Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2 vs VPT87
Choose the VPT87 for hotswap customizability and versatile wireless, or the VA V2 Panda for a simpler, potentially more affordable pre-built with white backlighting.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 80% boards under $150.
- Features a specific Panda colorway with updated keycaps.
- Includes north-facing white LEDs for backlighting.
- Has sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate for a quieter typing experience.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo VPT87
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 80% boards under $150.
- Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch replacement without soldering.
- Offers triple connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Includes full RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
For most users, the Varmilo VPT87 is the recommended choice due to its superior flexibility from hot-swapping, more reliable 2.4 GHz wireless, and full RGB lighting. Opt for the VA Series V2 Panda R2 if you prefer its specific aesthetic, want a simpler pre-built experience with genuine Cherry switches, and do not plan on modifying your keyboard. The decision ultimately comes down to valuing future-proof customizability versus accepting a fixed, high-quality pre-built configuration.
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 VA Series V2 Panda R2
Varmilo VPT87
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
Plastic
ABS
Plate material
Plastic
Aluminum
Backlight
White, north-facing
RGB, south-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2
- Varmilo VPT87
- Performance
- 6676
- Build quality
- 4953
- Productivity
- 7178
- Customizability
- 5371
- Portability
- 7174
- Layout size: 80%
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo VPT87 is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its hotswap PCB, specified high polling rate, and dual wireless modes. The two keyboards tie for office and travel use, as both offer Bluetooth, quiet typing features, and a portable TKL form factor. The VA V2 Panda's advantages are more niche, appealing to those who specifically want its Panda colorway and simple white backlighting without the need for advanced customization.
Pick the Varmilo VPT87
- The VPT87 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which is a specified performance metric for gaming.
- Its 2.4 GHz wireless mode offers a 250 Hz polling rate, providing a low-latency wireless option.
- The aluminum plate on the VPT87 may contribute to a more consistent typing feel during rapid key presses.
Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2 vs VPT87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 19 specs differ
Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2
Varmilo VPT87
Switch options
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 VA Series V2 Panda R2 vs VPT87: your questions
The Varmilo VPT87 is hot-swappable. Its product listing explicitly states it has a hotswap PCB, allowing you to change switches without soldering. The VA Series V2 Panda R2 is not hot-swappable, as confirmed by its vendor description.
Yes, the Varmilo VPT87 supports 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity in addition to Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C. The manufacturer lists specific polling rates for each mode: 1000 Hz for wired, 250 Hz for 2.4 GHz, and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.
The VA V2 Panda has north-facing LEDs, while the VPT87 has south-facing RGB LEDs. South-facing LEDs avoid interference with the legends on Cherry-profile keycaps, which is a common issue with north-facing designs. This makes the VPT87 more compatible with a wider range of aftermarket keycap sets.
Both keyboards are designed for quiet typing. The VA V2 Panda uses sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate. The VPT87 uses a double-layer silicone sound absorption method. Both should be effective, so the choice may come down to your preferred switch type, such as silent linear or tactile options available for both.
Yes, both the Varmilo VA V2 Panda and the VPT87 are listed as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. The VPT87 product description specifically highlights MacOS compatibility.
Both keyboards come with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time compared to ABS. The keycap profiles are specific to Varmilo for the VPT87, while the VA V2 uses a standard profile.
The vendor description for the VA Series V2 Panda R2 does not specify a polling rate. The Varmilo VPT87, however, has its polling rates explicitly listed: 1000 Hz wired, 250 Hz for 2.4 GHz wireless, and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.
Yes, both the Varmilo VA V2 Panda and the VPT87 include multimedia keys. The VPT87 listing mentions preset multimedia keypress combinations for controlling media playback and system volume.
The Varmilo VPT87 features an aluminum plate, which is listed in its specifications. The VA Series V2 Panda R2 uses a plastic plate. An aluminum plate typically provides a stiffer and more consistent typing feel.
The product descriptions do not mention factory pre-lubrication for the switches on either the VA V2 Panda or the VPT87. Both come with genuine Cherry MX switches or Varmilo's own switch options as pre-built units.
According to its vendor characteristics list, the Varmilo VPT87 is not QMK or VIA compatible. This suggests key reprogramming may be limited to any onboard functions or proprietary software, which is not detailed in the provided information.
The main advantage of the VA Series V2 Panda R2 is its specific Panda colorway design for users seeking that aesthetic. It also offers a potentially lower price point for a solid pre-built TKL with white backlighting, sound dampening, and Bluetooth, if you do not need hotswap or 2.4 GHz wireless.
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