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Compare Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 Beijing Opera Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Varmilo's compact 98% layout and a traditional full-size keyboard. Both offer triple-mode connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and PBT keycaps, making the choice hinge on space, layout preference, and modding potential. The Minilo98 Pro's smaller footprint and advanced features contrast with the APT108's complete key set and straightforward design.

87
Minilo98 Pro
68
Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

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  • Has Silent switch options
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK, ISO layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 37 x 388 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Copper, Metal case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 74.8
  • Build Quality: 73.7
  • Productivity: 88.2
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 55.6
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 54.6
  • Productivity: 78.4
  • Customizability: 71.8
  • Portability: 54.3
Name
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Name
Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Silent
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
98%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK, ISO
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Copper, Metal
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
37 x 388 x 140 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1000g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the more feature-rich and modern option, ideal for users who value a compact layout, deep customization via QMK/VIA, and a gasket-mounted typing experience. The APT108 Beijing Opera serves users who require a traditional full-size layout with all keys present and a straightforward, functional build. Your decision should be guided by your non-negotiable need for either a numpad in a smaller form or a complete, dedicated key set.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • +Advanced gasket mount structure with PC plate, Poron foams, and bottom silicone for a tuned typing feel.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • +Extensive ISO layout compatibility with included keycap sets for multiple European languages.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Compact 98% layout saves space while retaining a numpad.
  • −Heavier at 1kg, which may reduce portability despite the smaller size.
  • −Case is primarily plastic, with metal inlay for aesthetics rather than a full metal case.
  • −Limited to silent switch options in the provided vendor data, though hot-swap allows changes.

Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera

  • +Full-size 108-key layout with dedicated numpad and navigation keys.
  • +Includes a three-way cord channel for flexible cable routing.
  • +Vendor description notes double-layer silicone sound absorption.
  • +Available with a wider variety of switch types including linear, tactile, and silent options.
  • −Uses a simpler plate mount design instead of a gasket mount.
  • −Lacks QMK and VIA support, relying on a proprietary web application for programming.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Constructed with an ABS case, which may feel less premium than other materials.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Minilo98 Pro wins for gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its low-latency focus, firmware support, compact size, and gasket-mounted construction. The APT108 Beijing Opera is better suited for office use where a full numpad and navigation cluster are non-negotiable. For content creation, the decision is a tie, hinging on whether you prioritize a dedicated full layout or programmable layers in a smaller form factor.

GamingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro's vendor page advertises 1ms ultra-low latency on its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
  • •Its gasket mount design with plate Poron foam and bottom silicone may offer a more consistent typing feel during long sessions.
  • •The 98% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements while retaining the numpad.
OfficeVarmilo APT108 Beijing Opera
  • •The APT108's full 108-key layout includes a dedicated numpad and navigation cluster, beneficial for data entry.
  • •Its vendor description lists preset multimedia keypress combinations for quick media control.
  • •The three-way cord channel offers flexible cable management on a desk.
ProgrammingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro supports QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro creation, as stated by the vendor.
  • •It offers extensive ISO layout support, which is useful for programmers needing specific key legends.
  • •The compact 98% layout can free up desk space for notebooks or secondary monitors.
TravelVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro has a smaller footprint (388mm wide) compared to a standard full-size board.
  • •It includes a 4000mAh battery, with the vendor claiming over 20 days of use with lights off.
  • •Its weight is listed as 1kg, which may be more portable than a larger full-size keyboard.
ModdingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro features a gasket mount with a PC plate, plate Poron foam, IXPE switch pad, and PCB foam for sound customization.
  • •It has south-facing RGB LEDs, which avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • •Full QMK/VIA support allows for extensive firmware-level customization.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards offer multimedia keys; the APT108 has preset combinations, while the Minilo98 Pro can map macros via QMK/VIA.
  • •Both have RGB backlighting for low-light work environments.
  • •The choice depends on layout preference: the APT108's full layout for shortcut-heavy software, or the Minilo98 Pro's space-saving design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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