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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo VPH87 Sakura R2 vs VPT87Wired vs Wireless TKL Choice

Choose the VPT87 for wireless flexibility and gaming performance, or the VPH87 Sakura for a dedicated wired setup with a distinct aesthetic.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo VPH87 Sakura R2

Wired

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

If you want

  • Unique pink and white Sakura-themed aesthetic with dye-sub PBT keycaps.
  • Includes double silicone sound dampening pads for a quieter typing experience.
  • Features a 3-way cord channel for left, right, or middle cable routing.

Rules this board out

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

Get the

Varmilo VPT87

Wireless TKL Choice

Build quality in the bottom 40% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Tri-mode connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • Specified 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode and N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for gaming.
  • South-facing RGB LEDs for broad keycap compatibility and colorful backlighting.

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

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require wireless freedom for a clean desk, multi-device use, or occasional gaming with a high wired polling rate, the Varmilo VPT87 is the clear and more versatile option. If you prefer a simpler, always-connected setup and the distinctive Sakura aesthetic is a priority, the wired VPH87 Sakura R2 is a solid, well-damped keyboard.

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 Sakura R2

Varmilo VPT87

  • 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

  • Plate material

    Plastic

    Aluminum

  • Backlight

    White, north-facing

    RGB, south-facing

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo VPH87 Sakura R2
  • Varmilo VPT87
Performance
56
76
Build quality
56
54
Productivity
80
78
Customizability
66
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 Varmilo VPT87 is the more versatile choice, winning for gaming due to its specified polling rate and NKRO, for the office with its wireless options, and for travel by cutting the cord. It also has slight advantages for modders with its flex cut PCB and south-facing LEDs. The VPH87 Sakura R2 ties in programming and content creation, sharing core features like the layout and hot-swap capability, but its primary appeal is its dedicated wired connection and unique pink color scheme.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo VPT87

  • The VPT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which is specified in its vendor description.
  • It features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for simultaneous key presses.
  • Its south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

Full specs

Varmilo VPH87 Sakura R2 vs VPT87 specs

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

6 of 19 specs differ

Varmilo VPH87 Sakura R2

Varmilo VPT87

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

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

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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FAQ

Varmilo VPH87 Sakura R2 vs VPT87: your questions

The Varmilo VPT87 is suitable for gaming, particularly in its wired mode. According to the product listing, it offers a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-Key Rollover when connected via USB-C, which are beneficial for fast-paced games. Its wireless modes use lower polling rates, so for the best performance, using it wired is recommended.

North-facing LEDs, like those on the VPH87 Sakura, shine from the top of the switch. South-facing LEDs, like on the VPT87, shine from the bottom. South-facing LEDs prevent interference with the legends on Cherry-profile keycaps, making the VPT87 more compatible with a wider range of aftermarket keycap sets.

Yes, both the VPH87 Sakura R2 and the VPT87 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This means you can easily pull out the existing switches and install new MX-compatible switches without any soldering required, allowing for extensive customization of the typing feel.

No, the Varmilo VPH87 Sakura R2 does not have RGB lighting. Its vendor description specifies it has white LED backlighting only. For full RGB lighting effects, you would need to choose the Varmilo VPT87 model.

The Varmilo VPT87 connects wirelessly in two ways. It supports Bluetooth 5.1 for pairing with devices like laptops, tablets, and phones. It also includes a 2.4 GHz wireless mode using a USB receiver, which typically offers a more stable and responsive connection than Bluetooth for use with a computer.

The Varmilo VPT87 is generally more portable due to its wireless functionality. You can use it with a laptop or tablet without being tethered by a cable. Both keyboards share the same TKL (87-key) form factor, so their physical size and weight are similar, but the wireless capability of the VPT87 adds significant convenience for mobile use.

Yes, both Varmilo keyboards are listed as compatible with macOS, according to their product specifications. They also support Windows and Linux, making them versatile across different operating systems.

Both models incorporate double-layer silicone sound absorption pads, as stated in their respective vendor descriptions. This foam is placed inside the case to reduce hollow echoes and create a more muted, pleasant typing sound.

Yes, the Varmilo VPT87 product listing confirms it has preset multimedia keypress combinations. The VPH87 Sakura R2 listing states it does not have dedicated multimedia keys, so volume or playback controls would require using a function layer.

A flex cut PCB has intentional cuts in the circuit board to allow for more flex or give when typing. According to the specifications, the Varmilo VPT87 has a flex cut PCB, while the VPH87 Sakura R2 does not. This can contribute to a slightly softer typing feel on the VPT87.

Both keyboards feature thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine over time. The primary difference is their color and legend design, with the VPH87 having a pink-and-white Sakura theme and the VPT87 having a white-on-black scheme.

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