Varmilo APT87 Panda R2 vs APT87 Yakumo
Choose based on your preferred Cherry MX switch type and whether you need dedicated multimedia keys.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87 Panda R2
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 80% boards under $200.
- Offers Cherry MX Brown, Red, and Silent Red switch options for tactile, linear, or silent preferences.
- Features double-layer silicone sound absorption for a dampened typing experience.
- Provides triple-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Lists dedicated multimedia keys for convenient media playback control.
- Offers a wider range of Cherry MX switches, including Blue, Brown, Red, and Silent Red.
- Features double-layer silicone sound absorption for a dampened typing experience.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
The Varmilo APT87 Panda R2 and Yakumo are fundamentally the same keyboard with minor variations. Select the Yakumo if dedicated multimedia keys are a priority and you want the option for clicky Cherry MX Blue switches. Choose the Panda R2 if you prefer its specific switch selection and the absence of multimedia keys is not a concern. Since both are equally capable for core tasks, availability and price may be the final deciding factors.
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 Panda R2
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Varmilo APT87 Panda R2
- Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- Performance
- 8383
- Build quality
- 5655
- Productivity
- 8079
- Customizability
- 7272
- Portability
- 7675
- 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 Varmilo APT87 Yakumo holds a slight edge for office and content creation due to its listed multimedia keys. For all other use cases, including gaming, programming, travel, and modding, the two keyboards are functionally tied, sharing an identical core feature set. The final decision will come down to which model offers your preferred Cherry MX switch type at the time of purchase.
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 hotswap PCBs, allowing for switch customization to personal preference.
Varmilo APT87 Panda R2 vs APT87 Yakumo specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
1 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT87 Panda R2
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
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 Panda R2 vs APT87 Yakumo: your questions
The primary differences are in the available Cherry MX switch options and the presence of multimedia keys. The Yakumo's vendor description lists it as having multimedia keys and offers Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red, and Silent Red switches. The Panda R2's vendor page states it does not have multimedia keys and offers Brown, Red, and Silent Red switches.
Yes, both the Panda R2 and the Yakumo feature a hot-swappable PCB. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering, using switches with standard MX stems.
Both keyboards support three connection modes. You can use them wired via the included USB-C to USB-A cable, wirelessly with a 2.4 GHz USB dongle, or via Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to multiple devices.
When used in wired mode, both keyboards have a 1000 Hz polling rate. According to the vendor description, wireless polling rates are lower: 250 Hz for the 2.4 GHz connection and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.
Yes, both models are programmable, but only through Varmilo's proprietary web application. The vendor listings confirm they are not compatible with the popular open-source firmware QMK or the VIA configurator.
Yes, both the Panda R2 and Yakumo feature per-key RGB backlighting. The LEDs are north-facing, which can cause interference with certain Cherry profile keycaps but is standard for shine-through legends.
According to the manufacturer's description, both keyboards include a double-layer silicone sound absorption pad inside the case. This helps reduce case ping and create a more muted, thocky typing sound.
Both keyboards come with thick PBT plastic keycaps. The legends are applied using the dye-sublimation (dye-sub) method, which makes them highly durable and resistant to wear over time.
Yes, the vendor specifications list compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The connectivity works across these platforms, though advanced programming via the web app may have varying support.
Both keyboards use an ABS plastic case (top and bottom) and a plastic plate. The plate is mounted, and the PCB has flex cuts, as noted in the vendor characteristics.
Yes, both models include a 2-step kickstand on the underside, allowing you to choose between two different typing angles for improved ergonomics.
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