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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1 vs VPT87White LED vs RGB Gaming Keyboard

Choose the VPT87 for gaming with its higher polling rate and RGB, or the VPE87 for a simpler, potentially more affordable option with white backlighting.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1

White LED

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

If you want

  • Includes a Flex Cut PCB, which may offer a more flexible typing feel.
  • Features north-facing white LEDs for backlighting.
  • Uses a plastic plate and plastic case construction.

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

  • Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for responsive input.
  • Features full RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs to avoid keycap interference.
  • Includes an aluminum plate, which may provide a more rigid and distinct sound profile.

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

Select the Varmilo VPT87 if your primary needs are gaming performance, RGB aesthetics, and dedicated media controls, as it provides verified specs for these features. Opt for the Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1 if you prefer a simpler white backlight, a potentially lower cost, and are comfortable without the explicitly listed high-performance gaming specs. Both are competent wireless TKL boards with hot-swap capability.

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 Summit R1

Varmilo VPT87

  • Case material

    Plastic

    ABS

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

  • Plate material

    Plastic

    Aluminum

  • Backlight

    White, north-facing

    RGB, south-facing

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

  • N-key rollover

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1
  • Varmilo VPT87
Performance
55
76
Build quality
55
54
Productivity
79
78
Customizability
65
71
Portability
75
74

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo VPT87 holds clear advantages for gaming and content creation due to its specified polling rate, NKRO, and RGB multimedia controls. For modding, its aluminum plate and south-facing LEDs offer more customization potential. The keyboards are evenly matched for office, programming, and travel use, sharing core wireless features, layout, and sound-dampening design. Your need for high-performance gaming features or specific lighting will separate them.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo VPT87

  • The VPT87 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which the VPE87's listing does not specify.
  • The VPT87 features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for simultaneous key presses, a detail not mentioned for the VPE87.
  • It offers RGB backlighting for per-key customization, while the VPE87 has only white LEDs.

Full specs

Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1 vs VPT87 specs

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

5 of 19 specs differ

Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1

Varmilo VPT87

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, 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

No
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.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1 vs VPT87: your questions

The core differences are in lighting and performance specs. The VPT87 features full RGB backlighting, a specified 1000 Hz polling rate, and N-Key Rollover. The VPE87 has white LED backlighting and its listing does not specify these performance metrics. The VPT87 also uses an aluminum plate, while the VPE87 uses a plastic plate.

The Varmilo VPT87 is the stronger choice for gaming based on provided specifications. Its product listing explicitly states a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode and N-Key Rollover, which are important for fast, accurate inputs. The VPE87 listing does not provide these details.

Yes, both the Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1 and the VPT87 are confirmed to have hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering, using standard MX-style switches.

Yes, both models offer triple-mode connectivity. You can connect via a USB-C cable, Bluetooth, or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. The VPT87 listing specifies Bluetooth 5.1 for its wireless connection.

Both keyboards are described by the vendor as having double-layer silicone sound absorption. This foam is installed inside the case to reduce hollow noises and create a more muted, pleasant typing sound, so they should be similar in this regard.

South-facing LEDs are mounted on the south side (bottom) of the switch socket. This orientation prevents the LED housing from interfering with the legends on Cherry-profile keycaps, which is a common issue with north-facing LEDs like those on the VPE87.

Yes, according to the product listings, both the Varmilo VPE87 and VPT87 are compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems.

The Varmilo VPT87 listing confirms it has preset multimedia keypress combinations. The VPE87 listing states it does not have dedicated multimedia keys, though some functions may be accessible via a function layer.

A Flex Cut PCB has cuts or slits in the circuit board around the mounting points. This is designed to allow the PCB to flex slightly when typing, potentially creating a softer, less rigid feel. Both the VPE87 and VPT87 are listed as having this feature.

Both keyboards use dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which are durable and resist shine over time. They use the Varmilo keycap profile, though the VPT87 listing specifically mentions 'Thick Dye Sub PBT keycaps'.

Yes, the Varmilo VPT87 product listing includes Cherry MX Silent Red and Kailh Prestige Silent as available switch options. The VPE87 listing shows tactile, linear, and clicky switches, but does not list silent variants.

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