Varmilo APT87 vs VPT87 Sea MelodyNorth vs South-Facing LEDs
Choose the APT87 for clicky switches and north-facing RGB, or the VPT87 for an aluminum plate and south-facing LEDs.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87
North
- Offers clicky switch options (Cherry MX Blue) for tactile and audible feedback.
- North-facing RGB LEDs may provide brighter backlighting with some keycap sets.
- Vendor description states it is programmable via a Varmilo web application.
- Lacks an aluminum plate, using a plate mount system with an unspecified plate material.
- North-facing LEDs can cause interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
- Keycaps are non-shine-through, which may obscure the RGB lighting.
Get the
Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
South-Facing LEDs
- Includes an aluminum plate, which can provide a more rigid typing feel.
- South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
- Vendor listing specifies a flex cut PCB, which can offer a softer typing experience.
- Does not offer clicky switch options in its listed variants.
- Keycaps are non-shine-through, which may obscure the RGB lighting.
- The vendor description does not mention web-based programmability.
Your choice depends on your priority for specific components. Select the Varmilo APT87 if you want clicky switches, north-facing RGB, or the mentioned web app programmability. Choose the Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody if you prefer an aluminum plate, south-facing LEDs to avoid keycap interference, or a flex cut PCB. Both are otherwise equivalent feature-rich TKL keyboards.
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 VPT87 Sea Melody
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Backlight
RGB, north-facing
RGB, south-facing
- Varmilo APT87
- Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
- Performance
- 8383
- Build quality
- 5554
- Productivity
- 7978
- Customizability
- 7271
- Portability
- 7574
- Layout size: 80%
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS
What will you mostly use it for?
The keyboards tie in most categories due to their identical core specs for gaming, office use, programming, and travel. The VPT87 Sea Melody has a slight edge for modders due to its aluminum plate and south-facing LEDs. The APT87 is the pick for content creators who want clicky switch options or the specific programmability mentioned in its vendor description.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000 Hz wired polling rate for low latency.
- Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both have the same triple connectivity options for flexibility.
Varmilo APT87 vs VPT87 Sea Melody specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
2 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT87
Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
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 VPT87 Sea Melody: your questions
The core differences are the switch orientation and plate material. The APT87 has north-facing RGB LEDs and its plate material is not specified as aluminum. The VPT87 Sea Melody has south-facing RGB LEDs and includes an aluminum plate.
The Varmilo APT87 is the only model that lists Cherry MX Blue (clicky) switches as an available option. The VPT87 Sea Melody listing does not include a clicky switch variant.
No. Both the Varmilo APT87 and VPT87 Sea Melody use an ABS plastic case, according to their specifications. The VPT87 differentiates itself with an aluminum plate inside the case.
No. Both keyboards come with thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. A customer review for the APT87 specifically notes the keycaps are non-shine-through, which will obscure the RGB backlighting.
The vendor description for the APT87 states it is an upgraded version programmable with a Varmilo web application. The description for the VPT87 Sea Melody does not mention this feature. Neither keyboard is compatible with QMK or VIA.
Both keyboards support triple connectivity: wired via USB-C, wireless 2.4 GHz with a dongle, and Bluetooth 5.1. They have the same polling rates: 1000 Hz wired, 250 Hz on 2.4 GHz, and 133 Hz on Bluetooth.
The Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody is generally better for custom keycaps due to its south-facing RGB LEDs. This orientation avoids interference with the Cherry-profile keycaps that are common in the aftermarket.
Yes. Both the APT87 and VPT87 Sea Melody include double-layer silicone sound absorption inside the case, according to their vendor descriptions.
A flex cut PCB has cuts in the circuit board to allow for more flex during typing. According to its characteristics listing, the Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody has a flex cut PCB. The APT87 listing does not mention this feature.
Both are designed for comfortable typing with features like a 2-step kickstand for angle adjustment, thick PBT keycaps, and sound-dampening silicone. The choice between a clicky switch on the APT87 or the aluminum plate on the VPT87 will affect the personal typing feel.
The primary build quality difference is the internal plate. The VPT87 Sea Melody uses an aluminum plate, while the APT87's plate material is not specified. Both share an ABS plastic case, hotswap PCB, and similar construction otherwise.
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