OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Varmilo Sword68 Review | 64 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • Layout size: 65%
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Varmilo Sword68 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

7.3

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%

7.3

Technical Score

20.0%

7.4

User score

Very good
7.3

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%

9.6

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.3

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

6.2

Features

6.0%

3.9

Design

Very good
7.4

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%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(24)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(24)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Very 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

  • 6.9
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    9.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    2.1

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 5.0
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    10

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    Connection type

  • varmilo-sword68
  • varmilo-sword68
  • varmilo-sword68
  • varmilo-sword68
  • varmilo-sword68
  • varmilo-sword68
  • varmilo-sword68
  • varmilo-sword68
  • varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68
varmilo-sword68

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 Sword68 is a premium 65% mechanical keyboard featuring a robust full-CNC 6063 aluminum case with a fine zircon-sand finish and a weighted backplate for a total net weight of 1.5kg. It utilizes a tri-mode connection system—supporting wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless—powered by a 4000mAh battery. The internal build is characterized by a flexible PCB leaf-spring gasket mount and a multi-layered acoustic system including Poron, IXPE, and PET foams to ensure a refined 'thocky' typing sound. Key pros include its exceptional build quality, hotswappable PCB, high-quality five-sided dye-sub PBT keycaps, and a 1000Hz polling rate for low-latency performance. Notable cons include proprietary software that lacks QMK/VIA compatibility, an always-on charging indicator that may disrupt the aesthetic, and a substantial weight that limits portability.

Technical Specifications of Varmilo Sword68

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%

9.6

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.3

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

6.2

Features

6.0%

3.9

Design

7.3
Varmilo Sword68 has a technical score of 7.34 points, which is higher than that of 75.9% 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%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(24)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(24)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.4
Varmilo Sword68 has a user score of 7.35 points, which is lower than that of 79.6% 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.
3.5
Varmilo Sword68 has a popularity of 3.5 points, which is lower than 64.7% 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%

7.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

8.0
Varmilo Sword68 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 60.5% 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
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

40 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 mm
Varmilo Sword68 has a minimum actuation distance of 2 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

65%
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

68
Varmilo Sword68 has 68 keys, which is fewer than 75.9% of keyboards and equal to 6% 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 Sword68 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 Sword68 supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
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 Sword68 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 Sword68 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
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

?
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 Sword68 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 Sword68 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

68
Varmilo Sword68 has 68 RGB zones, which is fewer than 60.6% of keyboards and equal to 4.9% 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

no
Varmilo Sword68 does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% 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

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

aluminum
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

?
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

dye-sub
Varmilo Sword68 uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 74.4% of keyboards and equal to 11% of keyboards.
Show more

Varmilo Sword68 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.6 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Sword68 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 Sword68 has 3.4 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.4 mm vs 4 mm
  • 19 mm thinner design
    Varmilo Sword68 is thinner than the average keyboard (19 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's front-to-back depth or body thickness.
    When it matters: When front height and overall keyboard bulk affect comfort or portability.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Sword68 is thinner than the average keyboard (19 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.19 mm vs 38 mm
  • 19 mm thinner design
    Varmilo Sword68 is thinner than the average keyboard (19 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • 0.6 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Sword68 has 3.4 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.

Total
Design
Switches
  • 19 fewer keys
    Varmilo Sword68 has fewer keys than the average keyboard (68 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 53.7% higher weight
    Varmilo Sword68 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,500 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 1.5 ° higher typing angle
    Varmilo Sword68 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (6.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
    Adjustable to 68, 2 and 109.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Varmilo Sword68 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 Sword68 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.
  • 15 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Sword68 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (68 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
  • 19 fewer keys
    Varmilo Sword68 has fewer keys than the average keyboard (68 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 Sword68 has fewer keys than the average keyboard (68 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.68 vs 87
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Varmilo Sword68 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 Sword68 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 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 53.7% higher weight
    Varmilo Sword68 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,500 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 Sword68 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,500 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.1500 g vs 976 g
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Varmilo Sword68 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 Sword68 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
  • 69.2% more expensive
    Varmilo Sword68 is more expensive than the average keyboard (£220 vs £130).
    Varmilo Sword68 is more expensive than the average keyboard (£220 vs £130).£220 vs £130
  • 1.5 ° higher typing angle
    Varmilo Sword68 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (6.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
    Adjustable to 68, 2 and 109.
    What it is: Measures the incline of the keyboard during use.
    When it matters: When wrist posture and typing comfort depend on how steeply the keyboard sits.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Sword68 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (6.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.6.5 ° vs 5 °
  • 15 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Sword68 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (68 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 Sword68 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (68 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.68 vs 83
  • 8.8% lower user score
    Varmilo Sword68 has a lower user score than the average keyboard (7.35 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 Sword68 has a lower user score than the average keyboard (7.35 vs 8.000).7.35 vs 8
Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Sword68 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
24 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
24 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Varmilo Sword68?

  • Premium build quality with a heavy, solid full CNC aluminum case (~1500g)
  • Excellent 'out-of-the-box' typing experience with high-quality factory-lubed switches
  • Stunning aesthetics and artistic design themes (e.g., Ariel, Sakura, Monet)
  • Great acoustic performance with satisfying sound profiles (often described as 'thocky' or 'sharp')
  • Versatile tri-mode connectivity (Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0)
  • Pleasant typing feel due to the leaf spring gasket structure providing subtle flex

What customers dislike about Varmilo Sword68?

  • Inconvenient wireless power switch placement (hidden under keycaps like Caps Lock or Shift)
  • Lack of on-board storage for the 2.4GHz wireless dongle
  • Proprietary software can be clunky and lacks QMK/VIA support for deeper customization
  • Charging indicator light can be distracting and sometimes cannot be turned off independently
  • Occasional quality control issues with sluggish stabilizers reported by some users
  • High price point compared to other mass-produced mechanical keyboards

Expert reviews

D
delightlylinux.wordpress.com
29/12/2022
The Varmilo Sword 2 Mechanical Keyboard: Gorgeous but Not Linux-Friendly

The Varmilo Sword 2 is a premium, prebuilt mechanical keyboard celebrated for its exceptional luxury aesthetics and build quality, but it suffers from glaring compatibility flaws on Linux systems. On the positive side, the peripheral boasts an incredibly heavy, solid 100% CNC aluminum case, a highly secure magnetic removable top frame for aesthetic customization, and premium PBT...Read more

U
ubuy.vu
01/09/2025
Varmilo Sword68 Classique Noir 65% Hotswap Aluminium Keyboard

The Varmilo Sword68 is a premium 65% mechanical keyboard featuring a heavy, CNC 6063 aluminum case, a flexible leaf spring gasket mount, and comprehensive, multi-layered internal foam for a "thocky" acoustic experience. It offers extensive functionality including hot-swappable switches, five-sided dye-sub PBT keycaps, south-facing RGB, a 4,000 mAh battery, tri-mode connectivity, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

glorious-gmmk-3-pro-65
Glorious GMMK 3 Pro 65

Keyboards

7.4
keychron-q16-he-8k
Keychron Q16 HE 8K

Keyboards

7.3
glorious-gmmk-3-he-65
Glorious GMMK 3 HE 65

Keyboards

7.7
keychron-q2-max-qmk-via-wireless
Keychron Q2 Max QMK VIA Wireless

Keyboards

7.0
chilkey-slice68-he
Chilkey Slice68 HE

Keyboards

7.5
keychron-q2-pro-qmk-via-wireless
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK VIA Wireless

Keyboards

6.8
asus-rog-falchion-ace-hfx
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX

Keyboards

7.2
nuphy-halo65-he
NuPhy Halo65 HE

Keyboards

7.8
atk-rs6-ultra
ATK RS6 Ultra

Keyboards

7.3
nuphy-halo65
NuPhy Halo65

Keyboards

7.1
varmilo-minilo-65
Varmilo Minilo 65

Keyboards

7.0
luminkey-magger68-plus-he
Luminkey Magger68 Plus HE

Keyboards

7.6

Compare Varmilo Sword68 with

VS
VS

Compare