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68
Varmilo APT87 Panda R2 TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

Varmilo APT87 Panda R2 Mechanical Keyboard

The Varmilo APT87 Panda R2 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 typists or hobbyists who value quiet, tactile feedback and prefer a keyboard that can switch between wired and wireless modes. Its hotswap PCB allows changing switches without soldering, making it practical for users who like to experiment with different switch types.</p... Read more
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Compare Varmilo APT87 Panda R2 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 Panda R2Keychron Q1 HEKeychron K2 HE
68
Varmilo APT87 Panda R2 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: 55.8
  • Productivity: 79.4
  • Customizability: 72.4
  • Portability: 75.1
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 Panda R2
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 Panda R2 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 typists or hobbyists who value quiet, tactile feedback and prefer a keyboard that can switch between wired and wireless modes. Its hotswap PCB allows changing switches without soldering, making it practical for users who like to experiment with different switch types.

Key Features

  • Hotswap PCB enables easy switch replacement, supporting Cherry MX Brown, Red, and Silent Red switches for varied typing feel and sound.
  • Supports three connection modes: wired via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless, offering flexibility for different setups.
  • Programmable through Varmilo’s web application, allowing customization of key functions and preset multimedia key combinations.
  • Three-way cord channel lets users route the cable from left, right, or center, improving desk organization.
  • Double-layer silicone sound absorption reduces typing noise, beneficial in quiet environments.

Build Quality

  • Plate-mounted switches provide a stable typing feel.
  • Keycaps are thick Dye Sub PBT, which resist shine and wear over time.
  • Case uses ABS plastic on top and bottom, balancing durability and weight.
  • Two-step kickstand offers adjustable typing angles for ergonomic comfort.

Connectivity

  • Wired mode uses USB-C with a polling rate of 1000 Hz, suitable for low-latency needs.
  • Bluetooth 5.1 connection has a lower polling rate (133 Hz), which may affect responsiveness in fast typing or gaming.
  • 2.4 GHz wireless offers a middle ground with 250 Hz polling rate, balancing latency and wireless convenience.

Compatibility and Layout

  • ANSI layout with US QWERTY suits users familiar with standard key arrangements.
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
  • Does not support QMK or VIA firmware, limiting advanced custom keymapping options.

Trade-offs

  • No dedicated multimedia keys, relying on preset combinations instead, which may be less convenient for frequent media control.
  • Polling rates vary significantly between connection modes, so wireless use may not suit users needing consistent high responsiveness.
  • ABS case material is less premium than metal alternatives and may show wear faster.
  • Not a split keyboard, which may be a drawback for ergonomic users seeking separated halves.

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