Varmilo VPH87 vs Vortex MultixWired vs Wireless TKL Choice
Choose the Vortex Multix for wireless flexibility and software customization, or the Varmilo VPH87 for a simpler, wired setup with white backlighting.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VPH87
Wired
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Includes white LED backlighting for low-light visibility.
- Features a 3-way cord channel for left, right, or middle cable routing.
- Uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps from Varmilo.
- 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 TKL Choice
Build quality in the top 35% of 80% boards under $150.
- Offers tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
- Fully programmable with VIA software for key remapping and macros.
- Includes a steel plate and a silicone sound dampening pad.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require wireless freedom for a clean desk or multiple devices, and value deep software customization with VIA, the Vortex Multix is the clear pick. If you prefer a simpler, wired setup with the utility of white backlighting and do not need programmability, the Varmilo VPH87 is suitable. Both are competent hot-swap TKL boards at a similar price point.
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 VPH87
Vortex Multix
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Plastic
ABS
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Plate material
Plastic
Steel
- Varmilo VPH87
- Vortex Multix
- Performance
- 6971
- Build quality
- 5564
- Productivity
- 7985
- Customizability
- 6471
- Portability
- 6174
- Layout size: 80%
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Vortex Multix is the more versatile choice, winning for office use, programming, travel, and modding due to its wireless options, VIA support, and included tools. The Varmilo VPH87 is specifically better for content creation where its white backlighting is useful. For gaming, both are capable, leaving the decision to personal preference for wired versus wireless play.
It's a tie
- Both keyboards feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both have hot-swap sockets for customizing switch feel.
- The Vortex Multix offers a wired mode for consistent latency, while the Varmilo is wired-only.
Varmilo VPH87 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 VPH87
Vortex Multix
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Varmilo VPH87
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Vortex Multix
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Varmilo VPH87 vs Vortex Multix: your questions
Only the Vortex Multix offers wireless connectivity. It supports both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless modes in addition to a wired USB-C connection. The Varmilo VPH87 is a wired-only keyboard.
No. According to the vendor listing, the Varmilo VPH87 is not compatible with VIA or QMK software. The Vortex Multix, however, is explicitly programmable with VIA Version 3.0.
The Vortex Multix includes a keycap puller and a switch puller according to its product description. The included accessories for the Varmilo VPH87 are not detailed in the provided information.
The Vortex Multix has no backlighting. Its vendor specifications list the backlighting as 'Blank / None LED'. The Varmilo VPH87 features white LED backlighting.
Yes, both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The Varmilo uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in its own profile, while the Vortex Multix uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
Both keyboards incorporate sound dampening. The Varmilo VPH87 has double silicone sound dampening pads, and the Vortex Multix has a silicone sound dampening pad under the plate and PCB. The final sound will also depend on your switch choice.
The Vortex Multix wireless mode is powered by 2 AAA batteries, which are not included. The product listing confirms it does not have a built-in lithium battery.
The Vortex Multix's PCB supports an ISO layout option, according to its description, though it may not include all the necessary keycaps. The Varmilo VPH87 is listed with an ANSI physical layout.
The Vortex Multix features a steel plate. The Varmilo VPH87 uses a plastic plate.
Yes. The Varmilo VPH87 has a 2-step kickstand. The Vortex Multix has two-stage adjustable feet offering three angles: 6°, 7°, and 11°.
The Vortex Multix explicitly states its hot-swap sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The Varmilo VPH87 is confirmed as hot-swappable, but the specific pin compatibility is not detailed in the provided specs.
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