Varmilo comes out with some awesome keyboards every year, and the Minilo98 Pro is no exception. It has a CNC metal inlay frame, and it is themed as “Star Sand” by Varmilo. It has an ANSI layout; you can also choose an ISO layout if you want.
Review
The Varmilo Minilo98 starts at $159, and the first thing you will think of this keyboard is that it looks amazing. It has a nice white and rose gold color to it. Although it has a top metal accent, the case is made entirely of plastic. It has ANSI and ISO support for many regions. The ISO version does cost $20 more, but it is worth it. It has a switch on the top of the case to switch between wireless and wired modes.
You get two switch options with the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro, Kailh Prestige Silent, and Kailh Prestige Voice. You can also buy the switches separately, you can get 35 pieces or 55 pieces. The keycaps are double-shot PBT, and the legends have a strange texture to them that you will feel when typing. The switches are factory-lubed, and the Kailh Silent switches have some dampeners in them, and some silicon pieces as well.
| Kailh Prestige Silent | Kailh Prestige Voice | |
| Operating Force | 42gf | 40gf |
| Terminal Force | 50gf | 50gf |
| Conduction Travel | 1.8mm | 2mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm | 3.4mm |
| Stem | Long-pole | Long-Pole |
It also has wireless support with a 2.4GHz UBS dongle, and it has QMK and VIA for software support. You can customize your keys, set macros, and even put your macros on the numpad. The gasket performance is very good, the gasket is evenly distributed and you won’t get a lot of ping. The keyboard is hot-swappable, it supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and it has south-facing RGB. The RGB gets the job done, it’s not too bright and not too dim.
If you like to mod and customize your keyboards, then you shouldn’t get the Minilo98 Pro. Getting it open is tough, you have to pry the frame open and there is a danger that it would crack or break, as the case is made fully of plastic. Under the board, you have various sound-dampening layers and a silicon layer under them. What’s impressive is that although there are so many dampening layers, the gasket performance is still very good.
What’s in the box
- Minilo98 Pro
- Manual
- Cable
- Key puller/switch puller
- 2.4GHz dongle
- Extra keycaps
Verdict
Although the Varmilo Minilo98 Pro starts at $159, a high price, I would argue that it is justified because it has a numpad. Most budget keyboards like the Chilkey ND75, are 75%, without numpads. Software support for QMK and VIA is an added pro, and you can choose between ANSI and ISO layouts. The only complaint I have is about the customizability of the keyboard, and the RGB could be brighter. If you’re looking for a good pre-built keyboard, the Minilo98 Pro is a good choice.
