Varmilo APT108 vs APT108 R2Aluminum Plate vs Upgraded Software
Choose the APT108 for its aluminum plate and broader switch selection, or the R2 for its explicitly upgraded web-based programmability.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT108
Aluminum Plate
Build quality in the top 35% of 100% boards under $200.
- Aluminum plate construction for a rigid typing feel.
- Lists a broader selection of switch types including silent and clicky.
- Includes north-facing RGB backlighting.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo APT108 R2
Upgraded Software
Build quality in the top 45% of 100% boards under $200.
- Explicitly advertised as an upgraded version with a Varmilo web application for programming.
- Vendor listing confirms Linux compatibility.
- Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption and thick dye-sub PBT keycaps.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
Your choice depends on what you value more in a pre-built foundation. The original APT108 offers tangible hardware benefits with its aluminum plate and wider switch selection. The APT108 R2 shifts focus to software, promoting an upgraded web app for programmability. If you plan to mod the board or want a specific switch type, the original is the better pick. If you prioritize key remapping and macros through Varmilo's software, the R2 is the logical choice.
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
Varmilo APT108 R2
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Linear, Tactile
Plate material
Aluminum, Plastic
Plastic
Backlight
RGB, north-facing
RGB
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Varmilo APT108
- Varmilo APT108 R2
- Performance
- 8383
- Build quality
- 6055
- Productivity
- 7880
- Customizability
- 8072
- 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 APT108 takes slight leads in gaming and modding due to its aluminum plate and wider switch variety. The R2 is highlighted for programming because of its emphasis on an upgraded web-based programming application. For office use, travel, and content creation, the keyboards are effectively tied, sharing all critical features like wireless connectivity, sound dampening, and the full-size layout.
Pick the Varmilo APT108
- Both offer a 1000 Hz wired polling rate for low latency.
- The APT108's aluminum plate may provide a more rigid and consistent typing feel.
- It also lists silent and clicky switch options, which the R2 does not, offering more acoustic choices.
Varmilo APT108 vs APT108 R2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT108
Varmilo APT108 R2
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
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Varmilo APT108 vs APT108 R2: your questions
The main differences are in the plate material and software focus. The original APT108 has an aluminum plate and lists more switch types. The R2 uses a plastic plate and is marketed with an emphasis on its upgraded Varmilo web application for programming.
Yes. Both the Varmilo APT108 and the APT108 R2 feature a hot-swap PCB. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering.
Yes, both models offer triple-mode connectivity. You can use them with a wired USB-C connection, a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, or via Bluetooth.
According to the vendor descriptions, both keyboards have a 1000 Hz polling rate when used in wired mode. Wireless polling rates are lower, at 250 Hz for the 2.4 GHz connection and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.
They are equally suited. Both keyboards include double-layer silicone sound absorption pads to dampen noise. The original APT108 also lists silent switch options, which could provide an additional path to a quieter typing experience.
Yes. The R2's product description highlights it as an upgraded version programmable with the Varmilo web application. The original APT108 is also listed as programmable through Varmilo's Web Driver, but the R2's listing places more emphasis on this feature.
Both list Mac and Windows support. The vendor description for the APT108 R2 explicitly lists Linux compatibility, while this is not stated in the provided description for the original APT108.
Both keyboards come with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time compared to ABS.
The vendor description for the original APT108 specifies north-facing LEDs. The R2's description also lists north-facing switch direction, which typically means north-facing RGB LEDs as well.
The original APT108 has a slight edge for hardware modders. It starts with an aluminum plate, which is often preferred for its acoustic properties, and it features a flex cut PCB. Both boards have hotswap sockets for switch customization.
No. The vendor characteristics for the APT108 R2 explicitly state it is not compatible with QMK or VIA firmware. Programmability is handled through Varmilo's proprietary web application.
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