KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-packed, modern enthusiast board and a straightforward, aesthetically-focused pre-built. The Keychron K2 HE offers advanced magnetic switch technology and extensive programmability, while the Varmilo VPE87 Sakura provides a classic tenkeyless layout with a unique pink and white theme. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize raw performance potential and modding or a specific look and a more traditional, out-of-box experience.

99
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
63
Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2 TKL Hotswap Wireless White LED Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.6 (69)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Linear, Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1743 g
  • Sized at 30 x 127 x 41 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 Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 93.3
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 81.3
Scores
  • Performance: 55.8
  • Build Quality: 55.4
  • Productivity: 79
  • Customizability: 64.9
  • Portability: 74.6
Name
Keychron K2 HE
Name
Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Magnetic
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Backlight
 
White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS, PC
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
30 x 127 x 41 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1743g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron K2 HE

  • +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.
  • +Comprehensive sound dampening with EVA foam, EPDM foam, a silicone pad, and PET film.
  • +Wide layout compatibility including multiple ISO regional variants.
  • −Very heavy, with a listed weight of 1743g, reducing portability.
  • −Magnetic switch hot-swap compatibility is limited to specific Gateron double-rail models only.
  • −Higher price point compared to many pre-built TKL options.

Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2

  • +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.
  • +Double-layer silicone sound absorption is included for a quieter typing experience.
  • −Lacks advanced programmability, with no support for QMK or VIA firmware.
  • −Plastic case and plate construction may feel less premium than metal alternatives.
  • −Limited to ANSI layout only, with no ISO options mentioned.
  • −No specific polling rate or advanced gaming features are listed in its description.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingKeychron 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.
OfficeTie
  • •Both offer triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for device flexibility.
  • •Both are listed as compatible with macOS and Windows systems.
  • •The VPE87 has a 2-step kickstand for typing angle adjustment, while the K2 HE offers multiple fixed typing angles (5°, 9.34°, 12.43°).
ProgrammingKeychron K2 HE
  • •The K2 HE supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Its 75% layout saves desk space while retaining essential keys like arrows and function row.
  • •It offers extensive layout support including multiple ISO variants, which the VPE87 does not.
TravelVarmilo VPE87 Sakura R2
  • •The VPE87's plastic case and plate likely make it lighter, though a specific weight is not provided for it.
  • •The K2 HE is notably heavy, with a listed weight of 1743g (over 3.8 lbs) for some configurations.
  • •Both are wireless, but the VPE87's simpler construction may be more portable.
ModdingKeychron K2 HE
  • •The K2 HE is hot-swappable with extensive sound dampening (EVA foam, EPDM foam, silicone pad, PET film).
  • •It features an aluminum plate and case (with wood accents on Special Edition), and screw-in PCB stabilizers.
  • •It is compatible with DIY/barebones kits and offers a wider range of compatible switch types, including magnetic.
Content CreationKeychron K2 HE
  • •The K2 HE's QMK/VIA support allows for complex macros and shortcuts tailored to editing workflows.
  • •Its Dynamic Keystrokes feature enables assigning multiple actions to a single key based on press depth.
  • •North-facing RGB lighting offers more backlight customization options compared to the VPE87's white LEDs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$170
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Gem80
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

87
$149
Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

93
$149
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Q2 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

66
$160
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
HE,
Plate Mount

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount