and depends on the user's preference for layout and wired versus wireless performance.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
- Its Hall Effect switches, as listed in its metadata, can provide advanced features like adjustable actuation.
- The wireless connectivity allows for a cleaner desk setup.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Monsgeek M5 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 26 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Monsgeek M5
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 M5: your questions
No, the Monsgeek M5 is sold as a DIY kit. According to the vendor description, it is a 'brand new full-sized 108-key metallic keyboard kit' that requires you to install your own switches and keycaps to complete the build.
Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro listing confirms Mac/Win support. The vendor page specifies you can press Fn+Tab to switch systems, and it includes two additional keys and four Mac OS keycaps in the box.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is significantly more portable. It weighs 1000g compared to the Monsgeek M5's 2600g, has a more compact 98% layout, and features a built-in battery with wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. The Varmilo supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, as stated in its vendor description. The Monsgeek M5 kit also houses 'full-key hot-swappable sockets' compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The Varmilo comes with PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. For ISO layout purchases, it also includes additional dye-sub PBT keycap sets to support various European languages like German, French, Spanish, and UK English.
Based on the vendor listing, the Monsgeek M5 kit includes the aluminum keyboard case, a USB-C cable, a user manual, and Akko screw-in stabilizers. You must provide your own mechanical switches and keycaps.
Yes. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports QMK and VIA for key remapping, macro creation, and other customizations directly through those firmware platforms, as confirmed on its product page.
Both feature sound-dampening designs. The Varmilo's vendor description lists specific foam layers: Plate Poron Foam, an IXPE switch pad, PCB Poron Foam, and bottom silicone. The Monsgeek is described as having a 'multi-layer sound-absorbing design' but does not specify the materials.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a 1000 Hz polling rate. Its vendor page states this rate is available right out of the box in both its 2.4 GHz and wired connection modes.
Yes. The vendor description for the Monsgeek M5 explicitly states its hot-swappable sockets have 'full support for both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.'
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the better choice for quiet environments. Its metadata lists a 'Silent' switch type, and it offers factory-lubed Kailh Prestige Silent switches, which are described as 'thocky & silent' on the vendor page.
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