Varmilo VA104C vs MA Series V2 R1Full-Size vs TKL Keyboard Comparison
Choose the VA104C for a full-size layout with a calculator screen, or the MA V2 R1 for a compact, quieter TKL form factor.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VA104C
Full-Size
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 100% boards under $150.
- Includes a unique blue LED calculator screen.
- Offers a wide selection of Cherry MX switch types including linear, tactile, clicky, and silent.
- Features a full-size layout with a numpad and dedicated multimedia keys.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
TKL Keyboard Comparison
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 80% boards under $150.
- Compact TKL (80%) form factor saves desk space.
- Includes sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate for quieter typing.
- Features modern USB-C connectivity and cable routing grooves on the case.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, multimedia keys, and a calculator screen for data-heavy work, the Varmilo VA104C is the clear option. If you value a cleaner, quieter, and more space-efficient setup, the Varmilo MA Series V2 R1 with its sound-dampening and modern USB-C is the better pick. Consider your desk space and typical tasks before deciding.
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 VA104C
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
Layout size
100%
80%
Case material
ABS, Plastic
Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky
Display
Yes
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Sound dampening
No
Yes
- Varmilo VA104C
- Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
- Performance
- 6553
- Build quality
- 5150
- Productivity
- 5172
- Customizability
- 5854
- Portability
- 4259
- Connection: Wired
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The VA104C wins for gaming and content creation due to its full feature set and switch variety, while the MA V2 R1 is better for programming and travel with its compact, quiet design. For office use, it's a tie between the VA104C's utility and the MA V2 R1's consideration for shared spaces. Modding potential is limited on both, with a slight edge to the VA104C for its initial switch options.
Pick the Varmilo VA104C
- The VA104C offers a wider selection of switch types including linear and silent options preferred by many gamers.
- It features full N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- The product listing includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick audio control.
Varmilo VA104C vs MA Series V2 R1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 16 specs differ
Varmilo VA104C
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
Switch options
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Varmilo VA104C vs MA Series V2 R1: your questions
The Varmilo VA104C features a blue LED calculator screen. The MA Series V2 R1 does not have any integrated screen according to the product specifications.
No. The vendor descriptions for both keyboards explicitly state they are not hot-swappable. They are pre-built with plate-mounted switches.
The Varmilo MA Series V2 R1 is designed to be quieter. Its vendor description specifies it has sound-proof silicone pads placed between the PCB and the positioning plate to dampen typing noise. The VA104C listing does not mention any such dampening.
The VA104C uses a USB-Mini connector, as per its vendor page. The MA Series V2 R1 uses a newer USB-C connection, which the vendor notes as a standard upgrade for the V2 series.
Both keyboards feature white LED backlighting, not full RGB. The MA V2 R1 specifically mentions its LEDs are north-facing.
Yes. The product metadata for both the Varmilo VA104C and the MA Series V2 R1 lists Mac support as a feature.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The vendor descriptions specify they are dye-sublimated (dye-sub) PBT, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine.
The Varmilo VA104C offers a wider variety. Its listing includes Cherry MX Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Silver, Clear, Silent Red, and Silent Black switches. The MA V2 R1 is listed with various Varmilo EC (electrocapacitive) switch colorways, but all are of the clicky type.
No. The characteristics section of the MA V2 R1 vendor description explicitly states "Multimedia Keys: No." The VA104C does have multimedia keys.
The Varmilo VA104C is a full-size (100%) keyboard, which includes a numpad, navigation cluster, and function row. The MA Series V2 R1 is a tenkeyless (TKL or 80%) keyboard, which omits the numpad for a more compact footprint.
The provided vendor descriptions and metadata do not mention a wrist rest being included with either the Varmilo VA104C or the MA Series V2 R1 keyboard.
The Varmilo MA Series V2 R1 has dedicated cable management. The vendor description notes it has cable grooves on the bottom case to allow the cable to exit from the left, right, or middle. The VA104C listing does not mention similar features.
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