GeekElite Lio87 vs Varmilo VPM87 Koi
Choose the GeekElite Lio87 for wireless flexibility and a linear switch, or the Varmilo VPM87 Koi if you specifically want a wired keyboard with clicky switches.
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![[In Stock] Lio87 TKL 80% Pre-Built Mechanical Keyboard](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0549/0262/0278/files/2025-06-11_095256_607.jpg?v=1749632718&width=3840&quality=75)
Which one should you get?
Get the
GeekElite Lio87
Knob
Build quality in the top 50% of 80% boards under $150.
- Three connection modes: wired, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth.
- 1000 Hz polling rate over wired and 2.4 GHz connections.
- Linear switches, RGB lighting, and a 5000mAh battery.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
Varmilo VPM87 Koi
Sound dampening
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 80% boards under $150.
- Clicky switches and white LED backlighting.
- Aluminum plate and double silicone sound-dampening pads.
- USB-C connection with a three-way cord channel.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
For a keyboard that can move between wireless and wired setups, choose the GeekElite Lio87, which also adds a left-side scroll wheel and linear switches. Pick the Varmilo VPM87 Koi if you prefer clicky switches, white LED lighting, and a wired USB-C connection. Both require soldering to replace switches, so neither is the easy choice for frequent switch swaps.
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.
GeekElite Lio87
Varmilo VPM87 Koi
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Switch options
Linear
Clicky
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Plate Mount
Knob
Yes
No
Sound dampening
No
Yes
- GeekElite Lio87
- Varmilo VPM87 Koi
- Performance
- 7566
- Build quality
- 5749
- Productivity
- 5657
- Customizability
- 5748
- Portability
- 6955
- Layout size: 80%
- Case material: Plastic
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Lio87 has the clearest edge for gaming, travel, and workflows that benefit from its scroll wheel or wireless modes. Office use also favors its connection options and wheel, though switch feel may change that choice for some buyers. Programming is a closer call because both share the same layout and rollover, leaving linear versus clicky feel as a personal preference. For modding, the Lio87 provides more named construction details, but neither keyboard offers a solder-free switch swap.
Pick the GeekElite Lio87
- The Lio87 supports 1000 Hz polling over wired and 2.4 GHz connections.
- It offers linear switches and N-key rollover.
- The VPM87 Koi is wired-only and uses clicky switches.
GeekElite Lio87 vs Varmilo VPM87 Koi specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 22 specs differ
GeekElite Lio87
Varmilo VPM87 Koi
Switch options
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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GeekElite Lio87 vs Varmilo VPM87 Koi: your questions
Yes. The Lio87 supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, as well as wired use.
No, the VPM87 Koi is listed as wired-only. Its connection is USB-C on the keyboard side.
The GeekElite Lio87 has linear switches. The Varmilo VPM87 Koi uses clicky switches.
The Lio87 is the more flexible option for gaming because it supports 1000 Hz polling over wired and 2.4 GHz connections. It also has linear switches and N-key rollover.
The Lio87’s switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering. The VPM87 Koi also has soldered switches.
The VPM87 Koi has PBT keycaps, and its south-facing LEDs may clip some sculpted keycaps. Shine-through legends stay dark with its south-facing lighting.
The Lio87 vendor description identifies a scroll wheel on the left side of the case, and the product features list includes knob support. The vendor notes that the left scroll wheel does not have a mute button.
The Lio87 vendor lists a USB 2.0 hub port. It can be used only when the keyboard is connected in wired mode.
The GeekElite Lio87 has RGB lighting. The Varmilo VPM87 Koi has white LED backlighting, with south-facing LEDs.
The VPM87 Koi is listed with double silicone sound-dampening pads. The Lio87 vendor lists several internal materials, including Poron pads, an IXPE switch pad, and PU film.
Yes, both are listed as 80% keyboards with an ANSI layout. The VPM87 Koi vendor description also identifies it as a TKL keyboard.
The Lio87 has a listed 5000mAh battery and supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connections. The VPM87 Koi is wired-only.
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