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Compare Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2 vs VPT87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Varmilo TKL keyboards that share a brand and form factor but diverge in key features. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize future switch customization and robust wireless connectivity or prefer a straightforward, well-built pre-configured board. Both offer sound dampening and PBT keycaps, making the decision about core functionality.

Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2 TKL White LED Mechanical Keyboard
67
Varmilo VPT87 Mac TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Supports , Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, White, North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent, Clicky switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • 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: 67.2
  • Build Quality: 50.6
  • Productivity: 71.5
  • Customizability: 53.8
  • Portability: 71.3
Scores
  • Performance: 75.9
  • Build Quality: 54
  • Productivity: 77.6
  • Customizability: 71.2
  • Portability: 73.9
Name
Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2
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
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, Wired, Wireless
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
 
White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Varmilo VA Series V2 Panda R2

  • +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.
  • +Offers a double-section kickstand and three-way cable routing grooves for ergonomic setup.
  • +Uses thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps for durability.
  • −Lacks hotswap capability, switches are soldered.
  • −Only has white LED backlighting, not full RGB.
  • −Wireless connectivity is limited to Bluetooth, with no 2.4 GHz mode mentioned.
  • −Constructed with an all-plastic case and plate.

Varmilo VPT87

  • +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.
  • +Features an aluminum plate and a flex cut PCB for a specific typing feel.
  • +Uses double-layer silicone sound absorption for dampening.
  • −The case is constructed from ABS plastic.
  • −Lacks support for QMK or VIA firmware for advanced reprogramming, according to the vendor listing.
  • −May carry a higher price point than the VA V2 model.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingVarmilo 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.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards offer Bluetooth connectivity for multi-device pairing.
  • •Both include multimedia keys and Mac/Windows support.
  • •Both feature sound dampening (silicone pads in the VA V2, double-layer silicone in the VPT87) for quieter typing.
ProgrammingVarmilo VPT87
  • •The hotswap PCB on the VPT87 allows programmers to easily swap to preferred switch types for long typing sessions.
  • •The standard TKL layout on both provides dedicated navigation keys, but the VPT87's customizability is a key advantage.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs on the VPT87 avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common preference in custom builds.
TravelTie
  • •Both are Tenkeyless (TKL) layouts, saving space.
  • •Both offer Bluetooth wireless functionality for use with laptops or tablets.
  • •Both have a USB-C port for wired connectivity.
ModdingVarmilo VPT87
  • •The VPT87 has a confirmed hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes.
  • •It features an aluminum plate and a flex cut PCB, which are modding-friendly components.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs allow for compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket keycap sets without interference.
Content CreationVarmilo VPT87
  • •Full RGB backlighting on the VPT87 offers more customization for stream aesthetics or low-light work.
  • •The 2.4 GHz wireless dongle provides a stable, low-latency connection suitable for video editing workflows.
  • •Hotswap capability allows tailoring switch feel for prolonged editing or shortcut-heavy tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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