Varmilo VA104S Loong II vs Vortex Multix 104Wired vs Wireless Customization
Choose the Vortex Multix 104 for wireless flexibility and deep customization, or the Varmilo VA104S for a simpler, backlit wired experience.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VA104S Loong II
Wired
Build quality in the bottom 30% of 100% boards under $150.
- Features a limited-edition 'Loong II' colorway with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
- Includes white LED backlighting for visibility in low light.
- Has dedicated multimedia keys for media playback control.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Vortex Multix 104
Wireless Customization
Build quality in the top 20% of 100% boards under $150.
- Offers tri-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization.
- Fully programmable with QMK and VIA firmware for key remapping and layers.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
For most buyers, the Vortex Multix 104 is the recommended choice. It delivers significantly more value through its wireless options, hot-swap capability, and professional-grade programmability, often at a lower price point. Only choose the Varmilo VA104S Loong II if you are specifically drawn to its unique aesthetic and require white backlighting, and are willing to forgo wireless and customization features.
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 VA104S Loong II
Vortex Multix 104
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Backspace
Case material
Plastic
ABS
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Varmilo VA104S Loong II
- Vortex Multix 104
- Performance
- 6073
- Build quality
- 4671
- Productivity
- 4789
- Customizability
- 5386
- Portability
- 4253
- Layout size: 100%
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Vortex Multix 104 is the more versatile choice, winning in most categories due to its wireless connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and extensive programmability. It is particularly strong for programming, office use, and modding. The Varmilo VA104S Loong II serves users who prefer a specific aesthetic with white backlighting and a straightforward, wired experience, tying only in content creation where its multimedia keys are a benefit.
Pick the Vortex Multix 104
- The Vortex Multix 104 offers tri-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth), providing flexibility for different setups.
- Its listing includes N-Key Rollover for full anti-ghosting.
- The Varmilo is a wired-only board, limiting placement options.
Varmilo VA104S Loong II vs Vortex Multix 104 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo VA104S Loong II
Vortex Multix 104
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Varmilo VA104S Loong II
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Vortex Multix 104
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Varmilo VA104S Loong II vs Vortex Multix 104: your questions
The Vortex Multix 104 is wireless. It connects via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz RF, or a wired USB-C cable. The Varmilo VA104S Loong II is a wired-only keyboard.
Not without soldering. The Varmilo VA104S is not hot-swappable. According to the vendor page, the hotswap field is listed as 'No'. To change switches, you would need to desolder the existing ones and solder in new ones.
No, the Vortex Multix 104 does not have any backlighting. The vendor specifications list its backlighting as 'Blank / None LED'. The Varmilo VA104S, in contrast, has white LED backlighting.
The Vortex Multix 104 is far superior for programming. It is fully compatible with QMK and VIA, which are open-source firmware tools that allow for deep key remapping, layer creation, and macro programming. The Varmilo does not offer this level of software customization.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine. The Varmilo uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, while the Vortex uses double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile.
Yes. The Vortex Multix 104 listing confirms compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The Varmilo VA104S also lists support for Mac and Windows.
The Vortex Multix 104 uses an FR4 plate. FR4 is a fiberglass composite often used in PCBs, known for providing a stiffer typing feel. The Varmilo VA104S uses a plastic plate.
The Vortex Multix 104 is likely quieter by design. Its product description highlights multiple sound-dampening materials, including latex plate foam, IXPE switch pads, a PET pad, and a silicone absorbing pad. The Varmilo's listing does not mention any specific sound-dampening features.
The Vortex Multix 104 is available with a wide variety of pre-installed switches. The listing includes options for Gateron G Pro 3.0 (Brown, Yellow, Silver, White) and numerous Cherry MX switches (Black, Brown, Red, Blue, Clear, White, Speed Silver, and Silent Red).
In wireless mode, the Vortex Multix 104 is powered by two AA batteries. It does not have an internal rechargeable lithium battery, so you will need to provide and replace the AA batteries as needed.
Yes, the Varmilo VA104S Loong II includes dedicated multimedia keys. The Vortex Multix 104, according to its vendor characteristics, does not have multimedia keys, though you could program similar functions using VIA software.
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