Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs AuroraWireless Modding vs Wired Aesthetics
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for modern features and flexibility, or the Aurora for a unique, wired aesthetic with a full-size layout.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Wireless Modding
- Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
- Highly customizable with hot-swap sockets, QMK/VIA firmware, and a gasket mount structure.
- Includes extensive sound dampening with plate Poron foam, PCB Poron foam, and a bottom silicone layer.
- Relatively heavy at 1 kg, which reduces portability despite its compact size.
- The plastic case, despite its metal inlay frame, may not feel as premium as full metal constructions.
- Complex feature set and software may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Get the
Varmilo Aurora
Wired Aesthetics
- Unique Aurora-themed design with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps featuring star maps and wavy patterns.
- Full-size 108-key layout provides all dedicated keys without using function layers.
- Uses Varmilo's custom EC V2 mechanical switches.
- Wired-only connectivity lacks wireless options for cable-free setups.
- No hot-swap capability limits switch customization without soldering.
- Lacks modern features like programmable firmware, advanced mounting, or sound dampening mentioned in the listing.
For nearly all users seeking a modern, versatile mechanical keyboard, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the recommended choice. Its wireless capabilities, extensive customization through hot-swap and QMK/VIA, and compact yet functional layout make it vastly more adaptable. Only consider the Varmilo Aurora if your primary requirement is a stationary, wired keyboard with its specific, ornate aesthetic and you have no need for programmability or wireless use.
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 Aurora
Layout size
98%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch options
Silent
Linear
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo Aurora
- Performance
- 7444
- Build quality
- 7438
- Productivity
- 8852
- Customizability
- 8944
- Portability
- 5642
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the clear choice for most dynamic use cases, winning in gaming, office, programming, travel, and modding due to its wireless versatility, compact layout, and extensive customization features. It ties with the Aurora only for content creation, where the Aurora's full-size layout is a benefit. The Aurora's strengths are primarily its unique aesthetic design and traditional full-size form factor for stationary, wired use.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Minilo98 Pro offers a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms latency on its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- It features N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Its 98% layout saves desk space for mouse movement compared to a full-size board.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Aurora specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 25 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo Aurora
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 Aurora: your questions
Yes, the Minilo98 Pro is compatible with macOS. It includes two additional keys and four Mac OS keycaps, and you can switch between Windows and Mac layouts by holding Fn+Tab for five seconds.
The vendor description for the Aurora does not mention hot-swappable sockets. It is listed as a pre-built keyboard, suggesting the switches are soldered and not easily user-replaceable without soldering skills and equipment.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The Minilo98 Pro uses Cherry profile, 1.5mm thickened PBT keycaps. The Aurora uses V-Silk dye-sublimated PBT keycaps with a special Aurora-themed design.
Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a 98% layout, which includes a condensed numpad while saving approximately 20% space compared to a standard full-size keyboard.
The Minilo98 Pro has a 4000mAh battery. According to the manufacturer, with all lights off, it can last over 20 days on a single charge.
The Minilo98 Pro is available with silent switches and includes multiple sound-dampening foam layers, making it suitable for quiet environments. The Aurora's listing does not specify silent switch options or internal dampening.
The vendor description for the Varmilo Aurora does not mention any software or firmware support for key remapping, macros, or programmability like QMK or VIA.
The Minilo98 Pro comes with the keyboard, manual, USB-C cable, key puller/switch puller, a 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps (for Mac/ISO layouts), and a dust cover.
The gasket mount is a typing structure that uses silicone or foam gaskets to isolate the plate from the case. The Minilo98 Pro's structure includes a PC plate, plate Poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, and PCB Poron foam for a softer, more cushioned typing feel and sound.
The Minilo98 Pro is better suited for competitive gaming. It specifically advertises a 1ms ultra-low latency and a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which are important for responsiveness. The Aurora's listing does not provide any latency or polling rate specifications.
The metadata for the Varmilo Aurora lists RGB as 'Yes;White', which suggests it has white backlighting. The vendor description mentions 'Eye-Protective Light' but does not detail RGB color customization.
Yes, the Minilo98 Pro has a net weight of 1 kg (1000g), which is heavier than many plastic keyboards due to its internal components, battery, and construction materials like the copper/metal inlay frame.
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