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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Novus on Mon, 03 November 2014, 01:16:52

Title: Varmilo
Post by: Novus on Mon, 03 November 2014, 01:16:52
Saw this Varmilo VA87M (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-mechanical-keyboard?mode=guest_open) on massdrop.
Pretty decent price, got dem nice thick pbt key-caps.
Looks like some kind of chinese leopold OEM copy.
So who are these guys?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: scubaste on Mon, 03 November 2014, 01:27:53
I'm not sure about the company, but they are offering every Cherry MX switch type which is pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: paicrai on Mon, 03 November 2014, 04:06:48
never ever heard of them :/
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Fnzzy on Mon, 03 November 2014, 08:46:18
Also comes with the best font!
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 03 November 2014, 08:49:29
I'm not sure about the company, but they are offering every Cherry MX switch type which is pretty awesome.

^^ This. Impressive and makes me wonder why more mainstream brands always want to say they can't get cherry switches. Now if they'd just make more bluetooth boards.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: jameslr on Mon, 03 November 2014, 11:44:46
I wonder if they could do some custom cap stuff for group buys? I really like them if they're the same as the Leopold PBT caps. They have a bluetooth FC660M called the VB660M that was posted here a while back (August'ish). It looks really nice too. I wonder if they're going to start producing more styles of boards. I would definitely be interested in a cheaper Lightsaver style board from them if I can get a bluetooth version of it.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: JackMills on Mon, 03 November 2014, 11:58:19
You've got to love their logo font. I joined the massdrop for the leopold FC660M, it had the option to have keycaps by Varmilo in mint green. I chose to have these caps despite their name on the space bar. I can't say anything about quality yet as it hasn't shipped yet, but Massdrop seemed to be ok with the caps.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: hwood34 on Mon, 03 November 2014, 12:42:12
It looks pretty cool, I especially like the color of those mint caps, but that font is hideous
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: JackMills on Mon, 03 November 2014, 15:39:55
It looks pretty cool, I especially like the color of those mint caps, but that font is hideous
I know, but I hope to find a way to carefully grind the logo off. It was a choice for the love for color over the disgust for the font
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Firebolt1914 on Mon, 03 November 2014, 15:58:18
Honestly, it would be alright except for the legends. Although it can be fixed by getting new caps, I'd rather have somewhat ok legends.

EDIT: I didn't see the non comic sans one. Nevermind, doesn't look _too_ bad.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Muzi on Mon, 03 November 2014, 17:40:45
never ever heard of them :/
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Mon, 03 November 2014, 19:52:34
I joined the GB. Black caps on MX clears. Will do a review if they ever deliver -- estimated shipping isn't until after Christmas.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: nikron on Mon, 03 November 2014, 20:12:22
Looks to me like all the front printed key caps are printed in Comic Sans or *all* the keys.  I could not stand that.  The top printed set looks okay tho.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: scubaste on Mon, 03 November 2014, 20:13:19
Looks to me like all the front printed key caps are printed in Comic Sans or *all* the keys.  I could not stand that.  The top printed set looks okay tho.

The only thing in comic sans is their logo on the spacebar.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: connorelsea on Mon, 03 November 2014, 20:38:42
Looks to me like all the front printed key caps are printed in Comic Sans or *all* the keys.  I could not stand that.  The top printed set looks okay tho.

The only thing in comic sans is their logo on the spacebar.

That pushes me away from purchasing the board, though I have been really intrigued by trying clears or greens. Kind of off topic, but I wonder if there are key cap testing things that have clears. I'll have to Google it later.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Premonition on Mon, 03 November 2014, 20:46:35
So would you rather have a keycap set that's thick PBT, double-shot in your choice of color, but with Comic Sans, or thin lasered ABS with your font of choice?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: connorelsea on Mon, 03 November 2014, 20:51:55
So would you rather have a keycap set that's thick PBT, double-shot in your choice of color, but with Comic Sans, or thin lasered ABS with your font of choice?

Definitely the thick PBT. But when the market is not just those two options, it's pretty silly to put a commonly-disliked font on the very front of something you are trying to sell. Especially when the market has plenty of alternatives. Maybe not for PBT caps, but for cherry mx TKLS yeah.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: radio_killah on Mon, 03 November 2014, 20:56:04
Talked with Lekashman from MD and Varmilo is the brand that the factory that makes Leopolds is selling their stuff as. That is why the Varmilos look so much like Leopolds. They just rehashed some designs and threw an amazing font on their keys. Personally I like low profile look, I got to see one of these in person and the build quality is very good, just as good as you expect with any leopold. I think people should buy this board knowing that they are going to replace the keycaps since they are so bad.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Premonition on Mon, 03 November 2014, 22:12:52
So would you rather have a keycap set that's thick PBT, double-shot in your choice of color, but with Comic Sans, or thin lasered ABS with your font of choice?

Definitely the thick PBT. But when the market is not just those two options, it's pretty silly to put a commonly-disliked font on the very front of something you are trying to sell. Especially when the market has plenty of alternatives. Maybe not for PBT caps, but for cherry mx TKLS yeah.

I disagree, which is why I'll never buy those godawful Deck keyboards.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: hwood34 on Mon, 03 November 2014, 22:14:56
Talked with Lekashman from MD and Varmilo is the brand that the factory that makes Leopolds is selling their stuff as. That is why the Varmilos look so much like Leopolds. They just rehashed some designs and threw an amazing font on their keys. Personally I like low profile look, I got to see one of these in person and the build quality is very good, just as good as you expect with any leopold. I think people should buy this board knowing that they are going to replace the keycaps since they are so bad.
Quote
Go Var
If these keyboards look awfully familiar, it’s because they were constructed in the same factory as the ever-popular Leopolds. Featuring nearly identical construction to the FC660M while adding in a navigation cluster and optional backlighting, the Varmilo Mechanical Keyboard lets you get close to the King without paying too hefty a tax.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Tue, 04 November 2014, 10:33:38
Since it's made at same place that makes Leopold, did they pull the nonstandard spaced spacebar stabs nonsense on this one? If so that would make replacing the caps to the same options available to Leopolds. I do think the board itself looks nice, but dealing with a silly spacebar issue would definitely make it a no go for me.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: radio_killah on Tue, 04 November 2014, 11:14:34
Since it's made at same place that makes Leopold, did they pull the nonstandard spaced spacebar stabs nonsense on this one? If so that would make replacing the caps to the same options available to Leopolds. I do think the board itself looks nice, but dealing with a silly spacebar issue would definitely make it a no go for me.

I think on the MD forum they were talking about that same issue and their conclusion was that the space bar was the standard 100mm spacing rather than the weird leopold spacing.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: pbtforever on Tue, 04 November 2014, 11:50:04
What is the MD forum?  A doctor community?   :)) :)) :))

And the main font looks OK.  What font is that?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Tue, 04 November 2014, 11:55:24
What is the MD forum?  A doctor community?   :)) :)) :))

And the main font looks OK.  What font is that?
Not quite sure which it is exactly, just glad it isn't all comic sans.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: radio_killah on Tue, 04 November 2014, 14:33:23
What is the MD forum?  A doctor community?   :)) :)) :))

And the main font looks OK.  What font is that?

Sorry MD is massdrop.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Tue, 04 November 2014, 14:41:54
Better pics of the black on this site:

http://www.chiphell.com/thread-1152260-1-1.html

(http://i.imgur.com/56aOrLc.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/T11sRSC.jpg)

So the black, at least, uses a "normal" font.  I don't even see the company logo on these.  Maybe the Massdrop photos are old?

Either way, glad I joined this one.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: appleonama on Tue, 04 November 2014, 14:55:42
Better pics of the black on this site:

http://www.chiphell.com/thread-1152260-1-1.html

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/56aOrLc.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/T11sRSC.jpg)


So the black, at least, uses a "normal" font.  I don't even see the company logo on these.  Maybe the Massdrop photos are old?

Either way, glad I joined this one.

 :eek:that thing is actually pretty nice

im stilll trying to find a vb660m
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Wed, 03 December 2014, 15:12:46
Looks like these could be shipping this week.  Did anyone else join in the drop?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Puddsy on Wed, 03 December 2014, 15:14:33
Leopold clones

interested but unimpressed
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Wed, 03 December 2014, 15:35:10
Not just clones; made in the same factory by the same people.  Essentially unbranded (but still legit/authorized) Leopolds.

If all that's missing is the name, is it still a clone?  What's important in a keyboard?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Puddsy on Wed, 03 December 2014, 15:36:51
Not just clones; made in the same factory by the same people.  Essentially unbranded (but still legit/authorized) Leopolds.

If all that's missing is the name, is it still a clone?  What's important in a keyboard?

oh they're rebrands

did not know, am now OK with these existing

i thought they were crappy chinese clones
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: ideus on Fri, 05 December 2014, 18:40:03
I have seem Varmilo's in exactly the same layout as the Fc660 at a Chinese site. I think that is illegal due to the fact that the designer is Leopold. I dunno but this seems like a ripoff.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Fri, 05 December 2014, 19:57:15
Did you read the thread? It seems like maybe you didn't.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Liar on Fri, 05 December 2014, 20:40:04
According to UPS my Varmillo with Clears in Mint will be here tomorrow. 

Am pleasantly surprised they beat the estimated shipping date by more than 3 weeks  :thumb:
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Novus on Fri, 05 December 2014, 21:00:08
According to UPS my Varmillo with Clears in Mint will be here tomorrow. 

Am pleasantly surprised they beat the estimated shipping date by more than 3 weeks  :thumb:

That's neat! At least the company behind Varmilo is good to work with ... unless of course you're a *looks at username*
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: dante on Sat, 06 December 2014, 14:00:19
There are over 200 votes on MD for a restock on the Varmilo - so it should be back soon.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: JackMills on Sat, 06 December 2014, 14:46:09
According to UPS my Varmillo with Clears in Mint will be here tomorrow. 

Am pleasantly surprised they beat the estimated shipping date by more than 3 weeks  :thumb:
I have the mint caps on my leopold, they look great.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Wed, 10 December 2014, 11:40:56
Received mine today.  Typing on it now.  So far very good impression.  I'll upload some photos in a few minutes.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Wed, 10 December 2014, 15:38:11
(http://i.imgur.com/mIuKPzy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/KTJ075r.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/X2lSfXS.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DMi0h6i.jpg)

Sorry if the quality is a little low.  These are just from my phone.

The backlighting came out a little blue.  It's more like a "cool white" to the naked eye.  I don't know if you can tell from these but the spacebar is a slightly darker shade (probably ABS) than the rest of the key caps.  It still looks good.

I was surprised by the weight of it.  It's heavy for a TKL, especially considering the low profile case.  This is my first board with stock clears (coming from browns) so I'll have to use it for a while before I can comment on feel.  Good first impression, however.

Hopefully the Pulse keyset will ship soon so I can try them on this board.   :cool:
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: radio_killah on Wed, 10 December 2014, 20:11:14
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/mIuKPzy.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/KTJ075r.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/X2lSfXS.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DMi0h6i.jpg)


Sorry if the quality is a little low.  These are just from my phone.

The backlighting came out a little blue.  It's more like a "cool white" to the naked eye.  I don't know if you can tell from these but the spacebar is a slightly darker shade (probably ABS) than the rest of the key caps.  It still looks good.

I was surprised by the weight of it.  It's heavy for a TKL, especially considering the low profile case.  This is my first board with stock clears (coming from browns) so I'll have to use it for a while before I can comment on feel.  Good first impression, however.

Hopefully the Pulse keyset will ship soon so I can try them on this board.   :cool:

Nice. I am a big fan of that low profile case. I got to see one early on and was impressed and was rightly so. May have to get one next time around. I wonder if they would lower the price if they shipped them without keycaps.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: sdiearly on Thu, 11 December 2014, 00:47:58
That's why Leopold changes OEM back to Taiwan (Costar) now  ;)
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Novus on Thu, 11 December 2014, 00:54:09
That's why Leopold changes OEM back to Taiwan (Costar) now  ;)
That explains why the 750 is better xD ...  Well partially
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Fri, 12 December 2014, 13:37:46
(http://i.imgur.com/v8FyeP5.jpg)

More photos with Hot Keys Warmaster and Raven novelties here (http://imgur.com/a/hr2V2).
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Mon, 29 December 2014, 09:03:30
*BUMP*

These are available again on Massdrop with 4 days left in the sale.  https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-mechanical-keyboard

I had a couple people PM me about acquiring one.  Here's your chance.

I'm also happy to report that Varmilo went with standard spacebar stabilizer placement on this board, making it fully compatible with custom key caps.  Will put up my pics with Pulse key set soon.  :)
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: dante on Mon, 29 December 2014, 10:28:42
It's very hard to believe that in a few short years we went from a Leopold FC200R to this...
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Liar on Mon, 29 December 2014, 11:01:04
I received a Varmilo for Christmas this year, and I would also high recommend it for anyone in search of a new mechanical keyboard.
Backlighting is optional, and they offer rare switch types.

Coming from a Noppoo Choc Mini with POMs, these stock PBTs are amazing in their own right.
I like resting my thumb on the textured Varmilo logo on the space bar, and the polished orbs on the winkeys helps protect me from accidental presses.

Beautiful keyboard; typing pleasure.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: linziyi on Mon, 29 December 2014, 17:22:39
I got one with tactile greys from the last massdrop. The board is well-built, very solid quality.

Tactile greys are surprisingly heavy even with the thick PBT caps; the tactile bump is a little less pronounced than the stock clears from my friend's KMAC, maybe the weight of the spring overshadowed the bump of the switch. It is about 20% heavier than the greens I have (also with thick PBT caps), but I managed to acquire a higher WPM on this beauty (95) than on my greens (83).

Also it's the only board that I don't bottom out on every stroke! (oh yes I bottom out on greens)
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: duzeyao on Mon, 29 December 2014, 23:46:28
I have seem Varmilo's in exactly the same layout as the Fc660 at a Chinese site. I think that is illegal due to the fact that the designer is Leopold. I dunno but this seems like a ripoff.

The Varmilo branded is VB660m, which is bluetooth version of fc660m.
I don't know if it's illegal though lol so you're probably right.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: divito on Tue, 30 December 2014, 00:01:38
I got one with tactile greys from the last massdrop. The board is well-built, very solid quality.

Tactile greys are surprisingly heavy even with the thick PBT caps; the tactile bump is a little less pronounced than the stock clears from my friend's KMAC, maybe the weight of the spring overshadowed the bump of the switch. It is about 20% heavier than the greens I have (also with thick PBT caps), but I managed to acquire a higher WPM on this beauty (95) than on my greens (83).

Also it's the only board that I don't bottom out on every stroke! (oh yes I bottom out on greens)

I got one with tactile greys also; I was a little disappointed that the bump isn't as pronounced as I might prefer, as it seems sort of like a really heavy brown. I was really curious how the weight would be, but I'm still bottoming out over 95% of the time depending on how I strike the keys.

I don't find them too heavy, but the resistance is a nice overall experience. I'll probably keep it as my main...the only real problem is that their rareness is going to present a problem when having to switch back to lighter springs/switches. I'm already getting quite used to these nice heavier switches.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: digi on Tue, 30 December 2014, 00:24:54
Are they pcb/plate mount stabs or wire stabs? pretty hard to beat that price with led's & pbt caps with a nice switch selection.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Liar on Tue, 30 December 2014, 09:26:27
New Special Edition boards on sale at MD
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-special-edition (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-special-edition)

(https://massdrop-cf2.imgix.net/resizer/1500x1000/r/MD-4922_20141229162457_2e5504017fef2c66.jpg?fm=jpg&q=70)

Looks great, incredibly expensive though  :'(
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: digi on Tue, 30 December 2014, 09:31:42
New Special Edition boards on sale at MD
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-special-edition (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-special-edition)

Show Image
(https://massdrop-cf2.imgix.net/resizer/1500x1000/r/MD-4922_20141229162457_2e5504017fef2c66.jpg?fm=jpg&q=70)


Looks great, incredibly expensive though  :'(

they would have been better just not painting them and selling powered coated aluminum color options for that price
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: linziyi on Tue, 30 December 2014, 12:16:59
I got one with tactile greys from the last massdrop. The board is well-built, very solid quality.

Tactile greys are surprisingly heavy even with the thick PBT caps; the tactile bump is a little less pronounced than the stock clears from my friend's KMAC, maybe the weight of the spring overshadowed the bump of the switch. It is about 20% heavier than the greens I have (also with thick PBT caps), but I managed to acquire a higher WPM on this beauty (95) than on my greens (83).

Also it's the only board that I don't bottom out on every stroke! (oh yes I bottom out on greens)

I got one with tactile greys also; I was a little disappointed that the bump isn't as pronounced as I might prefer, as it seems sort of like a really heavy brown. I was really curious how the weight would be, but I'm still bottoming out over 95% of the time depending on how I strike the keys.

I don't find them too heavy, but the resistance is a nice overall experience. I'll probably keep it as my main...the only real problem is that their rareness is going to present a problem when having to switch back to lighter springs/switches. I'm already getting quite used to these nice heavier switches.

Oh yeah the tactile bumps are not as pronounced.... but overall tactile greys are amazing to type on.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: dante on Tue, 30 December 2014, 12:26:42
I got one with tactile greys from the last massdrop. The board is well-built, very solid quality.

Tactile greys are surprisingly heavy even with the thick PBT caps; the tactile bump is a little less pronounced than the stock clears from my friend's KMAC, maybe the weight of the spring overshadowed the bump of the switch. It is about 20% heavier than the greens I have (also with thick PBT caps), but I managed to acquire a higher WPM on this beauty (95) than on my greens (83).

Also it's the only board that I don't bottom out on every stroke! (oh yes I bottom out on greens)

I got one with tactile greys also; I was a little disappointed that the bump isn't as pronounced as I might prefer, as it seems sort of like a really heavy brown. I was really curious how the weight would be, but I'm still bottoming out over 95% of the time depending on how I strike the keys.

I don't find them too heavy, but the resistance is a nice overall experience. I'll probably keep it as my main...the only real problem is that their rareness is going to present a problem when having to switch back to lighter springs/switches. I'm already getting quite used to these nice heavier switches.

Oh yeah the tactile bumps are not as pronounced.... but overall tactile greys are amazing to type on.

I guess the question would be ...

If you are equal parts Tactile lover and equal parts Linear lover - and you could only choose one would you choose Linear or Tactile Grays?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: linziyi on Tue, 30 December 2014, 12:37:46
I got one with tactile greys from the last massdrop. The board is well-built, very solid quality.

Tactile greys are surprisingly heavy even with the thick PBT caps; the tactile bump is a little less pronounced than the stock clears from my friend's KMAC, maybe the weight of the spring overshadowed the bump of the switch. It is about 20% heavier than the greens I have (also with thick PBT caps), but I managed to acquire a higher WPM on this beauty (95) than on my greens (83).

Also it's the only board that I don't bottom out on every stroke! (oh yes I bottom out on greens)

I got one with tactile greys also; I was a little disappointed that the bump isn't as pronounced as I might prefer, as it seems sort of like a really heavy brown. I was really curious how the weight would be, but I'm still bottoming out over 95% of the time depending on how I strike the keys.

I don't find them too heavy, but the resistance is a nice overall experience. I'll probably keep it as my main...the only real problem is that their rareness is going to present a problem when having to switch back to lighter springs/switches. I'm already getting quite used to these nice heavier switches.

Oh yeah the tactile bumps are not as pronounced.... but overall tactile greys are amazing to type on.

I guess the question would be ...

If you are equal parts Tactile lover and equal parts Linear lover - and you could only choose one would you choose Linear or Tactile Grays?

I tried linear switches and hated them (mainly because the dry feel of linearity), just my personal preference. Also the tactile bump actually adds quite a lot of weight on the switch so they will feel a bit heavier than linear switch with the same spring.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: dante on Tue, 30 December 2014, 13:40:06
Gateron Yellow are supposed to be very smooth, linear, and may even be heavier (http://imgur.com/a/39DS8) than MX Super Blacks.  Clocking in at 171g!

(http://i.imgur.com/r0wqb2Y.jpg)
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: linziyi on Tue, 30 December 2014, 17:31:14
Gateron Yellow are supposed to be very smooth, linear, and may even be heavier (http://imgur.com/a/39DS8) than MX Super Blacks.  Clocking in at 171g!

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/r0wqb2Y.jpg)


Holy mother of clickclarks! Where can I get 87 of these?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: hwood34 on Tue, 30 December 2014, 18:16:05
Gateron Yellow are supposed to be very smooth, linear, and may even be heavier (http://imgur.com/a/39DS8) than MX Super Blacks.  Clocking in at 171g!

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/r0wqb2Y.jpg)

what the hell
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: JinDesu on Tue, 30 December 2014, 18:55:42
ISO: Fingers of steel using those switches.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: exitfire401 on Tue, 30 December 2014, 18:59:51
New Special Edition boards on sale at MD
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-special-edition (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-special-edition)

Show Image
(https://massdrop-cf2.imgix.net/resizer/1500x1000/r/MD-4922_20141229162457_2e5504017fef2c66.jpg?fm=jpg&q=70)


Looks great, incredibly expensive though  :'(

May be just because I like tacky/bright ****, but I actually like that bottom config.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: MGH on Tue, 30 December 2014, 19:07:02
New Special Edition boards on sale at MD
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-special-edition (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-special-edition)

Show Image
(https://massdrop-cf2.imgix.net/resizer/1500x1000/r/MD-4922_20141229162457_2e5504017fef2c66.jpg?fm=jpg&q=70)


Looks great, incredibly expensive though  :'(
Oh wow, are those compatible with phantoms?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: byker on Tue, 30 December 2014, 20:08:14
I am tempted to pick one of these up. Can anyone with one comment on how the case feels? I would likely be switching the caps out, so I am interested in the case. I like the low profile, what is the material, how does it feel, does it flex?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: kzatrix on Tue, 30 December 2014, 20:14:27
Do you guys think this is worth picking up? The font bothers me unfortunately..
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 31 December 2014, 22:57:01
Do you guys think this is worth picking up? The font bothers me unfortunately..

Welcome to Geekhack!

Very long time since you joined before your first post :eek:



And on topic, MD says these are not Mac-compatible.  What does that mean?  Will they work at all on a Mac?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 31 December 2014, 22:58:28
Do you guys think this is worth picking up? The font bothers me unfortunately..

Welcome to Geekhack!

Very long time since you joined before your first post :eek:




And on topic, MD says these are not Mac-compatible.  What does that mean?  Will they work at all on a Mac?

Don't quote me on it, but they should work on a mac. Just think they mean not mac compatible, as in, your OS keys will not register properly and there's no way to push forward command unless you're using an alternative mapping program.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: dante on Wed, 31 December 2014, 22:59:57
Several Mac owners have reported the Varmilo not working with their computer.

At least Ducky and a few others do it right: Start off in 6KRO standard USB and if the user wants NKRO, let them FN+something else.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 31 December 2014, 23:01:32
Several Mac owners have reported the Varmilo not working with their computer.

At least Ducky and a few others do it right: Start off in 6KRO standard USB and if the user wants NKRO, let them FN+something else.

Ah, good to know. Definitely gonna pass for sure then since it would be left at work and we primarily use macs there.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 31 December 2014, 23:06:28
Several Mac owners have reported the Varmilo not working with their computer.

At least Ducky and a few others do it right: Start off in 6KRO standard USB and if the user wants NKRO, let them FN+something else.

Congratulations on 2000 posts!

I am tempted by clears with those mint green keycaps, but not if it won't work on a Mac.  Maybe they pulled some stunt to get NKRO working or something along those lines - that often causes problems for Macs.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: byker on Wed, 31 December 2014, 23:44:42
Several Mac owners have reported the Varmilo not working with their computer.

At least Ducky and a few others do it right: Start off in 6KRO standard USB and if the user wants NKRO, let them FN+something else.

Congratulations on 2000 posts!

I am tempted by clears with those mint green keycaps, but not if it won't work on a Mac.  Maybe they pulled some stunt to get NKRO working or something along those lines - that often causes problems for Macs.

I am so tempted to grab one..
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: SilverFlurri on Thu, 01 January 2015, 12:41:26
Better pics of the black on this site:

http://www.chiphell.com/thread-1152260-1-1.html

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/56aOrLc.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/T11sRSC.jpg)


So the black, at least, uses a "normal" font.  I don't even see the company logo on these.  Maybe the Massdrop photos are old?

Either way, glad I joined this one.

 :eek:that thing is actually pretty nice

im stilll trying to find a vb660m

I'm also looking for this as a portable keyboard. I found a poll for the VB660M on mass drop: https://www.massdrop.com/vote/wireless-mechanical-keyboards
But who knows how long it will take/if it will ever drop, only other option I can see is taobao.

On another note, the VA87M looks great, will get a full size version if one pops up on mass drop - use the number pad too often to get a tenkeyless ><
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Thu, 01 January 2015, 17:13:55
These absolutely do not work on a Mac.  Mac users look elsewhere.  There's some buzz on the Massdrop thread about getting a custom firmware developed to work with Macs but it is at an entirely unknown stage.

I am tempted to pick one of these up. Can anyone with one comment on how the case feels? I would likely be switching the caps out, so I am interested in the case. I like the low profile, what is the material, how does it feel, does it flex?

The case is plastic and very solid.  Its rigidity is probably from the heavy steel plate.  It has a surprising weight to it given its size.  I could not detect any flex at all through normal handling, including pulling the PBT caps off my MX Clear stems.

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: lolkey on Thu, 01 January 2015, 19:33:24
Is the casing on these black or dark grey? It looks different in almost every picture I see.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Thu, 01 January 2015, 20:43:27
Mine is a dark gray.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: animated on Sun, 01 February 2015, 21:27:26
I'm reading around and it says Varmilo is made in the same factory as Leopold.  Under the Varmilo it says Made in China, and under the Leopold it says Made in Taiwan.  Do you guys think its just a label thing?  I was looking forward to buying a Varmilo from Taobao if its just a rebranded Leopold.

Thanks  ;D

Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Sun, 01 February 2015, 22:39:48
I'm reading around and it says Varmilo is made in the same factory as Leopold.  Under the Varmilo it says Made in China, and under the Leopold it says Made in Taiwan.  Do you guys think its just a label thing?  I was looking forward to buying a Varmilo from Taobao if its just a rebranded Leopold.

Thanks  ;D

I think it would be more accurate to call it an authorized reproduction.  Varmilo is doing a few things a little differently than Leopold.  If you look through some of the photos they're even printing their name on the PCB.  They're obviously reusing some Leopold designs and being associated with the Leopold factory/team has helped getting their name and product out there.  All of the quality is still there, so it's definitely worth the money.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: wordfool on Sun, 01 February 2015, 22:42:16
I'm reading around and it says Varmilo is made in the same factory as Leopold.  Under the Varmilo it says Made in China, and under the Leopold it says Made in Taiwan.  Do you guys think its just a label thing?  I was looking forward to buying a Varmilo from Taobao if its just a rebranded Leopold.

Supposedly it's the illegitimate child of a failed love-in between Leopold and its manufacturing partner. Or something like that. Whatever the case, I'm in if the Massdrop ever drops.



I'm also looking for this as a portable keyboard. I found a poll for the VB660M on mass drop: https://www.massdrop.com/vote/wireless-mechanical-keyboards
But who knows how long it will take/if it will ever drop, only other option I can see is taobao.


I'm gonna wait on the Massdrop for a few more weeks... supposedly there is already communication between MD and varmilo, so hopefully something will drop soon. of course, we might have to wait months for it to ship, but maybe not if Varmilo still has stock on hand.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: hwood34 on Mon, 02 February 2015, 01:36:07

I'm also looking for this as a portable keyboard. I found a poll for the VB660M on mass drop: https://www.massdrop.com/vote/wireless-mechanical-keyboards
But who knows how long it will take/if it will ever drop, only other option I can see is taobao.


I'm gonna wait on the Massdrop for a few more weeks... supposedly there is already communication between MD and varmilo, so hopefully something will drop soon. of course, we might have to wait months for it to ship, but maybe not if Varmilo still has stock on hand.
Seems like companies never have anything stocked if previous Massdrop experiences are any indication
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: 00zeRO on Mon, 02 February 2015, 14:19:45
It looks pretty cool, I especially like the color of those mint caps, but that font is hideous

italics strike again for the win!
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Fri, 13 February 2015, 13:35:57
This board is available again on Massdrop as of today.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-mechanical-keyboard

Get your Comic Sans legends while you can, people.  These sales don't last forever.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: saturnotaku on Fri, 13 February 2015, 13:46:01
I wonder what they mean when they say this keyboard isn't compatible with Mac OS. Does it just not work at all, or is some of the functionality limited?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Fri, 13 February 2015, 13:50:32
I wonder what they mean when they say this keyboard isn't compatible with Mac OS. Does it just not work at all, or is some of the functionality limited?

Only some keys work -- like 10% or less.  It has something to do with the emulation Varmilo used for NKRO.  It is completely incompatible with Mac OS.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: saturnotaku on Fri, 13 February 2015, 13:59:50
Only some keys work -- like 10% or less.  It has something to do with the emulation Varmilo used for NKRO.  It is completely incompatible with Mac OS.

Yeah, OS X doesn't like NKRO. Interesting that this keyboard has it out of the box without the need for an adapter or dip switch.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Novus on Sat, 14 February 2015, 04:31:37
Hmmm see this on massdrop again
The geek in me wants to get this just to compare it to my Leopold 750.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Novus on Sat, 14 February 2015, 14:33:09
MX Grey for an extra 35 bucks.
Should hop on this before MX grey becomes a bit more mainstream.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: ideus on Sat, 14 February 2015, 14:59:18
Even the key cap puller has the same shape than the Leopold. Another manufacturer that steals from the company that design the product.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: ConscienceDrop on Sat, 14 February 2015, 15:16:01
Even the key cap puller has the same shape than the Leopold. Another manufacturer that steals from the company that design the product.

I think leopold are connected in some way, because certain boards are sold under the leopold name that use virmilo caps.

Not sure what the truth of the situation is however
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Sat, 14 February 2015, 19:41:28
Even the key cap puller has the same shape than the Leopold. Another manufacturer that steals from the company that design the product.
Once again, these are authorized reproductions, NOT knock-offs. Check your facts dude.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 14 February 2015, 20:14:23
This board is available again on Massdrop as of today.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-mechanical-keyboard

Get your Comic Sans legends while you can, people.  These sales don't last forever.


Actually they are something like Futura Italic, not Comic Sans :p

A shame this does not work on Mac - those minty keycaps look nice.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Data on Sat, 14 February 2015, 20:38:39
This board is available again on Massdrop as of today.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-mechanical-keyboard

Get your Comic Sans legends while you can, people.  These sales don't last forever.


Actually they are something like Futura Italic, not Comic Sans :p

A shame this does not work on Mac - those minty keycaps look nice.

Yeah, only the Varmilo logo is in comic sans, and it's only visible on a few key sets. But people go ape**** when they see it - like comic sans is eye poison for some people - so I wanted to rub it in a little. The reactions are hilariously over the top.

Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 14 February 2015, 23:35:23
This board is available again on Massdrop as of today.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-mechanical-keyboard

Get your Comic Sans legends while you can, people.  These sales don't last forever.


Actually they are something like Futura Italic, not Comic Sans :p

A shame this does not work on Mac - those minty keycaps look nice.

Yeah, only the Varmilo logo is in comic sans, and it's only visible on a few key sets. But people go ape**** when they see it - like comic sans is eye poison for some people - so I wanted to rub it in a little. The reactions are hilariously over the top.

This is GH - most reactions are way over the top :))
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Novus on Sun, 15 February 2015, 04:47:22
Its kind of wierd actually.
This keyboard uses costar stabilizers but Leopold uses cherry.
The backside of the keyboard looks like the generic costar (the OEM/ODM) boards. It almost looks like a wasd to me.

I really do wonder about the quality of this thing.
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: En4cer408 on Tue, 07 April 2015, 22:31:25
i have this board ... and it built like a brick really nice feel and vary heavy
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: onggie on Tue, 17 January 2017, 00:48:12
Anyone have a contact at Varmilo? Miya is gone and Cynthia has replied to an email?

I heard Varmilo also offer DIY solutions, can't find it now but has anyone heard of it?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: Erzegovaz on Tue, 17 January 2017, 07:13:52
Anyone have a contact at Varmilo? Miya is gone and Cynthia has replied to an email?

I heard Varmilo also offer DIY solutions, can't find it now but has anyone heard of it?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Hi, yes I'm in direct contact with them. The DIY should be available soon, anyway u can find on aliexpress for 130$ without switch...but the problem is the shipping from China. So do u want everything (also switch and caps)?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: pixelpusher on Tue, 17 January 2017, 07:28:16
Anyone have a contact at Varmilo? Miya is gone and Cynthia has replied to an email?

I heard Varmilo also offer DIY solutions, can't find it now but has anyone heard of it?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Hi, yes I'm in direct contact with them. The DIY should be available soon, anyway u can find on aliexpress for 130$ without switch...but the problem is the shipping from China. So do u want everything (also switch and caps)?

This looks like a great kit.  Is this the version without the logo on the front?
Title: Re: Varmilo
Post by: onggie on Tue, 17 January 2017, 16:16:32
Anyone have a contact at Varmilo? Miya is gone and Cynthia has replied to an email?

I heard Varmilo also offer DIY solutions, can't find it now but has anyone heard of it?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Hi, yes I'm in direct contact with them. The DIY should be available soon, anyway u can find on aliexpress for 130$ without switch...but the problem is the shipping from China. So do u want everything (also switch and caps)?
Thanks for the reply, I want as much as possible. Caps and switches not so much as they are easily obtainable.

Are you in contact with Cynthia? If not could you PM me who you are in contact with?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Edit looks like they only have the 67, I'm wanting the 87.