Compare Varmilo VPM108 Sea Melody vs Vortex Multix 104 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two full-size mechanical keyboards at a similar price point. The choice hinges on a fundamental trade-off: the Varmilo VPM108 is a straightforward, wired-only board with a specific aesthetic and switch type, while the Vortex Multix 104 offers extensive future-proofing with triple-mode wireless, hotswap sockets, and advanced programmability. The decision is difficult because both feature PBT keycaps and sound dampening, but cater to entirely different user philosophies.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Clicky switch options Built with the ANSI layout standard Offers Normal ergonomics Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Plastic case Offers Yes, White RGB lighting	Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Offers Split Backspace ergonomics Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 53.2 Build Quality: 49.9 Productivity: 71.1 Customizability: 53.1 Portability: 44.7	Scores Performance: 73.5 Build Quality: 70.4 Productivity: 89.1 Customizability: 87.4 Portability: 53.6
Name	Name Varmilo VPM108 Sea Melody	Name Vortex Multix 104
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Split Backspace
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight White	Backlight North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, the Vortex Multix 104 is the recommended choice due to its superior flexibility. Its wireless connectivity, hotswap capability, and powerful VIA/QMK software create a keyboard that can adapt to your needs over time. Only choose the Varmilo VPM108 Sea Melody if you specifically want a simple, wired, pre-built keyboard with white backlighting and are satisfied with its fixed clicky switch type.

Varmilo VPM108 Sea Melody

+Includes white LED backlighting for visibility in dim environments.
+Features double silicone sound dampening pads for a quieter typing experience.
+Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps offer durable legends.
+A 3-way cord channel provides cable routing options from the left, right, or middle.
+Offers a 2-step kickstand for adjustable typing angles.

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement and adds cable clutter.
−Not hotswappable, locking you into its pre-soldered clicky switches.
−Lacks programmability via QMK or VIA software.
−The vendor description states it does not have multimedia keys.

Vortex Multix 104

+Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
+Hotswap sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization.
+Fully programmable with both QMK and VIA firmware support.
+Extensive acoustic treatment with latex plate foam, IXPE switch pads, a PET pad, and a silicone absorbing pad.
+Supports multiple layouts including ANSI, ISO, and split backspace.

−Lacks any form of backlighting or RGB, according to the vendor listing.
−Wireless mode relies on user-supplied AA batteries instead of a rechargeable internal battery.
−The ABS case material may be less premium feeling than other options like aluminum.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Vortex Multix 104 is the more versatile choice, winning in most categories due to its wireless options, hotswap capability, and advanced software support. It is particularly strong for programming, office use, and modding. The Varmilo VPM108's advantages are narrower, primarily offering a specific pre-built experience with white backlighting. For content creation, the choice is a tie, hinging on the user's priority between wireless operation and having backlighting.

GamingVortex Multix 104

•The Vortex Multix 104 offers wireless connectivity via 2.4 GHz for reduced cable clutter.
•It features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for reliable simultaneous key presses.
•It provides a wider selection of switch types including linear and silent options preferred by many gamers.

OfficeVortex Multix 104

•Wireless Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity allow for a cleaner desk and easy device switching.
•Switch options include silent variants to reduce noise in shared spaces.
•The split backspace and multiple layout support can improve ergonomics for some users.

ProgrammingVortex Multix 104

•Full programmability via QMK and VIA allows for extensive key remapping and layer creation.
•Support for multiple physical layouts like ISO and split right Shift offers flexibility.
•Hotswap sockets make it easy to experiment with different switch types for long typing sessions.

TravelVortex Multix 104

•Wireless operation removes the need for a cable connection at your destination.
•It is powered by standard AA batteries, which are easy to replace on the go.
•The lack of a required power cable slightly improves portability over a wired-only board.

ModdingVortex Multix 104

•Hotswap sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy switch swapping.
•The board features multiple foam layers (latex plate foam, IXPE switch pads, PET pad, silicone) for acoustic tuning.
•A 1.6mm hotswap PCB and FR4 plate provide a solid foundation for modifications.

Content CreationTie

•Both are full-size layouts with a number pad, useful for data entry and shortcuts.
•The Varmilo has white LED backlighting for low-light visibility.
•The Vortex offers wireless connectivity for a cleaner streaming setup, but lacks backlighting.