Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VBM108Hot-Swap vs Electrocapacitive
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for modern features and customization, or the VBM108 for a traditional full-size layout with unique electrocapacitive switches.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Hot-Swap
- Extensive customization via hot-swappable PCB and QMK/VIA firmware support.
- Superior wireless performance with 1ms latency on 2.4GHz and a 4000mAh battery.
- Premium typing feel from a gasket mount with multiple foam layers (plate Poron, IXPE, PCB Poron, silicone).
- Relatively heavy at 1kg, which reduces portability despite its compact size.
- The plastic case with metal inlay may not feel as premium as a full metal construction to some.
- Higher price point compared to many basic pre-built keyboards.
Get the
Varmilo VBM108
Electrocapacitive
- Features unique Varmilo electrocapacitive switches, offering a distinct typing feel.
- Full-size 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad.
- Includes detailed artwork on the keycaps and case for a themed aesthetic.
- Lacks hot-swap capability, limiting switch customization.
- No RGB lighting, featuring only white LED backlighting.
- Plate mount design and lack of listed sound-dampening materials may result in a harsher sound profile.
For most users, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the recommended choice. It delivers significantly more value through its modern features like hot-swap, gasket mounting, advanced software support, and versatile connectivity. Only choose the VBM108 if you specifically require a full-size layout with a numpad and are intrigued by the experience of electrocapacitive switches, and are willing to forgo customization and premium acoustic features.
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 VBM108
Layout size
98%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Plastic
Switch options
Silent
Clicky
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo VBM108
- Performance
- 7459
- Build quality
- 7445
- Productivity
- 8860
- Customizability
- 8947
- Portability
- 5651
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the more versatile choice, winning in most categories due to its modern feature set. It excels for gaming, office use, programming, travel, and modding thanks to its low-latency wireless, silent switch options, extensive software support, compact form factor, and hot-swappable design. The VBM108's primary advantage is its full-size layout for those who need a dedicated numpad, and its unique electrocapacitive switches offer a distinct typing experience. For content creation, the choice depends on whether you value RGB lighting or the VBM108's specific artistic keycap design.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Minilo98 Pro offers a 1000 Hz polling rate with 1ms latency in 2.4 GHz and wired modes, as stated by the manufacturer.
- Its south-facing RGB and hot-swappable design allow for switch customization to personal preference.
- The gasket mount structure with foam layers may provide a more consistent typing feel during long sessions.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VBM108 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 VBM108
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 VBM108: your questions
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is hot-swappable, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. The Varmilo VBM108 is not hot-swappable and uses soldered electrocapacitive switches.
The product listing for the Varmilo VBM108 does not mention wireless connectivity. Its listed features include only a USB-C wired connection. The Minilo98 Pro offers Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity.
The Varmilo VBM108 uses genuine Varmilo electrocapacitive switches. The vendor description lists specific models like EC Daisy V2, Sakura V2, Rose V2, and Ivy V2. These are different from standard mechanical switches.
Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports full key remapping and macro creation through the QMK and VIA software. The VBM108's product description does not mention any software for key remapping.
The Minilo98 Pro is better for a quiet office. It is listed with silent switch types and its gasket mount design includes multiple foam layers like plate Poron and bottom silicone for sound dampening. The VBM108 is listed with clicky switch types.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a 4000mAh battery. The manufacturer states it can last over 20 days of working time with all lights turned off.
Yes, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is compatible with macOS and includes additional Mac OS keycaps. You can switch between Windows and Mac layouts using a function key combination.
The Minilo98 Pro uses a 98% layout, which is compact but retains a numpad. The VBM108 is a traditional 100% full-size keyboard. The manufacturer states the Minilo98 Pro saves 20% space compared to a normal-sized keyboard.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro features south-facing RGB backlighting. The Varmilo VBM108 does not have RGB lighting, it only has white LED backlighting according to its specifications.
The Minilo98 Pro uses a plastic case with a soft skin-like texture and a CNC metal inlay frame. It has a polycarbonate (PC) plate, PBT keycaps, and includes multiple internal foam layers (Poron, IXPE) and a silicone bottom layer for sound.
The VBM108 has a 1000 Hz polling rate, but lacks the low-latency wireless, hot-swap customization, and gasket-mounted typing feel of the Minilo98 Pro. Its clicky switches and full-size layout may also be less ideal for competitive gaming where space and noise are considerations.
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