Varmilo VA Series V2 vs MA Series V2 R1Wireless Cherry MX vs Wired EC Switches
Choose the VA V2 for wireless flexibility and switch choice, or the MA V2 for its unique electrocapacitive switch feel at a lower price.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VA Series V2
Wireless Cherry MX
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 100% boards under $100.
- Dual connectivity with wired USB-C and Bluetooth for up to three devices.
- Choice of Cherry MX switches including clicky, tactile, linear, and silent variants.
- Includes dedicated multimedia keys for convenience.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
Wired EC Switches
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 80% boards under $150.
- Typically available at a lower price point than the VA V2.
- Features unique Varmilo electrocapacitive switches for a distinct typing feel.
- Shares the V2 series upgrades like the double-section kickstand and cable routing grooves.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Your decision should be driven by your need for wireless connectivity and switch preference. The VA Series V2 is the more versatile daily driver with its Bluetooth capability and broader switch selection. Opt for the MA Series V2 R1 if you specifically want to try Varmilo's electrocapacitive switches and prioritize a lower cost for a wired-only board.
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 VA Series V2
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
Layout size
100%
80%
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Plastic, Wood
Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky
N-key rollover
Yes
No
- Varmilo VA Series V2
- Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
- Performance
- 6453
- Build quality
- 5650
- Productivity
- 7272
- Customizability
- 5054
- Portability
- 5060
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The VA Series V2 wins in scenarios requiring wireless flexibility, multi-device use, or specific Cherry MX switch types, making it stronger for office, travel, and gaming. The MA Series V2's primary appeal is its unique electrocapacitive switch experience. For programming and modding, the keyboards are closely matched, sharing key features like PBT keycaps and a quiet typing design.
Pick the Varmilo VA Series V2
- Offers N-key rollover in wired mode for simultaneous key presses.
- Includes Bluetooth connectivity for flexibility.
- Available with linear Cherry MX Red switches preferred by some gamers.
Varmilo VA Series V2 vs MA Series V2 R1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 17 specs differ
Varmilo VA Series V2
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
Switch options
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Varmilo VA Series V2 vs MA Series V2 R1: your questions
The core difference is the switch technology and connectivity. The VA V2 uses Cherry MX mechanical switches and offers both wired and Bluetooth connectivity. The MA V2 R1 uses Varmilo's proprietary electrocapacitive switches and is wired-only.
No. According to vendor specifications, both the Varmilo VA Series V2 and MA Series V2 R1 are not hot-swappable. They are pre-built with plate-mounted switches.
The VA Series V2 is better suited for a quiet office. It offers silent Cherry MX switch options and includes sound-proof silicone pads for dampening. The MA V2 R1 is listed as only having clicky switch variants, which are louder.
The MA Series V2 R1 has white LED backlighting, not full RGB. The vendor description specifies it has white LEDs with north-facing placement.
Yes. The manufacturer states the VA Series V2 can connect to up to three devices wirelessly via Bluetooth, in addition to its wired USB-C connection.
Both keyboards come with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. This material is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time compared to ABS plastic.
Only the VA Series V2 includes dedicated multimedia keys. The characteristics for the MA Series V2 R1 explicitly list multimedia keys as 'No'.
Electrocapacitive switches, like those in the MA V2, are a Varmilo proprietary technology. They use a capacitive sensing method for actuation, which can offer a different feel compared to traditional mechanical Cherry MX switches found in the VA V2.
Yes. Vendor compatibility lists for both the VA V2 and MA V2 R1 indicate support for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
According to the vendor, V2 series upgrades include a standard USB-C cable, a double-section kickstand, north-facing LEDs, cable routing grooves on the bottom case, sound-dampening silicone pads, and relocated indicator lights.
No. Both are listed as Tenkeyless (TKL) form factors in their vendor descriptions, meaning they lack a dedicated number pad. This is noted as an 87-key layout for the VA V2.
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