Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA Series V2 YakumoWireless TKL vs Wired Full-Size
Choose the APT87 for wireless flexibility and switch customization, or the MA V2 for a dedicated full-size layout with unique electrocapacitive switches.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Wireless TKL
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Triple-mode connectivity with wired, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports a wide variety of Cherry MX-style switches.
- Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption and a flex cut PCB.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Get the
Varmilo MA Series V2 Yakumo
Wired Full-Size
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 100% boards under $150.
- Features genuine Varmilo electrocapacitive switches for a unique typing feel.
- Full-size layout with a dedicated numpad for data entry.
- Includes sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate for a quieter experience.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
For most users, the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the more versatile and future-proof choice. Its wireless capabilities, hot-swap socket, and modern TKL design offer greater flexibility for different setups and evolving preferences. Only choose the MA Series V2 Yakumo if you require a full numpad daily and are specifically interested in trying Varmilo's proprietary electrocapacitive switch technology.
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 Yakumo
Layout size
80%
100%
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
- Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- Varmilo MA Series V2 Yakumo
- Performance
- 8366
- Build quality
- 5550
- Productivity
- 7971
- Customizability
- 7153
- Portability
- 7545
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The APT87 wins for gaming, travel, and modding due to its wireless options, TKL form factor, and hot-swap PCB. The MA V2 is better suited for office work and content creation where a full numpad and potentially quieter switches are key assets. For programming, the choice is a draw and depends on the user's preference for desk space versus number pad accessibility.
Pick the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- The APT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- Its TKL layout provides more mouse space.
- It supports multiple switch types, including linear options favored for gaming.
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA Series V2 Yakumo 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 Yakumo
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 Yakumo: your questions
The core difference is the form factor and connectivity. The APT87 is an 80% tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard with triple-mode wireless and a hot-swappable PCB. The MA V2 is a full-size, 100% keyboard that is wired-only and uses soldered Varmilo electrocapacitive switches.
No. The product listing for the MA V2 Yakumo explicitly states it is not hot-swappable. The electrocapacitive switches are soldered to the PCB and cannot be easily replaced without desoldering equipment.
Yes, but with a trade-off in latency. According to the vendor, the APT87 has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, but 250 Hz over the 2.4GHz wireless connection and 133 Hz over Bluetooth. For competitive gaming, the wired connection is recommended for the lowest latency.
The APT87 is significantly more customizable. It features a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to change switches easily. It also has a flex cut PCB and comes with double-layer silicone sound absorption foam. The MA V2 is a pre-built board with soldered switches and offers less hardware customization.
Yes. Both the Varmilo APT87 and the MA V2 Yakumo are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Both keyboards come with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. The APT87 keycaps are listed as black, white, and grey. The MA V2 keycaps are white with English legends and Japanese sub-legends.
The MA V2 may have an advantage for quietness. Its product description highlights sound-proof silicone pads placed between the PCB and plate to make typing quieter. It also uses electrocapacitive switches, which the vendor describes as having a distinct feel but does not explicitly rate for noise.
Yes. The vendor description states the APT87 is an upgraded version programmable with the Varmilo web application. It is not compatible with the third-party QMK or VIA firmware.
The APT87 features full RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs. The MA V2 has white LED backlighting only, also with north-facing LEDs.
Yes. The APT87 uses an ABS case material for the top and bottom. The MA V2 uses a plastic case for both the top and bottom, as listed in its characteristics.
Only the MA Series V2 Yakumo has a full numpad, as it is a 100% full-size keyboard. The APT87 is a TKL (87-key) layout and does not include a numpad.
Not sold on either?
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