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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.

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63
Sword68
64
Varmilo Sword68 Ariel Aluminum 65% Hotswap Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Silent switch options
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1500 g
  • Sized at 19 x 110 x 340 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 44.4
  • Build Quality: 61.3
  • Productivity: 68.3
  • Customizability: 60.7
  • Portability: 88.8
Scores
  • Performance: 58
  • Build Quality: 63.5
  • Productivity: 69.1
  • Customizability: 61.5
  • Portability: 89.3
Name
Varmilo Sword68
Name
Varmilo Sword68 Ariel
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Silent
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
19 x 110 x 340 mm
Dimensions
-
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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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