KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Varmilo Minilo HE vs Muse65 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Varmilo's two wired Hall Effect keyboards. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a more complete 75% layout with immediate access to function keys, or a denser 65% form factor with a premium metal build. Both share core high-performance features like 8000Hz polling, rapid trigger, and adjustable magnetic switches, making the layout and construction the key differentiators.

67
Varmilo Minilo75 HE Mendozae Keyboard
70
Muse65 HE

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-SW, ISO layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1200 g
  • Sized at 19 x 312 x 112 mm
  • Made with a Metal, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 94.5
  • Build Quality: 55.3
  • Productivity: 78.8
  • Customizability: 64.9
  • Portability: 67.4
Scores
  • Performance: 96.2
  • Build Quality: 68.4
  • Productivity: 68.9
  • Customizability: 61.1
  • Portability: 73
Name
Varmilo Minilo HE
Name
Varmilo Muse65 HE
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Magnetic
Switch Options
Clicky, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-SW, ISO
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 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
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Metal, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
19 x 312 x 112 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1200g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you use function keys regularly for work or shortcuts, the Varmilo Minilo HE's 75% layout is the practical pick. If desk space is at a premium and you prefer a dense, heavy keyboard with a premium metal build, the Varmilo Muse65 HE is the better option. Both deliver identical high-end gaming performance.

Varmilo Minilo HE

  • +75% layout includes a dedicated function row and arrow keys for fewer layer presses.
  • +Includes sound-absorbing layers with two poron foams and a silicone anechoic sheet.
  • +Hot-swappable magnetic PCB supports adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 4.0mm.
  • +Uses Cherry profile, double-shot PBT keycaps for durability.
  • −Uses a tray mount design, which may offer a less consistent typing feel than other mounts.
  • −Lacks the full metal case construction found on the Muse65 HE.
  • −Larger footprint than a 65% keyboard, taking up more desk space.

Varmilo Muse65 HE

  • +Built with a fully CNC machined metal case for a premium, sturdy feel.
  • +More compact 65% form factor (312mm x 112mm) saves desk space.
  • +Features a 7-degree typing angle and a substantial 1200g weight for stability.
  • +Offers multiple themed designs with matching driver UI interfaces.
  • −65% layout lacks dedicated function keys, requiring the use of a function layer.
  • −The 1200g weight, while premium, makes it less portable despite its smaller size.
  • −Some user reviews mention frustrations with the HE driver software's limitations.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Minilo HE wins for office work, programming, and content creation due to its more expansive 75% layout with a function row. The Muse65 HE is the better choice for saving desk space, though its heft limits true portability. For core gaming performance and hardware modding potential, the keyboards are effectively tied, sharing identical Hall Effect technology, polling rates, and driver software.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer an 8000Hz polling rate and latency as low as 0.2ms.
  • •Both support Rapid Trigger and Dynamic Keystroke functions via the Varmilo HE Driver.
  • •Both feature hot-swappable PCBs for magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points.
OfficeVarmilo Minilo HE
  • •The Minilo HE's 75% layout includes a dedicated function row, useful for shortcuts in productivity software.
  • •Its 81-key layout provides direct access to arrow keys and navigation cluster without layers.
  • •Both have sound-dampening foam, but the Minilo's larger layout may offer more key flexibility for office macros.
ProgrammingVarmilo Minilo HE
  • •The dedicated function row (F1-F12) on the Minilo HE is valuable for IDE shortcuts and debugging.
  • •The inclusion of arrow keys and additional navigation keys reduces reliance on function layers during coding.
  • •Both use Cherry profile PBT keycaps, which are durable for frequent typing.
TravelVarmilo Muse65 HE
  • •The Muse65 HE has a smaller 65% footprint (312mm x 112mm) compared to the Minilo's 75% size.
  • •Its listed weight of 1200g, while substantial, comes in a more compact form factor for bag storage.
  • •Both are wired-only, so portability is purely about desk space, not battery life.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs compatible with magnetic (Hall Effect) switches.
  • •Both use an aluminum plate and include sound-dampening materials like poron foam and silicone sheets.
  • •Both require the same Varmilo HE Driver for firmware and key calibration, offering similar software customization.
Content CreationVarmilo Minilo HE
  • •The 75% layout of the Minilo HE provides more readily accessible keys for video editing shortcuts without layer switching.
  • •The extra keys can be mapped to macro functions for software like Photoshop or DaVinci Resolve.
  • •Both support N-key rollover and full customization via the HE driver for creating complex input profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

77
$139
VA80 Hygge
Varmilo VA80 Hygge
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case

96
$169
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

89
$129
Keychron K8 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K8 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

83
$100
Keychron K2 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K2 QMK V3
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

66
$160
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
HE,
Plate Mount

81
$100
NuPhy Halo65 HE - Magnetic Coral
Nuphy Halo65 HE
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

83
$145
Minilo75 Pro
Varmilo Minilo75 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount