Keychron Q1 Pro vs Varmilo VPT87 Beijing OperaAluminum Build vs TKL Portability
Choose the Keychron Q1 Pro for premium build and deep customization, or the Varmilo VPT87 for a more portable TKL layout with simpler features.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q1 Pro
Aluminum Build
- Full CNC-machined aluminum case construction for a premium, solid feel.
- Extensive customization via open-source QMK and VIA firmware support.
- Includes a programmable aluminum knob for media or application control.
- Heavy at 1825 grams, reducing portability.
- Wireless polling rate is 90 Hz, which is lower than the Varmilo's 2.4GHz rate.
- The KSA profile keycaps may have a steeper learning curve compared to more common profiles.
Get the
Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera
TKL Portability
- TKL (80%) layout offers a familiar form factor while saving desk space.
- Includes practical features like a 2-step kickstand and a 3-way cord channel for cable management.
- Double-layer silicone sound absorption is noted in the vendor description.
- Case is constructed from ABS plastic, not metal.
- Lacks advanced programmability features like QMK or VIA support.
- Only available in ANSI layout, limiting options for international users.
Your priority should dictate the choice. If you value a premium metal build, deep software and hardware customization, and don't mind the weight, the Keychron Q1 Pro is the more capable and enthusiast-oriented board. If you prefer a lighter, more portable TKL keyboard with straightforward wireless functionality and practical built-in features like a kickstand, the Varmilo VPT87 is the sensible option, albeit with more limited customization.
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 Q1 Pro
Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera
Layout size
75%
80%
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Case material
Aluminum
ABS
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Plate Mount
- Keychron Q1 Pro
- Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera
- Performance
- 8276
- Build quality
- 8955
- Productivity
- 9879
- Customizability
- 9872
- Portability
- 8275
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron Q1 Pro is the clear choice for users who prioritize customization, whether for programming, gaming macros, or content creation workflows, thanks to its QMK/VIA support and programmable knob. It also wins for modding due to its gasket mount design and barebones availability. The Varmilo VPT87 is better suited for travel thanks to its likely more portable TKL form factor and included kickstand. For general office use, both are competent, offering quiet typing and multi-device wireless.
Pick the Keychron Q1 Pro
- The Q1 Pro offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which the Varmilo also has, but its wireless polling is specified at 90 Hz versus the Varmilo's 250 Hz for 2.4GHz.
- The Q1 Pro's aluminum case and gasket mount design may provide a more stable, resonant-free typing feel during intense sessions.
- Both support N-key rollover, but the Q1 Pro's programmability via QMK/VIA allows for extensive macro creation for games.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron Q1 Pro
15 owner reviews
“The Q1 Pro is the second keyboard I bought from Keychron. The basic materials are very good and she looks amazing. The only thing that is not perfect is the sound. I think she will be perfect with a simple adaption of foam and lubed switches. But the Q1 is…”
Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron Q1 Pro vs Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 27 specs differ
Keychron Q1 Pro
Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera
Switch options
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 Q1 Pro vs Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera: your questions
The Keychron Q1 Pro features a full CNC-machined aluminum case. The Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera has an ABS plastic case according to its specifications.
The Keychron Q1 Pro supports full key remapping and macro creation through open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator. The Varmilo VPT87 listing does not mention similar advanced programmability features.
Yes, both the Keychron Q1 Pro and the Varmilo VPT87 feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to change MX-style switches without soldering.
According to vendor descriptions, the Keychron Q1 Pro has a 90 Hz polling rate in wireless mode. The Varmilo VPT87 offers a 250 Hz polling rate over its 2.4GHz wireless connection. Both offer 1000 Hz in wired mode.
Both keyboards are compatible with macOS. The Keychron Q1 Pro specifically includes a system toggle and an extra set of keycaps for Mac, and its design is noted as being built with Mac users in mind.
No, the Varmilo VPT87 Beijing Opera does not include a programmable knob. The Keychron Q1 Pro includes an aluminum rotary encoder.
The Keychron Q1 Pro comes with KSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The Varmilo VPT87 comes with thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Varmilo profile.
Both can be configured for quiet use. The Varmilo offers silent switch options like Cherry MX Silent Red. The Keychron Q1 Pro comes with pre-lubed switches and features a double-gasket design with silicone pads to reduce acoustic resonance.
The Keychron Q1 Pro is equipped with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The Varmilo VPT87's battery capacity is not specified in the provided information.
Yes, the Keychron Q1 Pro is available as a 'Barebone Knob' version, which includes the aluminum case, PCB, and plate, but not switches or keycaps.
The Keychron Q1 Pro is available in multiple ISO layouts (UK, German, French, Spanish, Nordic, Swiss) and ANSI. The Varmilo VPT87 is listed only with an ANSI US QWERTY layout.
Yes, both keyboards feature south-facing RGB backlighting with multiple effects. South-facing LEDs are generally more compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps.
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