KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VA Series V2 R1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Varmilo's modern flagship and its classic refreshed series. The Minilo98 Pro offers a high-spec, customizable 98% layout, while the VA Series V2 provides a straightforward, portable TKL or full-size option. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize hot-swap capability, advanced firmware, and a gasket mount, or prefer a traditional, lighter build with simpler wireless connectivity.

87
Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo VA Series V2 Sakura R1 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Silent switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK, ISO layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 37 x 388 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Copper, Metal case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 74.8
  • Build Quality: 73.7
  • Productivity: 88.2
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 55.6
Scores
  • Performance: 71.9
  • Build Quality: 49.8
  • Productivity: 79.6
  • Customizability: 53
  • Portability: 71.1
Name
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Name
Varmilo VA Series V2 R1
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Silent
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
98%
Layout Size
100%, 80%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK, ISO
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Copper, Metal
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
37 x 388 x 140 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1000g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

For most buyers seeking a modern, customizable keyboard, the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the recommended choice due to its superior feature set, including hot-swap, gasket mount, and programmability. Opt for the VA Series V2 R1 if your primary needs are a lighter, more portable TKL keyboard for basic wireless use and you have no plans to modify switches or key mappings.

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

  • +Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes without soldering.
  • +Advanced gasket mount construction with PC plate, Poron foam, and silicone dampening.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support for limitless key remapping and macros.
  • +Includes both 2.4 GHz wireless with 1ms latency and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
  • +Extensive ISO layout support with extra keycap sets for many European languages.
  • −Heavier at 1000g, making it less portable.
  • −Higher price point compared to the VA Series V2.
  • −Complex layered design may be overkill for users who prefer a simple pre-built keyboard.

Varmilo VA Series V2 R1

  • +Available in compact 80% (TKL) and 100% layouts for space savings.
  • +Includes sound-dampening silicone pads between the PCB and plate for a quieter typing experience.
  • +Features a two-section kickstand and cable routing grooves for ergonomic setup.
  • +Simpler pre-built design with a choice of Cherry MX switches.
  • +North-facing RGB lighting is mentioned in its specifications.
  • −Lacks hot-swap capability, requiring soldering to change switches.
  • −Uses a basic plate mount instead of a gasket mount.
  • −No support for advanced firmware like QMK or VIA is indicated.
  • −Only offers Bluetooth and wired connectivity, missing a 2.4 GHz dongle option.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Minilo98 Pro is the clear choice for users who value customization, whether for gaming latency, programming macros, or modding the acoustics. It wins in most categories except travel, where the VA Series V2's more compact TKL option and simpler construction have an advantage. For general office use, both are competent, with the choice boiling down to needing ISO language support or preferring a more basic, portable design.

GamingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms latency in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
  • •It features N-key rollover for reliable multi-key presses.
  • •Its gasket mount with foam layers may provide a more consistent typing feel during extended sessions.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards offer Bluetooth and wired connectivity for multiple devices.
  • •Both include PBT keycaps for durability and Mac/Windows support.
  • •The Minilo98 Pro has extensive ISO layout support for European languages, while the VA Series V2 is simpler and potentially quieter with its sound-dampening silicone pads.
ProgrammingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro's 98% layout includes a numpad in a compact form factor, useful for data entry.
  • •It supports QMK/VIA for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •The hot-swappable PCB allows easy switch changes to tailor the typing feel.
TravelVarmilo VA Series V2 R1
  • •The VA Series V2 is available in an 80% (TKL) layout, which is more compact and portable than a 98% board.
  • •Its vendor description highlights it as a space-saving form factor.
  • •It lacks the metal inlay and complex internal foams of the Minilo98 Pro, likely making it lighter for transport.
ModdingVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro is hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • •It uses a gasket mount design with a PC plate, plate Poron foam, IXPE switch pad, and PCB foam for sound modification.
  • •Full QMK and VIA support allows for firmware-level customization.
Content CreationVarmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • •The Minilo98 Pro includes dedicated multimedia keys and extensive macro programming via QMK/VIA for shortcuts.
  • •South-facing RGB lighting is compatible with more keycap profiles.
  • •The 98% layout provides arrow keys and a numpad for timeline scrubbing and numerical input without taking up a full-sized footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

83
$145
Minilo75 Pro
Varmilo Minilo75 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

84
$119
Keychron V6 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Ultra
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

76
$139
Nuphy Air100 (ISO-DE) White
Nuphy Air100 V3
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

77
$139
VA80 Hygge
Varmilo VA80 Hygge
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case

75
$165
Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
HE,
Plate Mount

-28% off
94
$221$159
Keychron Q6 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

82
$129
Vortex Multix 104 VIA Autumn Hotswap Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Vortex Multix 104 VIA
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
Backlight,
VIA,
QMK,
Plate Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount