Varmilo VA108M Chicken Dinner vs Vortex Multix 104Wired Theme vs Wireless Modding
Choose the Vortex Multix 104 for modern features like wireless connectivity and hotswap sockets, or the Varmilo VA108M for a distinct themed aesthetic with a simpler wired setup.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VA108M Chicken Dinner
Wired Theme
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 100% boards under $150.
- Features distinctive themed dye-sublimated PBT keycaps with a multi-colored design.
- Includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick media control.
- Uses a Mini USB interface with a long 60-inch cable.
- 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 Modding
Build quality in the top 20% of 100% boards under $150.
- Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB-C wired.
- Hot-swappable sockets compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
- Fully programmable with QMK and VIA firmware support.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
For most users, the Vortex Multix 104 is the more forward-thinking and versatile choice. Its combination of wireless freedom, hotswap capability, and deep programmability offers long-term value and customization. Only choose the Varmilo VA108M Chicken Dinner if its specific themed aesthetic is a primary deciding factor and you are committed to its pre-soldered Cherry MX switches and wired-only operation.
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 VA108M Chicken Dinner
Vortex Multix 104
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
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
- Varmilo VA108M Chicken Dinner
- Vortex Multix 104
- Performance
- 5973
- Build quality
- 4671
- Productivity
- 4789
- Customizability
- 4386
- Portability
- 4153
- 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 dominant choice for most technical and flexible use cases, winning in Gaming, Office, Programming, Travel, and Modding due to its wireless options, programmability, and hotswap design. Its explicit multi-OS support and sound-dampening features make it a strong office contender. The Varmilo VA108M's primary advantage is its distinctive themed aesthetic and included multimedia keys, leading to a tie only in Content Creation where those specific keys might be valued over the Vortex's customization potential.
Pick the Vortex Multix 104
- The Vortex Multix 104 offers wireless connectivity via 2.4 GHz for reduced cable clutter.
- It features N-key rollover for reliable simultaneous key presses.
- The listing mentions a 1.6mm non flex-cut PCB which may contribute to a consistent feel.
Varmilo VA108M Chicken Dinner vs Vortex Multix 104 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo VA108M Chicken Dinner
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 VA108M Chicken Dinner
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 VA108M Chicken Dinner vs Vortex Multix 104: your questions
Only the Vortex Multix 104 offers wireless connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz wireless modes in addition to a USB-C wired connection. The Varmilo VA108M is a wired-only keyboard.
No, the Varmilo VA108M is not hot-swappable. Its Cherry MX switches are soldered to the PCB. Changing them would require desoldering and soldering new switches, which is a more advanced modification.
The Vortex Multix 104 listing shows availability with a wide range of switches, including Gateron G Pro 3.0 variants (Brown, Yellow, Silver, White) and many Cherry MX switches (Black, Brown, Red, Blue, Clear, White, Speed Silver, and Silent Red).
Yes, the Vortex Multix 104 is programmable using the VIA software, and it also has QMK support. This allows for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer configuration without proprietary software.
The Vortex Multix 104 is likely better for a quiet office. Its product description specifically mentions multiple sound-dampening materials like latex plate foam, IXPE switch pads, a PET pad, and a silicone absorbing pad. You can also install silent switches into its hotswap sockets.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine. The Varmilo uses dye-sublimated themed keycaps, while the Vortex uses Cherry-profile, double-shot PBT keycaps in a white, pink, and green color scheme.
The Varmilo vendor listing only explicitly states Windows compatibility. The Vortex Multix 104 listing explicitly confirms compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
In wireless mode, the Vortex Multix 104 is powered by 2 AA batteries. The product listing does not mention a built-in rechargeable battery, so you will need to replace or recharge the AAs.
According to the Vortex product description, it offers three typing angles adjustable via two-stage feet: 6 degrees, 7 degrees, and 11 degrees.
The Varmilo VA108M Chicken Dinner includes multimedia keys. The Vortex Multix 104 product listing explicitly states it does not have multimedia keys, though you could program similar functions onto other keys using VIA.
The Varmilo VA108M uses a plastic plate. The Vortex Multix 104 uses an FR4 plate, which is a fiberglass material known for providing a specific, often more flexible, typing feel.
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