Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VA Series V2 R1Modern Gasket vs Classic TKL
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for modern features and customization, or the VA Series V2 for a simpler, more portable pre-built experience.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Modern Gasket
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Varmilo VA Series V2 R1
Classic TKL
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 VA Series V2 R1
Layout size
98%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Plastic
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo VA Series V2 R1
- Performance
- 7471
- Build quality
- 7450
- Productivity
- 8880
- Customizability
- 8953
- Portability
- 5672
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
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.
- 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.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VA Series V2 R1 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 VA Series V2 R1
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 VA Series V2 R1: your questions
Only the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is hot-swappable. Its product description confirms it supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, allowing for easy switch changes without soldering. The VA Series V2 is not hot-swappable, as listed in its characteristics.
No. The vendor description for the VA Series V2 only lists Bluetooth and wired (USB-C) connectivity. The Minilo98 Pro is the model that includes a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle along with Bluetooth and wired options.
Yes. The Minilo98 Pro supports QMK and VIA, which are open-source firmware tools that allow for deep key remapping, macro creation, and layer configuration. The VA Series V2 product information does not mention this capability.
Both keyboards list Mac support. The Minilo98 Pro includes specific Mac OS keycaps and a function key combination to switch between Windows and Mac layouts. The VA Series V2 also lists Mac compatibility, but without the same level of dedicated accessory support mentioned.
The Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended on rubber or silicone gaskets for a softer, more cushioned typing feel and sound. The VA Series V2 uses a traditional plate mount, where the plate is fixed directly to the case, resulting in a firmer and often louder typing experience.
Battery information is only provided for the Minilo98 Pro, which has a 4000mAh battery. The manufacturer claims over 20 days of working time with lights off. No battery specification is given for the VA Series V2 in the provided information.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps, known for durability. The Minilo98 Pro specifically uses Cherry profile, 1.5mm thick keycaps. The VA Series V2 uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, but the profile is not specified in the provided details.
The Minilo98 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support for over a dozen European languages and includes extra keycap sets. The VA Series V2, based on its listed characteristics, appears to be ANSI-only, making the Minilo98 Pro the clear choice for ISO users.
Yes, the VA Series V2 specifications list RGB with north-facing LEDs. The Minilo98 Pro also has RGB, but with south-facing LEDs, which can prevent interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps.
The VA Series V2 vendor page lists options for Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red, and Silent Red switches. The Minilo98 Pro, according to its description, comes with Kailh Prestige switches like the Silent or Voice variants, and its hot-swap nature means you can install many other switch types.
The Minilo98 Pro is marketed with features aimed at gamers, including a 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms ultra-low latency in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes. These specs, combined with N-key rollover, make it a suitable candidate for gaming where input speed is critical.
According to its tech specs, the Minilo98 Pro comes with a manual, USB-C cable, key/switch puller, 2.4GHz dongle, extra keycaps, and a dust cover. The accessory list for the VA Series V2 is not detailed in the provided information.
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