Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K2 HE
Magnetic Tech
- Advanced Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm).
- Extensive customization via QMK and VIA firmware support.
- Premium build with aluminum plate, optional wood accents, and multiple sound-dampening foams (EVA, EPDM, silicone).
- Heavier weight (1743g) may reduce portability.
- Magnetic hot-swap compatibility is limited to specific Gateron double-rail switches only.
- Higher price point compared to many standard mechanical keyboards.
Get the
Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight
TKL Wireless
- Space-saving tenkeyless (TKL) form factor.
- Includes practical features like a 3-way cord channel and a 2-step kickstand.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports a variety of Cherry MX and Kailh switches.
- Lacks advanced firmware customization (no QMK or VIA support).
- Limited to ANSI layout only.
- Case material is ABS plastic, lacking the premium options of the K2 HE.
The Keychron K2 HE is the clear choice for enthusiasts and competitive gamers who value deep customization, cutting-edge magnetic switch performance, and robust build materials. Opt for the Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight if you prefer a simpler, more portable tenkeyless keyboard with reliable wireless connectivity and straightforward hot-swap functionality, without the need for extensive software tweaking.
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 VPT87 Moonlight
Layout size
75%
80%
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Resin, Wood
ABS
Switch options
Linear, Magnetic
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Mount style
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Plate Mount
- Keychron K2 HE
- Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight
- Performance
- 9383
- Build quality
- 9156
- Productivity
- 9780
- Customizability
- 9872
- Portability
- 8175
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: Aluminum
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K2 HE dominates in scenarios demanding high customization, such as gaming, programming, and modding, thanks to its magnetic switch technology and open-source firmware. The Varmilo VPT87 is a competent choice for office use and travel due to its TKL form factor and wireless flexibility. For content creation, the K2 HE's macro capabilities give it an edge, making the final choice a matter of prioritizing advanced features versus straightforward utility.
Pick the Keychron K2 HE
- The K2 HE features adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm and Rapid Trigger for competitive play.
- It includes gaming-specific features like Last Key Priority (LKP) and Analog Mode for variable input control.
- Its 1000 Hz polling rate is consistent across both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K2 HE
53 owner reviews
“Lowering the actuation depth improved my reaction time in competitive games. Analog mode in racing titles feels surprisingly natural. The mouse glide is smooth.”
“I thought the macro didn't have infinite repetitions, but there are no helpful images anywhere on the internet. I still haven't found the answer.”
Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 29 specs differ
Keychron K2 HE
Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight
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
Compare prices
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Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight: your questions
The Keychron K2 HE maintains a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, which is ideal for low-latency gaming. The Varmilo VPT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate only in wired mode, with its 2.4 GHz wireless mode operating at 250 Hz according to its vendor description.
Both keyboards are hot-swappable, but with different compatibilities. The K2 HE is compatible exclusively with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. The VPT87 supports a wider range of standard mechanical switches, including Cherry MX and Kailh options.
The Keychron K2 HE offers significantly deeper software customization. It supports the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator for remapping keys and creating macros. The Varmilo VPT87 does not support QMK or VIA, offering more limited customization through its preset functions.
Yes, both the Keychron K2 HE and the Varmilo VPT87 are listed as compatible with macOS and Windows systems. The K2 HE vendor description notes it includes keycaps for both operating systems and a system toggle.
The Keychron K2 HE uses Gateron double-rail magnetic switches which utilize TMR sensors to detect keypresses without physical contact. This allows for features like adjustable actuation points and Rapid Trigger. The Varmilo VPT87 uses traditional mechanical switches (like Cherry MX) which rely on physical metal contacts.
The Keychron K2 HE is designed with multiple acoustic dampening layers, including 3.5mm EVA foam, EPDM foam, and a silicone pad, which its vendor claims creates a satisfying, thocky sound. The Varmilo VPT87 uses a double-layer silicone sound absorption system, but lacks the detailed foam breakdown provided for the K2 HE.
Yes, both keyboards feature standard MX-style stems, allowing for keycap replacement. The K2 HE comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in either Cherry or OSA profile. The VPT87 comes with thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Varmilo profile.
Both keyboards feature RGB backlighting. The Keychron K2 HE uses north-facing RGB LEDs, while the Varmilo VPT87 uses south-facing RGB LEDs. South-facing LEDs are often preferred as they prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
The Keychron K2 HE is equipped with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. Its vendor states a wireless working time of up to 110 hours based on lab tests, though actual use may vary.
Yes, the Varmilo VPT87 vendor description mentions it includes a 2-step kickstand for adjustability. The Keychron K2 HE offers adjustable typing angles of 4°, 5°, and 12° through its feet design.
Yes, the Keychron K2 HE is available in multiple ISO layouts according to its metadata, including ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, and ISO-FR. The Varmilo VPT87 is listed as ANSI layout only.
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