Varmilo MA Series V2 R1 vs VPT87Wired vs Wireless Hotswap TKL Comparison
Choose the VPT87 for wireless flexibility and switch swapping, or the MA V2 for a simpler, wired-only build with a unique switch type.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
Wired
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 80% boards under $150.
- Features unique Varmilo electrocapacitive switches for a distinct typing experience.
- Includes sound-proof silicone pads between the PCB and plate for a quieter typing feel.
- Offers a dedicated Sakura colorway with pink and white dye-sub PBT keycaps.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Varmilo VPT87
Wireless Hotswap TKL Comparison
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 80% boards under $150.
- Tri-mode connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Hotswap PCB supports easy switch replacement with MX-style switches.
- Includes an aluminum plate and double-layer silicone sound absorption.
- 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.
The Varmilo VPT87 is the recommended choice for most users due to its superior versatility from wireless operation and a hotswap PCB. It is a future-proof option that adapts to different environments and preferences. Only choose the MA Series V2 R1 if you are specifically drawn to its electrocapacitive switch technology and are committed to a wired, non-modifiable setup.
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 MA Series V2 R1
Varmilo VPT87
Connection
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
Switch options
Clicky
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Backlight
White, north-facing
RGB, south-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
- Varmilo VPT87
- Performance
- 5376
- Build quality
- 5054
- Productivity
- 7278
- Customizability
- 5471
- Portability
- 5974
- Layout size: 80%
- 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 most categories due to its wireless connectivity, hotswap capability, and broader feature set. It is particularly strong for office use, travel, and modding. The MA V2 R1 serves a niche for users specifically seeking its electrocapacitive switches and a simpler, wired-only setup, resulting in a tie for content creation where personal preference for switch type may be the deciding factor.
Pick the Varmilo VPT87
- The VPT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- It provides N-key rollover for accurate simultaneous key presses.
- The VPT87 has a wider selection of switch types including linear options preferred by some gamers.
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1 vs VPT87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 19 specs differ
Varmilo MA Series V2 R1
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 MA Series V2 R1 vs VPT87: your questions
The core difference is connectivity and customizability. The MA V2 is a wired-only keyboard with unique electrocapacitive switches that are not hotswappable. The VPT87 offers tri-mode wireless connectivity and a hotswap PCB for easy switch changes.
No. According to the vendor listing, the MA V2 R1 is not hotswappable. It comes with soldered Varmilo electrocapacitive switches, which cannot be replaced without soldering equipment and technical skill.
Yes. The manufacturer lists the VPT87 as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. It connects via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle.
The VPT87 is better suited for quiet environments. It offers silent switch options like Cherry MX Silent Red, and its description mentions double-layer silicone sound absorption. The MA V2 only lists a clicky switch type.
Both keyboards use thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. This material is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time. The MA V2 features a specific Sakura colorway, while the VPT87 comes in a white color scheme.
The VPT87 has a 1000 Hz polling rate when used in wired mode. In wireless mode, the polling rate is 250 Hz for the 2.4 GHz connection and 133 Hz for Bluetooth, as stated in the product description.
No. The MA V2 R1 has white LED backlighting with north-facing LEDs. The VPT87 features full RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs.
The VPT87 has dedicated multimedia keys, according to its features list. The vendor characteristics for the MA V2 specifically state it does not have multimedia keys, relying on function layer combinations instead.
Both the Varmilo MA V2 R1 and the VPT87 are sold as pre-built keyboards. They come fully assembled with switches and keycaps installed, ready to use out of the box.
The Varmilo VPT87 uses an aluminum plate. This plate is mounted above a flex cut PCB and contributes to the keyboard's typing feel and sound profile.
Neither keyboard is listed as compatible with QMK or VIA firmware, which are common for key remapping. Any reprogramming would be limited to any onboard functions provided by Varmilo, which are not detailed in the provided specifications.
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