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Head to head ยท Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs VPE87 Sakura R2RGB vs White LED TKL Wireless Keyboards

Choose the APT87 for its higher polling rate and RGB lighting, or the VPE87 for its simpler aesthetic and similar core functionality.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo

RGB

Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Higher 1000 Hz wired polling rate for responsive gaming.
  • Fully programmable via Varmilo's web application.
  • North-facing RGB backlighting with per-key LEDs.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Get the

Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2

White LED TKL Wireless Keyboards

Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Features a distinct pink and white Sakura aesthetic with dye-sub PBT keycaps.
  • Simpler white LED backlighting may offer longer battery life in wireless mode.
  • Shares core features like hot-swap, triple-mode connectivity, and sound dampening.

Bottom line

The Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the better choice if you need the highest polling rate for gaming, want RGB lighting, or plan to use macros and programmability. The Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2 is a suitable alternative if you prefer its specific color theme, simpler white backlighting, and can forgo multimedia keys and advanced programmability. Consider current availability, as the VPE87 is listed as out of stock.

What actually differs

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 VPE87 Sakura R2

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Case material

    ABS

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear, Tactile

  • Backlight

    RGB, north-facing

    White

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

  • N-key rollover

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2
Performance
83
55
Build quality
55
55
Productivity
79
79
Customizability
72
65
Portability
75
75

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
  • Sound dampening
  • Plate material: Plastic
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The APT87 Yakumo is the more capable choice for gaming and power users due to its higher polling rate and programmability. For office and travel, both keyboards are equally matched with their shared wireless features and sound-dampening. The VPE87 Sakura R2, with its white LED backlight and lack of multimedia keys, is a more streamlined option where advanced features are less critical.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo

  • The APT87 has a confirmed 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
  • Its vendor description lists N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for reliable simultaneous key presses.
  • It offers north-facing RGB lighting, which may be preferred for shine-through keycaps.

Full specs

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs VPE87 Sakura R2 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

5 of 20 specs differ

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo

Varmilo VPE87 Sakura R2

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
โ€”

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Plastic

Plate material

Plastic
Plastic

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
White

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs VPE87 Sakura R2: your questions

The main differences are lighting and features. The APT87 has full RGB backlighting, a confirmed 1000 Hz polling rate, multimedia keys, and programmability. The VPE87 has white LED backlighting and lacks dedicated multimedia keys.

Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swap sockets. This allows you to easily change the mechanical switches without soldering, using standard MX-style switches.

Yes, both support triple-mode connectivity. You can use them with a wired USB-C connection, Bluetooth, or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for flexibility.

The APT87 Yakumo is better for competitive gaming. Its vendor description specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which offers lower latency and faster response times compared to the unspecified polling rate of the VPE87.

Only the APT87 Yakumo is listed as programmable. According to its vendor description, it is an upgraded version programmable with the Varmilo web application. The VPE87's programmability is not mentioned.

Yes, both keyboards include double-layer silicone sound absorption inside the case, as stated in their respective vendor descriptions. This helps reduce typing noise and echo.

Both keyboards come with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time compared to ABS.

Yes, both the APT87 and VPE87 are listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems in their specifications.

The APT87 Yakumo has north-facing RGB LEDs. The VPE87 Sakura R2 has white LEDs, but their orientation is not specified in the provided information.

Yes, both models feature a 2-step kickstand on the underside, allowing you to choose between two different typing angles for comfort.

The APT87 is listed with options for Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red, and Silent Red switches. The VPE87 is listed with options for Cherry MX Red and Brown switches. Both are hot-swappable for other MX-compatible switches.

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