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Compare Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora vs Vortex Multix 104 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium full-size wireless keyboards. The Varmilo VA V2 Aurora offers a distinct aesthetic with white backlighting and multimedia keys, while the Vortex Multix 104 prioritizes deep customization with hotswap sockets and QMK/VIA firmware. The decision is difficult because both support multiple switch types and wireless connectivity, but their core philosophies diverge significantly on user control versus out-of-box features.

Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora Bluetooth White LED Mechanical Keyboard
83
Vortex Multix 104 VIA Summer Hotswap Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, White, North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Offers Split Backspace ergonomics
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.4
  • Build Quality: 49.4
  • Productivity: 70.7
  • Customizability: 52.5
  • Portability: 51.1
Scores
  • Performance: 73.5
  • Build Quality: 70.4
  • Productivity: 89.1
  • Customizability: 87.4
  • Portability: 53.6
Name
Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora
Name
Vortex Multix 104
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Split Backspace
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
White, North-face
Backlight
 
North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority should dictate the choice. If you want a keyboard you can deeply modify, reprogram, and tune for sound and feel, the Vortex Multix 104 is the superior platform despite its lack of lighting. If you prefer a ready-to-use keyboard with backlighting, multimedia controls, and a quieter stock configuration, and do not plan to change switches, the Varmilo VA V2 Aurora is the more appropriate option. Consider current availability, as the Multix was listed as out of stock at the time of comparison.

Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora

  • +Includes white LED north-facing backlighting for visibility.
  • +Features dedicated multimedia keys for media control.
  • +Uses thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps for durability.
  • +Has sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate for dampening.
  • +Offers cable routing grooves on the bottom case for left, right, or center exit.
  • −Lacks hotswap capability, requiring soldering to change switches.
  • −No support for advanced firmware customization like QMK or VIA.
  • −User reviews indicate potential Bluetooth interference when backlighting is enabled.
  • −Case material is listed as plastic, which may feel less premium than other constructions.

Vortex Multix 104

  • +Features 5-pin hotswap sockets for easy switch replacement.
  • +Fully programmable with QMK and VIA firmware support.
  • +Includes extensive acoustic foams: latex plate foam, IXPE switch pads, PET pad, and silicone pad.
  • +Supports multiple layouts including ANSI, ISO, and split Backspace.
  • +Offers triple connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • −Lacks any form of backlighting or RGB.
  • −Does not include dedicated multimedia keys.
  • −Wireless mode is powered by 2x AA batteries instead of a rechargeable internal battery.
  • −The vendor listing currently shows it as out of stock.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Vortex Multix 104 is the clear choice for users who value customization, whether for gaming with a 2.4 GHz dongle, programming with QMK/VIA, or modding with its hotswap design and acoustic foams. The Varmilo VA V2 Aurora caters to office and content creation users who prefer a polished, feature-complete experience with multimedia keys and backlighting. For travel, both full-size keyboards present similar challenges due to their size.

GamingVortex Multix 104
  • •The Vortex Multix 104 offers a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, which is often preferred for low-latency gaming.
  • •Its hotswap capability allows for easy installation of gaming-focused switches.
  • •It features a 1.6mm non flex-cut PCB, which may contribute to a more consistent typing feel during rapid key presses.
OfficeVarmilo VA Series V2 Aurora
  • •The Varmilo VA V2 includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick volume and playback control.
  • •Its vendor description mentions sound-proof silicone pads for a quieter typing experience, which is beneficial in shared spaces.
  • •It offers white LED backlighting for low-light environments without being overly flashy.
ProgrammingVortex Multix 104
  • •The Vortex Multix 104 supports QMK and VIA for deep, on-the-fly key remapping and macro programming.
  • •It supports multiple physical layouts including ISO and split Backspace, offering flexibility for different ergonomic preferences.
  • •Hotswap sockets allow programmers to experiment with different switch types for long typing sessions.
TravelTie
  • •Both keyboards are full-size (100% layout), making them equally large and less ideal for frequent travel.
  • •Both offer Bluetooth wireless connectivity for use with laptops or tablets.
  • •Neither has a stated carrying case or specific ultra-portable design features.
ModdingVortex Multix 104
  • •The Vortex Multix 104 has 5-pin hotswap sockets, allowing easy switch changes without soldering.
  • •It features multiple acoustic foams including latex plate foam, IXPE switch pads, a PET pad, and a silicone absorbing pad.
  • •It uses a stack mounted structure and an FR4 plate, which are common modding platforms.
  • •Its PCB is explicitly listed as non flex-cut, which is a specific design choice modders consider.
Content CreationVarmilo VA Series V2 Aurora
  • •The Varmilo VA V2's multimedia keys provide direct hardware control for video editing and audio work.
  • •White LED backlighting can help with key identification in dimly lit studio environments.
  • •Its vendor description mentions cable routing grooves on the bottom for cleaner desk management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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