Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 Sea MelodyCompact vs Full-Size
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for a compact, mod-friendly layout and premium typing feel, or the APT108 Sea Melody for a dedicated full-size layout with simpler construction.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Compact
Build quality in the top 20% of 98% boards under $200.
- Compact 98% layout saves about 20% space compared to a full-size keyboard while keeping a numpad.
- Gasket mount construction with a PC plate, multiple foam layers (Poron, IXPE), and silicone dampening.
- Full QMK and VIA support for advanced key remapping and macro programming.
- 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 Sea Melody
Full-Size
Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $200.
- Standard 100% layout with 108 keys, including a full numpad for data entry.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports a wide variety of switch types including Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh.
- VIA compatible for basic key remapping without QMK.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Your choice fundamentally depends on layout needs and desired typing experience. Opt for the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro if you want a space-efficient board with a numpad, plan to use custom keycaps, or value the deep customization of QMK and a gasket-mounted feel. Choose the Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody if you require a traditional full-size keyboard with a dedicated numpad and prefer a simpler, proven plate-mount construction with VIA support.
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 Sea Melody
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 Sea Melody
- Performance
- 7484
- Build quality
- 7364
- Productivity
- 8885
- Customizability
- 8980
- Portability
- 5553
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Minilo98 Pro wins in scenarios valuing desk space, custom firmware, and a premium typing experience, making it strong for gaming, programming, and modding. The APT108 Sea Melody is the clear choice for users who require a traditional full-size layout with a numpad, particularly for content creation or data-heavy office work. For general office use where layout is less critical, both are capable options with similar wireless and silent typing features.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Minilo98 Pro's vendor page cites 1ms ultra-low latency on its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- Its compact 98% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements.
- South-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 Sea Melody specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 25 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockShips to you
Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 Sea Melody: your questions
The Minilo98 Pro is a 98% layout, which is compact and includes a numpad in a roughly 388mm wide frame. The APT108 Sea Melody is a full-size 100% keyboard with a standard 108-key layout, which will be wider to accommodate a traditional spaced-out numpad.
The Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount system with a polycarbonate plate and multiple foam layers (Poron, IXPE, silicone), which typically creates a softer, more cushioned typing feel with more sound dampening. The APT108 uses a plate mount with double-layer silicone absorption, which offers a firmer, more direct feel.
Yes, but to different extents. The Minilo98 Pro supports both QMK and VIA, allowing for deep, layer-based reprogramming and macro creation. The APT108 Sea Melody supports VIA for key remapping but does not support QMK according to its vendor specifications.
Yes. Both the Minilo98 Pro and the APT108 Sea Melody offer triple-mode connectivity via wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. The Minilo98 Pro supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The APT108 listing confirms hot-swap capability and lists compatibility with Cherry MX, Gateron G Pro 3.0, and Kailh Prestige switches.
The Minilo98 Pro is generally better for custom keycaps due to its south-facing RGB LEDs. North-facing LEDs, like those on the APT108, can cause interference (rubbing) with the inside of Cherry-profile keycaps.
Based on the vendor description, the Minilo98 Pro is shown with Kailh Prestige Silent (linear, silent) and Kailh Prestige Voice (linear, clacky) switch options. The listing also references compatibility with Varmilo EC V2 switches.
The Minilo98 Pro has a 4000mAh battery. The manufacturer claims a working time of over 20 days with all lights off.
The APT108 vendor page specifies polling rates of 1000 Hz for wired, 250 Hz for 2.4GHz wireless, and 133 Hz for Bluetooth. The Minilo98 Pro's page specifically advertises 1ms ultra-low latency for its 2.4GHz and wired modes.
The Minilo98 Pro's listing includes a key/switch puller, extra keycaps (including Mac OS keys), a 2.4GHz dongle, a cable, a manual, and a dust cover. The APT108's accessory list is not detailed in the provided information.
Yes. The Minilo98 Pro is offered in numerous ISO layouts (like ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-UK). The vendor notes the default ISO board is Swedish and includes extra keycap sets for over 12 European languages.
The Minilo98 Pro case is made from plastic with a soft skin-like texture and features a CNC metal inlay frame option. The APT108 Sea Melody case is made from ABS plastic according to its specifications.
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