Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera vs APT87
Choose the Beijing Opera for its specific aesthetic and Flex Cut PCB, or the standard APT87 for a clicky switch option and potentially lower cost.
Which one should you get?
Get the
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.
- 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.
Get the
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera
Varmilo APT87
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera
- Varmilo APT87
- Performance
- 8383
- Build quality
- 5455
- Productivity
- 7979
- Customizability
- 7172
- Portability
- 7575
- Layout size: 80%
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera vs APT87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
1 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera
Varmilo APT87
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera vs APT87: your questions
The primary differences are aesthetic and one component. The Beijing Opera has a specific black/white/red color theme, while the standard APT87 comes in a blue/grey scheme. The vendor listing also notes the Beijing Opera has a Flex Cut PCB, whereas the standard model does not.
Yes. Both the APT87 and the APT87 Beijing Opera feature a hot-swappable PCB. This allows you to change the Cherry MX compatible switches without soldering.
Both keyboards support three connection modes: wired via USB-C, wireless 2.4GHz with a dongle, and Bluetooth 5.1. The manufacturer lists different polling rates for each mode: 1000 Hz for wired, 250 Hz for 2.4GHz, and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.
No. Both models feature thick dye-sub PBT keycaps with legends printed on top. Although they have north-facing RGB LEDs, the keycaps are not shine-through, so the backlighting shines around the keys rather than through the legends.
Yes, but not via QMK or VIA. According to the vendor descriptions, both are an 'upgraded version programmable with Varmilo web application.' This proprietary software allows for key remapping and macro creation.
Both are equally capable of being quiet. They both offer Cherry MX Silent Red switches as an option and include a double-layer silicone sound absorption pad inside the case to dampen typing noise.
Yes. The vendor listings confirm compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems for both the APT87 and the Beijing Opera model.
A Flex Cut PCB has cuts in the circuit board designed to allow more flex, which can change the typing feel and sound. The Beijing Opera listing specifies it has one, while the standard APT87 listing suggests it does not. This is a subtle difference mainly of interest to keyboard modders.
The Beijing Opera is listed with tactile, linear, and silent switch types (like Brown, Red, Silent Red). The standard APT87 adds clicky switches (Cherry MX Blue) to those same options.
Both are suitable for gaming. They offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for responsive input, N-key rollover to prevent ghosting, and a TKL layout that saves desk space for mouse movement.
While the exact contents aren't detailed, based on the features, you can expect the keyboard, a USB-C to USB-A cable for wired charging/use, a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and likely a keycap puller and switch puller for the hot-swap functionality.
The case is made of ABS plastic for both models. This is confirmed in the product characteristics, with listings for both a plastic top and bottom material.
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