Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VPE108 Dreams on BoardGasket vs Plate Mount Showdown
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for its superior typing feel, customization, and compact layout, or the VPE108 if you strictly need a full-size keyboard with basic hot-swap.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Gasket
- Advanced gasket mount construction with polycarbonate plate and multiple sound-dampening foams.
- Full QMK and VIA firmware support for unlimited key remapping and macros.
- Extensive ISO layout compatibility with included keycap sets for many European languages.
- Heavier at 1000g, which may reduce portability despite its compact size.
- The silent switch option may not appeal to users who prefer tactile or clicky feedback.
- More complex construction could be intimidating for first-time modders.
Get the
Varmilo VPE108 Dreams on Board
Plate Mount Showdown
- Traditional full-size 108-key layout with dedicated navigation cluster.
- Includes a 3-way cord channel for flexible cable routing.
- Hot-swappable sockets allow for basic switch customization.
- Basic plate mount design lacks the typing feel refinement of a gasket mount.
- No support for QMK or VIA firmware, limiting software customization.
- Only white LED backlighting is available, not full RGB.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the superior investment for most users, offering a premium typing experience, extensive customization, and future-proof features like QMK/VIA. Its compact layout is a smart space-saver. Only choose the VPE108 Dreams on Board if your workflow absolutely requires a full-size keyboard with a number pad and you have no plans for advanced modding or key remapping.
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 VPE108 Dreams on Board
Layout size
98%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
Plastic
Switch options
Silent
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Plate Mount
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo VPE108 Dreams on Board
- Performance
- 7555
- Build quality
- 7454
- Productivity
- 8878
- Customizability
- 8964
- Portability
- 5654
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the more versatile and capable keyboard, winning in most categories. It excels for gaming, programming, and office use due to its low-latency wireless, extensive layout support, and deep software customization. It is also the clear choice for modders. The VPE108 Dreams on Board wins only for content creation where its full-size layout with dedicated media keys is non-negotiable. For travel, both are similarly equipped with wireless, but the Minilo98 Pro's smaller footprint is offset by its heavier weight.
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, according to the vendor page.
- Its gasket mount with plate poron foam, IXPE switch pad, and PCB poron foam may offer a more consistent typing feel during rapid key presses.
- The south-facing RGB LEDs are compatible with Cherry profile keycaps without interference.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VPE108 Dreams on Board specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 25 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo VPE108 Dreams on Board
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VPE108 Dreams on Board: your questions
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 VPE108 uses a plate mount, where the plate is fixed directly to the case, resulting in a firmer and more direct feedback.
The product listing for the VPE108 states it is not QMK or VIA compatible. This suggests key remapping may not be supported through those popular, open-source tools. Any customization would be limited to what the stock firmware allows.
The Minilo98 Pro is better equipped for Mac users. Its vendor description confirms it includes extra Mac OS keycaps (Ctrl, Opt, Cmd) and a function key combination to switch the system layout between Windows and Mac. The VPE108 listing only states Mac compatibility.
Yes, both are listed as pre-built and include switches and keycaps. The Minilo98 Pro comes with PBT Cherry profile keycaps, while the VPE108 comes with PBT keycaps in a Varmilo profile.
Based on the vendor description, the Minilo98 Pro is shown with options for Kailh Prestige Silent (linear, silent) and Kailh Prestige Voice (linear, clacky) switches. The product metadata also lists a 'Silent' switch type.
The VPE108 listing does not specify a polling rate or latency figure. While it is hot-swappable and wireless, the Minilo98 Pro is the better gaming choice due to its explicitly stated 1000 Hz polling rate and 1ms latency in its 2.4GHz and wired modes.
Only the Minilo98 Pro has a specified battery capacity of 4000mAh, with the vendor claiming over 20 days of use with lights off. The VPE108's battery capacity is not listed in the provided information.
Yes, both are hot-swappable with MX-style sockets. The VPE108 product listing specifically mentions compatibility with Cherry MX Red and Brown switches. The Minilo98 Pro supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, which includes most Cherry MX switches.
Yes. The Minilo98 Pro is a 98% layout, which incorporates a condensed number pad into a compact form factor, saving about 20% space compared to a standard full-size keyboard according to its description.
The Minilo98 Pro uses a multi-layer approach with plate poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, PCB poron foam, and bottom silicone. The VPE108 uses a double-layer silicone sound absorption system, as per its product listing.
The Minilo98 Pro has south-facing RGB LEDs, and its PBT keycaps are Cherry profile, but the listing does not explicitly state if the legends are shine-through. The VPE108 has white LED backlighting with top-printed legends, which are typically not shine-through.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.