Varmilo VBM108 vs VPE108 AuroraHotswap vs Electrocapacitive
Choose the VPE108 Aurora for easy switch customization and a quieter, more versatile typing experience, or the VBM108 for a unique electrocapacitive switch feel.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VBM108
Hotswap
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 100% boards under $200.
- Uses unique Varmilo electrocapacitive switches for a distinct typing feel.
- Features a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
- Includes detailed artwork on the keycaps and case according to the vendor.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
Varmilo VPE108 Aurora
Electrocapacitive
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 100% boards under $200.
- Hot-swappable sockets enable easy switch customization.
- Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter typing experience.
- Offers a choice of switch types: tactile, linear, or clicky.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
For most users, the Varmilo VPE108 Aurora is the more forward-looking choice. Its hot-swappable design, sound dampening, and switch variety provide greater long-term value and personalization. Only choose the VBM108 if you are specifically seeking the experience of Varmilo's proprietary electrocapacitive switches and do not plan on modifying your keyboard.
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 VBM108
Varmilo VPE108 Aurora
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Switch options
Clicky
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Sound dampening
No
Yes
Backlight
None
White, north-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
N-key rollover
Yes
No
- Varmilo VBM108
- Varmilo VPE108 Aurora
- Performance
- 5955
- Build quality
- 4554
- Productivity
- 6078
- Customizability
- 4763
- Portability
- 5154
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Case material: Plastic
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The VPE108 Aurora is the more versatile choice, winning in office, programming, modding, and content creation due to its hot-swappable design, sound dampening, and switch variety. The VBM108 takes a narrow lead for gaming due to its confirmed high polling rate. For travel, both are equally capable but bulky. The decision largely comes down to valuing the VBM108's specific electrocapacitive switch technology versus the VPE108's modern customization features.
Pick the Varmilo VBM108
- The VBM108 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for wired use.
- It features N-key rollover, which is listed in its metadata.
- The vendor description mentions preset multimedia keypress combinations for quick access.
Varmilo VBM108 vs VPE108 Aurora specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 19 specs differ
Varmilo VBM108
Varmilo VPE108 Aurora
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Varmilo VBM108 vs VPE108 Aurora: your questions
The core difference is the switch technology. The VBM108 uses soldered Varmilo electrocapacitive switches, offering a unique feel. The VPE108 Aurora uses standard MX-style switches in hot-swappable sockets, allowing for easy customization and includes sound dampening.
Yes. Both the VBM108 and VPE108 Aurora offer triple-mode connectivity. This includes Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and a wired USB-C connection, providing flexibility for different setups.
No. The VBM108 is not hot-swappable. Its electrocapacitive switches are soldered to the PCB, making switch replacement difficult and requiring desoldering equipment and skill.
The VPE108 Aurora has lighting, but it is specifically white LED backlighting with north-facing LEDs. Its product metadata lists RGB as a feature, but the vendor description clarifies it as white LEDs.
The VPE108 Aurora is likely quieter. It is explicitly built with double-layer silicone sound absorption, which dampens typing noise. The VBM108 lacks any mentioned sound dampening materials.
Yes. Both the Varmilo VBM108 and VPE108 Aurora are listed as compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems, according to their metadata and vendor characteristics.
Both keyboards use PBT plastic keycaps. The VBM108 vendor page specifies they are 1.33mm thick and dye-sublimated, while the VPE108 Aurora also uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
A flex cut PCB has intentional cuts in the circuit board to allow for more flex during typing. According to the VPE108's listing, this feature is included and can create a slightly softer, more yielding typing feel.
The VBM108 has a slight edge for gaming on paper because its metadata confirms a 1000 Hz polling rate. The VPE108 Aurora's polling rate is not specified in the provided information, though both have N-key rollover.
Yes, the keycaps should be replaceable as they use standard MX-style stems. However, the vendor description highlights detailed artwork on its stock keycaps and case, which is a distinctive feature of that specific model.
The provided information does not mention software or macro programming support for the VPE108 Aurora. Its characteristics list states it is not compatible with QMK or VIA, which are common firmware for programming.
Not sold on either?
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