Varmilo Muse65 HE specifications and in-depth review

Varmilo Muse65 HE

Manufacturer: Varmilo

The Varmilo Muse65 HE is a compact 65% mechanical gaming keyboard designed for enthusiasts. It features Hall effect switches for a smooth, linear feel, and is equipped with customizable RGB lighting for a personalized touch.

This keyboard offers key technical features such as an 8000 Hz polling rate, hot-swappable Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches, and adjustable actuation. With a sturdy aluminum plate, plastic case, and a detachable cable, it ensures flexibility and durability for any gaming setup.

Pros
  • Compact 65% layout saves desk space while providing a functional and portable design.
  • Hot-swappable switches allow for easy customization without soldering.
  • Adjustable actuation offers flexibility in key response for different tasks.
  • Includes a wrist rest for added comfort during long typing or gaming sessions.
  • RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs provides a customizable and visually appealing setup.
Cons
  • No support for Mac-specific keys may limit compatibility for some Mac users.
  • Lacks USB passthrough and display functionality, reducing convenience for multi-device setups.
  • No rotary dial, which may limit advanced control options for some users.
Who is this for?

The Varmilo Muse65 HE is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a compact 65% layout for space-saving without sacrificing functionality. Its hot-swappable switches and adjustable actuation provide flexibility, allowing users to tailor the keyboard to their specific preferences for responsiveness and comfort. It is especially suited for those looking for a visually customizable experience with RGB backlighting, as well as users who spend long hours typing, thanks to its included wrist rest for added comfort.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard is not well-suited for Mac users, as it does not support Mac-specific keys. It also lacks features such as USB passthrough and display support, which could be a drawback for users who require multi-device setups or on-screen information. Additionally, the absence of a rotary dial may be a limitation for users looking for advanced control options in certain workflows or gaming setups.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Compact (65%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wired
connection type USB
polling rate 8000 Hz
Mount type Tray mount
designed for Mac
has a detachable cable
height 112 mm
width 310 mm
thickness 19 mm
weight 1200 g
release date January 2025
warranty period 1 years

The Varmilo Muse65 HE is a gaming mechanical keyboard with a compact 65% layout, offering a standard profile and wired headphone connectivity. It features a polling rate of 8000 Hz for responsive performance and comes with a detachable cable for easy setup and storage. With a tray mount design, this keyboard is sized at 112 mm in height, 310 mm in width, and 19 mm in thickness, weighing 1200 g. It is backed by a 1-year warranty and does not include Mac-specific keys.

Design:

has RGB lighting
Has a backlit keyboard
Case material Plastic
Plate material Aluminum
Case colors Black, Pink, Blue, White
has adjustable feet
includes a wrist rest
Backlight facing direction North-facing

The Varmilo Muse65 HE features customizable RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard with north-facing LEDs for enhanced visibility. Its durable construction includes a plastic case and an aluminum plate, available in a variety of colors including Black, Pink, Blue, and White. The keyboard also offers adjustable feet for personalized ergonomics and comes with an included wrist rest for added comfort during long sessions.

Switches:

Switch type Hall effect
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches
Switch name Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro
Actuation distance (min) 0.1 mm
Actuation distance (max) 4 mm
Actuation force 35 g
Total travel distance 3.5 mm

The Varmilo Muse65 HE features Hall effect switches with a linear feel, providing smooth keystrokes for gaming and typing. It is equipped with Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches that are hot-swappable for easy customization. With a minimum actuation distance of just 0.1 mm, a maximum of 4 mm, and an actuation force of 35 g, the keyboard ensures responsive and precise input, offering a total travel distance of 3.5 mm.

Features:

has analog input
has rapid trigger
has dual actuation
has adjustable actuation
has NKRO
has USB passthrough
Has a display
has QMK support
has ZMK support
has VIA support

The Varmilo Muse65 HE offers several advanced features, including dual actuation and adjustable actuation, allowing for customizable input response. It also supports NKRO, ensuring that all keys register simultaneously without conflict. While it lacks analog input, USB passthrough, and display support, these features are balanced by the keyboard’s rapid trigger function for faster key presses and enhanced responsiveness.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type PBT
Keycap profile Cherry
uses a standard key layout
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial

The Varmilo Muse65 HE features a standard ANSI (United States) layout with PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile for durability and a comfortable typing experience. Media controls are accessible via the Fn key, and the layout follows a standard key arrangement without any rotary dial functionality. This ensures a familiar and functional design for users who prefer traditional layouts with some extra customization options.

Final Verdict

The Varmilo Muse65 HE is a versatile and compact mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and typists who value customization and comfort. With features like hot-swappable switches and adjustable actuation, it allows users to fine-tune their experience. Its RGB backlighting and wrist rest further enhance its appeal, making it a strong choice for those looking for a functional yet stylish setup. While it may not be the best option for Mac users or those needing advanced connectivity features, it excels in providing a solid, personalized typing experience for most users.