Varmilo VPT87 vs VPT87 R2
Choose based on your preference for keycap material and keyboard color, as the core features are otherwise identical.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Varmilo VPT87
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 80% boards under $150.
- Uses thick dye-sub PBT keycaps according to the vendor listing, which are generally more resistant to shine.
- Listed as being available in a white color option.
- Includes a flex cut PCB, as noted in the vendor description.
- 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.
Get the
Varmilo VPT87 R2
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $200.
- Vendor description lists keycap material as polycarbonate, which can offer a different sound and feel.
- Offered in a distinct black 'Panda' color theme.
- Metadata lists both PBT and ABS as keycap material options, suggesting potential variety.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The Varmilo VPT87 and VPT87 R2 are nearly identical keyboards with the same core functionality. Your choice should be guided by personal preference for keycap material and color. Opt for the original VPT87 if you prefer confirmed PBT keycaps and a white color scheme. Choose the R2 if the black 'Panda' theme and potential for polycarbonate keycaps are more appealing.
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 VPT87
Varmilo VPT87 R2
Keycaps
PBT
ABS, PBT
- Varmilo VPT87
- Varmilo VPT87 R2
- Performance
- 7676
- Build quality
- 5455
- Productivity
- 7879
- Customizability
- 7172
- Portability
- 7475
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
Across all major use cases, the VPT87 and VPT87 R2 are functionally tied. Their identical performance specs, connectivity options, and modding features make them equally suitable for gaming, office work, programming, and travel. The decision is purely aesthetic, based on the listed keycap material and color differences.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for low latency.
- Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both have south-facing RGB lighting to avoid interference with certain keycaps.
Varmilo VPT87 vs VPT87 R2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
1 of 19 specs differ
Varmilo VPT87
Varmilo VPT87 R2
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 VPT87 vs VPT87 R2: your questions
The primary differences are aesthetic and relate to keycap materials. The original VPT87 is listed with PBT keycaps and a white color. The R2 version is described with polycarbonate keycaps in a black 'Panda' theme, and its metadata also includes ABS as a material option.
Yes, both the Varmilo VPT87 and VPT87 R2 feature a hot-swappable PCB. This allows you to change mechanical switches without soldering, using compatible MX-style switches.
Both models offer triple-mode connectivity. You can use them with a wired USB-C connection, a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, or via Bluetooth 5.1. The manufacturer lists different polling rates for each mode.
Yes, both keyboards feature RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs. South-facing LEDs are often preferred as they avoid interference with the legends on Cherry-profile keycaps.
For the lowest latency, use the wired USB-C mode, which offers a 1000 Hz polling rate according to the manufacturer. The 2.4 GHz wireless mode has a 250 Hz polling rate, and Bluetooth operates at 133 Hz.
Yes, they are suitable for office environments. Both support silent switch options like Cherry MX Silent Red to reduce noise. The wireless connectivity allows for a clean desk setup, and they include multimedia keys for convenience.
According to the vendor descriptions, both keyboards incorporate a double-layer silicone sound absorption pad inside the case. This helps to reduce hollow sounds and create a more muted typing experience.
Yes, the product listings state that both the VPT87 and VPT87 R2 are compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
Both keyboards share a similar construction with an ABS plastic case and an aluminum mounting plate. They are pre-built and include features like a two-step kickstand for adjustability and a 3-way cord channel for cable routing.
They are equally capable for modding due to shared features. Both have hot-swap sockets, an aluminum plate, and internal sound-dampening foam. The original VPT87 vendor description specifically mentions a flex cut PCB, which can offer a slightly more flexible typing feel.
No, according to the vendor characteristics for the VPT87, these keyboards are not listed as compatible with QMK or VIA firmware for advanced key remapping and macro programming.
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