Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs VPM87 Sakura R2Wireless vs Wired TKL
Choose the APT87 Yakumo for wireless flexibility and switch customization, or the VPM87 Sakura R2 for a simpler, wired-only build with an aluminum plate.
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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, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch replacement without soldering.
- Programmable keys via Varmilo's web application.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo VPM87 Sakura R2
Wired TKL
Build quality in the bottom 30% of 80% boards under $150.
- Features an aluminum plate, which can provide a more solid typing feel.
- Distinctive pink and white Sakura aesthetic with dye-sub PBT keycaps.
- Includes double silicone sound dampening pads.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
For most users, the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo is the recommended choice. Its wireless flexibility, hot-swap capability, and programmability offer significantly more value and future-proofing at a similar price. Only choose the Varmilo VPM87 Sakura R2 if you are certain you will never need wireless connectivity, you prefer its specific Sakura color theme, and you value the feel of an aluminum plate over switch customization.
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 VPM87 Sakura R2
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
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky
Plate material
Plastic
Aluminum
- Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- Varmilo VPM87 Sakura R2
- Performance
- 8367
- Build quality
- 5550
- Productivity
- 7957
- Customizability
- 7248
- Portability
- 7555
- Layout size: 80%
- Case material: ABS
- 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 most categories due to its wireless connectivity and hot-swap capability. It is better suited for gaming, office multitasking, programming, travel, and modding. The Varmilo VPM87 Sakura R2, being wired-only and lacking hot-swap, is a more niche option for users who specifically want its aesthetic and aluminum plate in a simple, plug-and-play package. For content creation, the choice depends on whether you value RGB lighting or a specific color theme.
Pick the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
- The APT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- It provides a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 250 Hz polling rate for a cable-free experience.
- Its hot-swappable PCB allows for installing gaming-focused linear switches.
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs VPM87 Sakura R2 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 VPM87 Sakura R2
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 VPM87 Sakura R2: your questions
Yes, the APT87 Yakumo supports both Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz wireless connections. It also includes a USB-C cable for wired charging and use, offering three total connection methods.
No, the Varmilo VPM87 Sakura R2 does not have a hot-swappable PCB. Its switches are soldered in place, making switch replacement difficult and requiring desoldering equipment.
The APT87 Yakumo features per-key RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs. The VPM87 Sakura R2 has single-color white LED backlighting. The APT87 offers more lighting customization.
Yes, both models include internal sound dampening. The vendor descriptions specify that both the APT87 and VPM87 use double-layer silicone pads to reduce typing noise.
According to the vendor, the APT87 polling rate varies by mode: 1000 Hz when used wired, 250 Hz in 2.4 GHz wireless mode, and 133 Hz when connected via Bluetooth.
The APT87 Yakumo uses a plastic plate. The VPM87 Sakura R2 uses an aluminum plate, which typically provides a stiffer and more resonant typing feel.
Both keyboards use thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which are durable and resistant to shine. However, their color schemes and legends differ, with the VPM87 featuring a pink and white Sakura theme.
The APT87 Yakumo is more customizable. It has a hot-swappable PCB for switch changes and is programmable via Varmilo's web app. The VPM87 lacks both hot-swap and noted programmability features.
The vendor description for the VPM87 lists Windows compatibility explicitly. Mac compatibility is not stated in the provided information for this model, unlike for the APT87 which lists Mac support.
Yes, both the APT87 Yakumo and VPM87 Sakura R2 include a 2-step kickstand on the underside, allowing you to choose between two typing angles.
Based on the vendor listing, the APT87 was offered with Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, and Silent Red switches. Its hot-swap socket supports any standard 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style switch.
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