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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody vs Vortex MultixWired RGB vs Wireless Flexibility

Choose the Varmilo VPG87 for its RGB lighting and silent linear switches, or the Vortex Multix for its tri-mode wireless connectivity and VIA programmability.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody

Wired RGB

Build quality in the bottom 35% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs.
  • Pre-installed with silent linear switches for quiet operation.
  • Includes double-layer silicone sound absorption.

Rules this board out

  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Get the

Vortex Multix

Wireless Flexibility

Build quality in the top 35% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Tri-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • Fully programmable with VIA software version 3.0.
  • Hotswap PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches and multiple layouts (ISO, Tsangan).

Rules this board out

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

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a visually striking, quiet keyboard with RGB and plan to use it at a single desk, the Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody is compelling. If you value the freedom to move your keyboard wirelessly, need to reprogram keys extensively with VIA, or want maximum switch compatibility for future mods, the Vortex Multix is the more versatile and functional option.

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 VPG87 Sea Melody

Vortex Multix

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Switch options

    Linear, Silent

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

  • VIA

    No

    Yes

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

  • Layout standard

    ANSI

    ANSI, ISO

    ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit

  • Backlight

    RGB, north-facing

    Yes, north-facing

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody
  • Vortex Multix
Performance
76
71
Build quality
52
64
Productivity
64
85
Customizability
65
71
Portability
59
74

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Case material: ABS
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Vortex Multix wins in more categories due to its wireless versatility and software features. It is the stronger choice for office use, programming, travel, and modding. The Varmilo VPG87 takes the lead for gaming, primarily due to its RGB lighting. For content creation, the choice depends on whether visual lighting or wireless macro programming is more valuable.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody

  • Includes RGB backlighting for key visibility in low light.
  • Comes pre-built with silent linear switches, which are often preferred for gaming.
  • Wired-only connection may provide a more consistent latency experience for some users.

Full specs

Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody vs Vortex Multix specs

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

7 of 19 specs differ

Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody

Vortex Multix

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Silent
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

—
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
ABS

Plate material

—
Steel

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
Yes, north-facing

Firmware & software

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Vortex Multix

Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.

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 VPG87 Sea Melody vs Vortex Multix: your questions

Only the Vortex Multix offers wireless connectivity. It supports both Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, in addition to a wired USB-C connection. The Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody is a wired-only keyboard.

No, the Vortex Multix does not have any backlighting according to its product listing. The Varmilo VPG87 Sea Melody features RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs.

The Vortex Multix is fully programmable using VIA software, allowing for key remapping and layer creation. The Varmilo's vendor description does not mention any software for reprogramming, suggesting it may not offer this feature.

Yes, both the Varmilo VPG87 and the Vortex Multix have hot-swappable PCBs. The Vortex specifically notes its sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.

The listed variant for the Varmilo VPG87 comes with Cherry MX Silent Red switches, which are linear and silent. The vendor description does not list other switch options for this specific model.

Both use PBT keycaps. The Varmilo uses thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Varmilo profile. The Vortex uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps and includes additional keycaps for layout options.

The Vortex Multix is explicitly listed as Mac compatible. While the Varmilo is Windows compatible, Mac support is not mentioned in the provided details, making the Vortex the safer choice for Mac users.

Yes, both include sound dampening. The Varmilo has a double-layer silicone sound absorption system. The Vortex has a silicone sound dampening pad installed under the plate and PCB.

According to the vendor, the Vortex Multix includes a user manual, a USB-C cable, additional keycaps, a keycap puller, and a switch puller.

The Vortex Multix wireless mode is powered by 2 AAA batteries. The listing specifies it does not have a built-in lithium battery.

Yes, the Vortex Multix PCB supports an ISO layout according to its description. It also supports other layout options like split Backspace and Tsangan, though it may not include keycaps for all options.

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