Varmilo APT87 vs VA Series V2Hotswap TKL vs Full-Size Layout Choice
Choose the APT87 for its hot-swappable switches and triple connectivity, or the VA V2 if you require a dedicated number pad.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87
Hotswap TKL
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch replacement without soldering.
- Triple connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless mode.
- Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption for a quieter typing experience.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Get the
Varmilo VA Series V2
Full-Size Layout Choice
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 100% boards under $100.
- Full-size 100% layout includes a dedicated number pad.
- Features sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate for dampening.
- Includes a double-section kickstand and cable routing grooves.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Select the Varmilo APT87 if you value the flexibility to change switches, need the lowest-latency wireless option, or want a space-saving TKL. Opt for the VA Series V2 if your workflow demands a full keyboard with a number pad and you are satisfied with Bluetooth or wired connectivity. Your primary need for a numpad or for hot-swap capability should guide your final decision.
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
Varmilo VA Series V2
Layout size
80%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
ABS
Plastic, Wood
- Varmilo APT87
- Varmilo VA Series V2
- Performance
- 8364
- Build quality
- 5556
- Productivity
- 7972
- Customizability
- 7250
- Portability
- 7550
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The APT87 is the clear choice for gamers, travelers, and modders due to its high-performance wireless, compact size, and hot-swap capability. The VA V2 wins for office work and content creation where a number pad is essential. For programming, the decision is a neutral trade-off between desk space and layout preference.
Pick the Varmilo APT87
- The APT87 offers a 1000 Hz wired polling rate for lower latency.
- Its TKL layout provides more mouse space.
- It includes a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for a stable, low-latency wireless option.
Varmilo APT87 vs VA Series V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT87
Varmilo VA Series V2
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 vs VA Series V2: your questions
The Varmilo APT87 features a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to change mechanical switches without soldering. The VA Series V2 has soldered switches and does not support hot-swapping.
No. According to the manufacturer's listing, the VA Series V2 only offers Bluetooth and wired USB-C connectivity. The APT87 provides an additional 2.4 GHz wireless mode with its own dongle.
The vendor states the APT87 has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, 250 Hz in 2.4 GHz wireless mode, and 133 Hz over Bluetooth. A polling rate for the VA V2 is not specified in the provided information.
Neither keyboard uses shine-through keycaps. Both feature thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. The APT87 has north-facing RGB LEDs, but the keycaps are not translucent, so backlighting will only shine around the keys.
The Varmilo APT87 is an 80% Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, which omits the number pad to save significant desk space. The VA Series V2 is a full-size 100% keyboard and will require more room.
Yes. Both the APT87 and the VA Series V2 include dedicated multimedia keys or keypress combinations for media control, as listed in their features.
Yes. The product description for the APT87 states it is an upgraded version programmable with the Varmilo web application. Similar programmability is not mentioned for the VA V2.
The APT87 case is made from ABS plastic. The VA Series V2 case is listed as being made from plastic and wood, depending on the specific colorway or model variant.
Both keyboards incorporate sound-dampening materials. The APT87 uses a double-layer silicone sound absorption system. The VA V2 has sound-proof silicone pads placed between the PCB and the positioning plate.
Yes, both the Varmilo APT87 and the VA Series V2 are listed as being compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
Both keyboards are available with a selection of genuine Cherry MX switches, including clicky, tactile, linear, and silent variants, as shown in their respective SKU listings.
The APT87 is more portable due to its smaller TKL form factor and triple connectivity options, including Bluetooth for use with laptops and tablets. Its compact size makes it easier to pack.
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