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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo MA21M vs VB21M NumpadWired vs Wireless Comparison

Choose the MA21M for a wired, backlit desktop accessory or the VB21M for wireless freedom and Cherry MX switch options.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo MA21M

Wired

Build quality in the bottom 30% of Numpad boards under $50.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Get the

Varmilo VB21M Numpad

Wireless Comparison

Build quality in the bottom 20% of Numpad boards under $50.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Bottom line

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.

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 MA21M

Varmilo VB21M Numpad

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    Plastic

    ABS

  • Switch options

    Clicky

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

  • Backlight

    White

    None

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

  • Media keys

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo MA21M
  • Varmilo VB21M Numpad
Performance
61
44
Build quality
50
48
Productivity
52
46
Customizability
55
43
Portability
68
82

What they share

  • Layout size: Numpad
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

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.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo 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.

Full specs

Varmilo MA21M vs VB21M Numpad specs

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

7 of 16 specs differ

Varmilo MA21M

Varmilo VB21M Numpad

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Layout

Layout size

Numpad
Numpad

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth

Battery

Wired only
2 mAh

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
ABS

Plate material

Plastic
—

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

White
None

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2023

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.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Varmilo MA21M vs VB21M Numpad: your questions

No, the Varmilo VB21M is not rechargeable. According to the product listing, it requires 2 AAA batteries which are not included. The listing also specifies it does not have a lithium battery.

No, the Varmilo MA21M is a wired-only numpad. Its connectivity is listed as wired only, and it comes with a 60-inch detachable cable.

The Varmilo MA21M has white LED backlighting. The Varmilo VB21M does not have any RGB or single-color backlighting according to its specifications.

The Varmilo VB21M is available with genuine Cherry MX switches. The vendor listing specifies options for Cherry MX Brown (tactile), Red (linear), and Silent Red switches.

No, the Varmilo MA21M does not have hot-swap sockets. The vendor characteristics list explicitly states 'Hotswap: No' for this model.

Both numpads feature thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps according to their vendor descriptions. This suggests a similar level of durability and print quality for the key legends.

Both the Varmilo MA21M and VB21M are listed as Mac compatible. The choice depends on other factors: the VB21M offers wireless convenience, while the MA21M offers a backlit, wired experience.

The Varmilo MA21M uses a plastic case, while the VB21M uses an ABS case according to the material specifications. The VB21M is also part of the 'Sea Melody' colorway.

Yes, the vendor listing for the Varmilo MA21M explicitly includes Linux in its compatibility list alongside Windows and Mac.

The Varmilo VB21M does not have a charging function or a wired connection port. It is a wireless-only device powered solely by 2 AAA batteries.

The Varmilo MA21M includes multimedia keys. The vendor characteristics list confirms 'Multimedia Keys: Yes' for the MA21M. This feature is not mentioned for the VB21M.

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