Varmilo APT108 Panda R2 Mechanical Keyboard

The Varmilo APT108 Panda R2 is a full-size mechanical keyboard designed for enthusiasts, gamers, and office professionals who demand both performance and aesthetics. With its 108-key layout, this keyboard offers a comprehensive set of features, including hot-swappable switches, multiple connectivity options, and customizable backlighting. The keyboard is built to provide a superior typing experience, whether you are coding, gaming, or working on documents. Its robust construction and thoughtful design elements make it a standout choice for anyone looking to upgrade their typing setup.

Essential Features

The Varmilo APT108 Panda R2 boasts a range of features that set it apart in the crowded keyboard market. One of its most significant attributes is the hot-swappable PCB, allowing users to easily change switches without soldering. This feature is particularly appealing to keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different switch types. The keyboard also supports multiple connectivity options, including wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless, offering flexibility for various use cases. Additionally, the keyboard is programmable via the Varmilo web application, enabling users to customize key functions and macros to suit their needs. The double-layer silicone sound absorption and thick Dye Sub PBT keycaps contribute to a quieter and more satisfying typing experience.

Construction Details

The Varmilo APT108 Panda R2 features a sleek and durable design, combining aesthetics with functionality. The keyboard's top and bottom materials are made of high-quality ABS plastic, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. The keycaps are crafted from thick Dye Sub PBT, known for their durability and resistance to shine. The keyboard's layout follows the ANSI standard, providing a familiar and comfortable typing experience. Ergonomics are further enhanced by a 2-step kickstand, allowing users to adjust the typing angle to their preference. The overall build quality is robust, making it a reliable choice for both professional and personal use.

Wireless and Wired Connectivity

The Varmilo APT108 Panda R2 offers versatile connectivity options to suit different user preferences. It can be connected via a wired USB-C cable, providing a stable and high-speed connection with a polling rate of 1000 Hz. For wireless use, the keyboard supports Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. The Bluetooth mode offers a polling rate of 133 Hz, while the 2.4 GHz wireless mode provides a polling rate of 250 Hz. Switching between devices is seamless, making it ideal for users who need to connect to multiple devices, such as a desktop, laptop, and tablet. The keyboard also features a 3-way cord channel, allowing the USB-C cable to exit from the left, right, or middle, providing additional flexibility in cable management.

Tailoring Your Typing

The Varmilo APT108 Panda R2 allows users to personalize their typing experience extensively. Through the Varmilo web application, users can remap keys, create custom macros, and adjust the keyboard's RGB backlighting to their liking. The backlighting is fully customizable, enabling users to choose from a wide range of colors and lighting effects. This level of customization is particularly appealing to gamers and professionals who require specific key functions and lighting setups for different tasks. The keyboard's hot-swappable feature also allows users to experiment with different switch types, tailoring the typing feel to their preference. Whether you prefer tactile, clicky, or linear switches, this keyboard can accommodate your needs.

Special Features

The Varmilo APT108 Panda R2 includes several special features that enhance its functionality and user experience. It comes with preset multimedia keypress combinations, allowing users to control media playback and volume without leaving their current task. The keyboard also features NKRO (N-Key Rollover), ensuring that every keypress is registered accurately, even during fast typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the double-layer silicone sound absorption helps to reduce typing noise, making it suitable for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces.