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Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$160
  • Layout size: 1800-compact
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

7.6

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%

8.0

Technical Score

20.0%

5.9

User score

Very good
8.0

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%

9.8

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.3

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

8.0

Features

6.0%

8.4

Design

Excellent
5.9

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%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

2.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(9)
amazon
3.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(9)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Good
  • 3.5
    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%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 8.0
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    7.8

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 10
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    QMK support

    26.0%

    10

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    10

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    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 Minilo98 Pro is a premium 98% layout mechanical keyboard featuring a compact design with a dedicated number pad, a gasket-mounted internal structure for a cushioned typing feel, and triple-mode connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C. It comes equipped with hot-swappable sockets supporting 3-pin or 5-pin switches, 1.5mm thick double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile, and south-facing RGB backlighting. Key performance specs include a 1000Hz polling rate with 1ms latency and a large 4000mAh battery providing up to 300-480 hours of use. Main pros include its extensive QMK/VIA customization support, multi-layered sound dampening (Poron and IXPE foam), and wide ISO/ANSI layout availability. Notable cons include its relatively high price point and the close placement of the arrow keys to the right Shift key, which may lead to accidental keystrokes.

Technical Specifications of Varmilo Minilo98 Pro

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%

9.8

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.3

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

8.0

Features

6.0%

8.4

Design

8.0
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a technical score of 7.99 points, which is higher than that of 98.3% 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%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

2.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(9)
amazon
3.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(9)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

5.9
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a user score of 5.92 points, which is lower than that of 97.2% of products in this category.
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.
2.4
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a popularity of 2.4 points, which is lower than 69.8% 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%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

8.3
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.3 points, which is higher than 83.2% 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

mechanical
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

Kailh Prestige Silent
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

37 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

2.0 mm
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a minimum actuation distance of 2.0 mm, which is longer than 66.3% of keyboards and equal to 33.4% 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

1800-compact
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

99
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has 99 keys, which is more than 68.8% of keyboards and equal to 1.4% 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 / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.9% of keyboards and equal to 42.1% 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

yes
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
up to 3 devices.
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

5.0
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0, which is newer than 46.8% of keyboards and equal to 17.7% of keyboards.
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 Minilo98 Pro 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

480 h
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lasts 480 h on a charge, which is longer than 86.2% of keyboards and equal to 2.3% of keyboards.
backlight off.
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

yes
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have 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

yes
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
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

99
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has 99 RGB zones, which is more than 75.9% of keyboards and equal to 1.2% of keyboards.
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

yes
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro includes underglow lighting. 68.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
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

south-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

aluminum/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

Cherry
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

double-shot
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

Varmilo Minilo98 Pro vs the average keyboard

  • 0.6 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has 3.4 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has 3.4 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.4 mm vs 4 mm
  • 314 h longer battery life
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (480 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
    backlight off.
    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

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (480 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.480 h vs 166 h
  • Underglow lighting
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow 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

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
  • Supports QMK
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports QMK firmware for deeper remapping and behavior customization.
    When it matters: When deep remapping, macros, and firmware-level customization matter to your workflow.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports VIA for live remapping and configuration without rebuilding firmware manually.
    When it matters: When quick live remapping without rebuilding firmware is important to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 12 more keys
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has more keys than the average keyboard (99 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 Minilo98 Pro has more keys than the average keyboard (99 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.99 vs 87
  • 16 more RGB zones
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (99 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 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

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (99 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.99 vs 83
  • Silent
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is a silent keyboard, the average keyboard is not. 1.7% of keyboards are silent.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is explicitly built around silent switches or clearly marketed for very quiet typing.
    When it matters: When low typing noise matters for shared spaces, office work, late-night use, or audio-sensitive setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is a silent keyboard, the average keyboard is not. 1.7% of keyboards are silent.
  • 12 more keys
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has more keys than the average keyboard (99 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 1 ° lower typing angle
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (4 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
  • 314 h longer battery life
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (480 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
  • 0.6 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has 3.4 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • Silent
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is a silent keyboard, the average keyboard is not. 1.7% of keyboards are silent.
  • Underglow lighting
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
  • Supports QMK
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 16 more RGB zones
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (99 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.

Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features
  • 33 mm wider width
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is wider than the average keyboard (388 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    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

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2.0 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    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

    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.5.0 vs 5.2
  • 35% lower user score
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a lower user score than the average keyboard (5.92 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro has a lower user score than the average keyboard (5.92 vs 8.000).5.92 vs 8
  • 33 mm wider width
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is wider than the average keyboard (388 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 Minilo98 Pro is wider than the average keyboard (388 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.388 mm vs 355 mm
  • 2.42x less popular
    Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is less popular than the average keyboard (2.39 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 Minilo98 Pro is less popular than the average keyboard (2.39 vs 5.772).2.39 vs 5.77
Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Minilo98 Pro and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
9 Reviews
amazon
3.0
1 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
9 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Varmilo Minilo98 Pro?

  • Excellent acoustic profile often described as 'creamy' or 'thocky', particularly with the Kailh Prestige Silent or Voice switches
  • Premium build quality featuring a gasket-mount design and multiple layers of internal dampening foam and silicone
  • Highly versatile tri-mode connectivity (Wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0) with easy switching between Windows and macOS
  • Modern customization support through QMK/VIA compatibility and a hot-swappable PCB
  • Vibrant RGB lighting with numerous customisable modes and south-facing LEDs for better keycap compatibility
  • Great layout options for international users, offering a 98% compact frame that retains the number pad while providing various ISO layout keycap sets

What customers dislike about Varmilo Minilo98 Pro?

  • High price point for a keyboard that primarily uses a plastic casing, which some users find difficult to justify
  • Difficult to open for deep internal modifications due to a clip-mounted case design instead of screws
  • Keycap legends on certain colourways (like Star Sand) are difficult to read and do not support shine-through lighting
  • Reported issues with 2.4GHz dongle connectivity and firmware update processes
  • Silent switches may feel 'mushy' during bottom-out due to the dampening material
  • Expensive shipping costs and potential import duties for international customers ordering directly

Expert reviews

G
gbatemp.net
28/04/2025
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Mechanical Keyboard Review (Hardware)

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is a 98% layout keyboard featuring a visually appealing design, a built-in numpad, and a muted, premium sound profile achieved through silent switches and extensive dampening. It offers versatile tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and QMK/VIA compatibility for customization, alongside specific options for ISO layout users. However, the review...Read more

H
hlplanet.com
23/07/2024
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro Keyboard Review

The Varmilo Minilo98 Pro is a 98% layout mechanical keyboard priced around $159, praised for its solid build quality, comfortable typing, and versatile tri-mode connectivity. It features a 4,000 mAh battery, a high-performance Nordic chip offering 1ms latency, and full QMK/VIA compatibility with hot-swappable switches, making it suitable for professional and gaming use. However, the...Read more

R
riccardo.im
09/02/2021
Custom Varmilo Miya Review (In-depth look at the Varmilo brand in Italy)

The Varmilo Miya Pro is a highly customizable 65% mechanical keyboard that offers an exceptional, personalized typing experience with an official Italian ISO layout. The reviewer praises the extensive deep-customization tool, which allows users to select specific colors and patterns for the plate, case, and individual keycap groupings. A standout feature is Varmilo's...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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