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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo VPE87 vs VPT87White LED vs RGB Gaming Keyboard

Choose the VPT87 for its higher polling rate and RGB lighting, or the VPE87 for its simpler white backlighting and potentially lower cost.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo VPE87

White LED

Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Features a white LED backlight for simple, clean illumination.
  • Includes a flex cut PCB, which can offer a slightly more flexible typing feel.
  • Has a 3-way cord channel for left, right, or center cable routing.

Rules this board out

  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Get the

Varmilo VPT87

RGB Gaming Keyboard

Build quality in the bottom 40% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Includes a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for potentially lower latency.
  • Features full RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs to avoid keycap interference.
  • Equipped with an aluminum plate for a more solid and consistent typing feel.

Rules this board out

  • 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.

Bottom line

For most users, the Varmilo VPT87 is the more feature-complete choice, offering better gaming specs, full RGB, and an aluminum plate. Choose the VPE87 if you specifically want a simpler white backlight and are comfortable with a plastic plate construction, potentially at a lower cost. Your decision should be based on whether advanced lighting and a confirmed high polling rate are worth the likely premium.

What actually differs

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 VPE87

Varmilo VPT87

  • Case material

    Plastic

    ABS

  • Plate material

    Plastic

    Aluminum

  • Backlight

    White, north-facing

    RGB, south-facing

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo VPE87
  • Varmilo VPT87
Performance
69
76
Build quality
55
54
Productivity
79
78
Customizability
64
71
Portability
75
74

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo VPT87 holds a slight edge for gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its specified polling rate, south-facing RGB, aluminum plate, and multimedia keys. For office use and travel, the keyboards are effectively tied, sharing core wireless and quiet-typing features. The choice ultimately hinges on whether you value the VPT87's performance-oriented specs or prefer the VPE87's simpler white lighting.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo VPT87

  • The VPT87 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which can offer lower latency.
  • Its south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
  • The aluminum plate may provide a more consistent typing feel during rapid key presses.

Full specs

Varmilo VPE87 vs VPT87 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

3 of 19 specs differ

Varmilo VPE87

Varmilo VPT87

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
ABS

Plate material

Plastic
Aluminum

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

White, north-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Varmilo VPE87 vs VPT87: your questions

The primary differences are in lighting and internal construction. The VPE87 has white north-facing LEDs and a plastic plate. The VPT87 features RGB south-facing LEDs and an aluminum plate, and its vendor page specifies a 1000 Hz wired polling rate.

The VPT87 is likely better for gaming. Its product listing explicitly states a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which can reduce input latency. The south-facing RGB LEDs also ensure compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps without interference.

Yes, both the Varmilo VPE87 and VPT87 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering, using compatible MX-style switches.

Yes, both keyboards offer triple-mode connectivity. They can be used with a wired USB-C connection, a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, or via Bluetooth for connecting to multiple devices.

According to the vendor specifications, the VPT87 has multimedia keys via preset keypress combinations. The vendor listing for the VPE87 states it does not have dedicated multimedia keys.

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.

Yes, both models include double-layer silicone sound absorption inside the case, according to their vendor descriptions. This helps reduce hollow sounds and keypress noise.

It refers to the placement of the LED on the switch socket. The VPT87 has south-facing LEDs, which prevent the LED housing from hitting the inside of Cherry-profile keycaps. The VPE87 has north-facing LEDs, which can cause this interference with some keycap sets.

Yes, both the Varmilo VPE87 and VPT87 are listed as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems.

The VPE87 uses a plastic plate, while the VPT87 uses an aluminum plate. An aluminum plate typically provides a more rigid and consistent typing feel, which can affect sound and tactile feedback.

No, according to the vendor characteristics for both models, they are not listed as compatible with QMK or VIA firmware for advanced key remapping.

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