Compare Velocifire Virtual 87 vs Manta Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very different Velocifire barebone kits. The Virtual 87 is an 80% (TKL) board, while the Manta is a 40% ultra-compact. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a familiar layout with a large battery and RGB, or maximum portability with a programmable joystick. Both offer high customizability with hot-swap PCBs and QMK/VIA support, making the core trade-off about physical size and daily usability.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style 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	Has Clicky switch options Available in a 40% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Sandwich Mount mounting style Equipped with a 280 mAh battery Offers No RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 72.2 Build Quality: 82.1 Productivity: 76.7 Customizability: 92.4 Portability: 70.7	Scores Performance: 54.1 Build Quality: 77.5 Productivity: 70.9 Customizability: 81.2 Portability: 81.9
Name	Name Velocifire Virtual 87	Name Velocifire Manta
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 40%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	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 Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 5000 mAh	Battery capacity 280 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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Sandwich Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight
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 1700g	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary layout need dictates the choice. If you want a keyboard for general-purpose computing with a familiar layout, strong wireless battery life, and gaming features, the Velocifire Virtual 87 is the better investment. Opt for the Velocifire Manta only if you are specifically seeking the challenge and space-saving benefits of a 40% keyboard and value its programmable joystick over all else.

Velocifire Virtual 87

+Offers multiple mounting styles (gasket, top, spring) for customizing typing feel.
+Large 5000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
+Includes practical accessories like a foam bag and a keyboard bag.
+South-facing RGB backlighting with full layout support.
+PCB supports both ANSI and ISO layouts for broader keycap compatibility.

−Heavy 1700g weight reduces portability.
−Higher price point compared to the Manta.
−The 80% layout requires more desk space than a 40% board.

Velocifire Manta

+Extremely compact 40% layout for maximum portability and minimal desk footprint.
+Includes a unique 4-way programmable joystick for customizable input.
+Described as ultra-thin and lightweight in the vendor description.
+Features a sound dampening design as part of its sandwich mount structure.

−Very small 280mAh battery limits wireless usage time.
−40% layout requires heavy use of layers for numbers, symbols, and functions.
−Lacks any RGB lighting.
−The vendor notes that XDA height keycaps may touch the positioning plate.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Virtual 87 wins in most traditional computing scenarios like gaming, office work, and programming due to its standard TKL layout, high polling rate, and large battery. The Manta is the clear choice for travel and situations where desk space is at an absolute premium, leveraging its unique 40% form factor and joystick. For modding and content creation, the Virtual 87's flexible mounting and RGB lighting give it the edge.

GamingVelocifire Virtual 87

•The Virtual 87 has a confirmed 1000 Hz wired polling rate for lower latency.
•Its 80% layout retains dedicated arrow and function keys important for many games.
•The gasket mount and included foam bag may offer a more consistent typing feel during long sessions.

OfficeVelocifire Virtual 87

•The 80% layout provides a full set of arrow and navigation keys without a separate numpad.
•Its large 5000mAh battery promises longer wireless usage between charges.
•The inclusion of a keyboard bag, as noted in the kit contents, aids in transport between workspaces.

ProgrammingVelocifire Virtual 87

•The Virtual 87 supports both ANSI and ISO layouts, including a stepped Caps Lock key.
•It has dedicated punctuation and bracket keys readily available.
•The PCB supports plate-mounted stabilizers for a more stable typing experience on larger keys.

TravelVelocifire Manta

•The Manta's 40% layout is significantly more compact and portable.
•Its listing describes it as 'extremely thin, lightweight, and compact'.
•It features a 4-way programmable joystick that can be mapped for navigation, saving desk space.

ModdingVelocifire Virtual 87

•The Virtual 87 offers three mounting styles: gasket, top, and spring mount for experimenting with feel.
•It includes a foam bag for sound dampening right out of the box.
•It has screw-in stabilizers, which are generally preferred for modding over plate-mounted ones.

Content CreationVelocifire Virtual 87

•South-facing RGB backlighting is better for shine-through keycaps and reduces interference with some switch types.
•The standard TKL layout provides quick access to media shortcuts and function keys.
•The heavier 1700g weight provides more stability on the desk during dynamic work.