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Compare Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera vs APT87 Dreams On Board Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two visually distinct versions of the same Varmilo APT87 keyboard. The decision is difficult because both share the same Tenkeyless form factor, triple-mode connectivity, hot-swappable PCB, and sound-dampened construction. Your choice ultimately hinges on aesthetic preference for a black/red or purple/white theme, and which model is currently in stock, as performance and features are a direct match.

66
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
68
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

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  • No unique differences found
  • No unique differences found
Scores
  • Performance: 82.7
  • Build Quality: 53.5
  • Productivity: 76.5
  • Customizability: 70
  • Portability: 73.4
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 55.7
  • Productivity: 79.2
  • Customizability: 72.2
  • Portability: 74.9
Name
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera
Name
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera and Dreams On Board are the same keyboard in different clothing. Your decision should be guided by which colorway—black/red opera theme or purple/white dream theme—you prefer for your setup. Before deciding, check current retailer stock, as availability was a differentiating factor at the time of writing. There is no performance or feature-based reason to choose one over the other.

Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera

  • +Unique Beijing Opera themed keycaps with black, grey, white, and red accents.
  • +Features double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter typing experience.
  • +Offers a 3-way cord channel for flexible cable routing.
  • +Includes a two-step kickstand for adjustable typing angles.
  • +Available from at least one vendor according to the listing.
  • −Uses north-facing RGB LEDs, which can cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Limited to Varmilo's proprietary web app for programming, not compatible with QMK or VIA.

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board

  • +Distinct Dreams On Board themed keycaps with purple and white color scheme.
  • +Features double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter typing experience.
  • +Offers a 3-way cord channel for flexible cable routing.
  • +Includes a two-step kickstand for adjustable typing angles.
  • −Uses north-facing RGB LEDs, which can cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Limited to Varmilo's proprietary web app for programming, not compatible with QMK or VIA.
  • −Was listed as out of stock at the time of this comparison.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Across all common use cases, the Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera and Dreams On Board are functionally identical. The shared feature set, including hot-swap capability, triple-mode wireless, and sound-dampened design, makes them equally suitable for gaming, office work, programming, and travel. The choice does not affect performance or productivity, leaving aesthetics and purchase availability as the sole deciding factors.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for low latency.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover to prevent ghosting.
  • •Both have the same 2.4 GHz wireless mode with a 250 Hz polling rate.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support silent Cherry MX switch options.
  • •Both include double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter typing experience.
  • •Both offer Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for pairing with multiple devices.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both have the same TKL layout, preserving arrow and navigation keys.
  • •Both are programmable via the Varmilo web application.
  • •Both feature thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps for durability.
TravelTie
  • •Both share the same 80% (TKL) size and weight.
  • •Both offer the same wireless connectivity options for cable-free use.
  • •Both have a USB-C port for charging and wired connection.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are built with a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes.
  • •Both feature a plate-mount style and a flex cut PCB.
  • •Both use north-facing RGB LEDs, which may interfere with some Cherry-profile keycaps.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include dedicated multimedia keypress combinations.
  • •Both offer adjustable typing angles via a two-step kickstand.
  • •Both have RGB backlighting for visual customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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