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Compare Varmilo APT108 vs APT108 R2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar Varmilo full-size wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a core feature set: triple-mode connectivity, hotswap PCBs, PBT keycaps, and sound dampening. The decision hinges on subtle differences in construction materials and software emphasis, with each model having a slight edge for different types of users.

73
Varmilo APT108 CMYK Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
68
Varmilo APT108 Panda R2 Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

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  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky switch options
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.3
  • Build Quality: 60.5
  • Productivity: 78.2
  • Customizability: 80.6
  • Portability: 54.1
Scores
  • Performance: 83.7
  • Build Quality: 55.9
  • Productivity: 79.4
  • Customizability: 72.3
  • Portability: 54.8
Name
Varmilo APT108
Name
Varmilo APT108 R2
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
100%
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
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Varmilo APT108

  • +Aluminum plate construction for a rigid typing feel.
  • +Lists a broader selection of switch types including silent and clicky.
  • +Includes north-facing RGB backlighting.
  • +Features a flex cut PCB.
  • +Hotswap PCB allows for easy switch changes.
  • −Lacks the explicitly stated software upgrade mentioned for the R2.
  • −Case is constructed from ABS plastic.

Varmilo APT108 R2

  • +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.
  • +Hotswap PCB maintains customization flexibility.
  • +Receives positive user reviews mentioning good sound and feel.
  • −Uses a plastic plate instead of aluminum.
  • −Switch type list is limited to tactile and linear, omitting silent and clicky options from the original's list.
  • −Vendor listing states it is not compatible with QMK or VIA firmware.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingVarmilo 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.
OfficeTie
  • •Both have triple-mode wireless connectivity for flexible device pairing.
  • •Both include preset multimedia keys and a full-size layout with a number pad.
  • •Each features double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter environment.
ProgrammingVarmilo APT108 R2
  • •The R2 is explicitly marketed as an 'upgraded version programmable with Varmilo web application'.
  • •Both have a standard ANSI full layout suitable for coding.
  • •Both support hot-swapping for personalized switch preferences.
TravelTie
  • •Both are full-size 108-key keyboards, which are large and not inherently portable.
  • •They share the same wireless capabilities and similar weight profiles.
  • •Neither is designed as a travel-focused board.
ModdingVarmilo APT108
  • •The APT108 features an aluminum plate, which is a popular material for its sound and feel.
  • •It lists a broader selection of pre-installed switch types including silent and clicky variants.
  • •Both have hotswap PCBs and north-facing RGB LEDs, but the aluminum plate is a more premium starting point.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both offer a full layout with dedicated media controls for efficient workflow.
  • •Programmable keys on the R2 could be an advantage for macro assignments.
  • •The consistent wireless performance and PBT keycaps are shared benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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