Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs VA87MWireless Hotswap vs Wired Classic
Choose the APT87 for wireless flexibility and future switch changes, or the VA87M for a lower-cost, wired-only setup.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Wireless Hotswap
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Triple connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB-C wired.
- Hotswap PCB allows for tool-free switch replacement.
- Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption for a dampened typing sound.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo VA87M
Wired Classic
Build quality in the bottom 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- Typically available at a lower price point than the APT87.
- Features distinctive themed dye-sub PBT keycaps and a wood-grained ABS case.
- Includes a long 60-inch detachable cable.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the recommended choice for most users willing to pay more for modern conveniences. Its wireless flexibility, hotswap capability, and added features like sound dampening provide significant long-term value. Only choose the VA87M if you strictly require a wired keyboard and prioritize initial cost savings over future upgradeability.
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 VA87M
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
ABS
ABS, Plastic
Sound dampening
Yes
No
- Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- Varmilo VA87M
- Performance
- 8362
- Build quality
- 5545
- Productivity
- 7951
- Customizability
- 7249
- Portability
- 7552
- Layout size: 80%
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Plate material: Plastic
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the clear choice across all defined use cases due to its modern feature set. Its wireless versatility, hotswap capability, and programmability provide tangible benefits for gaming, office work, and customization. The VA87M serves primarily as a more affordable, wired-only alternative for users who do not need these advanced features.
Pick the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- The APT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- Its 2.4 GHz wireless mode provides a 250 Hz polling rate for cable-free gaming.
- It features N-key rollover for reliable multi-key presses.
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs VA87M 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 VA87M
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 VA87M: your questions
No, the Varmilo VA87M is not hotswappable. Its product listing confirms a soldered PCB, so changing switches requires desoldering and soldering new ones in place.
According to the manufacturer, the Varmilo APT87 has variable polling rates. It offers 1000 Hz in wired mode, 250 Hz in 2.4 GHz wireless mode, and 133 Hz over Bluetooth 5.1.
The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo offers wireless connectivity via both Bluetooth 5.1 and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. The VA87M is a wired-only keyboard with a detachable Mini USB cable.
The APT87 features per-key RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs. The VA87M, according to its specifications, has white backlighting only, not full RGB.
Yes, the Varmilo APT87 is programmable via the Varmilo web application. The vendor description lists it as an upgraded version with this capability. The VA87M's programmability is not mentioned.
The APT87 uses a USB-C connection on the keyboard side. The VA87M uses an older Mini USB connection, as listed in its characteristics.
The APT87 is likely better for a quiet environment as it includes a double-layer silicone sound absorption pad to dampen typing noise. The VA87M does not mention any integrated sound-dampening features.
Both keyboards are listed as compatible with Mac and Windows systems. The APT87 vendor page also explicitly lists Linux compatibility.
Both the Varmilo APT87 and VA87M use thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. This material is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time.
The core difference is connectivity and customizability. The APT87 adds wireless modes, a hotswap PCB, programmability, and RGB lighting. The VA87M is a simpler, wired-only board focused on themed aesthetics at a lower cost.
The product descriptions do not mention factory lubing for the switches on either the APT87 or the VA87M. Both are listed as coming with genuine Cherry MX switches in various types.
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