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

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two nearly identical Varmilo TKL wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like triple-mode connectivity, hotswap sockets, and thick PBT keycaps. The decision hinges on subtle but meaningful differences in internal PCB design, initial switch availability, and aesthetic color options.

68
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board 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: 83.6
  • Build Quality: 55.7
  • Productivity: 79.2
  • Customizability: 72.1
  • Portability: 75
Scores
  • Performance: 83.6
  • Build Quality: 55.4
  • Productivity: 78.9
  • Customizability: 72
  • Portability: 74.7
Name
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
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 depends on your preference for typing feel and switch sound. Select the Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board if you want a potentially more flexible PCB and prioritize silent switches. Choose the standard Varmilo APT87 if you prefer a clicky tactile switch or the specific blue colorway. For all other features, expect a nearly identical experience.

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board

  • +Includes a flex cut PCB, which can provide a more flexible typing feel.
  • +Offers silent linear switch options like Cherry MX Silent Red.
  • +Features a specific purple and white color scheme with dye-sub PBT keycaps.
  • +Programmable via the Varmilo web application.
  • −Does not list a clicky switch option in the provided vendor details.
  • −Uses an ABS case, which may feel less premium than metal alternatives.

Varmilo APT87

  • +Available with clicky Cherry MX Blue switches.
  • +Features a blue and grey color scheme with dye-sub PBT keycaps.
  • +Programmable via the Varmilo web application.
  • +Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption.
  • −The vendor listing indicates it does not have a flex cut PCB ('n').
  • −Uses an ABS case, which may feel less premium than metal alternatives.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The keyboards tie in most categories due to their shared foundation. The Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board has a slight edge for office use due to its silent switch options and for modders interested in its flex cut PCB. The standard APT87 offers a clicky switch option not listed for the Dreams On Board variant. For gaming, programming, travel, and content creation, the experience is functionally identical.

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 with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth.
OfficeVarmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
  • •The Dreams On Board offers silent linear switch options (Cherry MX Silent Red).
  • •Both have double-layer silicone sound absorption for quieter typing.
  • •Both support Bluetooth for multi-device connectivity.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both have a standard TKL layout with dedicated arrow and navigation keys.
  • •Both are programmable via the Varmilo web application.
  • •Both feature thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for long-lasting legends.
TravelTie
  • •Both are identical in size and weight as tenkeyless boards.
  • •Both offer wireless operation via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz dongle.
  • •Both have a USB-C port for wired use and charging.
ModdingVarmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
  • •The Dreams On Board is listed with a flex cut PCB, which can offer a softer typing feel.
  • •Both are hot-swappable for easy switch changes.
  • •Both use standard plate-mount MX-style switches.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include preset multimedia keypress combinations.
  • •Both have RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs.
  • •The shared TKL layout saves desk space for peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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