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.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Modern Tech
Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $200.
- 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.
- 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 Chang'e
Themed Design
Build quality in the bottom 5% of 100% boards under $300.
- 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.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
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.
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
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Switch options
Silent
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo Chang'e
- Performance
- 8541
- Build quality
- 8140
- Productivity
- 8848
- Customizability
- 8953
- Portability
- 5542
- Hot-swappable
- Keycaps: PBT
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.
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.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Chang'e specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 25 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo Chang'e
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 Chang'e
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.
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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