KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Varmilo VA Series V2 vs VPT87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Varmilo TKL keyboards with similar form factors but distinct feature sets. The choice is difficult because both offer premium PBT keycaps, multimedia keys, and sound dampening, but they diverge significantly in core functionality. The VPT87 is a modern feature-packed board, while the VA Series V2 is a more traditional, refined option. Your decision hinges on how much you value switch customization and wireless versatility versus a potentially lower cost of entry.

Varmilo VA Series V2 CMYK White LED TKL Mechanical Keyboard
67
Varmilo VPT87 Mac TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, , Wired only connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic, Wood case
  • Offers Yes, North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 65.1
  • Build Quality: 58.2
  • Productivity: 69.9
  • Customizability: 51.6
  • Portability: 50.6
Scores
  • Performance: 76
  • Build Quality: 54
  • Productivity: 77.6
  • Customizability: 71.1
  • Portability: 74
Name
Varmilo VA Series V2
Name
Varmilo VPT87
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
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, Wired, Wireless, , Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
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
 
North-face, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Wood
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

For most users seeking a modern, customizable TKL keyboard, the Varmilo VPT87 is the recommended choice. Its hot-swappable switches, triple-mode wireless with specified polling rates, and aluminum plate offer significant long-term value and flexibility. Opt for the VA Series V2 if you prefer a simpler, potentially more readily available board with solid Bluetooth connectivity and do not plan on modifying switches.

Varmilo VA Series V2

  • +Includes sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate for a quieter typing experience.
  • +Features north-facing white LEDs, which can provide brighter backlighting for shine-through keycaps.
  • +Offers a double-section kickstand and three-way cable routing grooves for improved ergonomics and cable management.
  • +Uses thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps for durability and resistance to shine.
  • −Lacks hot-swap functionality, requiring soldering to change switches.
  • −Wireless connectivity is limited to Bluetooth, with no 2.4 GHz RF option mentioned.
  • −The vendor listing shows a plastic plate, which may offer a different typing feel compared to metal.

Varmilo VPT87

  • +Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch replacement without soldering tools.
  • +Triple-mode wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz RF, and wired USB-C.
  • +Features an aluminum plate and a flex cut PCB for a more customized typing feel.
  • +Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption and south-facing RGB LEDs.
  • −The case is constructed from ABS plastic, which may feel less premium than other materials.
  • −The product listing states it is not compatible with QMK or VIA firmware for reprogramming.
  • −Currently may be harder to find in stock based on vendor data.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Varmilo VPT87 is the clear choice for gamers, programmers, travelers, and modders due to its high polling rate, hot-swap capability, and triple-mode wireless. For office use and content creation, the keyboards are closely matched, sharing core features like Bluetooth, sound dampening, and multimedia controls. The decision largely comes down to whether the advanced technical features of the VPT87 justify its potential price point over the more straightforward VA Series V2.

GamingVarmilo VPT87
  • •The VPT87 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which is a specified performance metric for responsiveness.
  • •It offers a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 250 Hz polling rate, providing a low-latency wireless option.
  • •The aluminum plate may contribute to a more consistent typing feel during rapid key presses.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards offer Bluetooth connectivity for multi-device pairing.
  • •Both include sound dampening features (silicone pads in VA V2, double-layer silicone in VPT87) for quieter typing.
  • •Both have multimedia keys and Mac/Windows support.
ProgrammingVarmilo VPT87
  • •The hot-swappable PCB on the VPT87 allows easy switch changes to tailor actuation force and feel for long coding sessions.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs on the VPT87 avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common preference for aftermarket sets.
  • •The TKL layout on both frees up desk space, but the VPT87's customizability is a key advantage for ergonomics.
TravelVarmilo VPT87
  • •The VPT87 offers triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, wired), providing more flexible connection options on the go.
  • •While both are TKL, the VPT87's feature set is more adaptable to different environments without needing a cable.
  • •The manufacturer's description for the VPT87 explicitly lists Bluetooth 5.1, suggesting potentially improved wireless performance.
ModdingVarmilo VPT87
  • •The VPT87 has a confirmed hot-swappable PCB, enabling easy switch replacement without soldering.
  • •It features a flex cut PCB and an aluminum plate, which are modding-friendly design elements.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs provide better compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket keycap sets.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both offer dedicated multimedia keys for controlling media playback.
  • •Full RGB backlighting on the VPT87 and white backlighting on the VA V2 provide aesthetic customization for streaming setups.
  • •The TKL layout on both provides more mouse movement space for video editing and graphic design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

87
$149
Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$167
Keychron Q14 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q14 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

76
$139
Nuphy Air100 (ISO-DE) White
Nuphy Air100 V3
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$114
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount