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Compare Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody vs VA108 CMYK V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two full-size Varmilo keyboards, the APT108 Sea Melody and the VA108 CMYK V2. Both are 100% ANSI layouts with PBT keycaps, but they differ significantly in connectivity and features. The decision is hard because both come from the same trusted brand, yet one offers modern convenience while the other sticks to a simpler, classic formula. The APT108 Sea Melody offers a wireless upgrade path and flexibility, while the VA108 CMYK V2 is a straightforward wired option.

75
Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
VARMILO CMYK 108keys Wired EC SWITCH V2 Keyboard

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  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 84.7
  • Build Quality: 63.5
  • Productivity: 84.6
  • Customizability: 79.8
  • Portability: 53.1
Scores
  • Performance: 42.1
  • Build Quality: 38.1
  • Productivity: 48.8
  • Customizability: 42.7
  • Portability: 42.1
Name
Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody
Name
Varmilo VA108 CMYK V2
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, 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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
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
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

For the vast majority of users, the Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody is the better choice. Its wireless capabilities, hotswap PCB, and VIA support provide significant flexibility and modern features that the VA108 CMYK V2 lacks. Only choose the VA108 CMYK V2 if you absolutely need a simple wired keyboard and do not plan to modify switches or remap keys. The APT108 Sea Melody offers a more versatile and future-proof package for a similar price.

Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody

  • +Tri-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • +Hotswap PCB allows changing switches without soldering.
  • +VIA support for custom key mapping and macros.
  • +Double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter typing experience.
  • +1000 Hz polling rate when used wired.
  • −Full-size layout makes it less portable than smaller form factors.
  • −RGB is north-facing which may not be compatible with all aftermarket keycaps.
  • −Plastic plate and ABS case may not feel as premium as metal options.

Varmilo VA108 CMYK V2

  • +Available with a variety of switch types including Clicky, Tactile, and Linear.
  • +Simple wired USB-C connection with no need to charge batteries.
  • +PBT keycaps are durable and resistant to shine.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility.
  • −Does not feature a hotswap PCB, making switch changes difficult.
  • −Lacks VIA or software support for key mapping or macros.
  • −No sound dampening features mentioned, likely a louder typing experience.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo APT108 Sea Melody consistently outperforms the VA108 CMYK V2 across all use cases, primarily due to its wireless connectivity, hotswap PCB, and VIA support. For gamers, the higher polling rate and NKRO are clear advantages. Office and programming users benefit from the quieter sound dampening and customization features. Modders will appreciate the hotswap socket and flex cut PCB, while travelers and content creators will find the wireless freedom and multimedia keys valuable. The VA108 CMYK V2, being a simpler wired keyboard, does not offer any clear advantage in these scenarios.

GamingVarmilo APT108 Sea Melody
  • •Supports 1000 Hz polling rate when wired, per vendor details.
  • •Offers hotswap PCB for easily swapping switches to preferred gaming switches.
  • •Includes N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for accurate simultaneous keypresses.
  • •Wireless modes (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1) provide flexibility for desk setup.
OfficeVarmilo APT108 Sea Melody
  • •Tri-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz) allows easy switching between devices.
  • •Double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter typing experience.
  • •Mac/Win support as stated in metadata, suiting mixed-OS office environments.
  • •Preset multimedia keypress combinations for quick volume and playback control.
ProgrammingVarmilo APT108 Sea Melody
  • •VIA support allows for custom key mapping and macro creation.
  • •Full-size layout with a dedicated number row and numpad for data entry.
  • •Hotswap PCB enables testing different switch types for preferred feel.
TravelVarmilo APT108 Sea Melody
  • •Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1 eliminates the need for a cable on the go.
  • •3-way cord channel for tidy cable management when used wired.
  • •Multi-device pairing capability implied by Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz options.
ModdingVarmilo APT108 Sea Melody
  • •Hotswap PCB allows easy switch swapping without soldering.
  • •Double-layer silicone sound absorption provides a foundation for sound customization.
  • •Flex cut PCB, as noted in the vendor description, offers potential for a softer typing feel.
  • •VIA compatibility enables deep firmware-level customization without coding.
Content CreationVarmilo APT108 Sea Melody
  • •VIA support for mapping shortcuts to editing software.
  • •Full-size layout includes a numpad useful for numeric input in video or audio timelines.
  • •Preset multimedia keys for quick playback control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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