Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VA104CWireless Modernity vs Classic Wired
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for modern wireless flexibility and customization, or the VA104C for a classic, stationary full-size layout with a unique screen.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Wireless Modernity
- Triple-mode connectivity with wired, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization.
- Gasket mount construction with multiple foam layers for a tuned typing feel.
- Relatively heavy at 1 kg, reducing portability despite wireless features.
- Uses a USB-C to USB-Mini connector, which is less common than USB-C to USB-A.
- The vendor page indicates potential import taxes for international orders.
Get the
Varmilo VA104C
Classic Wired
- Full-size 100% layout with a dedicated numpad and calculator screen.
- Available with a wide variety of Cherry MX and Varmilo EC switch types.
- Features a wood-grained ABS frame for a distinct aesthetic.
- Wired-only connectivity limits placement options.
- Not hot-swappable, requiring soldering to change switches.
- Uses an older USB-Mini connector for its detachable cable.
For most users, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the recommended choice. It delivers modern conveniences like wireless connectivity, extensive customization via hot-swap and QMK/VIA, and a space-efficient layout. Only choose the VA104C if your work is strictly desk-bound, heavily reliant on a full numpad and the integrated calculator screen, and you have no need for wireless operation or future modifications.
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
Varmilo VA104C
Layout size
98%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
ABS, Plastic
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo VA104C
- Performance
- 7465
- Build quality
- 7452
- Productivity
- 8851
- Customizability
- 8958
- Portability
- 5642
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro wins in most categories due to its modern wireless features, high customizability, and compact-yet-complete layout. It is the clear choice for gaming, programming, travel, modding, and content creation. The VA104C ties only for office use where its full-size layout with integrated calculator screen provides a specific advantage for intensive number crunching in a stationary, wired setup.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Minilo98 Pro offers a 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
- Its 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth modes provide cable-free flexibility.
- South-facing RGB lighting is compatible with more keycap profiles.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VA104C specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 25 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo VA104C
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
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 VA104C: your questions
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers triple-mode connectivity, including 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, and wired USB-C. The VA104C is a wired-only keyboard with a detachable USB-Mini cable.
No, the Varmilo VA104C is not hot-swappable. According to the vendor listing, its switch mount type is plate mount, meaning switches are soldered to the PCB. Changing them would require desoldering and soldering new switches.
Yes. The Minilo98 Pro is compatible with macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. The manufacturer states you can press Fn+Tab for 5 seconds to switch between Win and Mac modes, and it includes extra Mac OS keycaps.
The Varmilo VA104C features a blue LED calculator screen integrated above the numpad. It functions as a standalone calculator, a unique productivity feature for quick calculations without switching to a software application.
The Minilo98 Pro is designed for a more customized typing experience. It uses a gasket mount system with a polycarbonate plate, Poron foam, and a silicone bottom layer to dampen sound. The VA104C uses a standard plate mount design without mentioned internal dampening.
Yes, but only on the Minilo98 Pro. It supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for deep key remapping and macro creation. The VA104C's product description does not mention any software programmability.
The Minilo98 Pro uses Cherry profile PBT keycaps. The VA104C also uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, but the specific profile is not stated in the provided specifications.
The Minilo98 Pro has south-facing RGB backlighting. The VA104C has white LED backlighting, not full RGB, according to its vendor description.
The Minilo98 Pro is suitable for gaming, with the manufacturer citing a 1ms ultra-low latency and a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes. This can provide a responsive experience for most games.
According to the vendor page, the Minilo98 Pro includes a manual, USB-C cable, key puller/switch puller, 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps (for Mac/ISO layouts), and a dust cover.
The Minilo98 Pro's case is primarily plastic with a soft skin-like texture and features a CNC metal inlay frame. The VA104C case is made from a wood-grained ABS plastic frame.
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