Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VPT108 YakumoCompact vs Full-Size Choice
Choose the Minilo98 Pro for a compact, mod-friendly layout and advanced firmware, or the VPT108 Yakumo for a dedicated full-size layout with simpler construction.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Compact
Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $200.
- Compact 98% layout saves 20% space while keeping the numpad.
- Gasket mount construction with polycarbonate plate and multiple foam layers for sound and feel.
- Full QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macros.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Varmilo VPT108 Yakumo
Full-Size Choice
Build quality in the top 45% of 100% boards under $200.
- Standard 108-key full-size layout with dedicated media keys.
- Features an aluminum plate for a rigid typing feel.
- Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption according to the vendor.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is the recommended choice for most users seeking a modern, feature-rich keyboard. Its space-efficient layout, superior gasket-mount construction, and extensive QMK/VIA customization offer greater long-term value and a better typing experience. Only choose the VPT108 Yakumo if you are certain you need a full-size layout with every key dedicated and prefer a more traditional, rigid plate-mounted build.
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 VPT108 Yakumo
Layout size
98%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Case material
Copper, Metal, Plastic
ABS
Switch options
Silent
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Plate Mount
- Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- Varmilo VPT108 Yakumo
- Performance
- 8576
- Build quality
- 8156
- Productivity
- 8864
- Customizability
- 8966
- Portability
- 5551
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Minilo98 Pro is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its compact layout, advanced firmware, and gasket-mounted construction. The VPT108 Yakumo is the straightforward pick for content creators or anyone who prioritizes a traditional full-size layout with dedicated keys. For general office use, both are competent, with the choice boiling down to layout preference and specific needs like Mac compatibility.
Pick the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
- The Minilo98 Pro offers a 1ms ultra-low latency claim on its 2.4 GHz and wired modes according to its vendor page.
- Its gasket mount with plate Poron foam, PCB Poron foam, and bottom silicone may provide a more consistent typing feel.
- The compact 98% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements while retaining a numpad.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VPT108 Yakumo specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 25 specs differ
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo VPT108 Yakumo
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockShips to you
Varmilo VPT108 Yakumo
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs VPT108 Yakumo: your questions
The Minilo98 Pro is a 98% layout keyboard, which Varmilo claims saves 20% space compared to a normal full-size board while retaining the numpad. The VPT108 Yakumo is a standard full-size 108-key keyboard, which includes a full numpad and navigation cluster in a larger footprint.
Yes, both the Minilo98 Pro and the VPT108 Yakumo offer triple-mode connectivity. They can connect via wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless. The Minilo98 Pro vendor page specifies Bluetooth 5.0, while the VPT108 listing mentions Bluetooth 5.1.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to change switches without soldering. The Minilo98 Pro vendor page states it supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The VPT108 Yakumo's vendor listing shows compatibility with Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron, and Varmilo switches.
The Minilo98 Pro is superior for customization. It supports both QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for deep key remapping, layer creation, and macro programming. The VPT108 Yakumo's vendor description does not mention QMK or VIA support, relying on preset multimedia key combinations instead.
The Minilo98 Pro uses a gasket mount system with a polycarbonate plate and multiple foam layers for a softer, more cushioned typing feel. The VPT108 Yakumo uses a traditional plate mount system with an aluminum plate, which typically provides a more rigid and direct feedback.
The Minilo98 Pro explicitly supports Mac OS. Its vendor page states you can switch between Win and Mac systems with a key combination, and it includes two additional keys and four Mac OS keycaps. The VPT108 Yakumo's vendor listing only confirms Windows compatibility.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine over time. The Minilo98 Pro uses Cherry profile, 1.5mm thickened dye-sub PBT keycaps. The VPT108 Yakumo uses thick dye-sub PBT keycaps with a Varmilo profile.
Both keyboards include sound dampening features. The Minilo98 Pro has a more complex setup with plate Poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, PCB Poron foam, and bottom silicone. The VPT108 Yakumo vendor description mentions a double-layer silicone sound absorption system.
Yes, according to its vendor page, the Minilo98 Pro includes extra keycaps. For ISO layouts, it comes with replacement keycap sets for 12 additional European languages. It also includes Mac OS keycaps for ANSI layouts.
Both keyboards support a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode. For wireless, the Minilo98 Pro vendor page claims 1000 Hz on its 2.4 GHz mode. The VPT108 Yakumo vendor listing specifies its polling rates vary by mode: 1000 Hz wired, 250 Hz on 2.4 GHz, and 133 Hz on Bluetooth.
The provided metadata lists the Minilo98 Pro at 1000g (1 kg). The VPT108 Yakumo's weight is not specified in the metadata, so a direct comparison cannot be made. The Minilo98 Pro's weight includes its metal inlay frame and internal components.
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