Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 YakumoCompact vs Full-Size Choice
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for a compact, mod-friendly layout with premium features, or the APT108 Yakumo for a dedicated full-size layout with simpler construction.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Compact
- Advanced gasket mount construction with polycarbonate plate and multiple foam layers (plate Poron, IXPE, PCB Poron, silicone).
- Full QMK and VIA support for open-source key remapping and macros.
- Compact 98% layout saves 20% space while keeping the numpad, per the manufacturer.
- Heavier at 1000g, though this is partly due to its metal inlay and construction.
- More complex construction may be intimidating for first-time modders.
- Layout may require adjustment for users accustomed to full-size spacing.
Get the
Varmilo APT108 Yakumo
Full-Size Choice
- Traditional full-size 108-key layout with dedicated numpad and four extra macro/media keys.
- Features a three-way cord channel for left, right, or center cable exit.
- Reported to have a flex cut PCB, which can offer some typing flex.
- Plate mount construction is simpler and typically offers less typing flex than gasket mount.
- North-facing RGB LEDs can cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.
- Programmable only via a proprietary web application, lacking QMK/VIA support.
Your primary need dictates the choice. The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the clear option for enthusiasts seeking a modern, compact layout with superior customization via QMK/VIA and a premium gasket-mount typing feel. Opt for the Varmilo APT108 Yakumo if you require a traditional full-size keyboard with all dedicated keys and prefer a simpler, proven plate-mount construction.
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 Yakumo
Layout size
98%
100%
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
ABS
Switch options
Silent
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Plate Mount
QMK
Yes
No
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo APT108 Yakumo
- Performance
- 7483
- Build quality
- 7455
- Productivity
- 8879
- Customizability
- 8972
- Portability
- 5654
- 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 wins for gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its advanced gasket-mount construction, software support, and space-saving design. The APT108 Yakumo is the pick for content creation where its full-size layout and extra keys are advantageous. For general office use, both are capable, trading desk space for a dedicated numpad.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Minilo98 Pro's gasket mount with plate Poron foam and PCB foam may offer a more consistent typing feel.
- Its south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a benefit for aftermarket sets.
- The manufacturer claims 1ms ultra-low latency in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs APT108 Yakumo 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 Yakumo
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 APT108 Yakumo: your questions
Both keyboards offer silent switch options. The Minilo98 Pro can be configured with Kailh Prestige Silent switches and features extensive sound dampening with plate Poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, PCB Poron foam, and bottom silicone. The APT108 Yakumo also lists silent switches and uses a double-layer silicone sound absorption system.
Yes, but the methods differ significantly. The Minilo98 Pro supports QMK and VIA, which allow for deep, open-source firmware-level remapping and macro creation. The APT108 Yakumo is programmable through a Varmilo web application, which may offer a different set of features and limitations compared to QMK/VIA.
The Minilo98 Pro is equipped with a 4000mAh battery. According to the manufacturer, it can achieve over 20 days of working time with all RGB lights turned off. The APT108 Yakumo's battery capacity is not specified in the provided information.
Yes, both the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro and the APT108 Yakumo list Mac OS support. The Minilo98 Pro specifically includes two additional keys and four Mac OS keycaps, and you can switch between Windows and Mac modes by holding Fn+Tab for five seconds.
The Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended on rubber or silicone gaskets to absorb vibrations and create a softer, more consistent typing feel. The APT108 Yakumo uses a plate mount, where the plate is fixed directly to the top case, resulting in a firmer and more direct typing experience.
Yes, both keyboards feature standard MX-style hot-swap sockets, allowing you to change switches without soldering. They also come with PBT keycaps, which are durable and can be replaced with other MX-compatible sets. Note that the Minilo98 Pro uses south-facing LEDs, while the APT108 uses north-facing, which can affect compatibility with certain keycap profiles.
Both keyboards support a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode. The Minilo98 Pro's product description specifically claims 1ms ultra-low latency on its 2.4 GHz and wired connections. The APT108 Yakumo's description notes its polling rates vary by mode: 1000 Hz wired, 250 Hz on 2.4GHz wireless, and 133 Hz on Bluetooth.
Yes. The Minilo98 Pro is available in numerous ISO layouts, including ISO-BEL, DE, DK, ES, FR, HU, IT, Nordic, PT, and UK. The default ISO board is Swedish, but it ships with extra keycap sets to configure for 12 additional European languages.
According to the manufacturer's listing, the Minilo98 Pro comes with the keyboard, a manual, a USB-C cable, a key puller/switch puller, a 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps (for Mac/ISO layouts), and a dust cover.
The Minilo98 Pro's case is listed as plastic with a copper/metal inlay frame, giving it a CNC metal accent. Its plate is polycarbonate. The APT108 Yakumo's case and top material are listed as ABS plastic, and its plate material is plastic.
The Minilo98 Pro is more portable due to its compact 98% layout, which measures 388mm in width. While both are similar in weight, the smaller footprint of the Minilo98 Pro makes it easier to fit into a bag. It also includes a dust cover for transport protection.
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