Monsgeek M2 vs Varmilo APT108DIY Kit vs Wireless Full-Size
Choose the Monsgeek M2 for a premium, customizable typing project, or the Varmilo APT108 for a ready-to-use wireless keyboard with a full layout.
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from$149at WhatGeek
from$150at MK
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Monsgeek M2
DIY Kit
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $150.
- CNC aluminum case construction for a premium, solid feel.
- Gasket mount design with silicone gaskets and multiple foam layers (Poron, IXPE) for a soft, tuned typing experience.
- South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry profile keycaps.
- 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 APT108
Wireless Full-Size
Build quality in the top 35% of 100% boards under $200.
- Tri-mode connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Pre-built with high-quality, thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps included.
- Features a full-size 108-key layout with dedicated multimedia controls.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your priority should dictate the choice. If you want a project and value acoustic tuning with premium materials, the Monsgeek M2 is a compelling, feature-rich kit. If you need a keyboard that works immediately with wireless freedom and a full layout, the Varmilo APT108 is the practical option. Consider your willingness to assemble components versus your need for connectivity and dedicated keys.
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.
Monsgeek M2
Varmilo APT108
Layout size
96%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Aluminum
ABS
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Monsgeek M2
- Varmilo APT108
- Performance
- 8083
- Build quality
- 8760
- Productivity
- 9578
- Customizability
- 9480
- Portability
- 4654
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo APT108 is the clear choice for office work, travel, and content creation due to its wireless features, full layout, and pre-built convenience. The Monsgeek M2 excels for programming and modding, offering a compact layout with a numpad and deep customization potential. For gaming, the decision is less clear and may come down to a preference for the M2's custom acoustic profile versus the APT108's confirmed high polling rate in wired mode.
It's a tie
- Both support N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- The Varmilo APT108 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, while the M2's rate is not specified.
- The M2's gasket mount and included foam may offer a more dampened, consistent typing feel.
Monsgeek M2 vs Varmilo APT108 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 25 specs differ
Monsgeek M2
Varmilo APT108
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Monsgeek M2 vs Varmilo APT108: your questions
No, the Monsgeek M2 is sold as a DIY kit or barebones. According to the vendor listing, it includes the aluminum case, PCB, mounting plate, and screw-in stabilizers, but you must install your own switches and keycaps. It comes with the necessary tools like a keycap/switch puller.
Yes, the Varmilo APT108 lists Mac support in its specifications. Its wireless connectivity and USB-C wired connection should be compatible with modern Macs, though specific function key mappings are not detailed.
They offer different feels. The Monsgeek M2 uses a gasket mount system with Poron and IXPE foam, which aims for a softer, more cushioned keystroke. The Varmilo APT108 uses a traditional plate mount, which typically provides a firmer, more direct feedback. The feel is subjective and depends on your preference.
Yes, the Varmilo APT108 features a hot-swappable PCB. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without any soldering, as long as the switches are compatible with the MX stem and PCB pin layout.
The polling rate for the Monsgeek M2 is not specified in the provided product metadata or vendor description. It is a wired-only keyboard, but the exact Hz rating is not listed for comparison.
No, the Monsgeek M2 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via the included USB-C to USB-A coiled cable and does not offer Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
The Varmilo APT108 comes pre-built with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Varmilo profile. The keycaps are noted for their durability and resistance to shine compared to ABS plastic.
The Varmilo APT108 is more portable for most users. It offers wireless connectivity, has a lighter ABS plastic case, and is pre-built. The Monsgeek M2 is very heavy at 1.96 kg, requires a cable, and may need its keycaps removed for safe transport.
The vendor description for the Monsgeek M2 explicitly states, "Note: This version doesn't support QMK/VIA." While the metadata lists programmable keys, the specific firmware support is absent for this model according to the seller.
The Monsgeek M2 includes a Poron bottom case foam, a Poron plate foam, an IXPE switch pad, and a PET insulation layer. The Varmilo APT108 uses a double-layer silicone sound absorption system. Both aim to reduce hollow case noise and ping.
Gasket mount, used in the M2, involves suspending the plate and PCB with silicone gaskets for a softer, more flexible typing feel with dampened sound. Plate mount, used in the APT108, fixes the plate directly to the case for a firmer, more rigid feel and typically louder acoustics.
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