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Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£95
  • Avg. price in US: ~$140
  • Layout size: Full-size
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: electrostatic capacitive
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.5

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

4.2

Features

6.0%

8.9

Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    4.0

    Onboard memory

  • 7.9
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    9.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    9.0

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 2.8
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Varmilo CMYK VEM108 is a full-size, 108-key mechanical keyboard featuring a premium plastic case with a faux wood-grain texture and high-quality 1.3mm dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a retro CMYK colorway. It is equipped with Varmilo’s proprietary EC V2 (Electrostatic Capacitive) switches—such as the linear Sakura or Daisy and tactile Violet—which offer a smoother, frictionless typing experience and a longer lifespan compared to traditional mechanical switches. Main pros include its exceptionally solid 'built like a tank' construction, pre-lubed stabilizers for a consistent feel, and a sound-dampening internal silicone pad that minimizes typing noise. On the downside, it uses a somewhat dated Mini-USB connection instead of USB-C, lacks fully customizable RGB lighting in favor of static white LEDs that do not shine through the legends, and its full-size footprint may be too bulky for compact desk setups.

Technical Specifications of Varmilo Cmyk VEM108

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

?

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

?

Switches

20.0%

?

Materials

12.0%

?

Features

6.0%

?

Design

6.1
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has a technical score of 6.11 points, which is lower than that of 70.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 79.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.1

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.3
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is lower than 74% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

electrostatic capacitive
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

42 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.8 mm
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has a minimum actuation distance of 1.8 mm, which is longer than 53.3% of keyboards and equal to 9.2% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

Full-size
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

108
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has 108 keys, which is more than 89.2% of keyboards and equal to 8.2% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
extra Mac keycaps included.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

no
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not have RGB lighting. 88% of keyboards include RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

no
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not have per-key RGB. 77.3% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
White LED only.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

0
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has 0 RGB zones, which is fewer than 86.5% of keyboards and equal to 13.5% of keyboards.
White LED only.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
White LED only.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

North-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

polycarbonate
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

dye-sub
Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 74.4% of keyboards and equal to 11% of keyboards.
Show more

Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 vs the average keyboard

  • 21 more keys
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has more keys than the average keyboard (108 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has more keys than the average keyboard (108 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.108 vs 87
  • Dedicated media keys
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes separate media controls instead of hiding them behind a function layer.
    When it matters: When you use media controls often and do not want to rely on function-layer shortcuts.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
  • 0.2 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
    What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
    When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.1.8 mm vs 2 mm
  • 36.8% cheaper
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£95 vs £130).
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£95 vs £130).£95 vs £130
  • 21 more keys
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has more keys than the average keyboard (108 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 0.2 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
  • Dedicated media keys
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.

Total
Overall
Design
Switches
Features
  • 23% higher weight
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,200 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 87 mm wider width
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 is wider than the average keyboard (442 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • 0.1 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.8 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
    White LED only.
  • No onboard memory
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    White LED only.
  • No RGB lighting
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
    White LED only.
    What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
    When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    White LED only.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.0 vs 83
  • No onboard memory
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can store profiles, lighting, or remaps internally instead of depending only on software.
    When it matters: When you move between multiple PCs and want your remaps, macros, or lighting to travel with the keyboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
  • No RGB lighting
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
    When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
  • 23% higher weight
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,200 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,200 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.1200 g vs 976 g
  • 5.77x less popular
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
  • 87 mm wider width
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 is wider than the average keyboard (442 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard from side to side.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to match limited desk width or fit inside a specific setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 is wider than the average keyboard (442 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.442 mm vs 355 mm
Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Cmyk VEM108 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Varmilo Cmyk VEM108?

  • Exceptional build quality, often described as 'built like a tank' with a heavy, rock-solid feel
  • Premium typing experience with extremely smooth EC V2 (Electro-Capacitive) switches and lubed stabilizers
  • High-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps that are durable and resistant to fading or shining
  • Distinctive and visually appealing CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) aesthetic
  • Includes thoughtful extras in the box such as a dust cover, wire keycap puller, and replacement keycaps
  • Responsive performance for gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate and N-Key Rollover (NKRO)

What customers dislike about Varmilo Cmyk VEM108?

  • Backlighting does not shine through the legends of the solid PBT keycaps, making them hard to read in the dark
  • Limited software support makes it difficult to customize macros or remap keys
  • Dated connectivity on some models, such as the use of Mini-USB instead of the modern USB-C standard
  • Lack of full macOS compatibility, with some shortcut keys losing functionality on Apple devices
  • Relatively high price point compared to other pre-built mechanical keyboards
  • North-facing LEDs can occasionally cause compatibility issues with certain thick Cherry-profile keycaps

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