Compare Varmilo Sword68 vs Sword68 Ariel Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two variants of Varmilo's Sword68 series. The decision is nuanced because they share a core design, connectivity, and battery, but differ in internal construction and some component details. Understanding the impact of gasket versus plate mount, along with the specific plate and keycap materials, is key to choosing the right model for your typing preferences.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Silent switch options Weighs about 1500 g Sized at 19 x 110 x 340 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 47.5 Build Quality: 56.5 Productivity: 73.7 Customizability: 64.9 Portability: 90.3	Scores Performance: 57.6 Build Quality: 63.8 Productivity: 69.1 Customizability: 61.9 Portability: 89.3
Name	Name Varmilo Sword68	Name Varmilo Sword68 Ariel
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Silent	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face, North-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 19 x 110 x 340 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 1500g	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on the desired typing experience. Opt for the Varmilo Sword68 if you value the potential for a softer, more cushioned feel from its gasket mount and want the option to choose between different plate materials. The Sword68 Ariel is the better pick if you prefer the straightforward rigidity of a plate-mounted board and are drawn to its specific sea-themed design and documented foam insulation layers. Both are otherwise excellent, fully-featured wireless keyboards.

Varmilo Sword68

+Features a gasket mount design for a potentially more flexible typing feel.
+Offers a choice between FR4 and polycarbonate plate materials.
+Includes sound-dampening features as part of its construction.
+Uses a fully CNC-machined 6063 aluminum case.
+Keycap options include both PBT and ABS materials according to the metadata.

−The mounting style is listed as both gasket and plate mount, which may indicate a less traditional gasket implementation.
−May have a wider starting price range compared to the Ariel variant.

Varmilo Sword68 Ariel

+Specifically noted to include premium acoustic foam layers like IXPE, PET, and Poron.
+Plate mount design can offer a more consistent and rigid typing feel.
+The Ariel design features a specific aesthetic with UV-printed aluminum or glass plate weight options.
+Uses five-sided dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a JDA profile (older) or Cherry profile (newer).

−Only uses a plate mount style, lacking the gasket mount option of the standard model.
−Plate material is listed only as FR4, with no mention of a polycarbonate option.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The keyboards are tied in most practical scenarios due to their shared core features like wireless connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and compact layout. The primary differentiator is in the modding category, where the standard Sword68's gasket mount and dual plate options provide more avenues for customization. For gaming, office work, programming, travel, and content creation, either model will perform similarly based on the provided specifications.

GamingTie

•Both offer tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz for low-latency wireless.
•Both have a 65% layout that saves desk space for mouse movement.
•Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

OfficeTie

•Both support Bluetooth 5.0 for multi-device pairing.
•Both include sound-dampening features for a quieter environment.
•Both are compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

ProgrammingTie

•Both use a 65% ANSI layout with dedicated arrow keys.
•Both are hot-swappable, allowing for easy switch changes to suit typing feel.
•Both have PBT keycaps for long-lasting legends.

TravelTie

•Both have identical compact 65% form factors.
•Both feature a large 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
•Both offer wireless connectivity to reduce cable clutter.

ModdingVarmilo Sword68

•The Sword68 offers a gasket mount design, which typically allows for more flex and sound customization.
•It lists both FR4 and polycarbonate as available plate material options.
•The vendor description mentions a PCB leaf-spring gasket structure for a specific typing feel.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards offer customizable RGB lighting effects via software.
•Both include software for key macro definition, useful for shortcuts.
•The hot-swappable sockets allow tailoring switch feel for long editing sessions.