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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs VPH87 Dreams on BoardWireless RGB vs Wired White LED

Choose the APT87 for wireless flexibility and RGB, or the VPH87 for a simpler, wired-only setup.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board

Wireless RGB

Build quality in the bottom 50% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Triple-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • Full RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs.
  • Programmable via Varmilo's web application.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Get the

Varmilo VPH87 Dreams on Board

Wired White LED

Build quality in the bottom 50% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Simple, reliable wired-only USB-C connection.
  • Includes double silicone sound dampening pads.
  • Hotswap PCB allows for easy switch replacement.

Rules this board out

  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Bottom line

The Varmilo APT87 is the clear choice for users who value wireless freedom, RGB lighting, and extra features like programmability. If your setup is stationary and you prefer a simpler, potentially more affordable wired keyboard with solid core specs, the VPH87 is a valid option. Your budget and need for wireless connectivity should guide the final decision.

What actually differs

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 VPH87 Dreams on Board

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    ABS

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Linear, Silent, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear

  • Backlight

    RGB, north-facing

    White, north-facing

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
  • Varmilo VPH87 Dreams on Board
Performance
83
55
Build quality
55
56
Productivity
80
80
Customizability
72
65
Portability
75
61

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo APT87 is the more versatile choice, winning in scenarios that benefit from wireless connectivity, such as office work, travel, and content creation. It also holds an edge for gaming due to its high polling rate options. For programming and basic modding, both keyboards are closely matched, sharing core features like hotswap sockets and PBT keycaps. The VPH87 serves as a competent, simpler alternative if wired-only use is acceptable.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board

  • The APT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
  • Its 2.4 GHz wireless mode provides a 250 Hz polling rate for cable-free gaming.
  • It features N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.

Full specs

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs VPH87 Dreams on Board specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

6 of 20 specs differ

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board

Varmilo VPH87 Dreams on Board

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Plastic

Plate material

—
Plastic

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
White, north-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs VPH87 Dreams on Board: your questions

Yes, the Varmilo APT87 supports three connection modes. You can use it wired via USB-C, or wirelessly with either Bluetooth 5.1 or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle.

The vendor description for the VPH87 does not specify a polling rate. The APT87's listing confirms a 1000 Hz rate in wired mode, but this spec is not provided for the VPH87.

Yes, both the APT87 and VPH87 feature hotswap PCBs. This allows you to easily remove and replace mechanical switches without soldering.

Only the APT87 is confirmed to have multimedia keys, according to its vendor listing. The VPH87's listing specifically states it has no multimedia keys.

The APT87 features full RGB backlighting. The VPH87 has white LED backlighting only, offering a single color.

Yes, the VPH87 uses standard MX-stem keycaps, which are removable. They are made of dye-sublimated PBT plastic for durability.

Both keyboards have sound-dampening features. The APT87 uses double-layer silicone sound absorption, and the VPH87 has double silicone dampening pads. The APT87 also offers silent switch options like Cherry MX Silent Red.

The vendor description for the VPH87 does not mention programmability. The APT87, however, is listed as an upgraded version programmable with a Varmilo web application.

The Varmilo APT87 uses an ABS plastic case, as confirmed by both the metadata and the vendor's characteristics list.

Yes, both the Varmilo APT87 and VPH87 are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

According to the vendor listing, the APT87 is available with Cherry MX Brown (tactile), Cherry MX Red (linear), and Cherry MX Silent Red (silent linear) switches.

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