We have reviewed several custom keyboards in the past that offer hot-swappable switches, unique sound profiles, stylish designs, and more. Varmilo is one such brand that makes some amazing keyboards, including the Minilo 75, which is known for its silent typing experience. We got a chance to review the VA80 Hygge, Varmilo’s latest TKL RGB gaming keyboard, and here are our thoughts about the new model.
Design
Varmilo designed the new VA80 Hygge with a color theme inspired by nature. While the main chassis of the keyboard is black in color, the device features a combination of black, white, wood, and green-colored keycaps. Varmilo mentions that the color combination is meant to provide a quiet, warm, and comfortable atmosphere. According to the company, the word “HYGGE” means to provide the feeling of happiness, and the nature-based color scheme suits the branding name.
The keyboard features a TKL design with a total of 84 keys. The dimensions of the device are 358mm x 136mm x 41mm and weighs only 1.15kg. Varmilo uses high-quality, cherry-profile based PBT keycaps. Some of the keycaps feature simple print-styles that represent different aspects of nature. For example. the ESC key represents ice, the Backspace key as rivers, the Enter key for landscapes, the directional keys for lighthouse, compass, and anchor. The spacebar key features a design that is inspired from traditional Nordic textiles.
Users will also be able to place Totem-designed magnetic nameplates, one above the directional keys and the other on the top-right side where the Varmilo branding insignia is located. These nameplates are included with the keyboard packaging and feature an artwork that represents Nordic-style fishing and hunting culture.
Varmilo makes use of the rear area of the keyboard by implementing a small storage compartment to house the 2.4G dongle receiver and the Nordic nameplate that we mentioned earlier. The compartment is hidden with the use of a detachable bracket with the HYGEE branding. There is also an artwork on the rear side that represents different elements of nature.
The kickstands on the rear side feature a two-stage inclination that allows users to adjust according to their needs. On the top right side of the keyboard, there is the switch to toggle between wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4G wireless modes. The USB-C port is located on the opposite end of the top side.
Features
Some of the striking features of the Varmilo VA80 Hygge is its gasket mount structure that contributes for its sound profile, typing experience, and more. The gasket structure consists of the PBT keycaps, the top case, hot-swappable switches, a PC plate, a Poron plate form, the IXPE Pad, a PET Pad, the PCB board, the Poron PCB foam, a soft silica case, the Bottom case, and more.
The VA80 Hygge comes with a choice of either the Kalih Prestige Voice or the Kalih Prestige Silent switches, and our review sample came with the latter. The Kalih Prestige Silent are one of the most silent linear switches available in the market. The operating force required is 42gf, and the total travel of the keys is 3.6mm. The switches feature a long-pole stem and are factory-lubed for the best silent typing experience. The switches also feature a south-facing RGB backlit lighting system.
We were impressed by how silent the keys were while typing on the keyboard. Check out the video below to hear out the typing sound of the Varmilo VA80 Hygge with the Kalih Prestige Silent switches.
The device also houses a 4000 mAh battery that is capable of running continuously over 20 days of use, but with the RGB lighting turned off. Other features include support for N-key rollover, which should help while gaming. Varmilo mentions that the keyboard is equipped with an ST+Nordic chip that helps to provide a 1000hz polling rate for both 2.4G and wired modes and 1ms ultra-low latencies, which should help while playing competitive games. The VA80 Hygge packaging includes the keyboard, manual, USB-C cable, a keycap/switch puller, and the two extra nameplates. Varmilo also sent us their new Hygge Deskmat and the Hygge Wrist Rest, which come with the same nature-inspired artwork.
Verdict
If you are on the lookout for a new keyboard that provides a silent typing experience, then we recommend the new Varmilo VA80 Hygge gaming keyboard. The device features a total of 84 keys and comes with a Nordic-based, nature-inspired artwork on its high-quality PBT keycaps. The keyboard comes with a combination of black, white, wood, and green-colored keycaps. The device comes with a choice of either wired, Bluetooth, or 2.4G wireless connection modes.
The device uses USB-C connectivity for charging its built-in 4000 mAh battery. There is also a two-step kickstand to adjust the height. The keyboard features hot-swappable keys and our review sample came with the Kalih Prestige Silent switches, which is one of the most silent typing experiences we have come across. The keyboard also comes with a gasket mount structure that helps with the sound profile and typing experience. The ST+Nordic chip on the device also helps to deliver a 1000hz polling rate and 1ms ultra-low latencies while playing competitive games.
