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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

Keychron K3 V3 vs Varmilo VA87MWireless Modding vs Wired Simplicity

Choose the Keychron K3 V3 for wireless freedom and easy customization, or the Varmilo VA87M for a simple, classic wired keyboard with themed keycaps.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron K3 V3

Wireless Modding

Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Triple connectivity with Bluetooth, wireless, and wired modes.
  • Hot-swappable PCB compatible with low-profile mechanical switches.
  • Extensive firmware customization via open-source QMK and VIA.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
  • No numpad.

Get the

Varmilo VA87M

Wired Simplicity

Build quality in the bottom 5% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Features genuine Cherry MX switches in a variety of types.
  • Uses durable, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps with themed designs.
  • Classic tenkeyless (80%) layout with a familiar typing experience.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

The Keychron K3 V3 is the recommended choice for most users seeking modern features like wireless operation, easy customization, and a compact form factor. Opt for the Varmilo VA87M if you specifically want a straightforward, wired keyboard with classic Cherry MX switches and themed PBT keycaps, and have no need for programmability or future mods.

What actually differs

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 K3 V3

Varmilo VA87M

  • Layout size

    75%

    80%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Hot-swappable

    Yes

    No

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Low profile

    Yes

    No

  • Case material

    ABS, Aluminum

    ABS, Plastic

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron K3 V3
  • Varmilo VA87M
Performance
82
62
Build quality
83
44
Productivity
80
51
Customizability
89
49
Portability
77
52
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Keychron K3 V3 is the more versatile choice, winning in five out of six categories. Its advantages in wireless connectivity, programmability, and modding support make it superior for gaming, office, programming, and travel. The Varmilo VA87M's primary appeal lies in its classic, themed aesthetic for a stationary setup, tying only in content creation where visual design is a factor.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron K3 V3

  • The Keychron K3 V3 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
  • Its hot-swappable design allows for switch customization to linear options preferred for gaming.
  • The 75% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements.

Full specs

Keychron K3 V3 vs Varmilo VA87M specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

14 of 25 specs differ

Keychron K3 V3

Varmilo VA87M

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Mount style

PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Top Mount
Plate Mount

Low profile

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

75%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

1,550 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Aluminum
ABS, Plastic

Plate material

Aluminum
Plastic

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Weight

540 g
—

Dimensions

19 x 306 x 116 mm
—

Typing angle

3°
—

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
White

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Keychron K3 V3

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW

    In stockDoes not ship to you

Varmilo VA87M

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Keychron K3 V3 vs Varmilo VA87M: your questions

Yes, the Keychron K3 V3 supports Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity, according to its product description. It also includes a wired USB-C connection option and has an integrated 1550mAh battery for cordless use.

No, the Varmilo VA87M is not hot-swappable. Its vendor listing explicitly states 'Hotswap: No,' meaning you would need to desolder the existing switches to install new ones.

The Keychron K3 V3 is designed with Mac compatibility in mind. It includes specific Mac keycaps and offers multimedia key functions akin to Apple keyboards. The manufacturer states it provides a Mac layout while remaining compatible with Windows.

The metadata for the Varmilo VA87M lists RGB and white backlighting as features. However, the specific vendor description does not detail backlight modes or effects.

The K3 V3 hot-swappable version is compatible with Keychron Milk POM switches or Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. The manufacturer notes it is not compatible with low-profile optical switches due to QMK firmware limitations.

The Keychron K3 V3 uses an ABS and aluminum frame construction and features internal foam layers. The Varmilo VA87M uses a wood-grained ABS plastic case with a plastic plate, as noted in its specifications, resulting in a different material feel.

The Keychron K3 V3 offers far deeper software customization. It supports open-source QMK and VIA firmware and can be programmed via the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros. The VA87M's description does not mention any comparable software.

The K3 V3 is designed for a comfortable typing experience with its low-profile switches, LSA profile keycaps, and three adjustable typing angles. The vendor also mentions redesigned stabilizers for less wobble on larger keys.

The vendor description for the VA87M does not list included accessories. It is listed as a pre-built keyboard, so it likely includes the keyboard and a cable. The listed cord length is 60 inches, and it uses a Mini USB interface.

The Keychron K3 V3 has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which is suitable for gaming. The manufacturer states this makes latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games.' For the best performance, using it in wired mode is recommended.

The Keychron K3 V3 is more portable. It is lighter at 540 grams, has a smaller 75% layout, and offers wireless Bluetooth functionality, eliminating the need to carry a cable. The VA87M is wired-only and has a larger 80% form factor.

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