Compare Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera vs APT87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two nearly identical Varmilo TKL models. The core decision hinges on aesthetic preference and a few minor technical details. Both share the same 87-key layout, triple connectivity, hotswap PCB, and sound-dampening features, making the choice subtle.

Model
	68	68	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options	Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
Score	Scores Performance: 82.8 Build Quality: 54.8 Productivity: 78.5 Customizability: 71.9 Portability: 74.6	Scores Performance: 83.1 Build Quality: 55.5 Productivity: 79.1 Customizability: 72.2 Portability: 74.9
Name	Name Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera	Name Varmilo APT87
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Silent	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, North-face	Backlight Rgb, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice boils down to aesthetics and one technical feature. If you prefer the specific Beijing Opera colorway and value the potential feel of a Flex Cut PCB, choose that model. If you want a clicky switch option or prefer the standard blue/grey look, and the Flex Cut PCB is less important, the standard APT87 is the match. For all other functional aspects, they are the same keyboard.

Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera

+Unique Beijing Opera aesthetic with black, grey, white, red, and black legend keycaps.
+Vendor listing specifically mentions a Flex Cut PCB, which can affect typing feel.
+Includes all core features: triple connectivity, hotswap, and sound dampening.
+Thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durability and resistance to shine.

−Lacks the clicky Cherry MX Blue switch option available on the standard model.
−May carry a slight price premium for its themed design.
−Uses an ABS plastic case, not metal.

Varmilo APT87

+Offers a clicky Cherry MX Blue switch option for users who prefer tactile and audible feedback.
+Available in a blue case with grey keycaps for a different aesthetic.
+Includes all core features: triple connectivity, hotswap, and sound dampening.
+Thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durability.

−Vendor listing indicates the Flex Cut PCB is not present ('n'), unlike the Beijing Opera.
−Uses an ABS plastic case, not metal.
−The standard colorway may be less distinctive than the themed option.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The keyboards are functionally identical for most uses, resulting in ties for Gaming, Office, Programming, Travel, and Content Creation. The only differentiator is for Modding, where the Beijing Opera's listed Flex Cut PCB gives it a slight edge for enthusiasts seeking a specific typing feel. The standard APT87 offers a clicky Cherry MX Blue switch option, which the Beijing Opera variant lacks.

GamingTie

•Both offer a 1000 Hz wired polling rate for low latency.
•Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
•Both have the same wireless connectivity options for flexibility.

OfficeTie

•Both offer silent Cherry MX switch options for quiet typing.
•Both include triple connectivity (wired, Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz) for device switching.
•Both feature double-layer silicone sound absorption to reduce noise.

ProgrammingTie

•Both share the same TKL layout with dedicated arrow and navigation keys.
•Both are programmable via the Varmilo web application.
•Both use thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durability.

TravelTie

•Both are the same 80% TKL size for portability.
•Both offer wireless Bluetooth and 2.4GHz operation.
•Both have a USB-C detachable cable.

ModdingVarmilo APT87 Beijing Opera

•The Beijing Opera listing specifies a 'Flex Cut PCB', which may offer a different typing feel.
•Both are hot-swappable for easy switch changes.
•Both use north-facing RGB LEDs and plate-mount switches.

Content CreationTie