Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo APT87 Yakumo: Magnetic vs Mechanical

Compare Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo APT87 Yakumo Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich magnetic switch keyboard and a conventional wireless mechanical board. The Keychron K2 HE offers advanced magnetic technology and extensive modding support, while the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo provides a familiar TKL layout with standard Cherry MX switches. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize cutting-edge adjustability or a straightforward, reliable typing tool.

Model
Rating	4.6 stars (76 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear, Magnetic switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI, JIS layout standard Comes with a knob Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Enables rapid trigger functionality Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1743 g Sized at 41 x 127 x 321 mm Made with a Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin case Features PBT, ABS, PC keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting	Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Made with a ABS case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 93.3 Build Quality: 90.9 Productivity: 96.8 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 81.2	Scores Performance: 83 Build Quality: 55.2 Productivity: 78.9 Customizability: 72 Portability: 74.7
Name	Name Keychron K2 HE	Name Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Magnetic	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI, JIS	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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity -
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 Tray Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, North-face, White	Backlight Rgb, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin	Case Material ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS, PC	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 127 x 321 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 1743g	Weight -

100

Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Benutzerdefinierte Tastatur ISO Layout Kollektion

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

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4.6 stars (76 reviews)

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Has Linear, Magnetic switch options
Available in a 75% layout
Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI, JIS layout standard
Comes with a knob
Supports QMK firmware
Supports VIA configuration
Enables rapid trigger functionality
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1743 g
Sized at 41 x 127 x 321 mm
Made with a Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin case
Features PBT, ABS, PC keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting

Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
Made with a ABS case
Features PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 93.3
Build Quality: 90.9
Productivity: 96.8
Customizability: 99.4
Portability: 81.2

Scores

Performance: 83
Build Quality: 55.2
Productivity: 78.9
Customizability: 72
Portability: 74.7

Name

Keychron K2 HE

Name

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo

Release year

2024

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear, Magnetic

Switch Options

Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

75%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI, JIS

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, North-face, White

Backlight

Rgb, North-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin

Case Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS, PC

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

41 x 127 x 321 mm

Dimensions

Weight

1743g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron K2 HE is for enthusiasts and gamers who want maximum control, customization, and cutting-edge magnetic switch technology. The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo suits users who prefer a familiar, straightforward TKL mechanical keyboard with reliable wireless connectivity and practical design touches. Your budget and desire to tinker will be the final deciding factors.

Keychron K2 HE

+Advanced magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm) and features like Rapid Trigger and Analog Mode.
+Extensive customization via QMK and VIA open-source firmware support.
+Premium build with aluminum plate, choice of aluminum or wood case, and multiple sound-dampening foams.
+Wide layout compatibility including ANSI and multiple ISO regional layouts.
+High 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.

−Heavier weight (1743g) may reduce portability.
−Magnetic hot-swap is limited to compatible Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only.
−Some user reviews mention key chatter issues developing over time and a short included cable.

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo

+Traditional TKL layout with dedicated navigation and function keys.
+Includes practical features like a 3-way cord channel and a 2-step kickstand.
+Hot-swappable for standard Cherry MX-style mechanical switches.
+Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz options.

−Lower 250 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz wireless mode compared to the K2 HE.
−Limited to ANSI layout and lacks QMK or VIA firmware support.
−Construction uses ABS case and plastic plate, which may feel less premium.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K2 HE is the clear choice for gaming, programming, and modding due to its magnetic switch features, software support, and compact yet functional layout. It also holds an edge for office use with its multi-OS and regional layout support. The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is better suited for travel thanks to its likely lower weight and simpler profile. For content creation, both offer useful features, making it a tie based on preference for layout versus programmability.

GamingKeychron K2 HE

•The K2 HE's magnetic switches support advanced features like Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
•It offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes, while the APT87's 2.4 GHz mode is listed at 250 Hz.
•Features like Last Key Priority (LKP) and Analog Mode are specifically highlighted for gaming performance.

OfficeKeychron K2 HE

•The K2 HE supports multiple ISO layouts (UK, DE, Nordic, etc.), offering better regional keycap compatibility.
•It includes Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle, catering to multi-OS environments.
•A 4000mAh battery is specified, which may offer longer wireless working time.

ProgrammingKeychron K2 HE

•The 75% layout retains arrow keys and function row in a more compact form than the APT87's TKL layout.
•Full QMK and VIA support allows for deep key remapping and macro programming.
•The vendor description mentions the ability to save two different layouts for different systems.

TravelVarmilo APT87 Yakumo

•The Varmilo APT87 is a TKL (80%) layout, which is slightly larger than the K2 HE's 75% form factor.
•The K2 HE's listed weight of 1743g is significantly heavier, likely making the APT87 more portable.
•The APT87 features a 3-way cord channel for cable management, a practical travel detail.

ModdingKeychron K2 HE

•The K2 HE is hot-swappable for magnetic switches and has QMK/VIA firmware support for extensive software customization.
•Its construction includes multiple foam layers (EVA, EPDM, silicone pad) and screw-in stabilizers for acoustic tuning.
•It offers a choice of aluminum or aluminum with wood case materials and multiple plate options.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards offer multimedia keys and north-facing RGB backlighting.
•The K2 HE's programmable layers via QMK could be useful for macro shortcuts.
•The APT87's dedicated TKL layout provides immediate access to F-keys without layers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)