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Head to head ยท Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

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.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

Modern Gasket

If you want

  • 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.

And can live with

  • 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

If you want

  • 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.

And can live with

  • 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.

Bottom line

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.

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 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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
  • Varmilo VA Series V2 R1
Performance
74
71
Build quality
74
50
Productivity
88
80
Customizability
89
53
Portability
56
72

What they share

  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

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.
  • 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.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

Silent
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

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
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
โ€”

Battery

4,000 mAh
โ€”

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Copper, Metal, Plastic
Plastic

Plate material

Plastic, Polycarbonate
โ€”

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

1,000 g
โ€”

Dimensions

37 x 388 x 140 mm
โ€”

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
Yes, north-facing

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.

  • VarmiloCN

    In stock
    $155Visit
  • MechkeysCN

    In stock
    $196Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$155Visit
  • MKUS

    Out of stock
    $149Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$139Visit
  • MKUS

    Out of stock
    $139Visit

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FAQ

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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