Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 R2
Get the Minilo98 Pro for ISO options, QMK/VIA remapping, and a compact 98% layout; choose the APT108 R2 for a traditional full-size ANSI layout with all the usual key gaps.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
QMK
Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $200.
- QMK/VIA support for remapping keys and creating macros and shortcuts.
- Gasket mount with a PC plate, Poron foam layers, IXPE switch pad, PET sound dampener, and bottom silicone.
- ANSI and multiple ISO layout options in a compact 98% arrangement.
- 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
Varmilo APT108 R2
Build quality in the top 50% of 100% boards under $200.
- A conventional 100% ANSI layout with full-size spacing.
- A three-way cord channel routes the cable underneath to the left, right, or middle.
- Two-step kickstands provide adjustable typing angles.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for QMK/VIA remapping, ISO layout options, and its gasket-mounted foam and dampening structure in a compact 98% layout. Choose the APT108 R2 if you want a conventional 100% ANSI board, full-size spacing, and a three-way cable channel. Both list magnetic-only switch compatibility, so neither is suited to buyers planning to install standard MX switches.
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 APT108 R2
Layout size
98%
100%
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
ABS
Switch options
Silent
Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Plate Mount
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo APT108 R2
- Performance
- 8583
- Build quality
- 8155
- Productivity
- 8880
- Customizability
- 8972
- Portability
- 5554
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Minilo98 Pro leads most use cases through its ISO options, QMK/VIA support, compact 98% layout, and explicitly detailed gasket structure. It is also the more clearly documented option for travel, with listed dimensions, weight, and battery capacity. The APT108 R2's clearest fit is for buyers who specifically want a traditional 100% ANSI layout and full-size key spacing. Both list wireless connections and Hall Effect, so those features do not decide the comparison.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Minilo98 Pro lists 1000 Hz polling and a 1000 Hz rate over wired and 2.4 GHz connections in Varmilo's description.
- Its 98% layout keeps a numpad in a more compact layout than a conventional 100% board.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 R2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 25 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo APT108 R2
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
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.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Go to Varmilo
Varmilo
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockShips to you
Varmilo APT108 R2
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 R2: your questions
The Minilo98 Pro uses a compact 98% layout and supports ANSI and ISO variants. The APT108 R2 is a traditional 100% ANSI keyboard.
Yes, QMK and VIA support are listed for the Minilo98 Pro. Varmilo describes using them for remapping keys and creating macros, shortcuts, and key combinations.
The APT108 R2 vendor listing says it is not QMK or VIA compatible. It describes the upgraded version as programmable with Varmilo's web application.
The compatibility rules for both keyboards specify magnetic switches only, and say standard MX switches will not fit. Check switch compatibility before buying replacements.
Yes, its listed layouts include ANSI and multiple ISO variants. Varmilo says ISO versions default to Swedish and offers replacement keycap sets for additional European languages.
The APT108 R2 is listed as ANSI, and its compatibility rules say ISO variants such as UK and German are not offered. The Minilo98 Pro is the option here with ISO layouts.
The Minilo98 Pro has a 98% layout that includes a numpad without the gaps of a conventional full-size keyboard. The APT108 R2 is a 100% layout.
The Minilo98 Pro is listed at 37 x 388 x 140 mm and 1000 g. No weight or dimensions are listed for the APT108 R2 in its product metadata.
Yes, its listed battery capacity is 4000mAh. Varmilo also describes Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connection modes.
Varmilo lists a PC plate, plate Poron foam, IXPE switch pad, PET sound dampener, PCB Poron foam, and bottom silicone in its gasket-mounted structure. The APT108 R2 vendor listing describes double-layer silicone sound absorption.
The Minilo98 Pro has south-facing LEDs. Its compatibility rules warn that shine-through legends stay dark and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Its vendor listing describes a two-step kickstand for adjustable typing angles. It also has a three-way cord channel that lets the cable exit underneath from the left, right, or middle.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.