Varmilo VPM87 EC vs VPT87Wired vs Wireless Hotswap TKL
Choose the VPT87 for wireless flexibility and switch customization, or the VPM87 EC for a simpler, wired-only setup.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VPM87 EC
Wired
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 80% boards under $150.
- Includes double silicone sound dampening pads for a quieter typing experience.
- Features a 3-way cord channel for left, right, or middle cable routing.
- Uses thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps for durability and texture.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Varmilo VPT87
Wireless Hotswap TKL
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 80% boards under $150.
- Triple-mode connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Hot-swappable PCB allows easy switch replacement without soldering.
- Offers a choice of switch types including tactile, linear, silent, and clicky.
- 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.
The Varmilo VPT87 is the recommended choice for most users due to its wireless freedom and hot-swappable versatility. It is a future-proof board that adapts to different switches and environments. Only choose the VPM87 EC if you have a strict budget, exclusively want a wired connection, and specifically desire its pre-installed clicky switch type.
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 VPM87 EC
Varmilo VPT87
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
Plastic
ABS
Switch options
Clicky
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Backlight
White, south-facing
RGB, south-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Varmilo VPM87 EC
- Varmilo VPT87
- Performance
- 6676
- Build quality
- 4954
- Productivity
- 5778
- Customizability
- 4871
- Portability
- 5474
- Layout size: 80%
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: Aluminum
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Varmilo VPT87 is the more versatile choice, winning in five of six categories. Its wireless connectivity, hot-swappable design, and broader switch selection make it superior for office use, programming, travel, and modding. It also holds an edge for gaming due to its high polling rate and switch options. The VPM87 EC's value is primarily for users who strictly want a wired keyboard and are content with its pre-soldered clicky switch.
Pick the Varmilo VPT87
- The VPT87 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for responsiveness.
- Its hot-swappable PCB allows installation of faster, gaming-focused linear switches.
- The VPT87's listing includes linear and silent switch options, which are often preferred for gaming over the VPM87's fixed clicky switch.
Varmilo VPM87 EC vs VPT87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 19 specs differ
Varmilo VPM87 EC
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 VPM87 EC vs VPT87: your questions
Yes, the VPT87 is suitable for gaming, particularly in its wired mode. The manufacturer lists a 1000 Hz polling rate when connected via USB-C for responsive input. Its hot-swappable PCB also allows you to install preferred gaming switches, such as linear reds or silent reds, which are among its available options.
No, you cannot easily change the switches on the VPM87 EC. Its product listing confirms it is not hot-swappable, meaning the switches are soldered to the PCB. Modding would require desoldering equipment and skill, making switch replacement a significant undertaking.
Yes, the Varmilo VPT87 is compatible with MacOS. Its product description explicitly lists Mac compatibility alongside Windows and Linux support. This makes it a flexible choice for users in multi-operating system environments.
The product listings do not provide specific battery life information for the Varmilo VPT87. Battery performance can vary based on usage, backlighting settings, and connection mode (Bluetooth vs. 2.4GHz). For accurate specs, consult the official Varmilo user manual.
The VPM87 EC is likely the louder keyboard by default, as it comes with a fixed clicky switch type. The VPT87 offers silent switch options like Cherry MX Silent Red, which would make it much quieter. Both boards feature double-layer silicone sound absorption pads to dampen internal noise.
Both keyboards feature thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which are durable and resist shine. The keycap profile is listed as 'Varmilo' for both. The main difference is aesthetic, with the VPM87 EC shown in a blue/white scheme and the VPT87 in white with black legends.
Yes, the Varmilo VPT87 supports three connection methods. You can use it with the included USB-C cable for a wired connection, or wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. This allows flexibility to switch between modes based on your needs.
The VPT87 product listing mentions it has a 'Flex Cut PCB.' This refers to cuts or slices in the printed circuit board designed to allow more flex during typing, potentially creating a softer, less rigid typing feel. This is a modding-friendly feature not mentioned for the VPM87 EC.
The VPT87 has more advanced backlighting with full RGB customization and LEDs in both south and north-facing positions. The VPM87 EC has a simpler white LED backlight with south-facing LEDs only. The VPT87 offers greater visual customization for users who prioritize lighting effects.
No, the VPM87 EC is not compatible with VIA or QMK firmware according to its product characteristics. The VPT87's listing also states it is not QMK or VIA compatible. Both keyboards use their own firmware and likely rely on preset multimedia key combinations rather than fully programmable software.
The Varmilo VPM87 EC comes with a clicky switch type pre-installed. The specific model of the clicky switch (e.g., Varmilo EC V2) is noted in the vendor description, but the switches are soldered and not user-replaceable without technical modification.
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