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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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1
White LED
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Varmilo VPE87 Summit R1
- Varmilo VPT87
- Performance
- 5576
- Build quality
- 5554
- Productivity
- 7978
- Customizability
- 6571
- Portability
- 7574
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
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.
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.
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
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 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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