Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs VPT87Hall Effect vs Switch Compatibility
Choose the APT87 for Hall Effect technology and programmable keys, or the VPT87 for broader switch compatibility and south-facing RGB.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
Hall Effect
- Includes Hall Effect switch option for potentially higher precision.
- Programmable via the Varmilo web application.
- Features north-facing RGB LEDs.
- 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.
Get the
Varmilo VPT87
Switch Compatibility
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 VPT87
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Backlight
RGB, north-facing
RGB, south-facing
- Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
- Varmilo VPT87
- Performance
- 8376
- Build quality
- 5554
- Productivity
- 7978
- Customizability
- 7271
- Portability
- 7574
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS
- Mount style: Plate Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Varmilo 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.
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs VPT87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
Varmilo VPT87
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 VPT87: your questions
The key differences are in switch technology and LED orientation. The APT87 offers Hall Effect switches and is programmable via a web app, with north-facing RGB LEDs. The VPT87 has a wider range of standard mechanical switches, south-facing RGB LEDs, and includes an aluminum plate.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering. Both also list a Flex Cut PCB design.
Yes, both the APT87 and VPT87 offer triple-mode connectivity. You can use them wired via USB-C, or wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.1 or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle.
According to the manufacturer, polling rates vary by connection. Both keyboards offer 1000 Hz in wired mode, 250 Hz in 2.4 GHz wireless mode, and 133 Hz in Bluetooth mode.
The VPT87 is better for custom keycaps if they are Cherry profile. Its south-facing RGB LEDs will not cause interference with the keycaps, a common issue with north-facing LEDs like those on the APT87.
Both keyboards are designed to be quiet. They feature double-layer silicone sound absorption inside the case and are available with silent switch options, such as Cherry MX Silent Red.
Only the APT87 is explicitly listed as being programmable with the Varmilo web application. The product description for the VPT87 does not mention this programmability feature.
Both keyboards come with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT is a durable plastic that resists shine and wear over time better than ABS.
Yes, both the Varmilo APT87 and VPT87 are listed as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
Hall Effect is a type of switch that uses a magnetic sensor to detect key presses, potentially offering higher precision and longevity. Only the Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board lists Hall Effect as an available switch type in its metadata.
The Varmilo VPT87 includes an aluminum plate according to its specifications. The plate provides structural rigidity and influences the typing sound and feel. The APT87 does not list an aluminum plate.
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