Compare Varmilo VA108M vs VA108M R2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar full-size Varmilo keyboards. The decision is difficult because both share a core DNA of PBT keycaps, Cherry MX switches, and a full-size layout. The primary differences lie in visual design, lighting, and subtle feature updates. This guide breaks down which model suits specific user preferences and environments.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky switch options Features N-key rollover Supports , Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Plastic case Offers Yes, White RGB lighting	Has Tactile switch options Offers No RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 66.4 Build Quality: 46.1 Productivity: 52 Customizability: 52.6 Portability: 42.3	Scores Performance: 43.7 Build Quality: 46.2 Productivity: 46.2 Customizability: 47.8 Portability: 42.4
Name	Name Varmilo VA108M	Name Varmilo VA108M R2
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky	Switch Options Tactile
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection , Wired, Wired only	Connection
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight White	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Varmilo VA108M

+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.
+Comes with a 48-inch detachable cable for flexible desk setup.

−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.

Varmilo VA108M R2

+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.
+Offers a cleaner look with no RGB lighting, which some users prefer.

−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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingVarmilo 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.

OfficeVarmilo VA108M R2

•The VA108M R2's listing mentions thick dye-sub PBT keycaps, which may offer a more premium typing feel.
•Its updated Panda colorway presents a more modern, potentially professional aesthetic.
•It lacks RGB lighting, which can be a distraction or appear less professional in some office settings.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards are full-size with a standard ANSI layout, providing a dedicated numpad and navigation cluster.
•Both use dye-sub PBT keycaps for durable legends.
•Both are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

TravelTie

•Both are full-size, wired-only keyboards, making them equally impractical for frequent travel.
•Neither model offers a wireless connectivity option or a compact form factor.
•Both have similar construction with plastic cases and plates.

ModdingTie

•Neither keyboard is hot-swappable, requiring soldering to change switches.
•Both use a plate-mount style and plastic plates.
•Both are pre-built assemblies, offering the same baseline for modification difficulty.

Content CreationTie

•The full-size layout on both provides a numpad for efficient data entry and shortcut commands.
•Both lack dedicated multimedia keys, though the R2 listing mentions multimedia controls in the F-row.
•The choice depends on aesthetic preference for RGB lighting versus the R2's Panda design.