Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2Gaming Tech vs Stylish TKL
Choose the Keychron K2 HE for cutting-edge gaming features and deep customization, or the Varmilo VPE87 for a simpler, stylish pre-built TKL.
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4.8 (49)4.8 · 49 reviews
from$129at Keychron
No reviews
from$150at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K2 HE
Gaming Tech
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $150.
- Advanced Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points and Rapid Trigger.
- Extensive programmability via QMK and VIA open-source firmware.
- Premium build with aluminum case, aluminum plate, and optional wood accents.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Get the
Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2
Stylish TKL
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $200.
- Distinctive pink and white Sakura aesthetic with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
- Includes practical features like a 2-step kickstand and a 3-way cord channel under the case.
- Hot-swappable for basic switch customization with standard MX-style switches.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
The Keychron K2 HE is for users who want a high-performance, future-proof platform for gaming and customization. The Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2 is for those who prioritize a specific aesthetic in a straightforward, pre-built tenkeyless keyboard. Your budget and desire to tinker with settings versus using a keyboard as-is should guide your final choice.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron K2 HE
Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2
Layout size
75%
80%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Resin, Wood
Plastic
Switch options
Linear, Magnetic
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Keychron K2 HE
- Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2
- Performance
- 9355
- Build quality
- 9155
- Productivity
- 9779
- Customizability
- 9865
- Portability
- 8175
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K2 HE is the clear choice for gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its high-performance switches, extensive firmware support, and customization layers. The Varmilo VPE87 Sakura is better suited for travel due to its likely lighter plastic construction. For general office use, both keyboards offer similar core wireless functionality and compatibility, making it a tie that depends on aesthetic preference.
Pick the Keychron K2 HE
- The K2 HE has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes, as stated by Keychron.
- It features adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm), Rapid Trigger, and Analog Mode for precise control.
- It uses magnetic switches with TMR sensors for contactless, low-latency input.
Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 29 specs differ
Keychron K2 HE
Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K2 HE
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
In stockShips to you
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-CH
In stockDoes not ship to you
Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2: your questions
The Keychron K2 HE is designed for competitive gaming. It features a 1000 Hz polling rate, magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points, and gaming-oriented features like Rapid Trigger and Analog Mode, which are not mentioned for the Varmilo VPE87.
Both keyboards are hot-swappable, but with different limitations. The VPE87 supports standard MX-style switches. The K2 HE is hot-swappable but only with compatible Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, as per Keychron's specifications.
No, the Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2 features white LED backlighting according to its product listing. The Keychron K2 HE offers north-facing RGB LED lighting with multiple effects.
The Keychron K2 HE offers far deeper customization. It supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for extensive key remapping, layers, and macros. The Varmilo VPE87 product description does not mention QMK or VIA support.
Yes, both the Keychron K2 HE and the Varmilo VPE87 are listed as compatible with macOS and Windows systems. The K2 HE also includes specific Mac keycaps and a system toggle.
The Keychron K2 HE uses an aluminum case and plate, with wood accents on its Special Edition. The Varmilo VPE87 uses a plastic case and plastic plate, as noted in its characteristics.
Both keyboards include sound-dampening materials. The K2 HE uses EVA foam, EPDM foam, a silicone pad, and PET film. The VPE87 uses a double-layer silicone sound absorption pad. The actual sound profile will also depend on the switches installed.
Yes, the Keychron K2 HE explicitly supports ISO-UK layout among many other ISO variants. The Varmilo VPE87 Sakura is listed with an ANSI (US QWERTY) layout only.
Neither keyboard includes a wrist rest in the standard box. However, Keychron sells compatible silicone and resin palm rests as separate accessories for the K2 HE.
The Keychron K2 HE is equipped with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The vendor description states a lab-tested wireless working time of up to 110 hours. Battery capacity is not specified for the Varmilo VPE87.
The product listing for the Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2 specifically describes a pink and white color scheme with pink legends. There is no mention of other color variants for this particular model in the provided information.
The Varmilo VPE87 features a 2-step kickstand for adjustability. The Keychron K2 HE offers three fixed typing angles: 5°, 9.34°, and 12.43°, achieved through different feet, according to its specs.
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