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Compare Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs VPT87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two similar Varmilo TKL wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because they share core features like triple-mode connectivity, hotswap PCBs, and sound dampening. The decision hinges on specific technical differences: the APT87 offers Hall Effect switches and a programmable web app, while the VPT87 provides a wider selection of standard switches and south-facing RGB LEDs.

68
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
67
Varmilo VPT87 Mac TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky switch options
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 55.7
  • Productivity: 79.2
  • Customizability: 72.2
  • Portability: 74.9
Scores
  • Performance: 75.9
  • Build Quality: 54
  • Productivity: 77.6
  • Customizability: 71.2
  • Portability: 73.9
Name
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
Name
Varmilo VPT87
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky
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, South-face, 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 priority should dictate the choice. Opt for the Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board if you want to try Hall Effect technology or need programmable keys via a web app. Choose the Varmilo VPT87 if you plan to use aftermarket Cherry-profile keycaps with its south-facing LEDs, or if you prefer a wider initial selection of standard mechanical switches. For all other needs, they are functionally equivalent.

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board

  • +Includes Hall Effect switch option for potentially higher precision.
  • +Programmable via the Varmilo web application.
  • +Features north-facing RGB LEDs.
  • +Shares core benefits like triple-mode wireless and double-layer silicone sound dampening.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Switch selection in the provided listing is limited to three Cherry MX variants.
  • −Lacks the aluminum plate listed for the VPT87.

Varmilo VPT87

  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Offers a wider selection of switch types, including Kailh Prestige Silent and Varmilo MX Daisy.
  • +Includes an aluminum plate, which may offer a firmer typing feel.
  • +Shares core benefits like triple-mode wireless and double-layer silicone sound dampening.
  • −Does not list Hall Effect switches as an available option.
  • −The product description does not mention programmability via a web app.
  • −The aesthetic is limited to a white color scheme with black legends.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The APT87 takes a slight lead for gaming and programming due to its Hall Effect switches and web app programmability. For modding, the VPT87 is the better choice because of its south-facing LEDs and broader switch compatibility. For office use, travel, and content creation, the keyboards are effectively tied, sharing nearly all relevant features like silent operation, wireless modes, and multimedia controls.

GamingVarmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
  • •The APT87 lists Hall Effect switches, which can offer high precision for gaming.
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
OfficeTie
  • •Both offer silent switch options and double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter environment.
  • •Both have multimedia keys and Mac/Windows support.
  • •Their triple-mode wireless connectivity allows for flexible desk setup.
ProgrammingVarmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
  • •The APT87 is listed as programmable via a Varmilo web application.
  • •Both have a standard TKL layout with dedicated arrow and navigation keys.
  • •Both use thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durable legends.
TravelTie
  • •Both are identically sized 80% (TKL) keyboards.
  • •Both offer Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for cable-free use.
  • •Both have a 3-way cord channel for cable management.
ModdingVarmilo VPT87
  • •The VPT87 has south-facing RGB LEDs, which avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • •The VPT87 listing includes a wider variety of switch options, including Kailh and Varmilo-branded switches.
  • •Both have hotswap PCBs and Flex Cut PCBs for modding ease.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both offer preset multimedia keypress combinations for media control.
  • •Both have adjustable 2-step kickstands for ergonomic typing angles.
  • •RGB backlighting is present on both models for low-light work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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