Compare Varmilo MA21M vs VB21M Numpad Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two Varmilo mechanical numpads with similar layouts but different core philosophies. The choice is difficult because both offer thick dye-sub PBT keycaps and pre-built quality, but diverge completely on connectivity and feature sets. Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize a reliable wired connection with backlighting or a cable-free setup with more switch choices.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Has Clicky switch options Provides dedicated media keys Features N-key rollover Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Plastic case Offers Yes, White RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky switch options Supports Bluetooth, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 2 mAh battery Made with a ABS case Offers No RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 58.5 Build Quality: 49.2 Productivity: 51.1 Customizability: 54.8 Portability: 68.2	Scores Performance: 42.9 Build Quality: 49.7 Productivity: 45.5 Customizability: 43.2 Portability: 81.4
Name	Name Varmilo MA21M	Name Varmilo VB21M Numpad
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size Numpad
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 2 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight White	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a dependable, always-on numpad with backlighting for a fixed desktop, the Varmilo MA21M is the better tool. If reducing wires and having switch options matters more, the wireless Varmilo VB21M is the logical pick. Both share Varmilo's build quality with thick PBT keycaps, making either a solid secondary input device.

Varmilo MA21M

+Wired connection with a full 60-inch cable for reliable, lag-free use.
+Includes white LED backlighting for visibility in low light.
+Features dedicated multimedia keys for added functionality.
+Offers N-key rollover for accurate simultaneous key press registration.
+Comes with Varmilo's proprietary electrocapacitive switches in themed variants.

−Wired-only design limits placement and adds cable clutter.
−Only available with clicky switch type, offering less acoustic choice.
−Lacks the wireless flexibility of its counterpart.

Varmilo VB21M Numpad

+Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for a clean, cable-free desk.
+Available with a choice of Cherry MX switches: tactile, linear, silent, or clicky.
+Designed to aesthetically match Varmilo's Sea Melody keyboard series.
+Uses standard AAA batteries, avoiding proprietary rechargeable cells.

−Requires 2 AAA batteries which are not included.
−No backlighting of any kind.
−Wireless-only with no wired fallback option.
−ABS case material may be less premium than other plastics.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo VB21M is the clear choice for mobile and office use where wireless functionality is key. The Varmilo MA21M wins for stationary, feature-focused setups like gaming desks or content creation stations due to its wired reliability and extra keys. For programming, the decision is neutral and comes down to a simple wired versus wireless preference.

GamingVarmilo MA21M

•Wired connection eliminates potential wireless latency.
•Full N-key rollover ensures all simultaneous key presses are registered.
•White LED backlighting can be useful in low-light gaming setups.

OfficeVarmilo VB21M Numpad

•Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connection reduces cable clutter on a desk.
•Available with Cherry MX Silent Red switches for quieter typing.
•Can be paired with a laptop or moved freely without cable restrictions.

ProgrammingTie

•Both have thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durability.
•Both support Windows, Mac, and Linux compatibility.
•Choice depends on personal preference for a wired or wireless peripheral.

TravelVarmilo VB21M Numpad

•Wireless-only design means no cable is needed to pack or manage.
•Compact numpad size is inherently portable.
•Bluetooth connectivity allows use with various devices on the go.

ModdingVarmilo MA21M

•Includes multimedia keys which offer additional functional components.
•The vendor lists multiple specific Varmilo EC switch variants (Ivy, Rose, Sakura, Daisy) as part of its product line.
•60-inch detachable cable provides more flexibility for aftermarket cable swaps.

Content CreationVarmilo MA21M