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Compare Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs MA Series V2 Yakumo Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two Varmilo keyboards with the same aesthetic theme but fundamentally different designs. The decision is difficult because both offer thick PBT keycaps and Varmilo's build quality at a similar price point. The APT87 is a modern, feature-rich TKL, while the MA V2 is a traditional full-size board with a distinct switch technology. Your choice hinges on prioritizing wireless connectivity and hot-swap capability versus a full numpad and a specific typing feel.

68
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
Varmilo MA Series V2 Yakumo White LED EC Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2024
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, White, North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.3
  • Build Quality: 55.1
  • Productivity: 78.7
  • Customizability: 71.9
  • Portability: 74.5
Scores
  • Performance: 66.8
  • Build Quality: 49.8
  • Productivity: 71
  • Customizability: 53
  • Portability: 44.7
Name
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Name
Varmilo MA Series V2 Yakumo
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo

  • +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.
  • +RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs.
  • +Programmable via Varmilo's web application.
  • −ABS case material may feel less premium than metal alternatives.
  • −Not compatible with QMK or VIA firmware for advanced programming.
  • −Wireless polling rates are lower than the wired mode.

Varmilo MA Series V2 Yakumo

  • +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.
  • +Thick dye-sub PBT keycaps with English and Japanese sub-legends.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and reduces cable-free convenience.
  • −Not hot-swappable, so the electrocapacitive switches cannot be easily changed.
  • −Only offers white LED backlighting, not RGB.
  • −Full plastic case construction.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingVarmilo 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.
OfficeVarmilo MA Series V2 Yakumo
  • •The MA V2's full-size layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
  • •Its electrocapacitive switches and sound-proof silicone pads may offer a quieter typing experience.
  • •White LED backlighting is sufficient for low-light environments.
ProgrammingTie
  • •The APT87's TKL layout saves desk space for notebooks or secondary devices.
  • •The MA V2's full-size layout keeps the numpad accessible for inputting numbers.
  • •Both feature PBT keycaps and multimedia keys for productivity.
TravelVarmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • •The APT87 is an 80% TKL, making it more compact and portable.
  • •It features triple-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz) for use anywhere.
  • •The wireless functionality eliminates the need to carry a cable in many scenarios.
ModdingVarmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • •The APT87 has a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes without soldering.
  • •It features a flex cut PCB, which can affect typing feel.
  • •It includes double-layer silicone sound absorption for internal dampening.
Content CreationVarmilo MA Series V2 Yakumo
  • •The MA V2's full numpad is useful for timeline scrubbing and shortcut macros in editing software.
  • •Its dedicated media keys with side-printed legends provide quick access to playback controls.
  • •The quieter electrocapacitive switches may be preferable for voice recording environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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