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Compare Varmilo APT87 vs VPT87 Sea Melody Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar Varmilo TKL keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a core feature set: 87-key layout, triple connectivity, hotswap, and thick PBT keycaps. The decision hinges on subtle but meaningful differences in build components and switch options. This guide breaks down which model is better for specific tasks like gaming, modding, or office work.

68
Varmilo APT87 Moonlight TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
68
Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

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  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.4
  • Build Quality: 55.3
  • Productivity: 78.9
  • Customizability: 72.1
  • Portability: 74.6
Scores
  • Performance: 83.1
  • Build Quality: 54.3
  • Productivity: 78
  • Customizability: 71.5
  • Portability: 74.1
Name
Varmilo APT87
Name
Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
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
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 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.

Varmilo APT87

  • +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.
  • +Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption for dampened acoustics.
  • +Features a hotswap PCB for easy switch changes.
  • −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.

Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody

  • +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.
  • +Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption for dampened acoustics.
  • +Features a hotswap PCB for easy switch changes.
  • −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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie
  • •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.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz wireless for multi-device use.
  • •Both include preset multimedia key combinations.
  • •Both are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both use the same TKL (80%) layout, saving desk space.
  • •Both feature thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durability.
  • •Both have a 2-step kickstand for adjustable typing angles.
TravelTie
  • •Both are the same size and form factor.
  • •Both offer wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz.
  • •Both have a 3-way cord channel for cable management.
ModdingVarmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
  • •The VPT87 Sea Melody has a confirmed aluminum plate, which may offer a different typing feel.
  • •Its south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • •The VPT87 listing mentions a flex cut PCB, which can affect typing feel.
Content CreationVarmilo APT87
  • •The APT87 offers clicky switch options (Cherry MX Blue), which some users prefer for audio feedback.
  • •Its north-facing RGB LEDs may provide brighter shine-through with certain keycap profiles.
  • •The APT87 is listed as programmable via a Varmilo web application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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