What are the main differences between the MA87 and VA87 Sakura R1 keyboards?

The MA87 Sakura R1 features EC switches with a white backlight, offering a smooth and tactile typing experience with a subtle visual glow. In contrast, the VA87 Sakura R1 is equipped with Cherry switches and does not include a backlight, making it ideal for those who prefer a classic, understated look.

Are the keycaps on the Sakura R1 keyboards customizable?

Yes, the Sakura R1 keyboards come with high-quality PBT keycaps that are durable and resistant to wear. They can be replaced with other MX-compatible keycaps, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your keyboard to suit your personal style.

Is the Varmilo MA87 Sakura R1 suitable for gaming?

Absolutely! The MA87 Sakura R1's EC switches provide a responsive and tactile feedback, making it a great choice for gaming. The addition of white backlighting also enhances visibility in low-light gaming environments.

How does the typing experience differ between EC and Cherry switches on these keyboards?

The EC switches on the MA87 Sakura R1 offer a smooth and consistent tactile feel, which many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. Cherry switches on the VA87 Sakura R1, available in various types, provide different tactile and auditory feedback, catering to diverse preferences.

Can I use the Sakura R1 keyboards with Mac systems?

Yes, the Sakura R1 keyboards are compatible with both Windows and Mac systems. You may need to adjust your key mappings or use third-party software to customize the function keys for optimal use on a Mac.

Does the VA87 Sakura R1 have any lighting options?

The VA87 Sakura R1 does not come with built-in lighting, as it is designed for users who prefer a minimalist aesthetic without backlighting. However, this can also help reduce power consumption and distraction in well-lit environments.

What makes the design of the Sakura R1 series unique?

The Sakura R1 series keyboards feature a beautiful cherry blossom-themed design, with subtle yet elegant pink accents that evoke the serene beauty of sakura flowers. This unique design element sets them apart from more traditional-looking keyboards.

Varmilo Sakura R1 Starting at $154.99

Name: Varmilo Sakura R1
Brand: Varmilo
SKU: varmilo-ma87-va87-sakura-r1-v2-series-sakura-r1-87keys-wired-mechanical-keyboard

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Varmilo Sakura R1
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
VARMILO Sakura R1 87keys Wired Mechanical Keyboard
	Shipping to US	-		$155	Visit Shop

Vendor

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Price (USD)

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Varmilo Sakura R1

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VARMILO Sakura R1 87keys Wired Mechanical Keyboard

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Compare Varmilo Sakura R1 vs MCHOSE GX87 vs Keychron Lemokey P3 HE Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	Varmilo Sakura R1	MCHOSE GX87	Keychron Lemokey P3 HE
		86	92
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (2 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Offers Yes, White RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 2800 g Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2026 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options Comes with a knob Utilizes Hall effect sensors Enables rapid trigger functionality Includes screw-in stabilizers Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1910 g Sized at 33 x 362 x 138 mm Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 41.9 Build Quality: 37.8 Productivity: 45.5 Customizability: 42.7 Portability: 50.4	Scores Performance: 80.2 Build Quality: 81.1 Productivity: 88.5 Customizability: 86.9 Portability: 87.1	Scores Performance: 93.5 Build Quality: 86.1 Productivity: 97.6 Customizability: 92.4 Portability: 76.8
Name	Name Varmilo Sakura R1	Name MCHOSE GX87	Name Keychron Lemokey P3 HE
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2024	Release year 2026
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 8000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight White	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -	Dimensions 33 x 362 x 138 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 2800g	Weight 1910g

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Product Description

The Varmilo Sakura R1 is a compact 87-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a reliable, space-saving layout with distinct switch options. It suits typists and general users who prefer a traditional tenkeyless design and are deciding between tactile EC switches with white backlighting or Cherry switches without lighting. This keyboard is appropriate for those who value straightforward functionality over extensive customization.

Key Features

Two switch variants: EC switches with white backlighting provide visual feedback and moderate tactile response, while Cherry switches offer a quieter, non-lit typing experience.
Tenkeyless layout saves desk space without sacrificing essential keys, suitable for users needing a balance between compactness and functionality.

Typing Experience

EC switches deliver tactile feedback with audible clicks, beneficial for users who prefer clear typing confirmation.
Cherry switches offer a quieter, smoother keystroke, better for noise-sensitive environments.
White backlighting on the EC switch version aids visibility in low-light conditions but is absent on the Cherry switch model.

Trade-offs

No wireless connectivity, limiting flexibility for mobile or multi-device use.
Limited switch options restrict customization for users who want to swap or mod switches.
Lack of advanced features like programmable keys or software-based keymapping may not satisfy users seeking extensive customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)