Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo VPT108 vs VPT108 R2Hall Effect vs Standard Hotswap

Choose the VPT108 for Hall Effect switch technology, otherwise the R2 offers a similar core feature set.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo VPT108

Hall Effect

Build quality in the bottom 50% of 100% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Includes Hall Effect switch compatibility for advanced sensing and potential durability.
  • Hotswap PCB allows for easy switch replacement without soldering.
  • Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Get the

Varmilo VPT108 R2

Standard Hotswap

Build quality in the top 50% of 100% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Hotswap PCB enables straightforward switch customization.
  • Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C.
  • Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption and thick dye-sub PBT keycaps.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Bottom line

The Varmilo VPT108 is the definitive choice if you value the option for Hall Effect switches, as this is its only clear technical advantage. If this specific technology is not a priority, the VPT108 R2 is functionally identical for all practical purposes, sharing the same connectivity, modding features, and build quality. Your decision should hinge entirely on whether you plan to explore Hall Effect switches in the future.

What actually differs

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 VPT108

Varmilo VPT108 R2

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Mac & Windows

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo VPT108
  • Varmilo VPT108 R2
Performance
82
76
Build quality
53
55
Productivity
77
64
Customizability
70
64
Portability
53
51

What they share

  • Layout size: 100%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Case material: ABS
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo VPT108 takes a slight lead in gaming and modding due solely to its Hall Effect switch compatibility, a feature not listed for the R2. For all other use cases, including office work, programming, and content creation, the keyboards are effectively tied, offering the same core functionality, build materials, and connectivity. Travel is a shared weakness due to their large full-size form factor.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo VPT108

  • The VPT108 lists Hall Effect switch compatibility, which can offer advantages in rapid actuation and durability for gaming.
  • Both offer a 1000 Hz wired polling rate and N-key rollover.
  • Both feature the same triple-mode connectivity for flexible setup.

Full specs

Varmilo VPT108 vs VPT108 R2 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

2 of 20 specs differ

Varmilo VPT108

Varmilo VPT108 R2

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

100%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
ABS

Plate material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2024
2024

Where to buy

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.

FAQ

Varmilo VPT108 vs VPT108 R2: your questions

The primary difference is that the original Varmilo VPT108 lists Hall Effect switch compatibility in its metadata, while the VPT108 R2 does not. Both share a hotswap PCB, triple-mode wireless, sound dampening, and a full-size layout.

Yes, both the VPT108 and VPT108 R2 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change mechanical switches without any soldering required.

According to the vendor descriptions, both models support three connection modes: wired via USB-C, wireless 2.4GHz with a dongle, and Bluetooth 5.1. The listed polling rates are 1000 Hz for wired, 250 Hz for 2.4GHz, and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.

Yes, both keyboards feature RGB backlighting. The vendor pages specify the lighting is south-facing, which helps prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

Both models come equipped with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time compared to ABS.

Yes, the manufacturer includes double-layer silicone sound absorption inside both the VPT108 and VPT108 R2 to reduce typing noise and create a more muted sound signature.

Hall Effect switches use magnetic field sensing instead of physical metal contacts to register keystrokes. The VPT108 lists this as a feature, meaning its PCB supports these switches, which can offer faster actuation, higher durability, and adjustable actuation points.

The product metadata and vendor description for the VPT108 R2 do not list Hall Effect switch support. Therefore, it is designed for standard 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches, not magnetic Hall Effect switches.

Both keyboards use an ABS plastic case, an aluminum plate for rigidity, and a plate-mount design. They include practical features like a 3-way cable channel and a 2-step kickstand for typing angle adjustment.

For typing and office use, they are equally matched. Both offer silent linear and tactile switch options, a full layout with a number pad, multimedia controls, and flexible wireless connectivity for a clean desk setup.

Both are capable for gaming with a 1000 Hz wired polling rate and N-key rollover. The VPT108 has a potential edge due to its Hall Effect compatibility, which is often favored in gaming for its speed and consistency, but the R2 will perform very similarly with standard switches.

The vendor descriptions do not provide a detailed list of included accessories. Based on common inclusions for keyboards of this type, you can expect the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and potentially a switch puller.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.