What makes the Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 unique compared to other mechanical keyboards?

The Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 stands out with its full-size 108-key layout, beautiful Sakura-inspired design, and high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. It also features a hotswap PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, allowing users to easily customize their typing experience without soldering.

Can I use this keyboard with both Windows and Mac computers?

Yes! The APT108 Sakura R2 is compatible with Windows, Mac, and even Linux operating systems. Switching between different systems is seamless, making it a versatile choice for users who work across multiple platforms.

How does the hot-swappable feature work on the Sakura R2?

The hotswap PCB allows you to easily remove and replace switches without any soldering. Whether you prefer tactile, linear, or silent switches, you can simply pull out the current switches and insert new ones, making it perfect for experimenting with different feels and sounds.

What are the connection options available?

The Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 offers three connection modes: a wired USB-C connection, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless. This flexibility lets you use the keyboard with a variety of devices, whether you prefer a stable wired setup or the freedom of wireless typing.

Does the keyboard have RGB lighting?

Yes, the Sakura R2 features south-facing RGB backlighting, allowing you to customize your keyboard’s appearance with vibrant colors and lighting effects. This adds a personal touch to your setup, especially in low-light environments.

Is the Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 programmable?

Absolutely! The keyboard is programmable using the Varmilo web application, so you can remap keys, create macros, and customize your layout to suit your workflow or gaming needs.

What kind of keycaps does the Sakura R2 use?

This keyboard comes with thick, 1.3mm dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT is known for its durability and resistance to shine, ensuring your key legends remain crisp and the keycaps feel great over time.

How comfortable is typing on this keyboard?

The Sakura R2 includes a 2-step kickstand for adjustable typing angles, allowing you to find the most ergonomic position. Combined with the double-layer silicone sound absorption, typing is both comfortable and pleasantly quiet.

Which switches are compatible with this keyboard?

Thanks to its hotswap PCB, the APT108 Sakura R2 supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. This includes popular options like Cherry MX, Kailh, and Varmilo’s own switches, giving you plenty of customization choices.

Is it possible to use this keyboard for gaming?

Definitely! With NKRO (N-Key Rollover), fast polling rates (up to 1000 Hz wired), and customizable macros, the Sakura R2 is well-suited for gaming as well as productivity tasks.

Can I route the cable in different directions?

Yes, the keyboard features a 3-way cord channel, allowing you to run the USB-C cable out the left, right, or center of the keyboard. This helps keep your desk tidy and adapts to your setup.

Does the APT108 Sakura R2 support VIA or QMK firmware?

The keyboard is VIA compatible, which allows for flexible key remapping and customization. However, it is not QMK compatible.

What is the build quality like?

The Sakura R2 uses a sturdy ABS top and bottom case, with a plate-mount design for added stability. The robust construction, along with premium keycaps and sound-dampening features, ensures a satisfying typing experience.

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 Starting at $173.99

Name: Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2
Brand: Varmilo

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2
	Based in US	-	?	~ 174	Check price
Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
	Based in US	-		$174 Out of stock	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2

Based in US

~ 174

Check price

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

Based in US

$174

Out of stock

Visit Shop

Compare Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 vs Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs Keychron Q5 Max Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2	Varmilo Minilo98 Pro	Keychron Q5 Max
	75	87	96
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (9 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options Available in a 100% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Made with a ABS case	Released in 2024 Has Silent switch options Available in a 98% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK, ISO layout standard Utilizes Hall effect sensors Weighs about 1000 g Sized at 37 x 388 x 140 mm Made with a Plastic, Copper, Metal case	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 96% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW layout standard Comes with a knob Includes screw-in stabilizers Weighs about 2215 g Sized at 23 x 145 x 408 mm Made with a Aluminum case
Score	Scores Performance: 79 Build Quality: 64.4 Productivity: 85.5 Customizability: 80.7 Portability: 54.6	Scores Performance: 74.8 Build Quality: 73.7 Productivity: 88.2 Customizability: 89.5 Portability: 55.6	Scores Performance: 82.4 Build Quality: 90.8 Productivity: 97.5 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 56
Name	Name Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2	Name Varmilo Minilo98 Pro	Name Keychron Q5 Max
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Silent	Switch Options Silent	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 98%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO-BEL, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-DK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-HU, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-UK, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Plastic, Copper, Metal	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 37 x 388 x 140 mm	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 408 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1000g	Weight 2215g

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Product Description

The Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 is a full-size mechanical keyboard suited for users who want flexible switch options and multiple connection modes. It fits those who value easy customization through software and prefer a keyboard that can switch between wired and wireless use. Its hotswap PCB supports various MX-compatible switches, making it a good choice for hobbyists who like to try different switch types without soldering.

Key Features

Hotswap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, allowing quick switch changes without soldering.
Programmable via Varmilo’s web application for custom key assignments and macros.
Connects through USB-C wired, Bluetooth 5.0, or 2.4 GHz wireless, offering versatile use cases.
Preset multimedia key combinations simplify media control without extra software.
South-facing RGB lighting reduces interference with certain keycap profiles and switch types.

Build and Typing Experience

Full-size ANSI layout with 108 keys, including dedicated multimedia keys, suits users needing a complete keyboard.
Plate-mounted switches provide a stable and consistent typing feel.
Keycaps are 1.3mm thick Dye Sub PBT, which resist shine and offer durable legends.
Double-layer silicone sound absorption reduces typing noise, improving acoustic comfort.
Adjustable two-step kickstands allow users to set preferred typing angles.

Connectivity

Wired mode offers a 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive input, suitable for tasks requiring low latency.
Bluetooth mode supports wireless convenience but has a lower 133 Hz polling rate, which may affect responsiveness.
2.4 GHz wireless provides a middle ground with 250 Hz polling rate and less latency than Bluetooth.
Three-way cord channel lets users route the cable from left, right, or center, improving desk organization.

Compatibility and Customization

Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems for broad compatibility.
VIA-compatible firmware enables easy remapping and macro programming without complex tools.
Does not support QMK firmware, limiting advanced customization options for some users.

Trade-offs

Polling rates vary significantly by connection type, so wireless modes may not suit users needing very low latency.
North-facing switch stems limit compatibility with some keycap profiles preferred by enthusiasts.
ABS top and bottom case materials may be less durable or premium-feeling compared to metal or higher-grade plastics.
Full-size layout increases desk footprint, which may not suit users with limited space or preference for compact keyboards.

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