Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo VPT87: Magnetic Tech vs TKL Wireless

Compare Keychron K2 HE vs Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-packed 75% keyboard with magnetic switches and a more traditional tenkeyless wireless model. The Keychron K2 HE offers extensive firmware and performance tuning, while the Varmilo VPT87 provides a straightforward, space-saving layout. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize cutting-edge adjustability or a reliable, compact form factor.

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, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 93.3 Build Quality: 90.9 Productivity: 96.8 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 81.2	Scores Performance: 83.2 Build Quality: 56.3 Productivity: 79.9 Customizability: 72.6 Portability: 75.4
Name	Name Keychron K2 HE	Name Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight
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, South-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 VPT87 Moonlight 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, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

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

Scores

Performance: 83.2
Build Quality: 56.3
Productivity: 79.9
Customizability: 72.6
Portability: 75.4

Name

Keychron K2 HE

Name

Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight

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, South-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 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.

Keychron K2 HE

+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).
+Feature-rich for gaming with Rapid Trigger, Analog Mode, and Last Key Priority.
+Wide layout support including multiple ISO variants and JIS.

−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.

Varmilo VPT87 Moonlight

+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.
+South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

−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.
−Wireless polling rate for 2.4 GHz is specified as 250 Hz, lower than the K2 HE's 1000 Hz.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingKeychron 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.

OfficeTie

•Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for flexible device switching.
•Both include Mac and Windows compatibility with multimedia keys.
•The K2 HE's 75% layout saves desk space, while the VPT87's TKL layout retains the function row for productivity shortcuts.

ProgrammingKeychron K2 HE

•The K2 HE supports QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro programming.
•It offers multiple ISO layout options (UK, DE, Nordic, etc.) for international users.
•Its 75% layout includes arrow keys and a compact navigation cluster.

TravelVarmilo VPT87 Moonlight

•The VPT87 is a tenkeyless (80%) layout, which is generally more compact than a 75% with a similar key count.
•Its vendor description highlights a 3-way cord channel for flexible cable routing in tight spaces.
•The K2 HE is notably heavier at 1743g, while the VPT87's weight is not specified but its TKL form suggests greater portability.

ModdingKeychron K2 HE

•The K2 HE is hot-swappable with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches and includes multiple internal foam layers (EVA, EPDM, silicone pad) for sound tuning.
•It features screw-in PCB stabilizers and supports knob installation.
•It is available as a DIY kit/barebones option and offers a wider variety of case materials like resin, aluminum, and wood.

Content CreationKeychron K2 HE

•The K2 HE's Dynamic Keystrokes feature allows assigning up to 4 actions per key based on press depth for complex shortcuts.
•Programmable layers via QMK/VIA support extensive macro creation for editing software.
•Its adjustable typing angles (4°, 5°, 12°) provide ergonomic flexibility for long sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)