Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera vs APT108 Chang'eColorway or Silent Switch Choice
Choose based on your preferred aesthetic color scheme and whether you need a silent switch option.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera
Build quality in the top 50% of 100% boards under $200.
- Features a distinct Beijing Opera theme with red, white, and black keycaps.
- Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption for a dampened typing sound.
- Offers a 3-way cord channel for flexible cable routing.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo APT108 Chang'e
Build quality in the top 50% of 100% boards under $200.
- Features a Chang'e-themed colorway with navy, white, and grey keycaps.
- Lists 'Silent' as an available switch type for quieter operation.
- Includes the same double-layer silicone sound absorption as the Beijing Opera model.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
The Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera and Chang'e are the same keyboard in different clothing. Your choice should be guided by which color scheme you prefer on your desk. If working in a quiet environment is a top priority, the Chang'e model's listing of a silent switch variant may be the deciding factor, though switch options can vary by retailer.
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 APT108 Beijing Opera
Varmilo APT108 Chang'e
Switch options
Linear, Tactile
Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera
- Varmilo APT108 Chang'e
- Performance
- 8383
- Build quality
- 5454
- Productivity
- 7979
- Customizability
- 7172
- Portability
- 5454
- Layout size: 100%
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS
What will you mostly use it for?
The keyboards are functionally identical across most scenarios. The Chang'e model gains a slight edge for office use due to its listed silent switch option. For gaming, programming, modding, and content creation, the experience is the same. Both are poor choices for travel due to their full-size form factor.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for low latency.
- Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both have the same 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity options.
Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera vs APT108 Chang'e specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
1 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera
Varmilo APT108 Chang'e
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera vs APT108 Chang'e: your questions
The primary difference is the aesthetic theme and color scheme. The Beijing Opera model has red, white, and black keycaps, while the Chang'e model features navy, white, and grey. The Chang'e product listing also includes 'Silent' as a switch type option, which is not explicitly listed for the Beijing Opera model in the provided data.
Yes. According to the manufacturer's descriptions, both the Beijing Opera and Chang'e models feature a hot-swappable PCB. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering.
Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity. You can connect via a wired USB-C cable, a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, or Bluetooth 5.1. The vendor page notes polling rates vary by mode: 1000 Hz wired, 250 Hz for 2.4 GHz, and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.
Yes, both models feature RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs. The keycaps are made of thick PBT material with dye-sublimated legends.
Both keyboards use an ABS plastic case and a plastic plate. The keycaps are made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), which is known for its durability and resistance to shine.
Yes, but not with popular open-source tools. The vendor description states these are upgraded versions programmable with the Varmilo web application. They are not compatible with QMK or VIA firmware.
The Chang'e model may be a better candidate for quiet offices as its product listing includes 'Silent' as a switch type option. Both models also include double-layer silicone sound absorption to dampen typing noise, regardless of the switch chosen.
Both are full-size, 108-key keyboards with a standard ANSI layout. This includes a full number pad and four additional multimedia keys, as noted in the vendor description.
The provided vendor descriptions and metadata do not mention a wrist rest being included with either the Beijing Opera or Chang'e models.
Based on the specifications, they share an ABS plastic case and plate mount construction. They include features like a flex cut PCB, a two-step kickstand, and a three-way cord channel for cable management, which are positive functional details.
Based on the listed price ranges, the Chang'e model tends to be priced slightly higher than the Beijing Opera model. The final cost will depend on the retailer and specific switch option selected.
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