Varmilo VA108M vs VA108M R2RGB Backlighting vs Updated Design
Choose the original VA108M for RGB lighting and more switch choices, or the R2 for its updated aesthetic and thick keycaps.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VA108M
RGB Backlighting
- Includes RGB backlighting for customizable lighting effects.
- Available with a wider selection of Cherry MX switch types, including tactile, linear, silent, and clicky.
- Explicitly lists N-Key Rollover (NKRO) as a feature for reliable simultaneous key presses.
- Lacks the thick PBT keycaps mentioned for the R2 model.
- Vendor description states it does not have dedicated multimedia keys.
- Offers an older colorway design compared to the updated R2.
Get the
Varmilo VA108M R2
Updated Design
- Features an updated Panda colorway for a modern aesthetic.
- Vendor listing specifies the use of thick dye-sub PBT keycaps.
- Includes multimedia controls integrated into the function row.
- No RGB backlighting option is available.
- Switch options appear more limited, with only tactile switches confirmed in the metadata.
- Does not explicitly list N-Key Rollover in its provided features.
Your choice hinges on prioritizing features over aesthetics. Select the Varmilo VA108M if RGB lighting, a wider switch selection, and confirmed NKRO are important to you. Opt for the VA108M R2 if you prefer a modern Panda design, thick PBT keycaps, and a keyboard without RGB. For all other practical purposes, they are nearly identical.
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
Varmilo VA108M R2
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Tactile
Backlight
White
None
N-key rollover
Yes
No
- Varmilo VA108M
- Varmilo VA108M R2
- Performance
- 6644
- Build quality
- 4646
- Productivity
- 5247
- Customizability
- 5248
- Portability
- 4242
- Layout size: 100%
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Plate material: Plastic
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The original VA108M has a slight edge for gaming due to its RGB lighting and broader switch selection. The R2 version is better suited for office environments with its subdued lighting and modern Panda aesthetic. For programming, travel, modding, and content creation, the keyboards are functionally equivalent, making the decision purely about visual preference and specific feature needs like lighting.
Pick the Varmilo VA108M
- The VA108M offers RGB backlighting, which can be useful in low-light gaming setups.
- It lists N-Key Rollover as a feature, ensuring all key presses are registered simultaneously.
- It is available with a wider variety of switch types, including linear and silent options favored by some gamers.
Varmilo VA108M vs VA108M R2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 15 specs differ
Varmilo VA108M
Varmilo VA108M R2
Switch options
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Varmilo VA108M vs VA108M R2: your questions
The primary differences are lighting and design. The original VA108M offers RGB backlighting, while the R2 has no RGB and features an updated Panda colorway. The R2's vendor description also highlights its thick dye-sub PBT keycaps.
The product listings show a discrepancy. The metadata for both lists 'Multi-Media Keys' as a feature. However, the vendor description for the original VA108M explicitly states 'Multimedia Keys: No,' while the R2 description says it has 'Multimedia controls in F Row.'
No. The vendor descriptions for both keyboards clearly state 'Hotswap: No.' This means switches are soldered to the PCB and cannot be changed without desoldering equipment.
They should offer a very similar typing experience as both use plate-mounted Cherry MX switches and PBT keycaps. The R2's mention of 'thick' PBT keycaps might provide a slightly more substantial feel, but this is a subtle difference.
Yes. According to the vendor descriptions, both the Varmilo VA108M and VA108M R2 are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Both keyboards use dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. The vendor listing for the R2 specifically describes them as 'Thick Dye Sub PBT keycaps,' while the original VA108M listing does not specify thickness.
Yes. Both are full-size (100%) keyboards, which includes a standard 104-key layout plus 4 additional keys, incorporating a dedicated number pad.
The original VA108M lists more switch type options in its metadata, including tactile, linear, silent, and clicky varieties. The R2's metadata only lists tactile switches, suggesting a more limited selection.
No. The connectivity for the VA108M is listed as 'Wired only.' There is no mention of wireless or Bluetooth functionality for either model in the provided information.
The vendor description for the original Varmilo VA108M specifies a cord length of 48 inches. A cable length is not provided for the R2 model in the available information.
Yes. Both keyboards use a standard ANSI layout and Cherry MX style switches, which means they are compatible with the vast majority of aftermarket keycap sets designed for mechanical keyboards.
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