Realforce R3 vs Varmilo Sword 2 87Wireless vs Aluminum Build
Choose the Realforce R3 for wireless flexibility and unique switch features, or the Varmilo Sword 287 for a premium aluminum build and visual design.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Realforce R3
Wireless
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity for up to four devices.
- Adjustable switch actuation point across four levels (0.8mm to 3.0mm).
- Onboard memory to save settings directly on the keyboard.
- Plastic case and plate construction, which some users may find less premium.
- No backlighting of any kind, according to the product listing.
- User reviews note the 30g switch variant can feel too light, leading to accidental presses.
Get the
Varmilo Sword 2 87
Aluminum Build
- CNC all-aluminum case and plate for a solid, premium feel.
- Detachable magnetic top case allows for easy color customization.
- Features a white LED backlight for visibility in low light.
- Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless option mentioned.
- No hot-swap capability for switches, as confirmed by the listing.
- Lacks dedicated multimedia keys for quick media control.
Your priority should guide this choice. If you need wireless flexibility for a clean desk or multi-device use, and value the unique, tunable feel of Topre switches, the Realforce R3 is the clear pick. If you prefer a keyboard that feels like a solid, premium object, offers a unique aesthetic with its magnetic top, and you don't mind being tethered by a cable, the Varmilo Sword 287's aluminum build is compelling. Both are investments in high-quality typing experiences, just from different angles.
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.
Realforce R3
Varmilo Sword 2 87
Case material
Plastic
Aluminum
Switch options
Clicky, Silent
Clicky
Plate material
Plastic
Aluminum
Backlight
None
White
Media keys
Yes
No
- Realforce R3
- Varmilo Sword 2 87
- Performance
- 6262
- Build quality
- 4552
- Productivity
- 6548
- Customizability
- 4848
- Portability
- 7352
- Layout size: 80%
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Realforce R3 is the more versatile choice for mobile and multi-device users, winning in Office, Programming, and Travel due to its wireless features and adjustable switches. The Varmilo Sword 287 appeals to users who value material quality and aesthetic customization, taking the Modding category. For Gaming and Content Creation, the keyboards are evenly matched on their core shared specs, leaving the decision to secondary preferences like switch feel or visual design.
It's a tie
- Both offer full N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both are tenkeyless layouts, conserving desk space for mouse movement.
- Neither product listing specifies a high polling rate for competitive gaming.
Realforce R3 vs Varmilo Sword 2 87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 16 specs differ
Realforce R3
Varmilo Sword 2 87
Switch options
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Realforce R3 vs Varmilo Sword 2 87: your questions
No, the Realforce R3 is a pre-built keyboard. The product listing does not mention hot-swap sockets, and its switches are described as genuine Topre capacitive switches, which are not typically user-replaceable without soldering.
No, the Varmilo Sword 287 does not have RGB lighting. The product specifications list its backlighting as 'White LED', indicating single-color white illumination.
The Realforce R3 uses Topre capacitive switches. The vendor lists specific silent variants, such as Topre Silent 45g and Topre Silent 30g. These are a unique hybrid electro-capacitive design, different from standard mechanical switches.
Yes, you should be able to change the keycaps as it uses a standard mechanical switch mount (plate mount) and PBT keycaps. However, the Varmilo EC switches may have a specific stem compatibility, so it's best to verify with the manufacturer for third-party keycap sets.
According to the Realforce product description, it can connect to up to 4 devices wirelessly via its Bluetooth 5.0 functionality. This allows for easy switching between a computer, tablet, or phone.
The vendor description does not specify a battery life in hours. It states that the Bluetooth mode is powered by 2 included AA batteries, which are a standard, user-replaceable type.
The Varmilo Sword 287 has white LED backlighting and uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. Dye-sub legends are not typically translucent, so the backlight likely shines around the keys rather than through the legends, providing an underglow effect.
The Realforce R3 is more portable for most users. Its wireless capability means you can use it without a cable, and its plastic construction likely makes it lighter than the all-aluminum Varmilo Sword 287, which is wired-only.
Neither the Realforce R3 nor Varmilo Sword 287 product descriptions mention the inclusion of a carrying case or travel sleeve. The Realforce R3 does include a detachable USB-C cable.
The Realforce R3 allows you to change the switch actuation point between four levels: 0.8mm, 1.5mm, 2.2mm, and 3.0mm. This lets you customize how far you need to press a key before it registers, potentially improving typing speed or reducing errors.
Yes, the Varmilo Sword 287 product characteristics list it as compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
The Realforce R3 is likely better for a quiet office. It offers silent Topre switch variants specifically designed to reduce noise. The Varmilo Sword 287 is listed with standard clicky Varmilo EC switches, which are typically louder.
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