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Compare Varmilo Minilo vs Minilo VXB81 Differences Side by Side

This comparison covers two Varmilo 75% keyboards that share a similar compact layout but diverge sharply in features. The standard Minilo offers hot-swap support, RGB backlighting, 2.4 GHz wireless, and a gasket mount structure. The VXB81, described by vendor MK as having an 'improved gasket mount structure,' uses a plate mount, lacks hot-swap, and offers only white LED backlighting with Bluetooth and wired connectivity. The decision comes down to whether you want the customization and connectivity options of the standard Minilo or are willing to trade those for a potentially lower price point on the VXB81.

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Minilo
Varmilo Minilo VXB81 Eucalyptus 75% Wireless White LED Keyboard

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  • Released in 2022
  • Has Silent, Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, connectivity
  • Equipped with a 3400 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1510 g
  • Sized at 37 x 326 x 144 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Silent switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Includes a No display
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 63.1
  • Build Quality: 57.3
  • Productivity: 82.8
  • Customizability: 74
  • Portability: 81.1
Scores
  • Performance: 66.6
  • Build Quality: 50.2
  • Productivity: 70.9
  • Customizability: 48.1
  • Portability: 78.1
Name
Varmilo Minilo
Name
Varmilo Minilo VXB81
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Silent, Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO
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, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
3400 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
37 x 326 x 144 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1510g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

For almost all buyers, the standard Varmilo Minilo is the better choice. Its hot-swap capability, gasket mount, RGB lighting, and 2.4 GHz wireless offer a significant advantage in flexibility, customization, and performance for a wide range of uses. Choose the VXB81 only if you find a deal that makes it considerably cheaper, or if you specifically want a switch that is not available in the standard Minilo and have no interest in upgrading components later.

Varmilo Minilo

  • +Hot-swappable PCB allows easy switch changes without soldering, confirmed by vendor page.
  • +Gasket mount structure is described by the vendor to provide a soft and cushioned typing feel.
  • +Includes 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity in addition to Bluetooth and wired, offering more flexibility.
  • +Specified with a 3400mAh battery, supporting over 20 days of use with lights off according to the vendor.
  • +RGB lighting provides more visual customization than the VXB81's white LED backlighting.
  • −May be more expensive than the VXB81 at some retailers.
  • −Plastic case with an ABS keycap set might feel less premium than metal or PBT alternatives to some users.
  • −Vendor notes that the keyboard is designed for Windows and Android, with Mac compatibility not highlighted in the same way.

Varmilo Minilo VXB81

  • +Vendor MK description touts an 'improved gasket mount structure' for typing feel.
  • +Connect up to 3 devices via Bluetooth, as noted on the vendor product page.
  • +Includes Type-Cool sound dampening and 1.5mm thick ABS keycaps according to the MK vendor listing.
  • +More affordable than the standard Minilo at typical retail prices.
  • −Lacks hot-swap support, meaning switches are soldered in and cannot be changed without desoldering.
  • −Only features white LED backlighting, not full RGB.
  • −Does not support 2.4 GHz wireless, limiting connection options to Bluetooth and wired.
  • −Uses a plate mount structure instead of a gasket mount, which may result in a different, potentially less cushioned feel.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The standard Varmilo Minilo wins or ties in every use case category due to its superior feature set. It excels in modding, gaming, and productivity scenarios where hot-swap sockets, 2.4 GHz connectivity, and a gasket mount provide clear advantages. The VXB81, while a functional 75% keyboard, lacks the hot-swap, RGB, and 2.4 GHz features that make the standard Minilo versatile across different tasks.

GamingVarmilo Minilo
  • •Supports 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, providing a more stable low-latency connection than Bluetooth alone.
  • •Features N-Key Rollover, ensuring all simultaneous keypresses register.
  • •Gasket mount structure can offer a softer, more cushioned feel preferred by some gamers.
OfficeVarmilo Minilo
  • •Offers silent switch options from the vendor, which are well-reviewed for quiet office environments.
  • •Includes sound dampening, as noted in metadata, to reduce typing noise.
  • •Large 3400mAh battery supports long wireless use with all lights off, stated as over 20 days.
ProgrammingVarmilo Minilo
  • •Hot-swappable PCB allows programmers to easily test and change switches without soldering.
  • •Gasket mount can provide a consistent and comfortable typing feel for long coding sessions.
  • •Includes a physical mode switch for easy switching between wired and wireless connections.
TravelVarmilo Minilo
  • •Offers three connectivity modes (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired), providing flexibility in different travel environments.
  • •A 3400mAh battery is specified, supporting extended use away from a power source.
ModdingVarmilo Minilo
  • •Hot-swappable PCB is the primary feature for modding, enabling easy switch experimentation without soldering.
  • •Gasket mount structure is a popular target for modification and tuning.
  • •Includes a 2.4G adapter and additional keycaps in the box, as per vendor description.
  • •RGB lighting adds another element for customization.
Content CreationVarmilo Minilo
  • •Kailh Prestige Silent switches, available as an option, are described as linear and silent, ideal for recording environments.
  • •Hot-swap capability allows creators to tailor the feel for different tasks.
  • •Vendor reviews highlight the keyboard's quiet operation for shared workspaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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