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Compare Keychron K2 Pro vs Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two capable wireless mechanical keyboards with different core philosophies. The Keychron K2 Pro emphasizes open-source firmware and broad layout support, while the Varmilo APT87 focuses on Hall Effect technology and a triple-mode wireless connection. The decision is difficult because both offer hot-swappable PCBs, sound dampening, and PBT keycaps, making the choice hinge on your priority: software freedom or a specific switch technology.

94
Keychron K2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
68
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

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4.9 (15)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1070 g
  • Sized at 25 x 317 x 122 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 81.6
  • Build Quality: 89.6
  • Productivity: 95
  • Customizability: 97.5
  • Portability: 80.2
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 55.6
  • Productivity: 79.2
  • Customizability: 72.3
  • Portability: 74.9
Name
Keychron K2 Pro
Name
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
Release year
2022
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
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, 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
 
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, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
25 x 317 x 122 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1070g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority dictates the choice. If you value open-source firmware, deep customization, and need specific international keyboard layouts, the Keychron K2 Pro is the clear and more flexible option. If your main focus is gaming with Hall Effect technology and you prefer the convenience of a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle alongside Bluetooth, the Varmilo APT87 is the specialized pick, though it may be harder to find in stock.

Keychron K2 Pro

  • +Full QMK and VIA firmware support for unlimited key remapping and macros.
  • +Supports multiple ISO and ANSI layouts, including UK, German, French, and Spanish.
  • +Available in barebones, hot-swappable, and pre-built configurations.
  • +Includes sound-absorbing foam, a silicone dampening pad, and screw-in PCB stabilizers.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs that are compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Some fully assembled versions are not hot-swappable and lack the sound-dampening foam.
  • −Wireless connectivity is Bluetooth-only, lacking a dedicated 2.4 GHz RF dongle.
  • −The vendor description notes a short 4-foot USB-C cable included.

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board

  • +Features Hall Effect switches, which use magnetic sensing for actuation.
  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
  • +Includes double-layer silicone for sound absorption and a flex cut PCB.
  • +Has a 3-way cord channel for cable management and a 2-step kickstand.
  • +TKL layout provides dedicated function row and navigation cluster.
  • −Lacks QMK or VIA support, using a proprietary Varmilo web app for programming.
  • −Only available in an ANSI US QWERTY layout.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Product is listed as out of stock or for pre-order, indicating limited availability.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K2 Pro is the more versatile choice, winning for office use, programming, travel, and modding due to its software support and layout options. The Varmilo APT87 takes the lead for gaming, primarily due to its Hall Effect switches and 2.4 GHz wireless mode. For general content creation, both keyboards offer similar core multimedia features, resulting in a tie.

GamingVarmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
  • •The Varmilo APT87 features Hall Effect switches, which are known for their consistency and potential longevity.
  • •It offers a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 250 Hz polling rate for a stable, low-latency wireless option.
  • •Its TKL (80%) layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys without a full-size footprint.
OfficeKeychron K2 Pro
  • •The Keychron K2 Pro supports a wide range of ISO layouts (UK, German, French, Spanish, etc.) for international users.
  • •It includes Mac-specific keycaps and full Mac/Windows support out of the box.
  • •Its 75% layout is more compact than a TKL, saving desk space while retaining most keys.
ProgrammingKeychron K2 Pro
  • •Full QMK and VIA support allows for deep key remapping and macro creation, which is invaluable for coding shortcuts.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a popular choice for aftermarket sets.
  • •The availability of a barebones kit allows programmers to choose their preferred switches and keycaps from the start.
TravelKeychron K2 Pro
  • •The K2 Pro has a smaller 75% form factor, making it more compact than the TKL APT87.
  • •It is listed with a specific weight of 1070g, giving a concrete measure for portability.
  • •Its 4000mAh battery provides a quantifiable power capacity for extended wireless use.
ModdingKeychron K2 Pro
  • •The K2 Pro offers extensive modding options: hot-swappable PCB, screw-in PCB stabilizers, and a steel plate.
  • •It is available in a barebones kit version, saving cost for those who want to install their own components.
  • •The build includes sound-absorbing foam and a silicone dampening pad, providing a solid foundation for acoustic tuning.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards offer multimedia keys for controlling media playback.
  • •Both have RGB backlighting for aesthetic customization in a studio environment.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing creators to choose switches that suit their typing feel for long editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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