Compare HP Class 1800 Southpaw vs Velocifire Virtual 87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for builders deciding between two high-end aluminum barebones kits at a similar price. The choice is difficult because both support QMK and offer premium materials, but they diverge completely in their core philosophy. The HP Class 1800 Southpaw is a niche, ultra-heavyweight board built for a specific ergonomic preference, while the Velocifire Virtual 87 is a more conventional 80% layout packed with modern features like wireless connectivity and extensive customization support.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Built with the ANSI layout standard Offers Southpaw ergonomics Uses a Top Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 4200 g Offers No RGB lighting	Supports hot-swappable switches Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Offers Normal ergonomics Supports VIA configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery Weighs about 1700 g Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 48 Build Quality: 65.3 Productivity: 49 Customizability: 59.5 Portability: 40.5	Scores Performance: 72.2 Build Quality: 82.1 Productivity: 76.7 Customizability: 92.4 Portability: 70.7
Name	Name HP Class 1800 Southpaw	Name Velocifire Virtual 87
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Unknown	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Southpaw	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 5000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Top Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 4200g	Weight 1700g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice fundamentally comes down to layout versus features. If a left-handed numpad layout is a non-negotiable ergonomic requirement, the HP Class 1800 Southpaw is your only option. For virtually every other user, the Velocifire Virtual 87 is the more practical and versatile choice, offering wireless freedom, superior modding features, and a more standard form factor at a similar price.

HP Class 1800 Southpaw

+Unique southpaw (left-handed) 1800 layout with integrated numpad.
+Extremely heavy 4200g aluminum and brass construction for unmatched stability.
+Offers both top mount and silicone bottom with gasket mounting options.
+Includes a brass inner weight with antioxidant treatment.

−Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
−Extremely heavy at 4200g, limiting portability.
−Vendor description notes it is a prototype unit, and functions may vary.
−Lacks hot-swap capability, requiring soldering for switch changes.

Velocifire Virtual 87

+Dual-mode connectivity with both wired and Bluetooth.
+Hot-swappable PCB supports easy switch changes.
+Extensive firmware support via both QMK and VIA.
+Includes multiple mounting styles (gasket, top, spring) and comes with screw-in stabilizers.
+Features south-facing RGB backlighting and a large 5000mAh battery.

−The vendor's refund policy is restrictive, especially for assembled keyboards.
−Bluetooth polling rate is listed at 124 Hz, which is lower than the wired 1000 Hz rate.
−Does not include a full numpad, which some users may require.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Velocifire Virtual 87 wins in more general-use categories like Gaming, Office, Travel, and Modding due to its wireless features, lighter weight, and extensive customization tools. The HP Class 1800 Southpaw is a specialist choice, winning decisively for Programming where its left-handed numpad layout offers a unique ergonomic advantage. For Content Creation, the decision hinges on whether a numpad or RGB aesthetics are more valuable.

GamingVelocifire Virtual 87

•The Velocifire Virtual 87 has a specified 1000 Hz wired polling rate.
•Its lighter 1700g weight is more practical for desk adjustments.
•The standard 80% layout is widely compatible with gaming keycap sets.

OfficeVelocifire Virtual 87

•Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy switching between multiple devices.
•The 5000mAh battery supports cord-free use.
•The standard layout is less disruptive for shared or multi-user environments.

ProgrammingHP Class 1800 Southpaw

•The southpaw layout centralizes the numpad, keeping the mouse closer for right-handed users.
•The full 1800-size layout retains the numpad for data entry.
•Its substantial 4200g weight provides exceptional stability during long typing sessions.

TravelVelocifire Virtual 87

•At 1700g, it is significantly lighter than the 4200g HP board.
•Wireless Bluetooth operation removes the need for a cable on the go.
•The 80% form factor is more compact and portable.

ModdingVelocifire Virtual 87

•It is hot-swappable, allowing easy switch changes without soldering.
•It supports both QMK and VIA for real-time key remapping.
•Includes multiple mounting options (gasket, top, spring) and screw-in stabilizers.
•The listing includes a foam bag and plate foam for sound dampening.

Content CreationTie

•The HP's numpad is useful for video editing shortcuts and spreadsheet work.
•The Velocifire's south-facing RGB and multiple color options may appeal to streamers for aesthetic setups.
•Both have aluminum cases for a premium look on camera.