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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.

66
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
68
Varmilo APT87 Moonlight TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

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  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
Scores
  • Performance: 82.7
  • Build Quality: 53.5
  • Productivity: 76.5
  • Customizability: 70
  • Portability: 73.4
Scores
  • Performance: 83.4
  • Build Quality: 55.3
  • Productivity: 78.9
  • Customizability: 72.1
  • Portability: 74.6
Name
Varmilo APT87 Beijing Opera
Name
Varmilo APT87
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Clicky, 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
-
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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
  • •Both include preset multimedia keypress combinations.
  • •Both offer the same connectivity for switching between editing machines.
  • •Both have adjustable typing angles via a 2-step kickstand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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