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Compare Varmilo APT87 Yakumo vs VPT87 Sea Melody Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar Varmilo TKL keyboards. Both offer triple-mode connectivity, hotswap PCBs, and thick PBT keycaps, making the choice subtle. The decision hinges on specific technical details like switch orientation, plate material, and initial switch selection, which affect the typing feel and future keycap compatibility.

68
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
68
Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

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  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.4
  • Build Quality: 55.2
  • Productivity: 79
  • Customizability: 72.2
  • Portability: 74.7
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 54.4
  • Productivity: 78.3
  • Customizability: 71.8
  • Portability: 74.3
Name
Varmilo APT87 Yakumo
Name
Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
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
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends on your priority for switch type versus build materials. Select the Varmilo APT87 Yakumo if you want the option for clicky switches or prefer the potential for brighter north-facing RGB. Choose the Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody if you plan to use Cherry-profile keycaps or value the stiffer feel of an aluminum plate. Both are capable wireless TKL keyboards with excellent core features.

Varmilo APT87 Yakumo

  • +Offers Cherry MX Blue clicky switches for a tactile, audible typing experience.
  • +North-facing RGB LEDs may provide brighter shine-through with certain keycap legends.
  • +Programmable via the Varmilo web application for key remapping and macros.
  • +Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption for a dampened acoustic profile.
  • +Features a 2-step kickstand for adjustable typing angles.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs can cause interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Uses a plastic plate, which may feel less rigid than metal alternatives.
  • −Lacks the aluminum plate found on the VPT87 model.

Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody

  • +South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with Cherry-profile and other sculpted keycaps.
  • +Features an aluminum plate for a more solid and consistent typing feel.
  • +Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption and a flex cut PCB.
  • +Offers a 2-step kickstand and 3-way cord channel for ergonomics and cable management.
  • +Available with Varmilo's proprietary MX Daisy switches as an option.
  • −Does not offer clicky switch options like the Cherry MX Blue available on the APT87.
  • −South-facing LEDs may result in less direct shine-through on top-printed legends.
  • −The vendor listing indicates it may be out of stock or available only for pre-order.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The VPT87 Sea Melody is the more future-proof choice for modders and programmers due to its aluminum plate and south-facing LEDs. The APT87 Yakumo holds a slight edge for office users who prefer tactile, clicky switches. For gaming, travel, and general content creation, the keyboards are functionally equivalent, sharing core wireless features and the TKL form factor.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz wired polling rate for low latency.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • •Both have the same TKL form factor, saving desk space for mouse movement.
OfficeVarmilo APT87 Yakumo
  • •The APT87 offers Cherry MX Blue clicky switches, which are listed in its metadata.
  • •Both have preset multimedia key combinations for productivity.
  • •Both support Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz for flexible device switching.
ProgrammingVarmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
  • •The VPT87's south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for custom sets.
  • •Both have a standard TKL ANSI layout familiar to most typists.
  • •Both include a 3-way cord channel for flexible cable management.
TravelTie
  • •Both share the same TKL size and weight class for portability.
  • •Both feature Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for use without a cable.
  • •Both have an ABS case, which is a common, lightweight material.
ModdingVarmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
  • •The VPT87 has an aluminum plate, which can provide a firmer, more consistent typing feel.
  • •Its south-facing RGB LEDs are compatible with a wider range of aftermarket keycap profiles.
  • •Both are hot-swappable and have a flex cut PCB for switch customization.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards offer full RGB backlighting for visual customization.
  • •Both include dedicated multimedia controls for quick media playback adjustments.
  • •The programmable layer on the APT87, via Varmilo's web app, could be an advantage for macro keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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