Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs VPE87 Panda R2RGB Gaming vs Budget White LED
Choose the APT87 for its higher wired polling rate and full RGB, or the VPE87 for a lower-cost option with white backlighting.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
RGB Gaming
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 80% boards under $150.
- Higher 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for gaming.
- Full RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs.
- Programmable via Varmilo web application.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo VPE87 Panda R2
Budget White LED
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 80% boards under $150.
- Typically available at a lower price point than the APT87.
- Includes white LED backlighting for basic illumination.
- Shares core features like hot-swap sockets and triple-mode wireless.
Select the Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board if you need the highest wired polling rate for gaming, desire full RGB customization, or want programmable keys and multimedia controls. Opt for the Varmilo VPE87 Panda R2 if you prefer a more affordable entry point with solid core features like hot-swap and wireless connectivity, and only require simple white backlighting. The performance and lighting features of the APT87 justify its higher cost for specific users.
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 Dreams On Board
Varmilo VPE87 Panda R2
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Case material
ABS
Plastic
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Backlight
RGB, north-facing
White
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
N-key rollover
Yes
No
- Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
- Varmilo VPE87 Panda R2
- Performance
- 8355
- Build quality
- 5555
- Productivity
- 8080
- Customizability
- 7265
- Portability
- 7575
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo APT87 holds clear advantages for gaming and content creation due to its higher polling rate and multimedia controls, while also offering more modding potential. For programming, its web-based programmability gives it an edge. The keyboards are evenly matched for office use and travel, sharing core wireless and quiet-typing features. The VPE87 serves as a capable, more budget-conscious alternative where RGB lighting and the highest wired performance are not required.
Pick the Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
- The APT87 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- Its vendor description specifies N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- The APT87 includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick in-game audio control.
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs VPE87 Panda R2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
Varmilo VPE87 Panda R2
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 Dreams On Board vs VPE87 Panda R2: your questions
The primary differences are in lighting and performance specs. The APT87 features full RGB backlighting and a specified 1000 Hz wired polling rate. The VPE87 has white LED backlighting and its vendor description does not list a polling rate.
Yes, both the Varmilo APT87 and VPE87 Panda R2 feature hot-swap sockets. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering, using switches with an MX stem type.
Yes, both models offer triple-mode connectivity. You can use them wired via USB-C, or wirelessly via Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for flexibility.
Both are well-suited for offices as they share key quieting features. Each includes double-layer silicone sound absorption inside the case to dampen typing noise, and both are compatible with silent switch options.
According to the vendor description, the APT87 is programmable using the Varmilo web application. It is not compatible with the community QMK or VIA firmware platforms.
No, the vendor characteristics for the VPE87 Panda R2 explicitly list 'Multimedia Keys' as 'No'. The APT87, in contrast, includes dedicated multimedia keys.
Both the APT87 and VPE87 come with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time compared to ABS.
Yes, both Varmilo models are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, providing broad compatibility for different users.
The APT87 offers more modding potential. Its vendor page mentions a flex cut PCB and north-facing RGB LEDs, which are specific details not mentioned for the VPE87. Both have hot-swap sockets.
Yes, both the APT87 and VPE87 include a 2-step kickstand for adjustable typing angles, as well as a 3-way cord channel to route the USB-C cable from the left, right, or middle.
The APT87 is listed with tactile, linear, and silent switch types, with vendor examples including Cherry MX Red, Brown, and Silent Red. The VPE87 is listed with tactile, linear, and clicky switch types, with examples of Cherry MX Red and Brown.
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