Mechboards Hyper7 R4 vs Velocifire Virtual 87Giant vs Portable

The core difference is size and purpose. The Mechboards Hyper7 R4 is a massive 173% keyboard made of stainless steel, designed as a stationary macro powerhouse. The Velocifire Virtual 87 is a standard 80% keyboard with an aluminum case, featuring Bluetooth connectivity and a gasket mount for a more traditional, portable experience.

The Velocifire Virtual 87 is the only option for wireless use, as it features Bluetooth connectivity. The Mechboards Hyper7 R4 is a wired-only keyboard. The Virtual 87 also includes a 5000mAh battery to power its wireless mode.

Yes, both keyboards support extensive customization. The Mechboards Hyper7 R4 uses VIA-compatible QMK firmware. The Velocifire Virtual 87 also lists support for VIA and QMK, allowing for deep remapping of keys and macros on both devices.

Both are offered in kit/barebones configurations. The Hyper7 R4 can be purchased as pre-assembled, kit, or barebones. The Virtual 87 product listing specifies it is a barebone keyboard kit, meaning you must supply your own switches and keycaps.

The mounting styles differ significantly. The Velocifire Virtual 87 uses a gasket mount (with top and spring mount options) with an FR4 plate. The Mechboards Hyper7 R4 uses a PCB mount style, as indicated in its metadata.

The Velocifire Virtual 87 is far more portable. It weighs 1.7kg compared to the Hyper7 R4's 5.15kg, and its 80% layout is standard desk size. The Hyper7 R4, while including a carry case, is 59.6cm long and extremely heavy.

Yes, according to its specifications, the Velocifire Virtual 87 features full south-facing RGB backlighting. South-facing LEDs improve compatibility with Cherry-profile and other sculpted keycaps.

The Hyper7 R4 case is constructed from stainless steel. The Virtual 87 case is made from 6063 aluminum, as per its vendor description, which also mentions anodized and spray-paint color options.

The Virtual 87 PCB explicitly supports both ANSI and ISO layout enter keys, according to its specs. The Hyper7 R4 metadata only lists ANSI, and its vendor description does not mention ISO support, suggesting it is ANSI-only.

Both keyboards feature screw-in stabilizers. The Hyper7 R4 vendor page specifies it includes Durock pre-lubricated screw-in stabilizers in the kit and pre-assembled versions. The Virtual 87 listing confirms it supports plate stabilizers.

The typing angles are very similar. The Mechboards Hyper7 R4 has a lower typing angle of 5 degrees. The Velocifire Virtual 87 has a typing angle of 6 degrees.

Yes, the Mechboards vendor description states that a carry case with shoulder straps is included with the purchase of the Hyper7 R4. The case is designed to transport the large keyboard.