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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo VPH87 Moonlight vs Vortex MultixWired vs Wireless TKL Choice

Choose the Vortex Multix for wireless flexibility and VIA programmability, or the Varmilo VPH87 for a dedicated wired board with white backlighting.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo VPH87 Moonlight

Wired

Build quality in the bottom 50% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Features white LED backlighting for visibility in dim light.
  • Includes double silicone sound dampening pads for a quieter typing experience.
  • Offers a 3-way cord channel for flexible cable routing (left, right, or middle).

Rules this board out

  • 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.

If you want

  • Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
  • Fully programmable with VIA software for easy key remapping and layers.
  • Includes a steel plate and silicone sound dampening pad.

Rules this board out

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

Bottom line

For most users, the Vortex Multix is the more compelling option due to its wireless versatility and powerful VIA software. Choose the Varmilo VPH87 Moonlight only if you specifically require wired-only operation with white backlighting and do not need advanced programmability. The Vortex's broader feature set typically justifies its price point.

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 VPH87 Moonlight

Vortex Multix

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    Plastic

    ABS

  • Switch options

    Clicky, 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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo VPH87 Moonlight
  • Vortex Multix
Performance
55
71
Build quality
56
64
Productivity
80
85
Customizability
65
71
Portability
61
74

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • 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 Vortex Multix is the more versatile choice, winning in five out of six categories. Its wireless connectivity and VIA programmability make it superior for office work, programming, and travel. For gaming, its 2.4 GHz wireless and NKRO are advantages. The Varmilo VPH87's primary strength is its white LED backlighting, which ties it for content creation, but it lacks the connectivity and software features of its competitor.

For gaming

Pick the Vortex Multix

  • The Vortex Multix offers a 2.4 GHz wireless connection for a cable-free setup.
  • Its listing confirms N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • The steel plate may provide a more consistent typing feel.

Full specs

Varmilo VPH87 Moonlight vs Vortex Multix specs

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

9 of 19 specs differ

Varmilo VPH87 Moonlight

Vortex Multix

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent
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, 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

Plastic
ABS

Plate material

Plastic
Steel

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

White
Yes, north-facing

Firmware & software

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

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

Varmilo VPH87 Moonlight

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.

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 VPH87 Moonlight vs Vortex Multix: your questions

No. The Vortex Multix vendor listing specifies it has 'Blank / None LED' for backlighting. It does not feature any form of lighting.

No. The Varmilo VPH87 is listed as not being compatible with VIA or QMK software. It does not offer software-based key remapping.

The Vortex Multix wireless mode is powered by 2 AAA batteries. The manufacturer's description confirms it does not have a built-in lithium battery.

Yes. Both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The Varmilo uses dye-sublimated PBT, while the Vortex uses double-shot PBT in a Cherry profile.

Both have sound dampening features. The Varmilo has double silicone pads, and the Vortex has a silicone pad under the plate. Your choice of silent switches will be the larger factor for noise.

Yes. The Vortex Multix listing confirms compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

The Varmilo VPH87 uses a plastic plate. The Vortex Multix uses a steel plate, which typically offers a more rigid and consistent typing feel.

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

The Vortex Multix PCB supports an ISO layout, though the vendor notes it may not include all keycaps for that option. The Varmilo VPH87 is listed with an ANSI physical layout only.

The metadata lists the Vortex Multix as having north-face RGB, but the detailed vendor description states it has no LEDs. This suggests the north-facing designation refers to the switch orientation, not lighting.

Yes. The Varmilo VPH87 Moonlight features a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to change switches without soldering.

The Vortex Multix listing shows a wide selection, including Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, Black, Clear, Speed Silver, White, Silent Red, and several Gateron G Pro 3.0 variants.

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