Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA87M Love Birds YouHotswap Wireless vs Wired Electrocapacitive
Choose the APT87 for modern versatility and customizability, or the MA87M for a specific, wired typing experience with unique switches.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Hotswap Wireless
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo MA87M Love Birds You
Wired Electrocapacitive
Build quality in the bottom 5% of 80% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
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.
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 Yakumo
Varmilo MA87M Love Birds You
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
ABS
Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky
Sound dampening
Yes
No
- Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- Varmilo MA87M Love Birds You
- Performance
- 8358
- Build quality
- 5544
- Productivity
- 7946
- Customizability
- 7251
- Portability
- 7553
- Layout size: 80%
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Plate material: Plastic
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Varmilo 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.
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA87M Love Birds You specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Varmilo MA87M Love Birds You
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 Yakumo vs MA87M Love Birds You: your questions
Yes, the APT87 Yakumo supports both Bluetooth 5.1 and a 2.4 GHz wireless connection. It also includes a USB-C cable for a wired connection, which provides the highest 1000 Hz polling rate.
No, the MA87M does not have a hotswap PCB. Its Varmilo electrocapacitive switches are soldered in place, so changing them would require desoldering and soldering new switches.
This depends on switch preference. The APT87 offers a choice of Cherry MX-style switches (clicky, tactile, linear, silent). The MA87M uses proprietary Varmilo electrocapacitive switches, which provide a distinct tactile feel but offer less choice.
Yes, according to their product listings, both the Varmilo APT87 and the MA87M are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
According to the vendor description, the APT87's polling rate varies by connection: 1000 Hz when used wired, 250 Hz in 2.4 GHz wireless mode, and 133 Hz over Bluetooth.
Both keyboards use thick PBT keycaps with dye-sublimated legends, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine over time.
No, the MA87M features white LED backlighting only. The APT87 Yakumo has full per-key RGB lighting with north-facing LEDs.
The APT87 Yakumo includes a specific double-layer silicone sound absorption pad, according to its vendor description. There is no mention of integrated sound dampening for the MA87M.
Yes, the APT87 is programmable using Varmilo's web application. It is not, however, compatible with the popular QMK or VIA firmware.
The MA87M features a plastic case with a wood grain texture, as noted in its product description. Both the top and bottom materials are listed as plastic.
Both the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo and the MA87M Love Birds You are sold as pre-built keyboards, complete with switches and keycaps installed.
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