Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA Series V2 Beijing OperaWireless vs EC Switches
Choose the APT87 Yakumo for wireless flexibility and switch customization, or the MA V2 Beijing Opera for a unique, pre-built typing experience with electrocapacitive switches.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Wireless
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Triple connectivity with wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth 5.1.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports easy switch changes.
- Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption pads.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo MA Series V2 Beijing Opera
EC Switches
Build quality in the bottom 30% of 80% boards under $150.
- Features unique Varmilo electrocapacitive switches for a distinct typing feel.
- Includes sound-proof silicone pads between PCB and plate for quiet operation.
- White LED backlighting with north-facing LEDs.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the recommended choice for most users due to its wireless freedom, hot-swap customizability, and broader switch selection. Opt for the MA Series V2 Beijing Opera if you specifically want to experience Varmilo's proprietary electrocapacitive switches and prioritize a pre-built, wired typing experience over flexibility.
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 MA Series V2 Beijing Opera
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
Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky
- Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- Varmilo MA Series V2 Beijing Opera
- Performance
- 8366
- Build quality
- 5549
- Productivity
- 7971
- Customizability
- 7253
- Portability
- 7559
- Layout size: 80%
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the more versatile choice, winning in Gaming, Office, Travel, Modding, and Content Creation due to its wireless options, hot-swap PCB, and RGB lighting. The MA V2 Beijing Opera's unique electrocapacitive switches provide a specific feel but limit flexibility. For Programming, both keyboards offer a capable TKL layout with quality PBT keycaps, making it a tie.
Pick the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- The APT87 Yakumo offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- Its wireless 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth options provide cable-free flexibility.
- It supports linear and silent switch options, which are often preferred for gaming.
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA Series V2 Beijing Opera 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 MA Series V2 Beijing Opera
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 MA Series V2 Beijing Opera: your questions
The core difference is connectivity and switches. The APT87 Yakumo is a wireless, hot-swappable keyboard compatible with standard Cherry MX switches. The MA V2 Beijing Opera is wired-only and uses soldered, proprietary Varmilo electrocapacitive switches.
No. The product listing states it is not hot-swappable. The Varmilo electrocapacitive switches are soldered to the PCB, making switch replacement difficult without soldering skills and compatible EC switches.
Yes. The vendor description for the APT87 Yakumo explicitly lists compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
The APT87 Yakumo has per-key RGB backlighting. The MA V2 Beijing Opera has white LED backlighting. Both feature north-facing LEDs.
Both keyboards feature thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which are durable and resist shine. The specific colorways and legends differ based on their respective designs.
Both have sound-dampening features. The APT87 Yakumo uses double-layer silicone sound absorption. The MA V2 Beijing Opera has silicone pads between the PCB and plate. The APT87 also offers silent Cherry MX switch options, which would make it the quieter choice if configured that way.
According to the vendor, the APT87 Yakumo has a 250 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz wireless mode and a 133 Hz polling rate in Bluetooth mode. The wired mode operates at 1000 Hz.
No. The vendor description for the APT87 Yakumo specifically states it is not QMK or VIA compatible. It is programmable through Varmilo's own web application. Programming capability for the MA V2 is not detailed in the provided information.
Varmilo's electrocapacitive (EC) switches are a proprietary switch type that uses a capacitive sensing mechanism instead of physical metal contacts. They are described as light and smooth in the user review for the MA V2, offering a different feel from standard mechanical switches.
The APT87 Yakumo is better for minimizing cable clutter due to its wireless capabilities. It also has a 3-way cord channel and a 2-step kickstand for clean cable management when used in wired mode.
The vendor descriptions confirm both keyboards come with a USB-C cable. The APT87 Yakumo's listing mentions a USB-A to USB-C cable. The MA V2 Beijing Opera is part of a series upgraded to include a standard USB-C cable.
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