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Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board Mechanical Keyboard

The Varmilo APT87 Dreams is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard suited for users who want a compact layout with versatile connectivity and easy switch customization. It fits well for office workers or hobbyists who value quiet or tactile typing and want the option to swap switches without soldering. Its wireless and wired modes offer flexibility for different setups.</p... Read more
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Compare Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board vs Keychron Q1 HE vs Keychron K2 HE Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On BoardKeychron Q1 HEKeychron K2 HE
68
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
99
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
0.0 (0)
4.0 (34)
4.6 (69)
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Linear, Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1743 g
  • Sized at 30 x 127 x 41 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin case
  • Features PBT, ABS, PC keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 55.7
  • Productivity: 79.2
  • Customizability: 72.2
  • Portability: 74.9
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.1
Scores
  • Performance: 93.3
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 81.3
Name
Varmilo APT87 Dreams On Board
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Name
Keychron K2 HE
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS, PC
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
30 x 127 x 41 mm
Weight
-
Weight
4000g
Weight
1743g
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Product Description

The Varmilo APT87 Dreams is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard suited for users who want a compact layout with versatile connectivity and easy switch customization. It fits well for office workers or hobbyists who value quiet or tactile typing and want the option to swap switches without soldering. Its wireless and wired modes offer flexibility for different setups.

Key Features

  • Hot-swappable PCB allows changing switches without tools, supporting Cherry MX Brown, Red, and Silent Red for varied typing feel and noise levels.
  • Three connection modes: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless, enabling use across multiple devices or environments.
  • Programmable keys via Varmilo’s web application, including preset multimedia shortcuts for convenient control.
  • Adjustable typing angles with a two-step kickstand and a three-way cord channel for flexible cable routing.
  • Double-layer silicone sound absorption reduces typing noise for a quieter experience.

Build Quality and Typing Experience

  • Thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps resist shine and provide durable legends in white and purple colors.
  • Plate-mounted switches offer stable keypresses and consistent feedback.
  • ABS top and bottom case materials keep weight moderate but may be less durable than metal alternatives.
  • North-facing switch stems affect keycap compatibility with some aftermarket sets.

Connectivity

  • Wired mode uses USB-C to USB-A connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate, suitable for low-latency needs.
  • Bluetooth connection has a lower 133 Hz polling rate, better for casual use and mobile devices.
  • 2.4 GHz wireless offers a middle-ground 250 Hz polling rate, balancing responsiveness and wireless convenience.

Compatibility and Customization

  • ANSI US QWERTY layout with 87 keys fits most standard software and users.
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
  • No QMK or VIA firmware support limits advanced custom keymapping options.

Trade-offs

  • Lack of open-source firmware support restricts deep customization for enthusiasts.
  • Polling rates vary significantly by connection, which may affect gaming or fast typing performance on wireless modes.
  • ABS case material may not feel as solid or premium as metal alternatives.
  • North-facing switch stems limit compatibility with some aftermarket keycaps designed for south-facing stems.

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