Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora vs Vortex Multix 104Hotswap vs Backlight
Choose the Vortex Multix 104 for customization and firmware support, or the Varmilo VA V2 for a backlit, multimedia-ready experience.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora
Hotswap
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 100% boards under $150.
- Includes white LED north-facing backlighting for visibility.
- Features dedicated multimedia keys for media control.
- Uses thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps for durability.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Vortex Multix 104
Backlight
Build quality in the top 20% of 100% boards under $150.
- 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.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
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.
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 Aurora
Vortex Multix 104
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Backspace
Case material
Plastic
ABS
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora
- Vortex Multix 104
- Performance
- 6673
- Build quality
- 4971
- Productivity
- 7189
- Customizability
- 5286
- Portability
- 5153
- Layout size: 100%
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Vortex 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.
Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora vs Vortex Multix 104 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora
Vortex Multix 104
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Vortex Multix 104
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Varmilo VA Series V2 Aurora vs Vortex Multix 104: your questions
The Varmilo VA V2 Aurora is designed with quietness in mind. Its vendor description specifically mentions sound-proof silicone pads placed between the PCB and the positioning plate to make the typing experience quieter. The Vortex Multix 104 has acoustic foams but is not explicitly marketed for silent operation.
No, the Varmilo VA V2 Aurora is not hotswappable. The vendor specifications list 'Hotswap: No'. To change switches on this keyboard, you would need to desolder the existing switches and solder in new ones, which requires technical skill and tools.
No, the Vortex Multix 104 does not have any backlighting. The vendor characteristics list its 'Backlighting' as 'Blank / None LED'. This is a trade-off for its extensive customization and acoustic features.
The Vortex Multix 104 has more wireless options. It supports connectivity via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless with a dongle, and wired USB-C. The Varmilo VA V2 Aurora supports Bluetooth and wired USB-C, but does not list a 2.4 GHz wireless mode.
Yes, the Vortex Multix 104 is fully programmable. It supports both QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for deep customization of key mappings, layers, and macros directly through the VIA graphical interface or QMK code.
The Varmilo VA V2 uses keycaps with a top-printed, dye-sublimated design, but the specific profile (like Cherry, OEM) is not stated in its vendor details. The Vortex Multix 104 specifically uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
Yes, both keyboards are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. This information is confirmed in the characteristics section of each vendor's product page.
The Vortex Multix 104 uses 2 AA batteries to power its wireless modes. Its vendor description explicitly states 'Wireless mode powered by 2* AA batteries'. It does not have an internal rechargeable battery.
The Vortex Multix 104 uses an ABS frame with an FR4 plate and a stack mounted structure, which is a specific design choice often associated with a solid feel. The Varmilo VA V2 uses a plastic case. The Multix also includes multiple internal foam layers for acoustics, suggesting a focus on internal construction.
Only the Varmilo VA V2 Aurora has dedicated multimedia keys. This is listed in its 'Extra Features' metadata and confirmed in the vendor characteristics. The Vortex Multix 104's vendor page lists 'Multimedia Keys: No'.
A user review for the Varmilo VA V2 mentions a specific issue where enabling the backlighting (breathing or static) causes immediate interference with the Bluetooth connection, causing the pairing to stop functioning. The reviewer notes this does not affect wired use.
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