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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo VPT87 vs VPT87 Sea MelodyHall Effect vs Clicky Switches

Choose the Sea Melody for its Hall effect switches and slightly better performance, or the standard VPT87 if you prefer clicky tactile feedback.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo VPT87

Hall Effect

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

If you want

  • Offers a clicky switch type option, which the Sea Melody model does not list.
  • Includes thick dye-sub PBT keycaps for durability.
  • Features triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.

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.

Get the

Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody

Clicky Switches

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

If you want

  • Lists Hall effect switches as a key feature for potentially higher performance.
  • Shares all the core features of the standard model: thick PBT keycaps, hotswap PCB, and triple-mode wireless.
  • Includes the same double-layer silicone sound absorption and flex cut PCB.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Bottom line

Your choice between these two Varmilo keyboards comes down to one key feature. If you value the potential precision and unique feel of Hall effect switches, the VPT87 Sea Melody is the clear pick. If you prefer the traditional audible feedback of a clicky mechanical switch, the standard VPT87 is your only option. For all other purposes, consider them equal and choose based on color preference, as the underlying specs and build are the same.

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 VPT87

Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

    Linear, Silent, Tactile

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo VPT87
  • Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody
Performance
76
83
Build quality
54
54
Productivity
78
78
Customizability
71
71
Portability
74
75

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Case material: ABS
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody has a slight edge for gaming due to its Hall effect switches, while the standard VPT87 is the only option if you specifically want a clicky switch type. For all other use cases, including office work, programming, travel, modding, and content creation, the keyboards are functionally identical. They share the same core specs, build, and features, making the decision largely about aesthetic preference and the specific switch technology you desire.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody

  • The Sea Melody lists Hall effect switches, which can offer high precision for gaming.
  • Both offer a 1000 Hz wired polling rate and N-key rollover.
  • Both have a TKL form factor that saves desk space for mouse movement.

Full specs

Varmilo VPT87 vs VPT87 Sea Melody specs

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

2 of 20 specs differ

Varmilo VPT87

Varmilo VPT87 Sea Melody

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

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

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
ABS

Plate material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
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 VPT87 vs VPT87 Sea Melody: your questions

The primary difference is the switch technology. The Sea Melody model lists Hall effect switches as a feature, while the standard VPT87 lists a clicky switch type as an available option, which the Sea Melody does not. All other core specifications like connectivity, keycaps, and build are identical.

Yes. Both the standard VPT87 and the Sea Melody version feature a hotswap PCB. This allows you to change the MX-style switches without any soldering required.

Both keyboards offer triple-mode connectivity. You can connect via a wired USB-C cable, with Bluetooth 5.1, or with a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver. The vendor lists different polling rates for each mode: 1000 Hz for wired, 250 Hz for 2.4 GHz, and 133 Hz for Bluetooth.

According to the vendor characteristics, neither keyboard is compatible with QMK or VIA firmware. This limits advanced key remapping and macro programming compared to some other custom keyboards.

Both models come with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time. The legends are dye-sub, which means they are printed into the plastic for long-lasting wear.

Yes, both can be suitable. They offer silent linear and silent tactile switch options like Cherry MX Silent Red and Kailh Prestige Silent. Furthermore, both include double-layer silicone sound absorption foam inside the case to dampen typing noise.

The keyboards feature an aluminum plate mounted inside an ABS plastic case. They include design elements like a flex cut PCB and a two-step kickstand for angle adjustment. The keycaps are high-quality PBT, contributing to a solid overall feel.

Yes. The vendor listings explicitly state that both keyboards are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

No, the south-facing RGB LEDs should not interfere with most aftermarket keycaps. South-facing LEDs are positioned to avoid hitting the north-facing legends on Cherry-profile keycaps, ensuring better compatibility.

For the lowest latency, use the wired USB-C connection, which offers a 1000 Hz polling rate. The 2.4 GHz wireless mode has a 250 Hz polling rate, and Bluetooth operates at 133 Hz, according to the vendor description.

Yes. Both models are described as having double-layer silicone sound absorption. This foam is placed inside the case to reduce hollow sounds and create a more muted, pleasant typing acoustics.

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