Varmilo Sword 2 16 vs VB21M Beijing Opera NumpadWired Aluminum vs Wireless
Choose the Sword 216 for its premium aluminum construction, or the VB21M for wireless convenience and a lower price.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo Sword 2 16
Wired Aluminum
Build quality in the bottom 35% of Numpad boards under $100.
- CNC aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
- Features a top-mount gasket structure and detachable magnetic top case.
- Includes white LED backlighting.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
Varmilo VB21M Beijing Opera Numpad
Wireless
Build quality in the bottom 25% of Numpad boards under $50.
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity for a clean setup.
- Offers a choice of genuine Cherry MX switches (Brown, Red, Silent Red).
- Uses thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Your choice hinges on whether you value premium materials or wireless freedom. Select the Varmilo Sword 216 if you want a sturdy, wired numpad with an aluminum case, gasket mount, and backlighting for a fixed desktop setup. Opt for the Varmilo VB21M if you prioritize a wireless, clutter-free desk, prefer Cherry MX switches, and want to spend less.
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 Sword 2 16
Varmilo VB21M Beijing Opera Numpad
Case material
Aluminum
ABS
Switch options
Clicky
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Backlight
White
None
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Media keys
Yes
No
- Varmilo Sword 2 16
- Varmilo VB21M Beijing Opera Numpad
- Performance
- 4344
- Build quality
- 5649
- Productivity
- 4347
- Customizability
- 5043
- Portability
- 6582
- Layout size: Numpad
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Plate material: Plastic
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The VB21M wins for office and travel use due to its wireless design and quiet switch option. The Sword 216 is better for gaming, modding, and content creation, leveraging its wired reliability, aluminum build, and unique gasket structure. For programming, the decision is neutral and comes down to a personal preference for connectivity type.
Pick the Varmilo Sword 2 16
- Wired connection avoids potential wireless latency.
- Aluminum case may provide a more stable, premium feel.
- White backlighting can aid visibility in low-light setups.
Varmilo Sword 2 16 vs VB21M Beijing Opera Numpad specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 14 specs differ
Varmilo Sword 2 16
Varmilo VB21M Beijing Opera Numpad
Switch options
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Varmilo Sword 2 16 vs VB21M Beijing Opera Numpad: your questions
No, the Varmilo Sword 216 is a wired numpad. It does not offer Bluetooth or any other wireless connectivity according to the product specifications.
No, the Varmilo VB21M requires 2 AAA batteries to operate, and the manufacturer states they are not included with the product. You will need to purchase them separately.
Neither numpad is hot-swappable based on the vendor specifications. The Sword 216 comes with soldered Varmilo EC switches, and the VB21M comes with soldered Cherry MX switches. Changing them would require desoldering.
Only the Varmilo Sword 216 has backlighting, which is a white LED. The Varmilo VB21M Beijing Opera Numpad does not have any RGB or LED backlighting.
According to the vendor listing, the Varmilo VB21M is available with genuine Cherry MX switches. The listed options are Cherry MX Brown (tactile), Cherry MX Red (linear), and Cherry MX Silent Red (linear silent).
The Varmilo Sword 216 features a CNC aluminum case, as confirmed by the vendor description. This gives it a more premium and likely heavier build compared to plastic cases.
No. The vendor characteristics for the VB21M explicitly state the interface is 'Wireless' and the keyboard cord connection is 'None (Wireless Only)'. It operates solely via Bluetooth 5.0.
The vendor description for the Sword 216 mentions a top-mount gasket structure. This is a mounting style where the plate is suspended on gaskets, which can absorb typing vibrations for a potentially softer, more consistent feel.
Yes, both numpads use standard mechanical keycaps mounted on Cherry MX-style stems. They can be removed with a keycap puller for cleaning or replacement, as is standard with most mechanical keyboards.
The Varmilo VB21M is more portable due to its wireless Bluetooth design, which eliminates the need for a cable. Its ABS plastic case may also make it lighter than the aluminum Sword 216, though exact weights are not provided.
Yes, both the Varmilo Sword 216 and the VB21M Beijing Opera Numpad are listed as compatible with macOS, according to their respective specifications.
Not sold on either?
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