Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA Series V2 Dreams on BoardWireless Hotswap vs Electrocapacitive
Choose the APT87 for wireless flexibility and switch customization, or the MA V2 for its unique electrocapacitive switch feel.
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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-mode connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Hotswap PCB allows for easy switch replacement without soldering.
- Programmable via Varmilo's web application and includes multimedia keys.
- 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 Dreams on Board
Electrocapacitive
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 80% boards under $150.
- Features unique Varmilo electrocapacitive switches for a distinct typing feel.
- Includes sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate for a quiet experience.
- White LED north-facing backlighting and a dedicated aesthetic colorway.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the clear choice for users who value connectivity, future customization, and modern features like hotswap and RGB. Its higher price is justified by these capabilities. Only choose the MA Series V2 Dreams on Board if you are specifically seeking the experience of Varmilo's proprietary electrocapacitive switches and do not need wireless connectivity or the ability to change switches.
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 Dreams on Board
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
Backlight
RGB, north-facing
White, north-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- Varmilo MA Series V2 Dreams on Board
- Performance
- 8348
- Build quality
- 5549
- Productivity
- 7954
- Customizability
- 7252
- Portability
- 7554
- 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 scenarios that benefit from wireless connectivity, customization, or programmability, such as gaming, travel, and modding. The MA V2 Dreams on Board offers a distinct, quiet typing experience with its electrocapacitive switches, making it a tied contender for general office use where its unique feel is the primary draw. For programming and content creation, the APT87's extra features provide a functional advantage.
Pick the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- The APT87 offers a 1000 Hz wired polling rate for lower latency.
- Its N-key rollover ensures all keypresses are registered.
- The availability of linear and silent switch options can be preferable for gaming.
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA Series V2 Dreams on Board specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 20 specs differ
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Varmilo MA Series V2 Dreams on Board
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 Dreams on Board: your questions
The core difference is in their switch technology and connectivity. The APT87 uses standard Cherry MX-style mechanical switches in a hotswap socket and offers triple-mode wireless. The MA V2 uses proprietary, soldered Varmilo electrocapacitive switches and is wired-only.
No. The product listing confirms the MA V2 is not hot-swappable. Its electrocapacitive switches are soldered to the PCB, making switch replacement difficult and requiring soldering skills and compatible electrocapacitive switches.
Yes. The vendor description for the APT87 explicitly lists compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. The MA V2 listing also confirms Windows, Mac, and Linux compatibility.
Both are designed for quiet typing. The APT87 uses double-layer silicone sound absorption, while the MA V2 uses sound-proof silicone pads. The MA V2's electrocapacitive switches may offer a uniquely quiet feel, but the APT87 also offers silent Cherry MX switch options.
The APT87 Yakumo has per-key RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs. The MA V2 Dreams on Board has white LED backlighting, also with north-facing LEDs.
Yes, the APT87 is programmable using Varmilo's web application, as stated in its vendor description. It is not compatible with QMK or VIA. The MA V2's description does not mention any programmability features.
According to the vendor, the APT87 has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode. In wireless mode, it uses 133 Hz over Bluetooth and 250 Hz over the 2.4 GHz connection. Polling rate for the wired-only MA V2 is not specified.
Yes, both keyboards feature USB-C connectivity. The APT87 listing mentions a USB-C to USB-A cable, and the MA V2 description highlights USB-C connectivity as a key upgrade in its V2 series.
Only the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo includes multimedia keys, with preset keypress combinations. The characteristics for the MA V2 explicitly state it does not have multimedia keys.
Varmilo electrocapacitive switches are a proprietary switch type used in the MA V2. They are not standard mechanical MX-style switches. The manufacturer describes them as offering a distinct feel, but they are not hot-swappable and limit aftermarket switch compatibility.
Yes. The APT87 has a 2-step kickstand for adjustable angles. The MA V2 also features an upgraded double-section kickstand as part of its V2 series redesign, offering multiple typing angles.
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