Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 R2Compact vs Full-Size Keyboard

The Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate and multiple foam layers, which typically provides a softer, more cushioned typing feel. The APT108 R2 uses a plate mount, which offers a firmer and more direct feedback. Comfort is subjective and depends on your preference for a bouncy or solid feel.

Yes, but the method and depth differ. The Minilo98 Pro supports QMK and VIA, allowing for deep, open-source firmware customization. The APT108 R2 is programmable via a Varmilo web application, which may offer a simpler but potentially more limited feature set.

Yes, both the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro and the APT108 R2 list Mac support. The Minilo98 Pro specifically includes extra Mac OS keycaps and a function key combination to switch between Windows and Mac layouts.

According to the vendor page, the Minilo98 Pro has a 4000mAh battery. The manufacturer claims a working time of over 20 days with all lights off. Battery life for the APT108 R2 is not specified in the provided information.

Both use PBT keycaps, but the profiles differ. The Minilo98 Pro uses Cherry-profile keycaps, while the APT108 R2 uses a Varmilo profile. The Minilo98 Pro also offers extensive dye-sub ISO keycap sets for European languages.

Both have sound-dampening features. The Minilo98 Pro includes plate Poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, PCB foam, and bottom silicone. The APT108 R2 uses double-layer silicone sound absorption. The final sound depends heavily on your switch choice, with silent switches available for both.

Yes, the APT108 R2 features a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to change switches without soldering. The vendor listing confirms it is compatible with MX-style switches.

The Minilo98 Pro is a 98% layout with 99 keys, compacting the numpad and navigation cluster to save about 20% space compared to a full-size board. The APT108 R2 is a full 100% (108-key) layout with a standard spaced numpad and four additional multimedia keys.

The metadata for both keyboards lists Hall Effect as an extra feature. However, the specific switch options detailed in the vendor descriptions for both models are traditional mechanical switches (Kailh Prestige, Cherry MX, Gateron), not Hall Effect. It's possible Hall Effect is an option not detailed in the provided excerpts.

The Minilo98 Pro's vendor description specifically claims 1ms ultra-low latency on its 2.4 GHz and wired modes with a 1000 Hz polling rate. The APT108 R2 vendor page states its 2.4 GHz wireless mode has a 250 Hz polling rate, which may result in higher latency compared to the Minilo98 Pro's claimed performance.

The Minilo98 Pro comes with a cable, key/switch puller, 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps, a dust cover, and a manual. The list of accessories for the APT108 R2 is not detailed in the provided vendor description.