Varmilo VPE108 vs Vortex Multix 104Backlight vs Firmware Choice
Choose the Vortex Multix 104 for deep firmware customization and superior acoustics, or the Varmilo VPE108 for a simpler setup with white backlighting.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VPE108
Backlight
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 100% boards under $150.
- Features a white LED backlight for low-light typing.
- Includes dedicated multimedia keys for media control.
- Offers a 3-way cord channel for left, right, or middle cable routing.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- 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
Firmware Choice
Build quality in the top 20% of 100% boards under $150.
- Fully programmable with QMK and VIA firmware support.
- Extensive acoustic tuning with latex foam, IXPE pads, PET pad, and silicone.
- Supports multiple layouts including ANSI, ISO, and split Backspace.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want to deeply customize your typing experience, from key mappings to sound, the Vortex Multix 104 is the superior platform. If you prefer a keyboard that works well out of the box with backlighting and media controls, and you don't plan on using advanced firmware, the Varmilo VPE108 is the more straightforward option. Both are competent full-size wireless boards.
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 VPE108
Vortex Multix 104
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Backspace
Case material
Plastic
ABS
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Varmilo VPE108
- Vortex Multix 104
- Performance
- 7573
- Build quality
- 5371
- Productivity
- 7889
- Customizability
- 6386
- Portability
- 5353
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Vortex Multix 104 is the clear choice for programming and modding due to its open firmware support and sophisticated internal foam. The Varmilo VPE108 takes a slight edge for gaming and content creation thanks to its multimedia keys and backlighting. For office use and travel, the keyboards are evenly matched, offering similar core wireless functionality in a large form factor.
Pick the Varmilo VPE108
- The Varmilo VPE108 includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick audio adjustments.
- It features a white LED backlight for visibility in low-light environments.
- Both keyboards offer N-key rollover and similar connectivity options.
Varmilo VPE108 vs Vortex Multix 104 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 21 specs differ
Varmilo VPE108
Vortex Multix 104
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
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 VPE108
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 VPE108 vs Vortex Multix 104: your questions
The Vortex Multix 104 is far superior for customization. It supports both QMK and VIA, which are open-source firmware tools that allow you to remap every key, create complex macros, and adjust lighting layers. The Varmilo VPE108 does not support these firmware options.
No, the Varmilo VPE108 does not have RGB lighting. According to the vendor description, it features a white LED backlight. The Vortex Multix 104 has no backlighting at all.
The Vortex Multix 104 explicitly states its hotswap sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The product listing for the Varmilo VPE108 does not specify which pin configurations its hotswap PCB supports.
Based on their designs, the Vortex Multix 104 likely has better acoustic dampening out of the box. Its vendor description lists multiple foam layers including latex plate foam, IXPE switch pads, a PET pad, and a silicone pad. The Varmilo uses a double-layer silicone sound absorption system. A user review also noted the Vortex with Cherry Red switches was not too loud for an office.
The Varmilo VPE108 does not specify its battery type. The Vortex Multix 104 specifically states its wireless mode is powered by 2x AA batteries, meaning it does not have an internal rechargeable battery pack.
The Varmilo VPE108 uses a proprietary Varmilo keycap profile. The Vortex Multix 104 uses Cherry profile keycaps, which are a very common and popular profile in the mechanical keyboard community.
The Varmilo VPE108 uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. The Vortex Multix 104 uses doubleshot PBT keycaps. Doubleshot legends typically don't wear off, while dye-sub offers durable, often sharper legends on dark keys.
The Vortex Multix 104 supports significantly more physical layouts. It is compatible with ANSI, ISO, split Backspace, split right Shift, 7u spacebar, stepped Capslock, and Tsangan layouts. The Varmilo VPE108 is listed as ANSI only.
Yes, a user review specifically mentions the Vortex Multix 104 is "great for gaming." It has N-key rollover and low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless, which are important for gaming. However, it lacks dedicated media keys and backlighting, which some gamers prefer.
The Varmilo VPE108 offers a choice between an aluminum plate or a plastic plate. The Vortex Multix 104 uses an FR4 plate, which is a fiberglass material known for providing a specific typing feel and sound.
Yes, both keyboards offer adjustable typing angles. The Varmilo VPE108 has a 2-step kickstand. The Vortex Multix 104 offers three typing angles (6°, 7°, 11°) via its two-stage feet.
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