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Compare Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA87M Love Birds You Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Varmilo TKL keyboards with distinct philosophies. The APT87 Yakumo is a feature-rich, modern board with triple connectivity and hotswap, while the MA87M Love Birds You focuses on a specific aesthetic and proprietary switch type. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize wireless flexibility and future modding or prefer a unique, pre-built tactile experience with a distinct design.

68
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
Varmilo MA87M Love Birds You White LED TKL Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 55.1
  • Productivity: 78.6
  • Customizability: 71.9
  • Portability: 74.6
Scores
  • Performance: 58.4
  • Build Quality: 44.8
  • Productivity: 45.8
  • Customizability: 51.1
  • Portability: 53.3
Name
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Name
Varmilo MA87M Love Birds You
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Clicky
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
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
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
 
White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the clear recommendation for most users seeking a contemporary, flexible TKL. Its wireless capabilities, hotswap design, and programmability make it a future-proof daily driver. Only choose the MA87M Love Birds You if you are specifically drawn to the aesthetic of its wood grain case and want to experience Varmilo's proprietary electrocapacitive switches, accepting its wired and non-hotswap limitations.

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo

  • +Triple connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • +Hotswap PCB supports a wide variety of Cherry MX-style switches.
  • +Programmable via Varmilo's web application for key remapping.
  • +Includes sound dampening with a double-layer silicone absorption pad.
  • +Features a 2-step kickstand and 3-way cord channel for ergonomics and cable management.
  • −Uses a plastic plate and ABS case, which may feel less premium than metal constructions.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs can cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Not compatible with QMK or VIA firmware, limiting advanced programming.

Varmilo MA87M Love Birds You

  • +Features genuine Varmilo electrocapacitive switches, offering a unique typing experience.
  • +Has a distinctive wood grain textured plastic case design.
  • +Uses thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durable, long-lasting legends.
  • −Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
  • −PCB is not hotswap, so switches cannot be changed without soldering.
  • −Limited to white LED backlighting instead of full RGB.
  • −Offers fewer switch type options from the factory, listed only with clicky switches.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, office, programming, travel, and modding due to its wireless options, programmability, and hotswap PCB. It is a modern, flexible tool. The MA87M Love Birds You, with its fixed electrocapacitive switches and wired-only design, is suited for users who prioritize its specific aesthetic and switch type over adaptability. For content creation, both offer basic multimedia controls.

GamingVarmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • •The APT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
  • •Its hotswap PCB allows for installing gaming-focused linear switches.
  • •It supports N-Key Rollover for reliable multi-key presses.
OfficeVarmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • •The APT87 provides Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz wireless for cable-free desk setups.
  • •It includes preset multimedia key combinations for productivity.
  • •Double-layer silicone sound absorption can help reduce noise.
ProgrammingVarmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • •The APT87 is programmable via Varmilo's web application for key remapping.
  • •Its TKL layout saves space while retaining essential navigation keys.
  • •The hotswap feature allows tailoring switch feel for long typing sessions.
TravelVarmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • •The APT87 offers wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
  • •It has a space-saving TKL form factor.
  • •Its 3-way cord channel offers flexible cable routing when used wired.
ModdingVarmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • •The APT87 has a hotswap PCB for easy switch changes without soldering.
  • •It features a flex cut PCB, which can influence typing feel.
  • •North-facing RGB LEDs allow for aftermarket keycap compatibility, though may interfere with some Cherry profile caps.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards offer multimedia keys for controlling media playback.
  • •Both use thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durable legends.
  • •The APT87's RGB lighting offers more visual customization, while the MA87M's white LED provides simple backlighting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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