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64
Varmilo Sword68 Ariel Aluminum 65% Hotswap Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard

Varmilo Sword68 Ariel Mechanical Keyboard

The Varmilo Sword68 Ariel is a compact 68-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a versatile typing experience with both wired and wireless connectivity. It suits hobbyists and professionals who value a solid build, customizable RGB lighting, and a quieter typing environment enhanced by acoustic foam. Its layout and features make it a practical choice for those needing a space-saving keyboard with reliable multi-device support.</p... Read more
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Compare Varmilo Sword68 Ariel vs Keychron Q1 HE vs Keychron Q1 Max Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
Varmilo Sword68 ArielKeychron Q1 HEKeychron Q1 Max
64
Varmilo Sword68 Ariel Aluminum 65% Hotswap Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
0.0 (0)
4.0 (34)
3.9 (98)
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Weighs about 1724 g
Scores
  • Performance: 57.7
  • Build Quality: 63.4
  • Productivity: 68.8
  • Customizability: 61.4
  • Portability: 89.4
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 80.9
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 80.9
Name
Varmilo Sword68 Ariel
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
-
Weight
4000g
Weight
1724g
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Product Description

The Varmilo Sword68 Ariel is a compact 68-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a versatile typing experience with both wired and wireless connectivity. It suits hobbyists and professionals who value a solid build, customizable RGB lighting, and a quieter typing environment enhanced by acoustic foam. Its layout and features make it a practical choice for those needing a space-saving keyboard with reliable multi-device support.

Key Features

  • Three connection modes: wired via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless, allowing flexible use across different devices and environments.
  • Custom RGB lighting with software control enables personalized backlighting and layout adjustments.
  • Wired/wireless toggle switch under the Caps Lock key simplifies switching between modes without software.
  • Hotswap support lets users change switches without soldering, supporting customization and maintenance.

Build Quality

  • Anodized CNC aluminum case and aluminum top and bottom plates provide a sturdy and durable frame with a premium feel.
  • Gold-plated FR4 plate and PCB improve electrical reliability and reduce corrosion risk.
  • Leaf spring gasket mount adds cushioning between the plate and case, softening keypresses and reducing noise.
  • Includes multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Poron) to dampen sound and vibrations for a quieter typing experience.

Typing Experience

  • JDA profile 5-sided dye-sublimated PBT keycaps offer a comfortable, durable surface with clear legends that resist wear.
  • South-facing switch orientation suits users who prefer certain keycap profiles and can improve compatibility with some keycap sets.
  • Acoustic foam and gasket mount work together to reduce typing noise, making it better for shared or quiet workspaces.

Connectivity and Compatibility

  • Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux, covering most user environments.
  • Multiple wireless options provide flexibility for desktop setups, mobile use, or reducing cable clutter.
  • USB-C wired connection ensures stable, low-latency input when wireless is not preferred.

Trade-offs

  • Lacks built-in audio or microphone ports, limiting multimedia integration.
  • Compact 68-key ANSI layout may require adjustment for users accustomed to full-size or 75% keyboards.
  • Unknown battery life duration, which may affect wireless usage planning.

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