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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Chang'eModern Tech vs Themed Design

Choose the Minilo98 Pro for its modern features and customizability, or the Chang'e for its distinct themed aesthetics and full-size layout.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Modern Tech

If you want

  • Gasket mount structure with PC plate and multiple foam layers for sound and feel.
  • Full programmability via QMK and VIA open-source firmware.
  • Extensive ISO layout support with included PBT keycap sets for 12 European languages.

And can live with

  • Heavier weight at 1 kg, which may affect portability.
  • The vendor description lists only linear switch options (Kailh Prestige Silent/Voice).
  • The case incorporates multiple materials (plastic, copper, metal), which may not appeal to those seeking a uniform aesthetic.
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Get the

Varmilo Chang'e

Themed Design

If you want

  • Unique themed design based on Chinese mythology with lunar phase keycaps.
  • Available in both 87-key and 108-key (100%) size options.
  • Offers a broader initial selection of switch types including tactile (Cherry Brown) and linear variants.

And can live with

  • Limited to ANSI layout only, with no ISO support mentioned.
  • Smaller 2500mAh battery compared to the Minilo98 Pro.
  • The F-row keycaps are made of ABS, while the rest are PBT, leading to potential wear inconsistency.
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Bottom line

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the clear choice for users who value modern keyboard features, extensive customization, and a compact, efficient layout. Opt for the Varmilo Chang'e if your priority is a specific, artistic aesthetic with a full-size layout and you are less concerned with advanced technical specifications like gasket mounting or open-source firmware.

What actually differs

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 Chang'e

  • Layout size

    98%

    100%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

  • Battery

    4,000 mAh

    2,500 mAh

  • Case material

    Copper, Metal, Plastic

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Silent

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • Varmilo Chang'e
Performance
74
65
Build quality
74
40
Productivity
88
71
Customizability
89
64
Portability
56
56

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Minilo98 Pro is the more versatile choice for technical users, winning in gaming, office, programming, and modding due to its performance specs, layout options, and custom firmware. The Chang'e takes the lead only for content creation where its full-size layout and unique theme are primary assets. For travel, both offer similar wireless flexibility, making the choice more about size preference.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • The Minilo98 Pro has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms latency in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
  • Its south-facing RGB lighting is compatible with Cherry profile keycaps, a common preference.
  • The gasket mount structure with foam layers may provide a more consistent typing feel.
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Full specs

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Chang'e specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

13 of 25 specs differ

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Varmilo Chang'e

Typing & switches

Switch options

Silent
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
—

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

98%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

4,000 mAhBetter
2,500 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Copper, Metal, Plastic
Plastic

Plate material

Plastic, Polycarbonate
—

Keycaps

PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

1,000 g
—

Dimensions

37 x 388 x 140 mm
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro4 stores

  • VarmiloCN

    In stock
    $155Visit

  • MechkeysCN

    In stock
    $196Visit

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$155Visit

  • MKUS

    Out of stock
    $149Visit
Varmilo Chang'e3 stores

  • MechkeysCN

    In stock
    $241Visit

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$241Visit

  • VarmiloCN

    Out of stock
    $192Visit

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.

FAQ

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Chang'e: your questions

The Minilo98 Pro has a larger 4000mAh battery, while the Chang'e has a 2500mAh battery. The manufacturer states the Minilo98 Pro can work for over 20 days with lights off, suggesting longer potential wireless runtime.

Yes, the Chang'e APT and APV models are compatible with the Varmilo Web Driver for key remapping and customization. It does not support the QMK/VIA firmware that the Minilo98 Pro uses.

The Minilo98 Pro is a 98% layout, which includes a condensed numpad. The Chang'e is listed as a 100% layout, and its 108-key variant includes a standard, full numpad.

The Minilo98 Pro includes specific Mac OS keycaps (Ctrl, Opt, Cmd) and a function key shortcut to switch between Windows and Mac modes. The Chang'e is listed as compatible with macOS but does not mention included Mac keycaps.

Both use PBT keycaps, but the Minilo98 Pro uses a full set of Cherry profile, 1.5mm thick PBT. The Chang'e uses dye-sublimated PBT for most keys, but its F-row keys are made of ABS, which may develop shine over time.

The Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate and multiple foam layers (Poron, IXPE, silicone) aimed at a softer, more cushioned typing feel. The Chang'e product description does not specify its mounting style, so its feel is likely more standard.

The Minilo98 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support, including keycap sets for languages like German, French, Spanish, and more. The Chang'e is listed only with an ANSI layout and does not mention ISO or European language support.

Both offer silent switch options. The Minilo98 Pro can be configured with Kailh Prestige Silent switches, and the Chang'e offers Kailh Prestige Silent or Cherry Silent Red switches. The Minilo98 Pro's additional sound-dampening foams may further reduce noise.

Yes, both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The Minilo98 Pro supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The Chang'e APT model supports hot-swapping for mechanical switches.

The Minilo98 Pro includes a key/switch puller, USB-C cable, 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps, a dust cover, and a manual. The Chang'e includes a key/switch puller, 2.4G adapter, cable, dust cover, cue card, and warranty card.

The Minilo98 Pro specifically advertises 1ms ultra-low latency and a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes. The Chang'e product description does not specify its polling rate or latency figures.

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