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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera vs VPE108 Ink RhymeRGB vs White Backlight Full-Size Keyboards

Choose the APT108 for its superior wired performance and programmable RGB, or the VPE108 for a simpler, more affordable option with white backlighting.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera

RGB

Build quality in the top 50% of 100% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Confirmed 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for responsive gaming.
  • Programmable via Varmilo web application for key remapping.
  • Full per-key RGB north-facing backlighting for customization.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Get the

Varmilo VPE108 Ink Rhyme

White Backlight Full-Size Keyboards

Build quality in the bottom 50% of 100% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Typically available at a more affordable price point.
  • Features a simpler white LED backlight for basic illumination.
  • Shares core features like triple-mode wireless and hot-swap sockets.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. For performance-focused tasks like gaming or detailed customization for content creation, the Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera is the clear pick due to its verified polling rate and programmability. If you simply need a reliable, full-size wireless keyboard with hot-swap capability and prefer a cleaner aesthetic with white lighting, the Varmilo VPE108 Ink Rhyme is a suitable and often more budget-friendly option.

What actually differs

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 VPE108 Ink Rhyme

  • Case material

    ABS

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Linear, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear, Tactile

  • Backlight

    RGB, north-facing

    White

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera
  • Varmilo VPE108 Ink Rhyme
Performance
83
75
Build quality
54
53
Productivity
79
78
Customizability
71
63
Portability
54
53

What they share

  • Layout size: 100%
  • Hall effect (magnetic)
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera holds clear advantages for gaming, programming, and content creation due to its confirmed high polling rate, programmability, and multimedia features. For office use and travel, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing core wireless and quiet-typing features. The VPE108 Ink Rhyme, with its white backlighting, is a competent alternative but lacks the performance and customization specifics of the APT108 in key scenarios.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera

  • The APT108 offers a confirmed 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
  • Its vendor page lists specific polling rates for all connection modes (1000 Hz wired, 250 Hz 2.4GHz, 133 Hz Bluetooth).
  • North-facing RGB lighting is listed, which may be preferred for certain keycap and switch combinations.

Full specs

Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera vs VPE108 Ink Rhyme specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

3 of 20 specs differ

Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera

Varmilo VPE108 Ink Rhyme

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

100%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Plastic

Plate material

Plastic
—

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
White

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Varmilo APT108 Beijing Opera vs VPE108 Ink Rhyme: your questions

The main differences are in lighting and features. The APT108 has full RGB backlighting, is programmable via a web app, and has dedicated multimedia keys. The VPE108 has white LED backlighting and its listing does not mention programmability or multimedia keys.

Yes, both the APT108 Beijing Opera and the VPE108 Ink Rhyme feature hot-swap sockets. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering, using switches with an MX stem type.

Yes, both models offer triple-mode connectivity. You can connect via a USB-C cable, a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, or Bluetooth for flexibility with multiple devices.

According to the manufacturer's listing, the APT108 has a polling rate of 1000 Hz when used in wired mode. In wireless modes, the polling rate is 250 Hz for the 2.4GHz connection and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.

The product listing for the VPE108 Ink Rhyme does not specify a polling rate. This information is only confirmed for the APT108 model.

Both keyboards are described as having double-layer silicone sound absorption inside the case to dampen typing noise. The APT108 also lists silent switch options like Kailh Prestige Silent.

The APT108 is better suited for programming. Its vendor description states it is programmable via the Varmilo web application, allowing for key remapping. The VPE108 listing does not mention any programmability features.

Yes, both the Varmilo APT108 and VPE108 are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Both keyboards come with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time compared to ABS.

Only the APT108 Beijing Opera includes dedicated multimedia keys and preset multimedia keypress combinations. The VPE108 Ink Rhyme's specifications list multimedia keys as 'No'.

A Flex Cut PCB has cuts in the circuit board designed to allow for more flex and a potentially softer typing feel. The vendor description for the APT108 confirms it has a Flex Cut PCB. The VPE108 listing also mentions a Flex Cut PCB.

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